A bustling shipyard reborn as a vibrant community and cultural hub, The Shipyards District in Lower Lonsdale is a shining example of thoughtful redevelopment and regenerative tourism in British Columbia.
Nestled on the central waterfront of North Vancouver, The Shipyards District has transformed from a hub of industrial shipbuilding into one of Metro Vancouver’s most dynamic and community-centric destinations. With roots that trace back to Squamish Nation land and a legacy in Canada’s wartime ship production, the area now stands as a beacon of placemaking, blending historic preservation, modern amenities, and inclusive programming.
A Historic Shipyard Turned Community Destination
The story of The Shipyards begins in 1906 when Alfred Wallace established the Wallace Shipyard at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue. Throughout the 20th century, it played a pivotal role in Canadian shipbuilding, especially during World War II when it contributed to producing Victory Ships. Following industrial decline and ownership changes in the 1970s, the site fell into disuse. But visionaries like city planner Gary Penway saw potential in preserving the area’s heritage while opening it up to public life.
After decades of advocacy, planning studies, and rezoning efforts, The Shipyards District officially began its renaissance in the early 2000s. By 2017, redevelopment gained momentum, culminating in a multifaceted public space that honors its past while inviting future generations to engage with it in new ways.
What’s at The Shipyards Today?
Today, The Shipyards offers over 84,000 square feet of commercial and community space filled with restaurants, cafés, retail shops, and a boutique hotel. But what truly sets it apart is its role as a four-season destination:
Skating in Winter, Splashing in Summer: A 12,000 sq ft public skating rink transforms into an 8,000 sq ft water play park during warmer months, all sheltered under a retractable roof fashioned from the historic Machine Shop building.
Heritage Meets Modern Design: While many original structures were lost, significant heritage elements remain, including partial reconstructions and visual storytelling through murals and architecture.
Event Infrastructure: Recent infrastructure upgrades completed in 2024—including new water systems, electrical lines, and a public drinking fountain—now allow for more sustainable events and reduced generator use.
Powered by Partnerships
The success of The Shipyards District is owed largely to collaborative governance and visionary partnerships:
City of North Vancouver: As landowner and infrastructure builder, the City plays a key role in year-round activation.
Quay North Urban Development: Oversees Lot 5’s commercial development and manages nearby Lonsdale Quay, bringing decades of placemaking experience.
The Polygon Gallery: Anchors the cultural experience with media arts exhibitions accessible by donation.
The Shipyards District BIA: Represents local businesses and drives branding, marketing, and investment into community initiatives.
Seaspan and Tourism Operators: Maintain a strong working waterfront while connecting The Shipyards with broader regional tourism circuits.
A Model of Regenerative Tourism
Beyond its economic and aesthetic value, The Shipyards District emphasizes sustainability, education, and inclusivity:
Community Gardens: With 34 planter boxes offering edible plants to the public, the gardens are part of a food security initiative tied to local school tours and education.
Cultural Precinct: Home to six museums and galleries—including MONOVA—the district reflects North Vancouver’s and Indigenous histories through accessible programming and public art.
Youth Empowerment: Local mural projects provide mentorship for young artists, and public spaces regularly host free classes and car-free events.
A Connected, Accessible, and Growing Destination
Easily reached via the SeaBus from downtown Vancouver or by regional buses, The Shipyards District is more than a tourist stop—it’s a transportation hub that integrates seamlessly into the city's fabric. Partnerships with tour operators and local attractions like Cypress Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are expanding its visitor reach.
Looking ahead, the BIA plans to improve wayfinding, encourage exploration deeper into Lower Lonsdale, and support sustainable event infrastructure through climate-conscious energy solutions. With over 30,000 visitors attending the Shipyards Festival in 2022 alone, the district’s popularity shows no sign of slowing.
More Than a Makeover—A Community Renaissance
From its wartime shipbuilding roots to its modern role as a lively waterfront plaza, The Shipyards District is a testament to what visionary city planning and community collaboration can achieve. With its seamless blend of heritage, recreation, and regeneration, it has become not only a beloved local spot but also a model for other cities seeking to breathe new life into legacy industrial spaces.
Curious how revitalizations like this could shape the future of North Vancouver’s neighbourhoods? We’re keeping a close eye on projects like The Shipyards so our clients stay a step ahead. Want to be one of them?