text:
North Shore (Massachusetts)

The North Shore region of Massachusetts can be found just north of Greater Boston, along the Atlantic coast. It includes a variety of small and affluent towns, each with their own history dating back centuries.

Cities

 * — "City of sin" no longer; today Lynn is known for its arts & culture, large immigrant communities, and oceanfront views.
 * — Location of the infamous 1692 Salem witch trials, many finely preserved 17th and 18th century buildings remain.
 * — Coastal town and popular tourist destination with beautiful natural areas, water activities and fine dining.
 * — Best known for the Topsfield Fair and Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Cape Ann

 * — Shipbuilding history and antique shoppes
 * — Artist colony and historical fishing center
 * — home of popular Singing Beach
 * — Scenic artist colony and Motif No. 1

Get in
A car can be useful outside of the Salem city center, given the infrequent and limited coverage of the commuter rail and bus service, but consider the commuter rail if a station is nearby. Traffic congestion on the highways increases the closer to Boston and Salem you are.

By bicycle
The North Shore can be an extremely charming locale, and offers several memorable routes. The Northern Strand Trail ends in Lynn, and from there the East Coast Greenway can take you to Salem and beyond. The Cape Ann loop out by Rockport is on the bucket list of many a road cyclist.

See

 * The Crane Estate
 * Salem Maritime National Historic Site
 * Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Museums

 * Peabody Essex Museum

With children

 * Salem Willows Arcade and Park
 * Stage Fort Park

Itineraries

 * Essex Coastal Scenic Byway — A scenic drive along the Atlantic Ocean, where you'll pass scores of historical sights and breathtaking views.

Do

 * Whale watching

Beaches

 * Singing Beach
 * Nahant Beach
 * Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Events

 * St. Peter's Fiesta — Last weekend in June, Gloucester. Watch scores of manly men walk "the Greasy Pole" and unceremoniously fall into the ocean on their quest to capture the flag and secure bragging rights for the day.
 * Topsfield Fair — Last weekend in September, Topsfield. America's oldest county fair began in 1818 as a one-day cattle show. Today local farmers show their stuff at a variety of exhibition halls. Cows, goats, bunnies, chickens; fruits and flowers, even bees! The Great Pumpkin Weigh Off is a highlight, with modern winners tipping the scales at over 2,000 pounds.
 * Halloween — October 31st, Salem. Perhaps the largest Halloween celebration in the world, Salem welcomes half a million costumed party-goers annually. Visit "Witch City" to join the fun, and experience a variety of parties, parades, tours, and attractions; haunted or otherwise.

Eat

 * Woodman's of Essex

Drink

 * Ipswich Ale Brewery
 * Notch Brewery

Go next

 * Merrimack Valley — Along the mighty Merrimack river you'll find 19th-century industrial mill towns blended with modern suburbs, rural farms, and quaint orchards.
 * Greater Boston — The most populated region in New England, this is the urbanized collection of towns that tightly surround the eponymous city.
 * Seacoast (New Hampshire) — New Hampshire really makes the most of its only outlet on the sea.

title: North Shore (Massachusetts)


text:
North Shore (Minnesota)

The North Shore is a region of Northeastern Minnesota. It comprises the south-eastern extremities of Cook and Lake Counties.

Other destinations

 * The Range
 * Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
 * Gunflint Trail

Talk
Lake Superior is one of the worlds largest inland lakes. While it is located in the middle of the United States, the lake is accessible to the Atlantic ocean. As a result, cargo ships from around the world can be seen on Lake Superior carrying wheat, iron ore, and other cargo.

Get in
The main access into the North Shore area is Highway 61, an All-American road and national Scenic Byway. It begins where Interstate 35 ends, at the northern end of Duluth. It is not the smoothest or best-maintained highway, but it offers many spectacular views of Lake Superior along its approximate 150 mile stretch within Minnesota.

Get around
Other than Duluth, there is no public transportation available to the average visitor to the region. There are chartered bus trips, an international airport at Duluth, many small municipal airports, and marinas on Lake Superior at Duluth, Silver Bay and Grand Marais.

See

 * The Sawtooth Mountains, There are a multitude of rivers and streams running down through the Sawtooths to Lake Superior, with uncounted cascades and waterfalls along their way. Trails lead through the dense forests on both public and private land.
 * Wildlife thrives in this mostly undeveloped area, home to numerous state parks as well as Grand Portage National Monument, Superior National Forest, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Eat
Locally (and not locally) grown wild rice, fresh Lake Superior fish (including salmon), and pies are what the region is probably best known for.

