Celebrate Christmas Markets & Events with Coast Lonsdale Quay Hotel
Come December, North Vancouver’s waterfront turns into something magical. Lights dance across the harbour as the scent of roasted chestnuts blends with sea salt, and Lonsdale Quay fills with a cheerful holiday rhythm that feels instantly welcoming. It is also where you will find some of North Vancouver’s most loved Christmas markets and holiday events. Coast Lonsdale Quay Hotel sits only steps from The Shipyards, the centre of the city’s seasonal celebrations, and the perfect place to begin exploring. The Shipyards Christmas Market brings the community together with festive charm and waterfront views, where you can wander through twinkling stalls filled with local artisans, handmade crafts and holiday treasures. Seasonal bites, warm drinks and live entertainment add to the atmosphere, and it is all just a short stroll from the hotel..
1. The Shipyards Christmas Market
The holiday season truly comes alive at The Shipyards Christmas Market, right outside our North Vancouver hotel. The waterfront plaza transforms into a lively winter gathering place filled with glowing lights, music and more than 140 vendors. Local artisans showcase handmade crafts and unique holiday finds while the scent of bratwursts, mulled wine and hot cocoa drifts through the air. It feels easy to settle into the atmosphere, especially with live entertainment, Santa’s chalet, the outdoor skating rink and the City of North Vancouver’s towering Christmas tree brightening the night.
photo credit: @vancouversnorthshore and #explorenorthshore
A walk through the market is all part of the experience. Pick up a warm drink, bundle up in a toque and explore at your own pace through the twinkling stalls and festive waterfront views. The setting blends community charm with the beauty of Burrard Inlet, which gives the market its signature feel.
Staying at Coast Lonsdale Quay Hotel makes the visit even more rewarding. The Shipyards Christmas Market Package adds seasonal extras to your stay, including a $25 food and beverage token to enjoy at the market, a souvenir toque and gloves and a holiday-themed string bag for any gifts or treats you collect along the way. Since everything is only steps from the hotel, it is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the spirit of the season on Vancouver’s North Shore.
2. Capilano Suspension Bridge: Canyon Lights
North Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a must during the holidays for good reason. Each winter, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park turns its rainforest into a brilliant light installation, with millions of lights strung across the suspension bridge, through the forest canopy and along the pathways. The towering Douglas firs glow from top to bottom and the bridge shines over the river, creating one of the most photographed winter scenes on the North Shore.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is about a 15-minute drive from Coast Lonsdale Quay Hotel. You can get there easily by car or by taking public transit from Lonsdale Quay, which drops you near the entrance. The combination of lights, forest and sheer height makes it a must-see during the holidays, although it is also one of the busiest seasonal attractions, so pre-booking your visit is recommended.
3. Peak of Christmas, Grouse Mountain
Less than a 20-minute drive from Coast Lonsdale Quay Hotel, Grouse Mountain delivers the full North Pole experience. It is only ten minutes farther up the same road as the Capilano Suspension Bridge and you can reach both attractions using the same bus route from Lonsdale Quay, which makes planning your holiday outings simple.
The mountain turns into a festive playground during Peak of Christmas. The summit glows with lights and activity, and the snowy scenery adds a little extra magic. You can skate on the outdoor rink, wander the light walk around Blue Grouse Lake and visit the real reindeer that spend the season on the mountain. Families often start at Elf Headquarters, where kids can write letters, join craft activities and explore themed displays that bring the holidays to life.
The only way to reach the Peak of Christmas is by the Red Skyride aerial tram or the new Blue Grouse Mountain Gondola. Both carry you from the base to the summit and open the door to all the mountaintop festivities. Once you step off, you can visit Santa’s workshop, explore holiday displays and take part in seasonal activities that run throughout the day. Breakfast with Santa is a popular choice for families who want a relaxed start to the morning, and the light walk around Blue Grouse Lake adds a cozy, glowing touch to the winter scenery. The Grinch likes to wander the mountain during the season as well, so you may spot him bringing a bit of mischief to the experience.
Peak of Christmas is one of North Vancouver’s most joyful seasonal traditions. A visit feels easy to fit into your stay and the sweeping views of the city, especially during winter, make the trip even more memorable.
Stay Near North Vancouver’s Holiday Markets at Coast Lonsdale Quay
After a day of markets, lights and mountain air, Coast Lonsdale Quay Hotel gives you a comfortable place to warm up, wind down and recharge. Friendly service welcomes you at the door and the unbeatable location above Lonsdale Quay keeps you close to the waterfront while still offering a quiet place to relax.
Rooms come with thoughtful touches that make your stay easy. Stay connected with free wi-fi, chill your market treats in the mini fridge, brew a fresh cup with the in-room coffee and tea maker, or heat a quick snack in the microwave. A flat screen TV and individually controlled heating and air conditioning help you settle in comfortably at the end of the day.
Upgrading to a premium room adds a private balcony with partial or full ocean views of Burrard Inlet and the Vancouver skyline. The setting feels calm and restorative, and you can watch the city sparkle across the water as you ease into the evening.
FAQs About our North Vancouver hotel at Lonsdale Quay
Is there on-site parking?
On-site paid self-parking is available in the nearby EasyPark managed lot and includes in-and-out privileges. Accessible stalls are offered. Parking can fill quickly on weekends and during the Shipyards Christmas Market, and the hotel is not able to hold or reserve spots in advance.
Do you have any Christmas holiday deals?
Yes. Our Shipyards Christmas Market Package adds more than $70 in value, including a $25 dollar market credit and cozy Vancouver’s North Shore souvenirs. The market is only steps from the hotel, which makes it an easy way to enjoy the season. *Must book by December 22, 2025. Valid for stays from November 27 to December 24, 2025.
How do I get to the hotel from Vancouver International Airport (YVR)?
Just take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Waterfront Station, then board the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay. The hotel is located right at the terminal. Total travel time is approximately 45 minutes
Here’s what past guests loved most about Coast Lonsdale Quay Hotel:
“Beautiful hotel with fantastic views of Vancouver and waterfront views. Clean rooms, and beds are comfortable with cozy comforters. I have been many times to this hotel and never disappointed. The pricing can be high but sometimes you can find a deal posted. Walking distance to the sea-bus to go to Vancouver city and walk around to Gastown and surrounding areas. The lonsdale quay market is right below the hotel and there’s restaurants all around the area.” - Anne Beth
“We booked this hotel because we wanted to stay by the water. We had a lovely view of the docks, and full access to the market below, which meant we had everything we needed in one place, along with a comfortable room and other amenities.” - Wendy