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Lonsdale Quay Market
Categories: Shopping Shopping Centres Food Farmers Market Shopping Centres, Farmers Market [Edit]
123 Carrie Cates CtNorth Vancouver, BC V7M 3K7
Neighbourhood: Lower Lonsdale
(604) 985-2191
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
46 reviews for Lonsdale Quay Market
Review Highlights
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"It's an easy seabus ride away, which I do enjoy." In 10 reviews -
"Not as beautiful as Granville Island but definitely a must..." In 16 reviews -
"...awesome breads from Cobbs and YES they have beaver tails." In 3 reviews
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46 reviews in English
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Review from Sheryl D.
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Lonsdale Quay is a great neighbourhood walkabout. You do have to take this place with a grain of salt and not compare it too much to Granville Island. Goes without saying which is the better, more expansive place with more unique vendor offerings. I liked that it's a lot quieter on the weekends and there's plenty of free parking up around 3rd street. Just park there and walk down about 2 blocks to the market. I personally wouldn't pay for parking down by the Quay. Just don't eat too much, it's gonna be some serious cardio walking up hills to where you've parked, as I found this out the hard way. Actually, I just really need to do more cardio.
I can think of a few noteworthy food vendors. I stop by Screaming Mimi's for one of their scallop and bacon pastry boats or fresh made to order chowders (you get to "catch" your own shellfish). Maple bacon beaver tails at the food court is always great as well. They have great fresh seafood vendors if you don't mind paying the price. I got some fresh red spring salmon that cooked beautifully with a simple miso glaze. I would avoid the "bubble tea" places there. So bad. If you know what good bubble tea is like, just don't.
The trick is to go there, explore that little gem in North Vancouver and enjoy the gorgeous sunset...just don't expect too much foodie experience. -
Review from Brian S.
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Lonsdale Quay has a good mix of Tourists & Locals. Looking for something a little out of the ordinary.
The Fish Monger there is Extraordinary. I bought some Halibut for dinner yesterday and the quality was second to none. They had a whole Halibut on display. Some the Vendors in Food Court are very good. I like the Soup Mister but the Greek food and some of the Baked Goods also looked tasty and fresh.
There is a nice seating area that over looks the Water toward Vancouver Skyline. The Quay has Security Patrols but I have noticed the bike racks are not anchored to the ground. So I would only use them for short periods of time. -
Review from Brian R.
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came through as a tourist and I quite liked it.
No one is putting a gun to your head to buy anything if you find it too expensive, you can catch the Seabus over, get some good pictures of the market and of Vancouver.
The mosaics are nice, in the market and outside by the water fountain. Flicked my Canadian penny in the fountain, had a mango coconut gelato as I watched the boats sail in and out. -
Review from Allen C.
1/27/2012
Reviewing a tourist destination as a city local is one tough nut to crack. Like all touristy spots, I have to filter out all the hype and sales pitch local businesses and guides say about these areas and see it for what it really is.
The market sells their food and products at tourist prices. When compared to other destinations (Granville Island, Stanley Park, etc), if I were I tourist, I would rather check out those places first because you'll get more bang for your buck.
I just can't justify their higher prices on food and products. When I come here for lunch at their cafeteria, almost all of their prices are at least 15% over average. Yes, the tourist spot premium, but the quality and quantity isn't on par with other tourist spots
The last time (very last time) I ordered a chicken burger. 'Plain' and 'typical' cost me $10 + taxes. Those are stadium event prices for a marketplace.
If you're a tourist reading this review, off the top of my head, I can tell you ten other places you can go to first before coming here. -
Review from Theresa W.
Vancouver, BC
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
There's a soft spot for the Quay! It's close to home, and on a sunny day the view out from here is beautiful! The market is fun, and I've got a soft spot in my heart for Screaming Mimi's. Definitely a place for an afternoon date, though if you've been to Granville Island recently, it might not compare. It's always bustling though, so bring the family, the SO, or a group of friends and go check it out!
Listed in: Visitors List!
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Review from Vanessa P.
Edmonton, AB
8/22/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I miss living by the Quay.
It's a nice little market pier surrounded by shops and restaurants. I tried the baked oyster at the seafood vendor by the entrance facing the bay, and it was sooo delicious and very juicy.
We had a beavertail and, within seconds, devoured it like crazy animals.
The quay is a nice area to just watch the sun and chill out and eat. it's conveniently close to the seabus, which leads you to Vancouver. -
Review from Toshi I.
5/10/2011
For a nice change of pace and a quick sea bus hop over. The quality of food offerings is much better than the Granville Market.
