Winter
Wanderlust

We couldn’t have asked for better weather—the golden sun cast a warm glow over the rugged mountain peaks, creating a breathtaking backdrop while the city skyline shimmered in the distance. Living on the Island, I always relish the chance to escape to the mainland, where new experiences await at every turn—especially when they involve two of my favourite things: exploring the great outdoors and sipping my way through its incredible craft beer scene.

We typically just pass through North Vancouver without taking the time to explore, so I was absolutely thrilled to finally have a few days to truly soak it all in. We got there a bit too early to check into our hotel, so we decided to explore the Shipyards District. For those unfamiliar, the Shipyards District (also known as Lower Lonsdale) is a vibrant neighbourhood brimming with character. It’s home to everything from tugboats and distilleries to craft breweries, boutique shops, and some seriously delicious eats.

We wandered along the North Shore Spirit Trail, where we had a fun encounter with a seal who kept popping up and down from the water. Our walk led us to The Quay Market and Food Hall, a lively hub with over 80 distinctive shops and services, offering everything from artisan coffee to fresh, local seafood. I somehow managed to walk through the entire place without buying one of everything—but we made a quick stop at Nemesis for a pick-me-up coffee and a pastry.

The Shipyards is also home to the region’s largest outdoor skating rink, located right in the heart of it all. Whether you’re an experienced skater or just looking to enjoy the winter air, you can glide across the rink at your own pace, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the towering downtown Vancouver skyline in the distance. Even if you can’t skate (like my husband and me), it’s still a fun environment to be in.

With some time left to explore, we decided to check out another local gem—Shaketown Brewing. We walked into the cozy, laid-back space and immediately felt at home. I couldn’t resist trying a pint of their Pre-Prohibition Pilsner, which was a unique throwback to the past. This pilsner was crafted to replicate the kind of beer people would have enjoyed in the early 1900s before Prohibition hit, and it had such a distinct, crisp flavour that truly captured the essence of an older era.

As we sipped our beers, I took a moment to read up on the fascinating, if questionable, history of Shaketown Brewing. What I learned was that, despite being an established name in the area, much of its past is shrouded in mystery and alternative facts. Any of the brewery’s historical records, if they did indeed exist, have either been lost or destroyed over time, leaving only fragmented pieces of its story. While there are a handful of old sketches, “artifacts”, and a few lingering remnants of a legend long past—along with countless rumours passed down through generations–it’s up to you to decide if you believe them. Definitely a place rich in mystery and character!

It was finally time to check into our hotel, The Seaside Hotel, located right in the heart of the Shipyards district. I couldn’t wait to see our room! There’s something uniquely exciting about swiping your key card for the first time, turning the handle, and stepping into your temporary home for the next few days. As I walked in, I was greeted by the most breathtaking room I could have imagined. The city stretched out before me, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun—talk about perfect timing. I could feel the peaceful energy of the space, and as I glanced around, I spotted the enormous bathtub positioned perfectly by the window, offering sweeping views of the ocean. As a lover of bubble baths, this was truly the cherry on top of an already spectacular welcome.

After a quick refresh in the room, it was time for our next adventure: dinner at La Cervecería Astilleros! This brewery had been on my list to visit for what felt like ages, and I was absolutely thrilled to finally experience it in person. I couldn’t wait to dive into the atmosphere and flavours that had been on my mind since trying their beer for the first time at Vancouver Craft Beer Week and adoring their Baja Blast tropical sour last summer.

I instantly fell in love with the bright, colourful aesthetics and Mexican influence of the tasting room. Let’s start with their tap list, because it was next level. Whenever I go to a new brewery, I always get a beer flight so I can try out different flavours and styles. It was hard to choose only four, but my picks were Orange Fresca Pilsner, Paloma Grapefruit Lager, Japanese Rice Lager, and the Pomona Hazy IPA. I couldn’t get over the quality of this flight. The Rice Lager was especially surprising; I later learned it was inspired by one of their assistant brewers’ Japanese heritage.

