North Vancouver sits on the north shore of Burrard Inlet, about 8 km from downtown Vancouver and backed by the Coast Mountains. Access is via the Lions Gate Bridge, the Second Narrows Bridge, or the SeaBus passenger ferry from Waterfront Station — which is itself a pleasant crossing with views of the harbour and skyline.
Most visitors come for the mountain attractions. The Capilano Suspension Bridge draws crowds to its swaying span 70 metres above the Capilano River, while the nearby Cleveland Dam and salmon hatchery offer a free look at the same canyon and at returning chinook climbing the fish ladder. Grouse Mountain climbs to a summit with hiking trails, a grizzly bear refuge, the Eye of the Wind viewing platform inside a working wind turbine, and city views that stretch to Mount Baker on a clear day. The smaller and quieter Lynn Canyon park a few kilometres east has its own (free) suspension bridge and a network of forest trails. In winter, Grouse and neighbouring Mount Seymour offer the closest skiing to a major Canadian city.
The Lower Lonsdale waterfront area has developed into a destination in its own right, with the Lonsdale Quay public market, the Polygon Gallery photography museum, and the redeveloped Shipyards District along the waterfront. Out east, Deep Cove is the launching point for sea-kayaking up Indian Arm.