Besides the offerings outside the Market, there's a bit of shopping that can be done here too. More touristy stuff but nonetheless, still fun to look around.
We actually came over here twice. My pal and I wanted fresh Dungeness crab. See my review for Sceaming Mimi's. -
Review from yekta a.
6/5/2011
Cute place to people watch and take the Seabus to Vancouver. There are bathrooms here too---and clean ones!
The market is nice with a good variety of stuff to buy and eat, or just hang out. Definitely worth a visit! -
Review from Letie W.
7/7/2011
It's worth a 1/2 day trip to check out. Although much smaller than the Granville Island Public Market, it still has wonderful eateries and quaint shops. I would check out Granville Island Public Market first and if you have spare time, check this place out.
To get there, take the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay. You should be there in 10 min. -
Review from Duke C.
1/28/2011
It's located right next to the Lonsdale Quay station where the bus & seabus connect. The market itself isn't really that big. On the first floor, most are food vendors and it is actually where I had my first beavertail! There's seafood, deli meats, Italian grocer, bakery, fresh produce, etc. Nothing here really grabbed my attention though. Doesn't seem like there's that many food traffic but I can see this place getting more packed on the weekdays.
On the 2nd floor there's art shops, souvenir shops, and clothing boutiques.
I know it's not fair for me to compare it with Pike Place but it's about 1/4 of the size of Pike. Nice place to visit as a tourist and try out some of food vendors but the rest didn't really interest me much. Probably would appreciate this place a lot more if I'm local since it is probably a good spot for some fresh produce & groceries!
Exactly how do you pronounce "Quay?" Coo-way.. cay.. key.. kwa? I know it's a term that is common in UK and other Commonwealth countries (like Canada) but never knew how to pronounce it :PListed in: a rainy weekend in vancouver
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Review from Sebastian P.
Vancouver, BC
11/9/2010
The Lonsdale Quay Market is a great spot for both, locals and tourist. While most of the locals find fresh food (and wine!) to buy and take home to cook a delicious meal you can also get yourself a dish at the many restaurants and either eat it right there or walk out and have your lunch with a view over downtown Vancouver. What I love about this place, out there you can catch the last sunshine of the day!!
Lonsdale Quay Market hall is also home to several little art, gift & souvenir shops as well as the Lonsdale Quay Hotel.
With the sea bus from Waterfront Station Terminal you arrive right in front and it is really a pleasant place to visit from time to time. They also have garage parking available.
Now many compare it to Granville Island but I find it not the same level to compare as GVI is more of an artsy place and offers more towards leisure. I recommend to visit both to get an impression!
Enjoy :-)
~S -
Review from Summy L.
10/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Lonsdale Quay Market is right next to the Seabus from vancouver. If you're heading over from Vancouver, the Seabus will drop you off right at the market. If you decide to drive over here, there's a parking structure you can park at. You definitely won't starve here with a huge selection of food to choose from. Most of the shops are open from 9am - 7pm. On Sunday morning, there's a farmers market here with some of the freshest looking vegetables i've seen. It can get crowded here on the weekend depending on the season so plan accordingly. If you don't want to spend too much money on food, this will be the place for you. You can pretty much get through the entire market place in around an hour or if you plan to eat, you can take your time. It's fun place to come if you're in the neighborhood.
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Review from Melanie J.
11/9/2010
Recommend on a rainy day! For a change in my boyfriend's canadian Thanksgiving plans, we decided to start a new tradition because of our stop here in the market.....instead of turkey, it will from now on be seafood and what a great place to go shopping for fresh seafood.
Actually bought a couple of halibut steaks and fresh scallops to take back to Calgary later in the evening and those folks at the market knew just how to pack our soon to be eaten treasures!
Nice time browsing the stores, but genuinely loved walking around the market and all the food.... -
Review from Lindsay W.
North Vancouver, BC
11/25/2010 1 photo
Now that I'm getting old... 26, I no longer want to be hung over on a saturday. I want to peruse pumpkin patches, see squirrels in the park and spend long afternoons wandering Lonsdale Quay.
But seriously, I do love this place. It's great to go for some food and treats to fill an afternoon. I recommend trying;
- The Soup Meister
- Japan Shiatsu Clinic
- Jimmy's Fruit and Juice Bar
- Salmon Shop
- Olde World Fudge
Try to make it on a sunny day though for some pretty views! -
Review from D.J. Y.
8/6/2008
If you find yourself with some time and enjoy a nice ferry ride aka the Seabus, http://tripplanning.tr... this place is worthy of the short trip across the bay to North Vancouver, to check out the fresh produce and meat market here year around.
