North Shore Mountains

One of the most notable things about Vancouver, British Columbia, are the North Shore Mountains, which help frame the city and offers one of the most visited areas from people around the country. Known for its beauty, there are also many people who come to hike and bike along trails in the mountains. It is also home to skiing, and one of its parks, the Cypress Provincial Park, will be home to the skiing event of the 2010 Winter Olympics, on Cypress Mountain.

There are many residential neighborhoods that abut the mountains, which also limits expansion to a major degree. The mountains have along their southern boundary the Burrard Inlet, on the west and north-west Howe Sound, and on the north and north-east the Garibaldi Ranges. To the east is what’s known as the Indian Arm, a branch of Burrard Inlet. Three deep valleys divide the North Shore Mountains; these are: Capilano River valley; Lynn Headwaters; and Seymour River valley.

The most familiar mountain groups are:

• Cypress Group, which contains Black Mountain, Hollyburn Mountain, Mount Strachan, and of course Cypress Mountain.
• Grouse Area, which contains Mount Fromme; Grouse Mountain; Goat Mountain; and Crown Mountain.
• Lions Area, which are the most visible in the Greater Vancouver area and includes Mount Harvey and Brunswick Mountain, which is the highest of the North Shore Mountains.
• Cathedral/Lynn Range, which contains Lynn Peak; The Needles; Coliseum Mountain; Mount Burwell; Cathedral Mountain

Of course, there are no hotels on the North Shore Mountains, though there are a few ski lodges available. However, the distance to the mountains isn’t prohibitive, so there are a few that offer great access to the mountains. A few of the closest are: North Vancouver Hotel; Comfort Inn and Suites North Vancouver; Best Western Capilano Inn and Suites; Grouse Inn; Vancouver Lions Gate Travelodge; Crystals View Bed and Breakfast; King Pacific Lodge; and the Westin Bayshore Vancouver.

The North Shore Mountains are something spectacular. Stay at one of Vancouver’s many hotels and explore.