Activities

There is a multitude of interesting activities and attractions on the North Shore, ranging from spectacular mountain top vistas and fascinating nature trails, to live theatre, restaurants and shopping malls.

Here is a sample of some of the local attractions:

Grouse Mountain (10 minutes from Willows to the Grouse Gondola)

There is something to keep the whole family entertained on the top of Grouse Mountain. Towering over 3000 feet above the North Shore, the top of the mountain offers spectacular views over the whole of Greater Vancouver and as far south as the mountains of Washington State. After you have savoured the view you are spoilt for choice for your next activity. See the Bears in the refuge, or the wolves, watch the lumberjack show, watch an incredible movie, take the Zipline (if you dare) try paragliding, go for a leisurely hike or just sit and have lunch on the terrace while soaking up more of the view.

Make sure you allow plenty of time for your trip up the mountain, there is so much to do. http://www.grousemountain.com/Summer/

If you are particularly energetic you can hike up the mountain (the Grouse Grind) instead of taking the Gondola. However – this option is not for the feint of heart. Be prepared - with proper hiking shoes, water bottle etc. It is a long, hard climb.

Lonsdale Quay Market (15 minutes from Willows)

Discover one of Vancouver's most popular destinations. Located on the waterfront of North Vancouver with a fabulous view of Vancouver's skyline and harbour; this multi-level complex is home for over 90 shops & services. Lonsdale Quay Market boasts a fabulous fresh Market, beautiful boutique shops, international cuisine to eat-in or take -out, a play area for kids and specialty kid's only shops and always an exciting atmosphere.

Centennial Theatre Centre For The Performing Arts (10 minutes from Willows)

Centennial Theatre hosts a variety of spectacular shows and concerts ranging from exhilarating and colorful Flamenco music and dance, to legendary Doo-Wap groups from the Golden age of music. For information on upcoming shows go to http://www.centennialtheatre.com

Presentation House Theatre (15 minutes from Willows)

Presentation House Theatre has been a premier provider of theatrical programming on the North Shore for thirty years, offering an experience that is intimate, friendly, and entertaining. As the most established theatre venue on the North Shore, Presentation House Theatre is an inviting space that presents a dynamic and diverse mix of performances and facilitates the development of the performing arts throughout the community. Presentation House Theatre is ideally situated on the North Shore, only 4 blocks from the Lonsdale Quay and nestled in the heart of the Lower Lonsdale community.

Murdo Fraser Pitch & Put Gold Course (10 minutes from Willows)

The 9-hole "Murdo Frazer pitch and put can provide a fun afternoon for the whole family, whilst getting some fresh air and exercise and enjoying a stroll among the stately fir trees. Bring your own clubs or rent balls and clubs when you arrive.

Lighthouse Park (20 minutes from Willows)

A living example of the transition from the dry Coastal Douglas Fir Zone to the wetter Coastal Western Hemlock Zone, Lighthouse park provides manicured hiking trails and serves as an outdoor classroom for nature studies.

Horseshoe Bay with ferries to Nanaimo & The Sunshine Coast (25 minutes from Willows)

The gateway to Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast and central Vancouver Island, Horseshoe Bay is a quaint and picturesque seaside village on the North Shore of Vancouver.

Local Shopping

Two large shopping malls; Capilano Mall and Park Royal are less than 15 minutes away or you can enjoy the intimate atmosphere of Edgemont Village only 5 minutes away

Whistler & the Sea to Sky Corridor

Approximately two hours drive from Willows, Whistler is a friendly ski town, home to almost 10,000 residents. One of the many things that makes Whistler so special is two unbelievable mountains - Whistler and Blackcomb. Side by side, they represent over 8000 acres of skiable terrain, rising a mile above the valley of Whistler.

In the summer there is golf, tennis, hiking, canoeing, windsurfing, cycling and of course the Zipline.

The drive along the “Sea to Sky Highway” will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Northlands Championship Public Golf Course (20 minutes from Willows)

Northlands presents a well formulated mix of challenging holes, beautiful downhill vistas and strategically located natural hazards.

Throughout the design and construction process, there was emphasis on retaining the naturalness of this forested mountainside site.

Gleneagles Public Golf Course (20 minutes from Willows)

Gleneagles is a beautifully laid out par 35 nine hole golf course.

For further info http://www.westvancouver.ca/

Ambleside Beach (10 minutes from Willows)

Ambleside is the most popular North Shore beach. Beach goers can watch the cruise ships coming and going out of Vancouver harbour and Burrard Inlet. There is a beautiful view facing Stanley Park and the Lions Gate bridge and the beach looks West out to Vancouver Island in the distance. If you are very brave you can swim in the water. It's cccccccold.

Lynn Canyon Park (10 minutes drive)

Lynn Canyon Park officially opened to the public in 1912 and has been a popular destination among tourists and local residents ever since. Lynn Canyon Park is a great location for a family picnic, a leisurely hike, or a refreshing swim in one of the many popular swimming holes.

Downtown Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver is only 30 minutes from Willows Inn by direct bus or by bus and ferry. Driving by car can take between 20 minutes and 45 minutes depending on the time of day. The route takes you over the incredible Lions Gate Bridge and through the cool forested area of Stanley Park. Or you could take the scenic route that follows the shoreline of the Park.

Vancouver is a bustling cosmopolitan City with many restaurants, shops, historical neighbourhoods, parks and waterfront attractions.

Whatever you do make sure you include Granville Island on your tour.

Queen's Cross Pub & Restaurant (10 minutes by foot from Willows)

The Queens Cross is a local neighbourhood pub with a friendly and inviting atmosphere and traditional old world decor. They serve a variety of ales from local breweries as well as the conventional beers.

On cool nights they have a warming open fireplace.

The food is delicious and reasonably priced. For a picture go to www.queenscross.com