Actually Rachael Ray visited here while doing her $40 a day show, back when she wasn't a sell out, and she marveled at this place. Well, we found this place before Rachael, and I'd have to agree, this place ROCKS!
The main level has fresh produce & flowers, meats, seafood, breads and cheeses, while the upper deck host a variety of cute shops with all kinds of products. Clothing, to herbal remedies, and kids stuff, this is a treat in the middle of a busy transportation center between North and downtown Vancouver.
Needless to say, we luv it here!Listed in: Our Vancouver/Victoria BC must…
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Review from Madeline N.
7/12/2010
Vancouver has a beautiful coastline but you can't really appreciate it until you get to see it from Lonsdale Quay. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat - whether it's pre-cut fruit salad, a slice of pie, a cup of soup, or a sandwich - for a cheap price.
If you get lucky, sometimes there are performances outside in the courtyard. I got to enjoy the sweet sounds of the local high school jazz band. -
Review from Christina P.
3/2/2011
Lonsdale Quay by itself might have gotten 3 stars, if it weren't for its brother/nemesis, Granville Island
This place is more touristy (as in, pricier with seemingly more souvenir-y stuff) than Granville Island, with way more
It's in a more inconvenient location than Granville Island, and when you see the shops, your reaction will be "This is it?"
In every aspect, outdoors part and the shops itself, Granville Island is a much better option than Lonsdale Quay.
If you go here after visiting Granville Island, you will be thoroughly disappointed
Unless you are eating something, you will be done & out in about 1~1.5 hours
One exception - food court here is better than Granville Island, which is why they get 2 stars -
Review from Roanna Z.
4/28/2009 4 photos
Like Granville Island's little cousin, Lonsdale Quay & Market is less crowded and therefore a bit more relaxing. On the street level, there are a variety of prepared lunch places, similar to a food court on one side, then on the other, a few Bakeries, Meat and Fish places, and some smaller snack foods. One shop offers prepared bags of nuts, another has Teas.
The floor is also shared with an eclectic assortment of retail spaces and artists booths, some of the art is one of a kind and mostly local, others are strictly tourist attractive.
Upstairs there is a mall, with small boutiques. One of Which is called "Favourite" which I will review next :-) and a chain restaurant/ bar with great views.
Outside in the back of Lonsdale Quay there's a fountain and sitting area adjacent to the Sea Bus terminal. There some boats in dry dock, and an interesting assortment of other sea vessels. The views from this area of the Quay looking across the water at the Vancouver skyline are what make this place worth the visit. There is a hotel above and a large hall with access to the outside that can be rented for weddings and banquets with an impressive backdrop.
Great place to wander and relax, shop and have lunch or coffee. -
Review from Bryan D.
North Vancouver, BC
5/26/2009
Lonsdale Quay holds a special place for me as I spent a lot of time there way back when. When I was much, much younger my parents owned the popcorn stand called "Popcorn Carnival". Now it is strange, so many years later I live in North Vancouver within walking distance of the market. My parents could have only wished that it was as busy and vibrant then as it is now.
The market has a great air to it, more inviting I find than Granville Island. It has a fine selection of seafood, vegetables and a new meat department that is top notch. You can get any number of different kinds of baked goods and there is a sweets shop that is excellent.
Even the food court is great, I highly recommend George's Greek Food and Fish and Chips stands. -
Review from Joyce D.
Burnaby, BC
8/23/2009
Lonsdale quay is so much fun! Not as beautiful as Granville Island but definitely a must visit in the summer. You just gotta have fish and chips on the wharf.
Lots of selection when it comes to fresh meat, produce and speciality items. They have awesome breads from Cobbs and YES they have beaver tails. So Yummy!
The seabus ride combined with the walking around inside and out is an awesome way to spend a Sat afternoon. -
Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
10/1/2008
Oh the Quay... probably the closest thing to Granville Island on the North Shore. There's some really cute shops in the Quay, and some good food too. On the weekends, it's pretty packed with tons of North Shore residents hustling and bustling about trying to get their shopping for the week done.
There's also a great bar attached to the Quay - with some fabulous views. It's usually not too busy - (i was there for one new years eve...). -
Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
10/4/2008
Often called the 'Granville Island' of the North Shore, Lonsdale Quay Market and Shops has a plethora of market stalls, cafes, shops, restaurants and bars. The International Food Court is just that, offering up Greek, crepes, sushi, curry, burgers, fish and chips and the always delightful, all-Canadian Beaver Tail, a sugary confection of deep-fried pie dough and cinnamon sugar.