Now, onto the food—which was equally delicious! We ordered a bunch of items to share: some Quesadilla Bites, Carnitas tacos, Al Pastor tacos, and some Tinga de Pollo tacos. There are many things I like to pair with craft beer, but Mexican food is definitely high on the list. We were absolutely stuffed, but then we read the magical word: CHURROS. So, naturally, we ordered some and even convinced the table next to us to get some, too. Those warm, cinnamon-sugar treats were the best way to finish off a perfect evening at the brewery.

The moment I opened my eyes and glanced outside, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight—the soft, golden glow of the rising sun casting its warm light over the shipyards, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. It was one of those perfect, quiet moments that made me feel truly present. I grabbed a warm cup of coffee and savoured it as I took in the stunning view, letting the calm of the morning wash over me. After a bit of quiet reflection, we got dressed and ready to go.

Our first adventure of the day took us downstairs to Seaside Provisions, a charming spot conveniently located within the hotel. We were both excited to dive into what promised to be a delicious breakfast, and with the gorgeous morning setting the tone, we couldn’t wait to start the day right.

With a full day of exploring ahead of us, I wanted to make sure we started off with a breakfast that would give us the energy we needed for all the adventures to come. Normally, I’m all about avocado toast—it’s my usual go-to for a quick and satisfying meal. But that morning, something about the smoked salmon bagel caught my eye, so I decided to switch things up. When it arrived, I immediately knew I had made the right choice. The everything bagel was toasted to perfection, its crusty exterior giving way to a soft, chewy center. The dill cream cheese was spread generously, giving it a zesty kick, while the smoky slices of salmon lox added a rich, savoury flavour. To top it all off, a perfectly poached egg rested on top, its yolk running smoothly over the other ingredients. It was a flavour combination that had me savouring every bite—utter perfection.

Dan, on the other hand, went for his usual: a hearty two-egg breakfast, complete with crispy bacon and savoury sausage. It was just the comforting, no-fuss meal he craved to kickstart the day, and I could tell it was exactly what he needed. Together, our meals set the perfect tone for a busy and exciting day ahead.

GULP—it was time to face our fears. While we were beyond excited to explore Grouse Mountain, we couldn’t help but feel a little nervous about the gondola ride up to the top. Despite only being a 6-minute journey, both Dan and I have a slight fear of heights. But as soon as we started ascending, we were blown away by the breathtaking views. It turned out to be one of the most stunning sights we’d ever laid eyes on. We were lucky enough to be on the brand-new Blue Grouse Gondola, which had just opened in December, adding an extra layer of excitement. The ride was so smooth and reassuring—easily the fastest 6 minutes of our lives. Once we reached the summit, we were amazed by all the activities available—ice skating, sledding, and even watching some serious shredding on the slopes. It was the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty, making the gondola ride totally worth it.

Before we made the descent back down the mountain, we stopped for a quick bite at Altitudes Bistro, situated right on the top floor of the Peak Chalet. We were seated right by the window, offering the perfect view of the gondolas gracefully gliding up and down the mountain. I knew we’d be having our share of craft beverages later on, so I opted for a refreshing mocktail instead. As soon as we spotted “bao buns” on the menu, we knew instantly that’s what we had to order—and, of course, we couldn’t resist adding a side of truffle fries to go with it.

It was time to check another brewery off the list!

We pulled into the parking lot of Black Kettle Brewing, and the smell of freshly baked cookies filled the air. Turns out, there were two local bakeries nearby. We decided to have a seat out on the patio since it was a beautiful, sunny day. We shared a flight of four of their beers: Hammerhead Grapefruit IPA, Darkside Dunkel, Wonka Blueberry Sour, and Dead Head Pilsner. Dan and I tend to gravitate toward anything on the sour side, so we were pretty excited about the Blueberry Sour, which definitely lived up to our expectations. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought I was drinking a blueberry smoothie—so smooth and the perfect amount of sweet and tart. 10/10.

