Neighbourhood Profile: Lower Lonsdale
Lower Lonsdale is the most populated neighbourhood in the City of North Vancouver. It is also the fastest growing. Located at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue and bordering the Pacific Ocean, Lower Lonsdale is accessible by car, bus and SeaBus via Vancouver.Commonly referred to by locals as “LoLo”, this area is very trendy and popular for young professionals looking for a vibrant community with lots of amenities and easy access to downtown Vancouver. Lower Lonsdale is comprised mainly of apartment buildings, both high rise concrete and low rise wood framed buildings, as well as townhouses. Beautiful city views or views North to the mountains are enjoyed by many residents. There are some houses located in this area, and owners now have the opportunity to build coach houses on their property if they meet the city’s criteria. This will contribute to further densification in Lower Lonsdale while providing affordable housing alternatives.
During World War 2, Burrard Dry Dock shipyard at the foot of Lonsdale was an impressive operation. Thousands of workers toiled up to 7 days a week, churning out ships. The shipyard closed in 1992 and the City of Vancouver is creating a museum and has plans for a market similar to Granville Island’s market on this land. For a great view of the Burrard Dry Docks, stay at North Vancouver’s newest and nicest hotel, the Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier where you will also enjoy breathtaking views of downtown Vancouver. Just East of the Burrard Dry Dock is the restored Burrard Dry Dock Pier. The Pier is a signature landmark of the city of North Vancouver and a beautiful place to take a stroll and enjoy the breeze off the ocean. Located adjacent to and across the street from the Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier is Lower Lonsdale’s newest and largest condo development called the Pier.
The Pier is comprised of 7 towers plus condos within the hotel itself. The Pier changed the skyline and culture of Lower Lonsdale. Before 1902, the bottom few blocks of Lonsdale were virtually undeveloped, despite Lonsdale’s connection to a ferry wharf and ferry service to Vancouver. It was just a primitive road that led up the hill. Then, around 1902, businessman Alfred Hammersley purchased District Lot 274 which included this area. He improved the ferry service, upgraded the road and convinced people to buy lots and set up businesses here. We no longer have a ferry to Vancouver, but we have the SeaBus! The SeaBus is a passenger only ferry that crosses the Burrard Inlet, connecting downtown Vancouver with the North Shore. Each ferry can seat up to 400 passengers at a time, and departs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening. There are two terminals: Waterfront in downtown Vancouver, which connects with buses, SkyTrain and West Coast Express; and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, which connects with an extensive network of North Shore buses. Crossing time is 12 minutes. Lower Lonsdale is well known for its public market, Lonsdale Quay. Here you can find a great food court, wonderful fresh fish & meats, and delicious produce. Upstairs there are quaint shops, a free children’s ballroom and hotel.
Schools in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver
- Ridgeway Annex Located in beautiful North Vancouver, Ridgeway Elementary School is considered to be one of the most significant heritage buildings in North Vancouver marking 100 years in September of 2011. After an extensive two-year renovation project the original Edwardian Baroque façade was fully restored, while the interior and back extension reflect the modern efficiencies required of a LEED Gold building.
- Ridgeway Elementary 420 8th Street East North Vancouver BC V7L 1Z5 Phone: 604.903.3740 Fax: 604.903.3741
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Recreation in Lower Lonsdale
- Waterfront ParkThe North Shore Pavilion for the Trans Canada Trail is a heritage landmark and national monument honouring Canada’s First Nations. As one of only three national level pavilions, the North Shore Pavilion marks the presence of the world’s longest recreational trail. The Trans Canada Trail spans 17,900 kilometers of Canadian land from coast to coast, connecting people, cultures and communities. Waterfront Park is home to North Vancouver’s Canada Day Celebrations. Festivities take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The North Vancouver Canada Day Celebrations is a free event and includes fun things to see and do for all ages!
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Restaurants in Lower Lonsdale
- Burgoo Comfort food at its best! | Team Clarke favourite: Fonduemental (emmenthal & gruyere fondue!)
