Stories

Explore Local Flavour on Vancouver’s North Shore Passport Tour

Get a taste of the North Shore with 3 farmers' markets in the communities of West Vancouver, North Vancouver and Deep Cove.
8 minutes
FacebookMessengerXCopy Link
Category
Date
Length
1-2 days
Distance
45km

The Vancouver’s North Shore Passport Tour is your delicious guide to exploring the region from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. Along the way, you’ll visit three vibrant farmers’ markets, each offering seasonal produce, handmade treats, and locally crafted goods that reflect the flavour of the North Shore.

But the tasting doesn’t stop there—indulge in sweet, nostalgic treats from the beloved Harmony Donut Shop, enjoy Japanese-inspired vegetarian dishes made with love at The Workshop Vegetarian Café, and sip creative mead-beer hybrids at Braggot Brewing. Take time to wander the bustling Lonsdale Quay Market, where you’ll find everything from fresh seafood and small-batch cheese to locally roasted coffee and global eats.

In between bites, explore salmon hatcheries, visit local farms, paddle the shoreline on a kayak tour, or walk the thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge. Keep reading to discover even more local flavours and experiences waiting for you on Vancouver’s North Shore.

Don’t forget to download the BC Farmers’ Market Trail app and start exploring this tour yourself! You’ll earn points for every stop you check-in at, level up, and earn rewards!

Ambleside Farmers’ Market
Ambleside Farmers’ Market
1000 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver, BC

The first stop on the Vancouver’s North Shore Passport Tour is the Ambleside Farmers’ Market, a community favourite nestled in scenic Ambleside Park in West Vancouver. Just steps from Ambleside Village and the beach, this lively market runs every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm, May through October. After browsing the stalls, make the most of your visit—Ambleside Beach is perfect for a seaside picnic or a swim, with a concession and beachside restaurant nearby. You can also stroll along the seawall, take in the mountain and ocean views, or meander through the park’s tree-lined walking trails. It’s the perfect way to taste, shop, and explore one of the North Shore’s most picturesque spots.

Market at the Quay Farmers’ Market
Market at the Quay Farmers’ Market
123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver, BC

The second stop on the Vancouver’s North Shore Passport Tour is the Market at the Quay Farmers’ Market, set in the heart of the vibrant Lonsdale Quay—a bustling hub for transit, shopping, and seaside views. Running Wednesdays from 3–7 pm, May through October, this market comes alive with the region’s freshest flavours. Browse stalls filled with seasonal produce, local honey, handmade jams, fresh-baked goods, and unique artisan crafts—all while taking in the stunning backdrop of the Vancouver skyline across the water. The lively atmosphere, ocean breeze, and colourful offerings make this an ideal midweek outing. Just steps away, you’ll find even more to explore in the Shipyards District, home to patios, breweries, and local shops. Keep reading to discover more things to taste and do in this thriving waterfront neighbourhood.

Loutet Farm Community Market
Loutet Farm Community Market
1400 Rufus Ave, North Vancouver, BC

Head to the quiet, leafy neighbourhood of West Lynn for the next stop on the Vancouver’s North Shore Passport Tour: the Loutet Farm Community Market. Tucked into a peaceful residential area, this charming market is run by the Edible Garden Project in partnership with the North Shore Neighbourhood House. It’s a true urban farm experience, offering freshly harvested vegetables, homemade baked goods, and locally crafted items—all in a serene, community-focused setting. The market also hosts seasonal workshops and events that celebrate sustainable living and local food. With scenic hiking trails just around the corner, it’s an ideal place to grab some nourishing, farm-fresh snacks before hitting the trail.

Things to Taste

Lonsdale Quay Market

While exploring the North Shore, be sure to take full advantage of its vibrant dining scene. If you’re coming from Downtown Vancouver, simply hop on the SeaBus—a quick 15-minute ride will bring you straight to Lonsdale Quay, where the food court offers a delicious mix of global flavours, from Canadian comfort food to Asian specialties and European-inspired eats. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a patio dinner with ocean views, this area is a must-visit for food lovers.

Harmony Donut Shop

Harmony Donut Shop is a local legend—still perfecting a simple but irresistible cake doughnut recipe for over 50 years. Owner Carol Haggerty and her small team fry up each donut fresh, crafting light, fluffy centres with crisp exteriors, then top them with classic glazes—think chocolate, orange, strawberry, coconut, or sprinkles. The shop’s retro, nostalgic decor packed with vintage knick‑knacks gives it a charming, homey vibe , and it’s cash-only, —often selling out by early afternoon.

Photo Credit: Nick Laba/North Shore News

Braggot Brewing

Braggot Brewing, tucked into the bustling Lower Lonsdale Shipyards District of North Vancouver, transforms a timeless ancient recipe into a modern-day sip. Founded by Italian chemist‑brewer Enrico Bovero in May 2022, this small-batch brewery specializes in braggot—a hybrid of beer and mead crafted from Delta‑harvested organic honey and locally sourced grains. You can sample three signature styles—Golden (light and floral at 5 % ABV), Amber (mid-strength at 6.8 %), and Dark (5.8 % with roasted malt richness)—with a fourth Brown Ale occasionally joining the lineup. The tasting room invites you to a communal wooden tavern-style table and cozy patio space where flights flow alongside light snacks. Braggot’s commitment to sustainability shines in its zero‑waste process—from organic cleaning to repurposing spent grain as cattle feed—and drinkers often comment on how each batch encapsulates the terroir of the Lower Mainland. For a taste of something ancient, handcrafted, and rooted in local flavour, Braggot Brewing is a must‑visit on the North Shore.