The brewery and its staff were exceptional. With vibrant murals adorning the walls, garage doors wide open to let in the fresh air, and a beautifully crafted bar, the space struck the perfect balance between friendly, professional, and inviting. If only we had room for a smash burger—we’ve heard they’re absolutely delicious!

It was time for dinner—next stop, Strathcona North! Can I start off by just saying how much I loved it here? The interior design was gorgeous, and the culinary-driven brewery idea is something I’d love to see more of—it’s just so cool. This place was next level, with a full restaurant menu collaborating with many awesome local folks. Also, did you know that they have their very own beer sommelier*? How awesome is that? As a Craft beer aficionado, you can probably guess how much I appreciated this.

You’re probably wondering if I ordered a beer flight—and good guess, I did! I chose the North Premium Pilsner, Chill Spiced Plum Radler, North Darkness Lager, and North Crème Brûlée. For dinner, we went with a crispy chicken Caesar salad and a hearty open-faced steak sandwich—both were equally delicious!

*Editor’s note: the beer version of a sommelier is also known as a Cicerone.

It was cocktail time, so we headed down the road to Copperpenny Distilling. To my surprise, it was located right next door to Shaketown Brewing! I can’t believe I missed it the first time. But this made the experience even more special.

As I walked through the doors, I instantly fell in love with the moody, speakeasy vibes. The amount of thought that went into the design was incredible. The bar was something I had never seen before—the attention to detail was evident in every corner of the place. As we sipped our cocktails, the co-founder and distiller, Jenn, came to chat with us. She told us all about how Copperpenny started, down to the inspiration for the stunning bar and design of the tasting lounge. I think one of the coolest parts was hearing that the idea of Copperpenny was actually a bit of a dare—which ultimately paid off. Since opening in 2022, they’ve won multiple awards from The Global Gin Masters, Proof Magazine, Canadian Artisan Spirits, and the San Francisco Spirits Competition.

We had the chance to try their Gin No. 6, which was awarded the #1 Oyster Shell Gin in the world at the 2023 Global Gin Masters. It was unlike any gin I had tasted before, with a crisp blend of ocean breeze, zesty lemon peel, and coriander on the nose, followed by savoury pine and vibrant citrus on the palate, with a salty, mineral finish and a hint of pepper. My husband, Dan, normally isn’t a huge gin person, but I think Copperpenny has changed that! Now, back to the hotel to settle in for the night and get some shut-eye before another day of adventures.

The moment we stepped inside, I was greeted by a flood of natural light so bright that I had to keep my sunglasses on for a moment—no complaints here, though, it was another stunning day on the North Shore. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a lively energy that made it the perfect place to start the day. Their brunch menu immediately caught my attention, and when I spotted the Bulgogi Steak & Eggs, I knew it was the perfect choice for me—savoury, tender steak paired with perfectly cooked eggs. Dan stuck to his favourite classic, Eggs Benny, but with a mouthwatering twist: BBQ pulled pork shoulder. The combination of flavours was so satisfying that I couldn’t help but imagine how incredible their lunch and dinner offerings must be. This place was definitely going on our “must-come-back-to” list. It’s currently just a note in my head, but I think it’s time I start a physical list to keep track of all the amazing spots we’ve visited. I’d hate to forget any of these gems!

Next stop: Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour! This was something we’d been meaning to try for ages—our friends, Brittany and Travis, are avid snowshoers and have been trying to get us to come explore Mt. Washington with them. I can’t wait to tell them that we’re now pros and want to buy our own snowshoes! Dan was worried that the shop wouldn’t have any rentals available to fit his size 16 feet, but they had so many sizes available, ranging from the smallest of feet to the largest. We sat down on a bench outside, popped our snowshoes on, and were off to find the perfect trail for us. Since we were beginners, we picked one of the easier trails, which ended up being perfect. We passed many skiers on our right-hand side and loved walking through the snowy forest. The day was just perfect—we didn’t need gloves or a heavy jacket, just a light sweater would have been fine! The views from the top of the mountain were absolutely breathtaking. You didn’t have to go far to take in the stunning sight of the city skyline towering below.

