Shipyard history, exhibitions and trails offer several distinct perspectives on North Vancouver. Wallace Shipyard and Shipbuilders' Square tell the story of shipyard work; MONOVA portrays the city through exhibits, while The Polygon Gallery focuses on photography. When choosing what to see, consider whether cultural history, exhibitions or outdoor activity should shape your stay.
Shipyard History, Remembrance and Events
Wallace Shipyard opened in 1906. During the Second World War, it produced 109 of the 312 “Victory Ships” built in Canada. These figures place the shipyard in its historical context and show its share of Canadian wartime production.
Shipbuilders' Square commemorates the thousands of men and women who worked at the shipyard from 1906 to 1992. The memorial brings the workers into focus alongside the ships and production figures. The Shipyards are on the waterfront in North Vancouver, directly east of Lonsdale Quay and the SeaBus terminal. Use these two landmarks to get your bearings.
Throughout the year, Shipbuilders' Square regularly serves as a community venue for concerts, plays, markets, street performers and festivals. If a particular event is the deciding factor in your visit, check its date in advance.
City History and Photography
MONOVA is in the heart of North Vancouver's Shipyards District. Its Main Exhibit Gallery presents North Vancouver through physical artifacts and digital content. The Polygon Gallery is at the Port of North Vancouver, focuses on photography and has held more than 300 exhibitions. Together, they offer distinct cultural interests: a presentation of the city and a focus on photography.
Admission to The Polygon is offered on a donation basis every day, all day; exhibition tours, talks and outreach programs are included. Check the current admission information before your visit. From downtown Vancouver, you can reach the gallery with a 12-minute SeaBus ride. Also check current service conditions before travelling.
Trails with Different Planning Points
The North Shore Spirit Trail is a fully accessible, 35 km greenway planned to extend from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. Its North Vancouver section is 6.5 km long. The trail provides safe access across the North Shore for pedestrians, cyclists, people using wheeled mobility aids and other micromobility users. The 6.5 km figure refers to the North Vancouver section; the 35 km covers the greenway as a whole.
The North Vancouver section of the Trans Canada Trail starts at the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay. The two trails offer different planning points: the Spirit Trail has a stated local length and accessibility, while the Trans Canada Trail has a clear starting point. When choosing between them, consider whether the trail length or the starting point matters more to you.
Explore more destinations: Burnaby, Maple Ridge, White Rock, Bowen Island, Pitt Meadows, Coquitlam, Langley, New Westminster.
For the broader travel overview: Metro Vancouver.
