The SeaBus is the best way from downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver. It leaves from Waterfront Station and reaches Lonsdale Quay after a crossing of about 10 to 12 minutes. By road the trip is about 10 km and 20 minutes.
Taking the SeaBus from Waterfront Station
Waterfront Station is also where the SkyTrain and the West Coast Express stop, so the transfer is easy. Boats run on a 15 minute cycle during the day, and on a 30 minute cycle in the early morning and evening, when only one boat operates. Service runs roughly from 6 am to 1 am Monday to Saturday, and from about 8 am to 11:30 pm on Sundays and holidays. Times shift, so look at the TransLink schedule for the day you travel.
Lonsdale Quay has a market and a bus loop right at the terminal. From there local buses go up Lonsdale Avenue and to other parts of the North Shore. Pay with a Compass Card or a contactless card, and use the TransLink trip planner to find the right bus for your final stop.
Driving across Lions Gate Bridge
Drivers take the Lions Gate Bridge from Stanley Park. Rush hour backs up traffic on the bridge and on the roads on both sides, so the 20 minute figure only holds when roads are quiet. Parking downtown costs a lot, and parking around Lonsdale Quay and the popular North Shore attractions can fill up on weekends. Check the destination’s own page for parking details.
Cycling and taxis
Where bikes are allowed on the SeaBus and on buses is best checked on TransLink’s cycling page. Do the same for any specific bike route over the bridge.
A taxi from downtown to the North Shore is simple if you have luggage or arrive after the boats stop for the night. The taxi fare estimator shows a ballpark fare, and the Vancouver taxi page has booking details.