Burrard Dry Dock Pier - North Vancouver

Activity:

Did you know that for most of the twentieth century, the foot of Lonsdale Avenue was home to the largest shipyard in Western Canada, with over 450 ships being launched from this site?  While the shipbuilding industry no longer commands the same prominence, the redevelopment of the North Vancouver waterfront, and the Burrard Dry Dock in particular, pays tribute to the area's rich maritime history.

The Burrard Dry Dock Pier extends 700 feet into Burrard Inlet and has a spectacular view of the Vancouver waterfront.  One day when we had just finished lunch at Lonsdale Quay, we decided to take a peek at the Pier.  It's only about a five minute walk east from the Quay.  Only the rusty framework of the old Versatile Pacific Shipyard building remains.  Even so it's easy to imagine what working in the shipyard might have been like.   Welders, their torches cascading with sparks and men pounding huge rivets in sheets of steel.  Quite different from the work most people do today.

If anytime you're at Lonsdale Quay, the Burrard Dry Dock Pier is definitely worth a visit for both its history, and the panoramic view of the Vancouver skyline.

Details:

The Burrard Dry Dock Pier is adjacent to the Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.  Website: Burrard Dry Dock Pier

Area:

North Vancouver

Season:

All seasons