The shops and vendors carry all sorts of specialty items, including Italian items, wine, patisseries and tea shops. I purchased a lovely Japanese tea pot for one with loose teas and it has served me very well during the blustery, rainy Vancouver days. If you gather the strength to climb some stairs after all those Beaver Tails, then be sure to check out some of the apparel shops on the upper-levels. There is sure to be something to catch your eye and tickle your taste-buds at Lonsdale Quay. -
Review from Simon K.
9/15/2010 4 Check-ins Here
The only Quay that is still busy and alive, compared to the other one in New Westminster. This one definately deserves the one up, just based on the spectacular view you get of downtown Vancouver from the North Vancouver side. A beautiful multi-level market that has all the freshness you would expect coming here.
The best example of how this market is, is like Granville Island, you have all your fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, arts and crafts, specialty stores. There is an abundance of things to buy, and also places to eat right on the spot. The food court here has some amazing food, from salmon burgers (one of my favorite), fresh sushi, soups, etc.
One of the best things about this place is the ease at which to get here, either by public transit (SeaBus!) or by car. If your looking for a way to just get away, but do not want to get too far from where you are in the Lower Mainland, this place can be somewhat relaxing. Just remember, like Granville Island, things can be more pricey than your used to, but that comes with this type of territory.
And as mentioned in other reviews, that big 'Q' that you see, if your not scared of heights, take a walk up, and really take in the view! -
Review from BB H.
Burnaby, BC
11/29/2010
Most of the shops are kind of tacky and stuff I'd never buy. The seafood place does have decent fresh stuff. Their food stalls are also decent but they don't knock me out.
Location is not ad but it's not like Granville Island where there's loads of foot traffic and activity. It's at times deader than a doornail. -
Review from Megan S.
1/15/2009
Dare I say it's the same thing as Granville Island? Nooo, better not, but I might be thinking it!
Lonsdale Quay is an enjoyable place to spend an afternoon browsing. You'll find interesting artisan work that can make for some nice gifts. You can find specialty food items. Of course you can grab a bit of some food and coffee here. Sound familiar?
It's an easy seabus ride away, which I do enjoy. All in all it's great. -
Review from Nick S.
4/11/2010
Lonsdale Quay Market is a pretty good place to stop for food after spending the day at Lynn Canyon. While perhaps not as extensive as the Granville Island Market, the market here seems to be a bit cheaper overall, and is definitely cheaper if you're looking to buy some fudge!
A half-slice of fudge from a stall on Granville Island cost me just over $6; in comparison, a half-slice here cost just $3.49!
I also had some pretty epic fish n' chips here, from Montgomery's over in the "International" food court. It's international because there's also Greek and Mexican food, just in case you were wondering. :-) -
Review from Dominique N.
2/23/2010
I am rather familiar with Lonsdale Quay (despite not being a native Vancouver-ite) after working on a 4 month for a client located right by the Quay (pronounced "key")- I had many opportunities to try their food.
The best part of the quay, especially in the warmer months is the beautiful view of boats and the outdoor patio areas. The market itself is somewhat like Granville Island-lite. There are lots of small food vendors - some are more low-end (like a slightly nicer version of ethnic food at the mall) and some are quite high-end. I recommend the soup vendor toward the back of the market (fabulous clam chowder with real, fresh clams) and the pie place that serves both savory and sweet pies in the international food court.
You can't go wrong at most stalls though. Most stalls are pretty reasonable - $7-10 should get you a hearty lunch. You can also top off your lunch with some delicious fresh fruit from one of the fruit vendors. Then grab an ice cream cone and soak up the sun and view of downtown Vancouver outside...the best part! -
Review from Kat S.
6/14/2010
Oh, Lonsdale Quay. I spent many days here as a kid and I enjoy coming back to visit. Saturday was a glorious day and I enjoyed my trip there with my cousin. We lounged at the top of the Q with our gelato and soaked up some sun.
Despite being a sunny Saturday afternoon (late in the day at 6 pm) the market was pretty quiet. I was disappointed to see that the restaurant taking up the main patio and mid floor is now an East Side Mario's. I wish a local company had taken over. My favourite store from my childhood was also gone. The science and nature store in the kids area. I forget the name, but it was awesome and satisfied the young geek in me when I was a kid. I was also sad to find out that the bead shop has been gone for a year. That place was a staple. Damn. I needed some beads.
A lot of the old shops in the top floor were still there, including the Celtic Store and In The Mood. A fair bit has changed over the years, though. I found a nice belt in the colour I had been looking for (why does nobody have red?), which was a nice surprise. Otherwise, I was kind of dissapointed in what was there. It seemed like the cool stuff was gone, and the boring, or just plain odd, places were still surviving but with no one ever in the shops. Baffling.
