HIT THE TRAILS

We live in one of the best places to hike in the world. The North Shore is home to the dopamine-addicted and the meditative, the casual stroller and the IRONMAN. And our trails are designed for all skills levels, desires and distances. To choose between seaside hiking or rainforest, is well, one of the single greatest gifts we have in this place we call home. So we thought it only fitting as the snow melts and the sun begins to shine a bit more frequently to share some of our favourite hiking spots across West and North Vancouver.

Whyte Lake Walking Loop

Starting at Gleneagles Community Centre, this 7.3km walking loop between West Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay is a great hike when you have around two hours to spare exploring. With a bit of incline, you climb through large trees, river and lush forest on your way uphill to Whyte Lake, walking on a mix of wilderness trails, an abandoned rail line and paved pathways and sidewalks. On a warm day make sure to bring a bathing suit for a dip in the lake. Trail details here.

Tunnel Bluffs

This hike affords some of the best views of any North Shore hike. After a steep climb from the Sea to Sky highway, you arrive at sweeping views of Howe Sound. We recommend going on a clear day, as the views can expand all the way to Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast. It’s an intermediate level hike due to both the distance and altitude gain, which you should plan for around three hours to complete. Trail details here.

Baden Powell Trail (East Section)

While the Baden Powell trail stretches a total of 48 kms going all the way from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove, few but those competing in the Knee-Knacker Race ever complete this 20 hour journey in full. Instead, we recommend the eastern section that goes through North Vancouver from the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge to Deep Cove. Along this 12 km hike, you’ll have amazing views, including perhaps the most famous one from Quarry Rock overlooking Deep Cove and Indian Arm. Trail details here.

Lynn Loop

In case you are fretting that all of the above hikes sounded, well, a bit much, we have a much shorter one that even includes a general store. Lynn Headwaters Regional Park has many different trails–from short hikes to long day hikes. Lynn Loop is one of our favourites, as it is a short trail that spends part of the time in the forest, and part along the rushing water of Lynn Creek. The bonus is the one-of-a-kind End of the Line General Store, known for its great coffee and ice cream. Trail details here.

Eagle Bluffs

Wait a few months on this trail, as the access point is from the downhill ski area of Cypress Mountain. Eagle Bluffs is a great hike for those looking for great mountain views. Along the way you have spectacular viewpoints of the Lions, Brunswick Mountain and Black Mountain. Warning that the ascent to Cabin Lake can be a bit grueling. However, if you’ve headed our advice, there is no better swim than a jump into the lake in July to cool off. Trail details here.

If those five hikes are not enough, don’t worry, there are dozens more. As well, the District of West Vancouver is looking to build a 6.5-kilometre walking and biking trail linking the neighbourhoods above the Upper Levels Highway too. The North Shore is continually cementing its reputation as one of the best urban hiking communities in the world.

A different kind of hike is the undesirable tax one. So a last reminder to file your speculation tax form by March 31st. If you have not done so yet, make sure you file it out here.

While small relative to the BC Home + Garden show, it is a much more intimate and North Vancouver event to connect with local companies. Talk to experts about your ideas for decorating and remodeling, as well as professionals that install heating, windows, roofing and more. The event will be held at the Karen Magnussen Arena. For show hours and exhibitors click here.

March 22 – 24

As the event name implies, Grouse will be open for 24 hours straight. There are a ton of activities planned from skiing/riding (of course) to skating to dancing through the night. It even includes complimentary snowshoe tours (see below). And all you need is a regular day ticket. You upload on Saturday and can stay on the mountain until 10PM Sunday. For a list of all the events click here.

March 23 – 24

Grouse Mountain Snowshoe Tour

If you don’t make it for the 24 hour party, come to one of these two nights to snowshoe under the stars. You only have a few chances left to hear the snow crunching gently under your feet beneath the night sky on Grouse Mountain’s Snowshoe Tour. Take your pick of either a new moon or full moon snowshoe. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

Full Moon March 20th

New Moon April 5th

This celebration of Canadian literature is celebrating its 20th year anniversary offering literary events from a local author book fair to author readings. As all events are free, make sure to arrive early. Seating is on a first-come, first serve basis. For the full lineup, click here.

April 5 –6

Featured Property

6253 Overstone Drive, West Vancouver, BC, V7W 1X9

4 Bed | 2 Bath | 3,445 Sq Ft | Built 1953 | MLS®R2345524

Offered for $3,250,000

When you have a view like this, it is hard to believe it is not the only one. At our new Gleneagles listing, there are panoramic ocean views from nearly every room of the house. The views will make you feel like you are living in the Gulf Islands with all the benefits of staying in West Vancouver.

Spread over an 18,000 square feet lot, this four bedroom, two bathroom home is just the lifestyle you imagined where the kids walk to school and their friends’ homes. The corner lot offers serenity while being minutes from the Golf Course, Elementary School, beaches and Horseshoe Bay. And if you are a green thumb, put it to use in the solarium and landscaped yard.on the off chance you need more, the beautiful solarium provides a perfect solution.

You can find more information and images here. Please email us if you’d like further details or would like to schedule a showing.

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MARCH MARKET STATS

February was the seventh month in a row of what is considered a balanced market, with the sales to active listings ratio around 12% across Metro Vancouver, ticking slightly up since January. Buyer demand remained well below typical 10-year average levels for this time of year; however, the year over year percentage change was less in February than January. February saw a slight average price increase in townhomes and condos, while detached homes continued to see prices decline.

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