Just across the Burrard Inlet from Vancouver is the thriving city of North Vancouver. This pleasant city, home to nearly 60,000 residents, is a key part of the Greater Vancouver metropolitan area and the North Shore, one of the most scenic areas of the region.
East of North Vancouver, across the waters of Indian Arm is another scenic community with a lot to offer. Belcarra is a small town, home to just 650, but its proximity to North Vancouver and location in the Greater Vancouver area add to its appeal.
These two communities are in prime locations that add to their lifestyle appeal. Let’s look at some of the benefits Belcarra and North Vancouver have to offer.
Gorgeous Nearby Natural Sites and Outdoor Recreation
North Vancouver’s location makes it an ideal destination for those who love nature and outdoor recreation. It is at the foothills of the North Shore Mountains, which provide excellent hiking and climbing options in the summer, and skiing hotspots in the winter, including Grouse Mountain. Grouse Mountain offers ski slopes overlooking the Vancouver skyline and 212 skiable acres catering to all experience levels. North Vancouver and Belcarra are also near Capilano Canyon, which has gorgeous trails that wind across flowing waters and suspension bridges that lead trekkers over streams and into thick forests.
Belcarra is set alongside the gorgeous Belcarra Regional Park, which runs along Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm and feeds into Sasamat Lake. It is a popular destination for hiking, with trails winding through forests along the water. Sasamat Lake is one of the warmest in the province, drawing many to its beaches on a summer day.
Cultural Appeal
While North Vancouver isn’t a massive city in and of itself, the entire Greater Vancouver area is home to around 2.4 million people. Though somewhat sheltered from the big city atmosphere, due to its gorgeous natural setting, North Vancouver residents have access to all the amenities and benefits of a bustling metropolis. Lonsdale Quay Market is the biggest commercial center in North Vancouver. This indoor seaside market is home to more than 60 locally- and publicly-owned businesses, consisting of a variety of vendors, artisans, and retailers.
Meanwhile, Belcarra has a quaint feel that attracts those who want to live with easy access to the city, but without the crowds and noise. It is immersed in nature, surrounded by water and forest, and the community here is small and tight knit, catering to those who crave a pleasant small-town lifestyle.
Access to a Top Job Market
Like much of the rest of the Greater Vancouver area, the cost of living in North Vancouver is steep. In Belcarra, the cost of living is much lower, but the real estate options are less abundant. Still, residents of both cities benefit greatly from access to a massive job market, and many commute into Vancouver daily. Commuting from North Vancouver takes just 15 minutes and from Belcarra takes less than 45 minutes.
Vancouver is one of North America’s most prominent emerging tech hubs, having seen a 44.2% growth in the number of high-tech jobs in 2020 and 2021 combined—the most of any major market in Canada and the United States, according to the Daily Hive. Vancouver has offices of many major corporations, including TELUS Communications, Amazon, and the Lululemon headquarters.
North Vancouver and Belcarra residents benefit from being situated in a top-tier job market with high-powered opportunities from some of the biggest corporations in Canada while also being near many cultural attractions and beautiful natural sites.