Stay safe
Be watchful for both whitetail deer and the local moose. Both are most active at dusk and dawn.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: North Shore (Minnesota)


text:
Auckland/North Shore (New Zealand)

North Shore is the northern part of the city of Auckland.

Understand
It has an area of approximately 13,000 hectares and a population of around 200,000 people. It has the longest unbroken urban coastline in New Zealand – 150 km. There is an average of 240 days of sunshine every year and an annual rainfall of 1100 mm.

There is a visitor centre on the Devonport wharf.

Districts
North Shore suburbs from north to south:
 * – the beachside business, shopping and entertainment centre of the North Shore
 * – long-established seaside suburb a 10-min ferry ride from Auckland CBD
 * – the beachside business, shopping and entertainment centre of the North Shore
 * – long-established seaside suburb a 10-min ferry ride from Auckland CBD
 * – long-established seaside suburb a 10-min ferry ride from Auckland CBD

By plane
North Shore Aerodrome, also called North Shore Airport, at Postman Rd, Dairy Flat, has several flights a day to/from Claris on Great Barrier Island with Barrier Air. Parking at the aerodrome costs $5 for the first day and $1 for each following day – pay at main reception in advance.

Auckland Airport in South Auckland is the main airport for the Auckland region. It's a half-hour drive from the airport to the nearest part of North Harbour.

By car
A 10 minute drive over the Harbour Bridge from Central Auckland should get you there.

By bus
Information at Auckland Transport (AT) public transport website

By boat
A short ferry ride away from downtown Auckland. Fullers ferry info.

Do

 * Silverdale
 * Silverdale
 * Silverdale
 * Silverdale
 * Silverdale

Go next

 * Puhoi, a small country village to the north, just off State Highway 1
 * Warkworth, a town a bit further to the north

title: Auckland/North Shore (New Zealand)


text:
North Shore (Oahu)

The North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii is famous world-wide for its beaches and incredible surf.

Towns

 * – the busiest and most popular town on the North Shore, with some of the better restaurants and shopping
 * – pretty non-descript, but a great place to stop off for lunch, get gas, or pick up supplies
 * – similar to Kahuku, with a few more facilities

Understand
The North Shore is a relaxed, laid back area, with a much slower pace than in Honolulu and Waikiki. The beaches are wonderful but very popular, especially when the surf is up! (Note: The North Shore beaches are extremely dangerous for novice swimmers and surfers in the winter when waves can reach as high as 50 feet (15 m). Drownings are common — obey the lifeguards!)

Get in
The North Shore is located almost diametrically opposite Waikiki. As a result, there are two ways you can get to the North Shore; one is longer but is mostly on freeways; the other is shorter but winds along the coast. Each takes about the same time (about one to one-and-a-half hours).

Route 1: Take Interstate H-1 ewa (west) to Interstate H-201 (also called state highway 78). Take H-201/78 until it re-joins H-1 near Aloha Stadium. Continue on H-1 to the interchange with Interstate H-2 (exit 8A). Stay on H-2 until it ends in Wahiawa, and continue through the Schofield Barracks area. You will be on Highway 99, Kamehameha Highway. Follow Kamehameha Highway to Haleiwa. To progress further up the North Shore, continue on Kamehameha Highway (which changes number to Hwy 83 at Haleiwa).

Route 2: Take Interstate H-1 ewa (west) to Likelike Highway (highway 63). Follow Likelike Highway through the Wilson Tunnel to Kaneohe; then take the exit for Kahekili Highway (Hwy 83). Kahekili Highway becomes Kamehameha Highway at Kahaluu and winds along the coast through the towns of Kaaawa, Punaluu, Hauula, and Laie.

Get around
Kamehameha Highway (Hwys 99 and 83) is the main road through the area. There is a bypass around Haleiwa called Joseph P Leong Highway which is useful in avoiding the two lane road through Haleiwa. (However, consider following the signs for Haleiwa town to take in the small-town atmosphere of the main town on the North Shore.)

