We had an absolutely wonderful stay at Bonnie and Alex’s home in North Vancouver!
The house was equipped with every amenity imaginable, making our stay incredibly comfortable and convenient. I particularly loved their espresso machine—so much so that I'm now planning to buy one for myself! They even left us a thoughtful welcome gift of a bottle of wine and several tourist pamphlets, which was a fantastic touch. I’m definitely going to adopt this idea for my own house swaps in the future!
The house itself was cozy and inviting, with three well-appointed bedrooms. Since my husband and I were working remotely, we really appreciated the desks that were set up for us. The fluffy blankets and comfy couch made relaxing in the living room a joy, and we especially enjoyed unwinding on the back patio. The view of nature from the patio was stunning, and just steps from the house, there's a lovely trail that connects you to the surrounding nature—perfect for a peaceful walk or bike ride.
Bonnie went above and beyond as a host, preparing a delicious lasagna and some homemade fruit bread for us. Both were the perfect comfort food after a day of travel.
The location is perfect for anyone who loves outdoor adventures, local culture, and easy access to the city. We were close enough to visit the breweries at the shipyard, which made for a fun outing. We also took advantage of the many nearby bike trails, adding to our enjoyment of the area.
Our trip started with a challenging yet rewarding hike up the Grouse Grind on Grouse Mountain. The views from the top were stunning, and it was the perfect way to kick off our stay. After the hike, we explored the many charming local shops, each offering unique finds and friendly service. For those who like to stay active, there are plenty of gyms around—we had a great workout at one of the local spots.
One of the highlights of our trip was the visit to Lynn Canyon and its famous suspension bridge. The bridge itself is an exhilarating experience, and the surrounding forest trails are simply beautiful. We also discovered some lovely rivers in the area where you can take a refreshing swim, perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring.
Another perk of staying in North Vancouver is its proximity to other exciting neighborhoods. We were just a 15-minute drive from Little Italy, where we enjoyed some fantastic meals, and only 8 minutes away from the lively Shipyards District, which is great for evening strolls and people-watching.
For a change of pace, we took the waterbus to downtown Vancouver for dinner one night. The ride itself was quick and scenic, and it was fun to see the city lights from the water.
The people in North Vancouver are incredibly friendly—true to the Canadian reputation! We couldn't help but chuckle at the traffic signs that gave us a frowning face if we were speeding and a smiley face when we stuck to the speed limit. It's those little touches that made our stay memorable.
Overall, our stay at Bonnie and Alex's home was exceptional, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable, well-located, and thoughtfully hosted stay in North Vancouver.