Waterfront Park in North Vancouver

Waterfront Park is a park near Lonsdale Quay in the Lower Lonsdale District of North Vancouver. It’s home to festivals, a dog park and a small Japanese garden.

The park also connects to the Spirit Trail which runs along the waterfront, from the Shipyards District all the way to West Vancouver. When you walk the trail in a westerly direction, you’ll find rows of picturesque house boats tethered nearby. These quaint dwellings are a pleasure to admire on the trail. Why else is Waterfront Park so popular, and even famous? It was one of the first parks in British Columbia where you can drink alcohol in public (subject to certain times and restrictions).

 

North Vancouver’s Waterfront Park

Located in the Lower Lonsdale area of North Vancouver, Waterfront Park features beautiful views of Burrard Inlet and the City of Vancouver. The park is just a 15-minute SeaBus ride from downtown Vancouver. Other Public Transit Options, including a variety of bus routes, are easily accessible close by via Lonsdale Quay and its transit loop.

The park has a dock, large grassy area, playground and collection of local art. Public washrooms are available. There is also a Japanese garden and a great off-leash dog area. The garden is in the northwest corner of the park just off Esplanade Avenue, and the dog park is also in that area.

The area of Waterfront Park was originally a sawmill in the 1800s. When the mill closed, the place redeveloped and turned into a park. Waterfront Park officially opened in 1985, just in time for Expo ’86.

 

Alcohol at Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is one of about eight parks and other outdoor public venues where you can drink alcohol in the City of North Vancouver. You can bring your own alcoholic beverage. You don’t have to buy it there. Other venues where you can do that include Shipbuilders’ Square and Cates Deck near Lonsdale Quay (both of which are just a five-minute walk from Waterfront Park).

For the full list of North Shore places where you take take your own alcohol and drink it in public, see our article about North Vancouver Parks Where You Can Consume Alcohol.

 


Note: To drink alcohol legally in BC you have to be at least 19 years of age. If and when you drink, do so responsibly and please don’t drink and drive!


 

Public Art at Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is home to a collection of art pieces honouring the history and culture of the area. There are three main pieces currently within the park.

The biggest and most noticeable piece of art is called Cathedral. It’s made of large metal beams bent and arranged to look like the outlines of the local mountains. Although it’s tempting (especially for younger children), the city asks visitors not to climb on the artwork.

Another notable piece of art along the waterfront is a large stone statue. The piece is called Harubang. South Korea donated it to the community.

The park is also home to two Welcome Figures carved by a Squamish Nation artist. The two figures represent a grandfather and grandmother welcoming visitors to the Great Trail. Both figures can be found in the First Nations Theme Pavilion at the southwest corner of the park.

Not far from the First Nations Theme Pavilion is also a Sailor’s Memorial. The memorial is designed like a compass with plaques and signs describing the history of the area. The memorial commemorates the sailors lost in the North Atlantic during World War II.

 

Other Information

For more details about the park visit the Vancouver’s North Shore website.

Other articles that may be of interest include the following: