123 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K7, Canada

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North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale is now home to the incredible Polygon Gallery, Vancouver’s biggest patio (at Tap & Barrel), and an eclectic range of festivals in The Pipe Shop at the Shipyards, all thanks to Lonsdale Quay Market, which transformed a once-industrial area into a bustling attraction.

History

Starting life as a carnival-style marketplace for the Expo ‘86 World Fair, Lonsdale Quay Market evolved into the gateway to the North Shore. It is filled with specialty shops and serves as a venue for numerous events.

Non-Indigenous settlers arrived in the North Shore in the 1860s, creating an industrial area around what is now the site of the market. In 1907, the City of North Vancouver became independent from Vancouver due to the increased industrial activity around the Lower Lonsdale area.

Things to Do

Lonsdale Quay Market is conveniently located next to the bus station and SeaBus terminal, connecting the North Shore to downtown Vancouver. Just outside the market, you’ll find a few dining options and coffee shops, but if you walk right from the terminal, you’ll find one of the market entrances. The indoor setting makes it an ideal place to grab lunch on a rainy day while enjoying views of the water.

With over 80 specialty shops and services, Lonsdale Quay Market offers something for everyone. Home to local sellers, it also features an international food court, children’s shops and play areas, restaurants, Green Leaf Brewery Co, and the boutique Lonsdale Quay Hotel. In the summer months (May to September), visit on Friday evenings to experience the Shipyards Night Market. This vibrant summer market showcases local artisans and food producers, with food trucks, a beer garden, and live music in the plaza.

What to Buy and Eat

The international food court serves a variety of options, from pizza and poke to gourmet burgers, fried chicken, sushi, stir-fry, salads, and soups. Sizzling Wok is renowned for Chinese cuisine, while Thaigo is popular for its spicy Thai menu, and George’s Souvlaki often has a long line.

You can grab groceries at Lonsdale Green Grocer or delight in pies from El Dorado Pies and Treats, which also offers a quintessential taste of Canada with their butter tarts. For a relaxing moment, consider visiting Japan Shiatsu for an Asian-style massage or Joy Hair Studio for a haircut, both located inside the Market.

Perks offers European writing instruments, leather accessories, and Swiss timepieces, while Saje, a local wellness company, features aromatherapy products. Another notable store is Tulips Children’s Wear for young shoppers. Don’t forget to stop by the Quay Souvenir Centre for a memento and sample local brews at Green Leaf Brewing, a great introduction to the renowned craft beer scene of the North Shore.

Adjacent to the Market, the Pipe Building often hosts craft markets and local maker fairs—keep an eye out for local distilleries like Sons of Vancouver, frequently offering free samples, with their distilleries nearby for a longer visit.

How to Visit

Lonsdale Quay serves as the terminus station for the SeaBus, sailing every 15 minutes across Burrard Inlet to Waterfront Station, which connects to the entire SkyTrain transit system. The 12-minute crossings are included in Zone 2 passes for the transit system. After stepping off the SeaBus, turn right after the fare gates to reach the Market, or proceed straight to catch a bus to Grouse Mountain and beyond.

For those driving, enjoy one hour of free parking in the Market parkade (just enter your license number in the machines for a ticket), or find free parking in the ICBC parkade adjacent to the Market on Rogers Avenue and Carrie Cates Court on evenings (from 6 p.m.) and weekends.

The Market welcomes visitors seven days a week, with the lower market level open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the upper retail level from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. During summer months, the Market extends its hours until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, with restaurants and the brewery remaining open later.