The Workshop Vegetarian Cafe

The Workshop Vegetarian Cafe is a cozy, Japanese-inspired plant‑based eatery that’s become a top destination on the North Shore. With seating for about 20, the space feels warm and homey, featuring wood furnishings, bright natural light, and a small market selling frozen noodle kits, pastries, and grab‑and‑go items . Their menu shines with handcrafted dishes like spicy Tan Tan ramen made from creamy butternut-squash broth, nama shoyu ramen with truffle-kissed mushroom broth, udon bowls, buddha bowls with miso gravy, and smashed-avocado toast on house-made natural yeast bread—each crafted from high‑quality, often organic, local ingredients.

Vegan Spicy Tan Tan Ramen – Photo Credit: The Workshop Vegetarian Cafe

Things to Do

There is plenty to do on Vancouver’s North Shore, from exhilarating outdoor experiences, cultural exploration at museums and galleries, bustling urban hubs, and relaxing experiences on the water. We’ve compiled some of our favourite things to do on the North Shore.

Maplewood Farm

Maplewood Farm is a cherished North Shore destination that’s perfect for a fun, family-friendly outing. This educational heritage farm is home to more than 200 animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and more. Visitors can stroll the scenic grounds, interact with friendly farm animals, and take part in engaging hands-on programs that offer a glimpse into rural life.

Photo Credit: Maplewood Farm

Takaya Tours

Takaya Tours offers guided walking and canoe experiences that highlight the rich culture, traditions, and history of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation in North Vancouver. Join a guided journey in a traditional 35-foot canoe and paddle the scenic waters of Indian Arm while learning from Indigenous guides. For those looking to explore on their own, rentals are also available, including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Whether guided or self-led, it’s a unique and meaningful way to connect with the land and water from an Indigenous perspective.

Capilano River Hatchery

Just minutes from the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, the Capilano River Hatchery is a fascinating stop nestled within Capilano River Regional Park. This educational hatchery and interpretive centre offers a self-guided experience where you can learn about local ecosystems and the life cycle of salmon. Walk through the exhibits, explore the scenic trails, and—if you time your visit right—catch a glimpse of live salmon in various stages of development. It’s a great outing for families, nature lovers, and anyone curious about BC’s iconic fish. Go to VancouversNorthShore.com to plan your visit!

Spirit Gallery

Spirit Gallery showcases a wide selection of contemporary and traditional works by both established and emerging Indigenous artists from the West Coast. The gallery features beautifully crafted pieces including jewelry, prints, clothing, carvings, and unique gifts—all available for purchase. It’s a meaningful place to explore the richness of Indigenous culture and take home a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Photo Credit: Indigenous Tourism BC

Shipyards District

The Shipyards District is a lively waterfront neighbourhood in North Vancouver that blends historic charm with a modern urban vibe. Once an industrial shipbuilding site, it’s now a popular destination filled with restaurants, bars, cafés, and boutique shops. Whether you’re in the mood for casual bites or upscale dining, there’s something for every palate.

MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver

MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver is a dynamic cultural space located in the heart of the Shipyards District. Dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of North Vancouver, the museum features a rich collection of artifacts, archival materials, and engaging displays that bring the area’s history to life. Go to MONOVA.ca to see what exhibits are on now!

32 Books & Gallery

32 Books & Gallery is a charming independent bookstore and art space located in Edgemont Village, North Vancouver. The shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of books, from bestsellers to literary gems, along with a rotating collection of local artwork and handmade gifts. It’s a cozy, community-focused spot where literature and creativity come together.

Lighthouse Park

Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver is a beloved North Shore destination known for its natural beauty and iconic views. Home to the historic Point Atkinson Lighthouse—a National Historic Site dating back to the 1800s—the park offers a network of scenic trails winding through 75 hectares of coastal old-growth forest. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed stroll or a more rugged hike, the trails lead to stunning lookout points perched on rocky bluffs above Burrard Inlet. With its mix of forest, ocean views, and wildlife, Lighthouse Park is a perfect spot for hiking, walking, and birdwatching year-round.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the North Shore’s most iconic and thrilling attractions. Stretching nearly 500 feet across the Capilano River, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the canyon and lush rainforest below. Once across, visitors can explore a network of scenic trails within Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Photo Credit: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Places to Stay

Vancouver’s North Shore is the launching pad to adventure, but it’s also an amazing place for rest and relaxation. With accommodations ranging from luxurious hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts and everything in between, you can find a stay that suits whatever your needs are. Find accommodations at VancouversNorthShore.com.

Get out there and enjoy Vancouver’s North Shore Passport Tour! Download the BC Farmers’ Market Trail App, and earn points and rewards when you check in at farmers’ markets across the province!

Advertisement

Search private camping and RV sites, parks and more! It's always a great day to #CampinBC