Next up, we made our way to Wildeye Brewing for some well-deserved après. After a busy morning of exploring, we were in the mood for something satisfying and decided to grab a flight of beers along with a basket of flavourful lemon-pepper wings. The selection we chose was diverse and colourful: a crisp German Lager, a refreshing Pineapple Radler, an aromatic Orange Pale Ale, and a tangy Oberon Sour. Of the four, the German Lager stood out as one of my personal favourites—its clean, refreshing taste was the perfect pick-me-up after a morning workout. The other beers were equally enjoyable, with the Pineapple Radler standing out for its bright, tropical flavours that really hit the spot. As for the wings, they were absolutely delicious—crispy and generously coated with lemon-pepper seasoning, which just so happens to be one of our go-to flavours at home. They paired perfectly with our beers.

Wildeye has quite the tasting room, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. The space felt cozy, like a log cabin, with its exposed wooden trusses above and live-edge tables and bar. They’ve created a unique and memorable experience. If we had more time, I would’ve loved to sample more from their impressive beer menu, but that just gives us another reason to come back!

It was time for some cultural exploration, and our first stop was MONOVA, also known as ‘The Museum of North Vancouver,’ just a short walk from our hotel. Dan and I are huge fans of museums, so we were both eager to dive into what this place had to offer. While their featured exhibit wasn’t open yet, we had the chance to explore their impressive permanent collections, each offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of North Vancouver.

The displays were packed with intriguing stories that painted a vivid picture of the area’s past, from its Indigenous heritage to its industrial evolution. One of the highlights of our visit was the beautifully restored Streetcar 153, which was on display right inside the lobby. It was incredible to step inside and get a real sense of what life would have been like aboard a streetcar in the early 1900s. The attention to detail in the restoration made it feel like stepping back in time. I highly recommend visiting and taking a stroll through the streetcar to truly appreciate its historical significance—it’s such a cool experience to be able to walk through a piece of the past.

Next, we made our way to the Polygon Gallery, and let me tell you, the design of the place is nothing short of breathtaking. From the moment we entered, the sleek and modern aesthetic of the reception area set the tone for what was to come. As we made our way up the stairs to the exhibits, we were struck by how thoughtfully everything was laid out, creating a seamless flow from one space to the next. The architecture itself is as much a work of art as the exhibitions it houses.

The featured exhibit during our visit was the “LIND BIENNIAL,” an impressive collection showcasing the work of a variety of talented artists. Among the pieces, we were particularly drawn to “The Zhang Clan,” an immersive visual installation by Casey Wei. This deeply personal work explores Wei’s own journey, weaving together elements of her heritage, identity, and experiences through intricate and captivating visuals. It was unlike anything I had ever seen—each layer of the installation inviting us to reflect, interpret, and truly engage with the artist’s story in a way that felt intimate and profound. Overall, the gallery experience was not only visually stunning, but emotionally resonant, leaving us with much to think about long after we left.

Our time on the North Shore was coming to a close, but not without one last delicious stop. We made our way to Lonsdale BridgeDeck Kitchen and Taps, with a mix of emotions—sad to leave this adventure behind but eager to dive into editing the countless photos and videos we’d captured.

The bright side? Our final meal was at a place I’d been eagerly anticipating. Since it’s associated with Bridge Brewing, I knew they’d be pouring some of our all-time favourite beers from Bridge. Plus, the taproom also boasted a mouthwatering food menu. Naturally, I couldn’t resist trying the pulled pork sandwich, especially when I learned the pork was sourced from one of our go-to butcher shops, Two Rivers Meats. It did not disappoint—tender, smoky, and absolutely bursting with flavour.

It was the perfect send-off to wrap up an unforgettable trip before we headed home. Until next time, North Shore!