Despite my disappointments, this place is still a great place to visit, get some good food, buy some wine, get your ingredients for dinner, and enjoy an afternoon. There's often performers outside by the fountain to listen to on the weekends. -
Review from May B.
Vancouver, BC
7/28/2010
It`s the easiest way to get away from Downtown Vancouver for a few hours and just relax. I often visit to take in the view of the skyline, enjoy some very yummy fish and chips or greek food, browse the gift shops on the upper level (I like Favourite for their locally made clothing and accessories as well as Forest Studio where you can find handmade clothing, jewelry, and accessories from places such as Thailand and the Philippines), and just plain ol chill out.
Climb to the top of the big red Q to take in a 360 degree view that includes the North Shore, the docks, the skyline, and out into the ocean. Also, if you walk along the pier that`s to the right of the quay, you can use the viewfinders at the end (which are free to use!) to take a closer look at the Vancouver skyline. -
Review from Catherine W.
New Westminster, BC
9/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I love coming here. It's beautiful, relaxing and one can buy some great food here. The best part of the Lonsdale Quay is the view from the top of the Q!
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Review from Lori K.
10/19/2010
I know some people may spit at me for daring to say this, but I liked the Lonsdale Quay Market better than the Granville Island Market. True they both have their charm, but this one just spoke to me more. The Granville Island is a bit more larger in scale from what I could tell, but I'm fairly sure you can find what you need at either market.
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Review from Alice A.
1/6/2011
Go once, never twice is how I feel about Lonsdale Quay Market. The shops feel tired and touristy, and the view doesn't blow my socks off. For a tourist, you're better off visiting Granville Island Market. As a local, I'd rather hang out on Lonsdale Ave where there're tons of cafes, restaurants, produce shops and shopping.
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Review from Irena L.
4/14/2011 5 Check-ins Here
It's a good place to do groceries and stop by for a quick meal, but not much more. There are a few shops as well, nothing too great. I wouldn't call it a tourist attraction, rather a place for locals to come down for breakfast or buy fruit. If you want a real market, go to Granville Island.
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Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
12/11/2008
I must say I don't really understand the hyper surrounding Lonsdale Quay. A lot of people say head here before you head to Granville or that it's kind of the crown jewel of North Van but, more often than not I find myself disappointed.
Yes, it's a solid public market. It has everything you expect in a seaside market in seafood, vegetables, candy shops and gifts. If anything it has a few more gifts with its strange top level. It also has a pretty solid food court and great views if you sit outside.
What it lacks is selection. When I've really needed to shop for dinner parties in North Van or for gifts I've rarely found something interesting here. It's all so run of the mill. Whereas on Granville you can find a really interesting cheese or seafood, here it's all run of the mill. If you don't want cheddar and tuna, you're out of luck.
It's fine for tourists and fine if it's the closest market, but there are so many better options in the GVA, i'd say skip if you're looking for something special. -
Review from Raza M.
3/30/2011
The Lonsdale Quay Market is the less admired sister of Granville Public Market. For me the best thing is the Sea-bus ride to I take to get there and the view downtown is just amazing special on a clear night. A good place for family if they visiting from town of town, as the view here truly reflects why Vancouver is called city of glass and lights. I will highly recommend a visit if you not pressed for time.
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Review from Laura R.
North Vancouver, BC
12/6/2011
We love coming here to stroll around. I live on the North Shore so it's much more convenient than going to Granville Island, although we love going there too.
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Review from Erico N.
North Vancouver, BC
3/21/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Wouldn't exactly call the Quay a tourist attraction but it's a very nice place to go do your groceries and enjoy the view of downtown on a sunny day!
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Review from Missy J.
2/21/2011
Perfect spot to have some yummy fish & chips before heading over to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge.
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Review from Valerie P.
8/10/2008
I used to live near the Quay and looking back, I miss this place so much. It had everything such fresh food and produce.Reminiscing, this is the first time I tried sushi and since then I've been hooked, haha, I also got my first Tamagotchi there too!. I also loved how the Seabus was right there which took you to Vancouver.
Listed in: OH CANADA!!!
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Review from David L.
8/10/2010
This place makes me feel like I'm in New Westminster. It's almost no difference from New Westminster Quay in New Westminster. Same old concept with same old stores, such as bakeries, fish markets, meat markets, dessert/candy store, kids toy stores, sushi restaurants, and fruit and veggie stands. Nothing exciting or ground breaking. Unless you're from another continent or a little kid, I wouldn't get excited about anything at Lonsdale Quay. You see, when I was a little kid, I would get excited about going to Lonsdale Quay with my grandma because she would always take me to the toy store and buy me toys and candy here.
