From vegan eateries to low-waste markets and green-minded businesses, North Vancouver boasts a variety of options for eco-friendly living

Even though North Vancouver, B.C. is only a short drive from downtown Vancouver, the pace immediately becomes more relaxed with many locals favouring an active, outdoorsy way of life. The North Vancouver lifestyle embraces a love of nature, wildlife, and a passion for protecting the beautiful environment from the tranquil Indian Arm to the North Shore mountains. More and more businesses and entrepreneurs are pursuing sustainability and encouraging others to do so as well.

Here are four things to experience on your next visit to the North Shore...

 

1. A bouquet of plant-based dining options

Facebook/Buddha-FullFacebook/Buddha-FullHearty whole food meals bursting with organic fruits and vegetables are easy to find—from Lower Lonsdale’s The Green Moustache (think banana buckwheat pancakes, smoothie bowls and golden kitchari) or Buddha-Full (superfood smoothies, cold-pressed juices, buddha bowls and power salads). Meanwhile, Edgemont Boulevard is now home the latest Hey Kokomo offering nourishing macro bowls, hemp Caesar salad, protein shakes and much more. With extra COVID-19 precautions currently in place, these plant-based eateries are committed to bringing you the freshest dishes as safely as possible.

 

2. Multi-tasking businesses

Bluhouse CafeBluhouse CafeGreen businesses offering multiple services are true gems for efficient consumers working towards sustainability. Bluhouse Cafe in Deep Cove checks multiple boxes. Come in for a gourmet coffee, fresh smoothie or veggie wrap but stay a little longer to browse. This 2018 Sustainability Award-winning business offers fresh British Columbia produce, bulk organic goods and a refill station. There’s also a section devoted to green beauty, encouraging consumers to invest in low-waste products that are gentle on the earth.

Delish General Store in Edgemont Village offers a plethora of green home and beauty products (think Ola bamboo dental floss, Tru Earth laundry strips and Unwrapped Life shampoo, conditioner or shave bars). In 2020, this family-run business grew to become a refillery as well, offering naturally made beauty products and ingredients for customers to bring home to make their own luxurious clean products.

 

3. Eco-tourism at its finest

Deep Cove KayakDeep Cove Kayak/Norm GraniteRent a kayak or stand-up paddle board from Cates Park Paddling Centre or Deep Cove Kayak and explore the pristine Indian Arm. Choose from one of many of North Vancouver’s stunning trails—from an easy jaunt around the foothills of Mount Seymour area and Rice Lake to the more challenging Grouse Grind, there is something for every skill level. Rent a bicycle from Reckless Bike Stores in Lower Lonsdale and take in all the sights of the historic Shipyards area and beyond. Snowshoe or cross-country ski the gorgeous terrain of Mount Seymour, Cypress or Grouse Mountain. Leave no trace by packing everything in and out (especially food) to make these adventures as low-impact as possible.

 

4. A culture of giving back

The Great Canadian Shoreline CleanupThe Great Canadian Shoreline CleanupPre-pandemic times allowed for locals to participate or organize a North Vancouver shoreline clean-up via The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. This national conservation initiative inspires volunteers across the country to keep their shoreline spaces clean. With larger beach clean-ups temporarily on hold, the program has recently been relaunched to include solo, household or small group clean-ups. Volunteering to help preserve the integrity of local parks and trails with the District of North Vancouver is another amazing way to contribute. Ecological restoration, plant rescue, trail rebuilding and maintenance and litter clean-up are just a few ways to keep the over 3000 hectares of parkland in North Vancouver flourishing.