See

 * The Banzai Pipeline is one of the most famous surf sites for professional surfers from all around the world. The best time to witness it is in the winter, when the waves can reach up to 30-40 ft (9-12 m) high. Don't attempt actually surfing it unless you're a very experienced surfer.
 * Hale'iwa Historical town— You may recognize the location as being the site of a former television series called 'Baywatch', but this more than 100-year-old historic town offers more than that. Many of the buildings are on the State Register of Historic Sites, and the rustic old building that dot the town are simply charming.
 * The Banzai Pipeline is one of the most famous surf sites for professional surfers from all around the world. The best time to witness it is in the winter, when the waves can reach up to 30-40 ft (9-12 m) high. Don't attempt actually surfing it unless you're a very experienced surfer.
 * Hale'iwa Historical town— You may recognize the location as being the site of a former television series called 'Baywatch', but this more than 100-year-old historic town offers more than that. Many of the buildings are on the State Register of Historic Sites, and the rustic old building that dot the town are simply charming.
 * Hale'iwa Historical town— You may recognize the location as being the site of a former television series called 'Baywatch', but this more than 100-year-old historic town offers more than that. Many of the buildings are on the State Register of Historic Sites, and the rustic old building that dot the town are simply charming.

Do

 * Surf! It's what gave the North Shore its reputation, and still one of the main reasons to come here — Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Banzai Pipeline are some of the most well-known. Take extreme care, however, if you aren't a very talented surfer. Pipeline in particular is one of the most harrowing; on a day with big waves the super shallow reef can be deadly if you wipe out.

Beaches

 * Kualoa Regional Park - Located along the Northeast side of the island, this beach is rarely crowded and has a great view of the offshore island, Chinaman's hat, so called this due to its resemblance of the peasants chapeau worn by rural Chinese. With Kualoa mountains in the background you might feel you are in the movie Jurassic park, due to the fact that Kualoa range is where much of the footage took place. Also this area was considered sacred by ancient Hawaiians due to the whalebones that would wash on shore that would be used for valuable tools and jewelry.
 * Kahana Bay Beach Park - Located along the Kamehameha Highway adjacent to Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park between Kaʻaʻawa and Punaluʻu. This beach cove is nestled at the very bottom of the Kualoa mountains and is often over looked by people traveling up the coast due to the outlining of pine trees along the beaches edges. With its seclusion, calm waters and plenty of shady spots for those not fond of the too much sun, you can obviously see why this is one of Oahu's best kept secrets.
 * Sunset Beach - Located off Hoalua Street and Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore. Named to promote the area's spectacular sunsets, this white sand beach is one of the longest running beaches on Oahu, stretching 2 mi (3 km) in length and between 200-300 ft (61-91 m) in width at some spots. Home to several internationally renowned surfing contests, including the Triple Crown of Surfing since 1983. A bike path runs from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay - a great way to spend the day exploring the hidden spots that you cannot see from the main road. Bike rentals available at Paradise Baby Co. (adult and children's bikes).
 * Ehukai Beach Park - Also known as "Reddish tinged water", this also home of the famous Banzai Pipeline. In the winter months this beach features 30-40-ft (9-12 m) waves, when the swells are high, and frequented by many of the worlds best surfers. Part of the triple crown surf tournament, I would stay out of the water in the winter months unless you are familiar with the surf, due to the fierce breaking waves and strong undertow. However in the summer months the calm ocean makes a good spot for swimming and a good sandbar. Always check with a life guard at this beach before entering the water.
 * Hale'iwa Beach Park - Located in the Historical town of Hale'iwa fronted by a narrow brown sand beach. While its shallow, rocky ocean bottom does not attract many swimmers, the park is well-used by canoe paddlers as a training and regatta site, by kayakers as an access point to the bay, and by surfers who ride the waves at Pua’ena Point.
 * Mokule'ia Beach Park - Mokulēʻia means "isle (of) abundance" in Hawaiian. Located on the northwestern tip of the island, this long white sandy beach is frequented by many of the local Hawaiians for its enticing windsurfing conditions and nice fishing spots.
 * Three Tables - This beach located off the Kamehameha Highway, North Shore, between Sharks Cove and Waimea Bay. Part of the Pupukea Beach Marine Sanctuary, this popular dive area is named for three table-like sections of reef that can easily be seen during low tide.
 * Waimea Bay Beach - Located along Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore, Waimea means "red water" in Hawaiian. Waimea Bay is one of the most famous big wave surf sites in the world. Waves breaking on the north point of the bay often reach heights of 25 feet, attracting many of the best riders in the international surfing community. During the summer months the wide sand beach at Waimea is a popular swimming and snorkeling site. Part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District.