- Gusto Di Quattro Raglan’s This beachy, tiki-inspired restaurant is a happening place seven nights a week. Sample a wide range of creative and inexpensive tapas, as well as surfer staples such as burgers, thin-crust pizza, and much more. 15 Lonsdale Ave (604) 988-8203
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Shopping in Lower Lonsdale
- Lonsdale Quay With over 80 specialty shops and services, Lonsdale Quay Market and Shops is the premier destination at the gateway to the North Shore. Featuring a fresh food market with local products, an international food court, specialty shops featuring local designers, kids shops & play area, restaurants & a boutique hotel and spa, your visit at the market is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
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Restaurants at the Quay
- East Side Mario’s East-Side Mario’s Restaurants are everything you love about Italian – the warmth, the passion and, of course, the food.
- The Cheshire Cheese The Cheshire Cheese Restaurant & Bar offers casual waterfront dining specializing in delicious seafood and traditional British fare. Open from 11am to late 7 days a week. 604.987.3322
- Jack & Lola Jack & Lola is a North Vancouver baby store that carries high quality brands and baby products. Product categories include baby carriers, bedding, car seats & accessories, clothing, furniture & accessories, playtime products, and strollers & accessories. 778-340-JACK (5225)
- store hours: monday 9-6 tuesday 9-6 wednesday 9-6 thursday 9-7 friday 9-7 saturday 9-6 sunday 10-6
- location: 135 west 1st street located beside the john braithwaite community centre just west of lonsdale avenue free parking while shopping @ jack & lola
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Attractions and Community in Lower Lonsdale
- North Shore Museum & Archives Established in 1972 as an agency of the City of North Vancouver, the North Vancouver Museum & Archives develops museum and archive services. Their exhibits feature such important area industries as logging and shipbuilding, and they have various special exhibits and events throughout the year. Educational events and services are also provided. 209 West 4th Street, North Vancouver Phone: 604-987-5618
- Presentation House Described as the largest non-profit photographic gallery in Western Canada, the Presentation House Gallery has offered a variety of contemporary and historical photographic and media exhibitions since 1981. Operated by The British Columbia Photography and Media Arts Society, the Gallery’s mandate is to exhibit and disseminate photography and media art, emphasizing contemporary Canadian work within a context of historical and international art. 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver Phone: 604.986.1351
- North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce 102-124 West 1st Street, North Vancouver BC (604) 987-4488 www.nvchamber.bc.ca M-Fr 9:00am-5:00pm
- The Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier North Vancouver’s newest and nicest hotel
- The Pier at the foot of Lonsdale The Pier is a signature landmark of the City of North Vancouver. It is a breathtaking venue located on the City’s historic Versatile Shipyards site. Anchored by the 700-foot long Burrard Dry Dock Pier and smaller floating St. Roch Dock, the Pier offers spectacular 360-degree views of the North Shore and Vancouver skylines. A walkway leads pedestrians from the foot of Lonsdale Avenue to the Pier, providing access to this portion of the City’s waterfront for the first time in nearly 100 years. The Pier represents a coming together of the past and future. It stands as a tribute to the City’s shipbuilding history and rich marine heritage. At the same time, the Pier is transforming the City’s waterfront into a major urban destination. The Pier facility draws tourists, visitors and locals as well as private and commercial vessels, all of which bring economic opportunities to the neighbouring area.
- Annual Party at the Pier The annual Party at the Pier event is presented by the Lower Lonsdale Business Association and proudly supported by The City of North Vancouver. The 5th Annual Party at the Pier event was celebrated at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue and on the waterfront piers on July 16 & 17, 2011. For more information click here.
- Empire Esplanade 6 How about a movie after you have enjoyed dinner at one of Lower Lonsdale’s trendy restaurants? Visit the Esplanade 6 Famous Players theatre to catch the latest films from Hollywood. The movieplex houses six screens, is wheelchair accessible, and offers pay parking under the theatre. Esplanade 6 is conveniently located one block north of Lonsdale Quay and the SeaBus terminal. 200 West Esplanade, North Vancouver Phone: 604.983.2762
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Current Real Estate Listings in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver
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The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB.