Eat

 * Shrimp Trucks are spread along the Kamehameha Hwy, and are great places to stop off for lunch. The ones around Kahuku are some of the more popular.
 * Shrimp Trucks are spread along the Kamehameha Hwy, and are great places to stop off for lunch. The ones around Kahuku are some of the more popular.
 * Shrimp Trucks are spread along the Kamehameha Hwy, and are great places to stop off for lunch. The ones around Kahuku are some of the more popular.

Sleep
Turtle Bay near Kahuku is the biggest and most well known place to stay, but there are many condos and rentals available as well.

Stay safe
Although North Shore seems like a laid back, safe place, one should always exercise caution after dusk. Native islanders can often be protective of their island, tourists should be respectful at all times.

title: North Shore (Oahu)


text:
North Sikkim

North Sikkim is a district in the state of Sikkim. Most of North Sikkim is restricted to travellers and permits are needed to visit these areas. The area, which shares a sensitive border with the People's Republic of China is heavily patrolled by the Indian army. However, in view of exquisite scenic beauty, many tourists have started visiting the region overcoming the difficulties.

Towns

 * — the district capital

 * —

 * — in North Sikkim, off-beat destination, a region reserved for the Lepcha People

 * —

 * — located in the Chopta Valley

 * — located in the Yumthang Valley is the major tourist destination

 * —

 * —

Other destinations

 * — a nature sanctuary with river, hot springs, yaks and grazing pasture on rolling meadows

 * — the region's largest Buddhist shrine, located on the hillside across from Lachung.

 * —

 * — an altitude of 5150 meters. The lake is both sacred and pristine. It has crystal clear waters and the way leading to it is a cold desert. The lake remains completely frozen during the winters, except for a small part which is considered to be touched by Guru Padmasambhava. Visits to the lake are allowed after obtaining a permit from the Government. Foreign nationals are not allowed to go there. The whole area is controlled by the Army, owing to its proximity to China. The air pressure is only 55 % compared to sea level, making altitude sickness a certain outcome for any longer stay without lengthy acclimatization. For day-trip visitors a night halt at Lachen is advised for minimal altitude acclimatization. It is advisable to not to run or speak loudly. Just sit by the lake enjoying its beauty and the surrounding mountains. Tourists are generally asked to leave the place by 1 - 2PM, after which the wind speeds picks up and is enough to carry small stones with it!

 * —

 * —

 * — 38 km north of Gangtok on the road to Mangan, about 1 km above the main road. The monastery was built in the 18th cent and was one of the most important monasteries of the Kama Kagyu (black hat) school, before Rumtek monastery was built in 1959.

 * — 4 km from Phodong Monastery

 * — 3 km from Phodong, was the capital of Sikkim in the 19th cent.

Talk
English is widely spoken, most of the guides and drivers understand Hindi as well although Nepali is the most widely spoken language.

Get in
Entry to North Sikkim is only possible on a guided tour, and a travel permit must be organised in Gangtok 1-2 days prior to travel. You would need a copy of your photo id card and 2 photos to obtain the permits for North Sikkim.

All travel is by 4-wheel-drive as the roads are subject to frequent landslides. The terrain is very difficult and cold. Make sure that your tour operator is giving you cars in good condition. Mostly Boleros and Scorpios are the safest bet although Sumo Victas also ply. Nevertheless, the journey into the valley is stunning.

Get around
Distances from Gangtok: Chungthang (95 km), Phodong (36 km), Singhik (65 km), Lachen (130 km), Lachung (120 km), Yumthang Valley (140 km), Yumesamdong (155 km), Thangu (160 km), Chopta Valley (163 km)

The road from Mangan goes straight to Chungthang, 95 km from Gangtok, where the road bifurcates. The road to the left goes to Lachen and the road to the right to Lachung. Lachen is the base for tours to Gurudongmar lake and [hopta valle] Lachung for your tours to Yumthang valley.

See

 * Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake. This is one journey which you will never forget. Journey from Lachen starts early at 05:00. Its mostly dark at that time. As you start climbing, the sun rays hit the snow peaks creating spectacular mountains of gold.

The only halt is at Thangu at 13000 ft where a single restaurant will serve you tea, bread butter (the bread has to be carried by the travellers) and maggi. You get to sit around the earthen furnace. Socks made from Yak wool and rubber boots are available on sale/rent.

The journey ahead is into the land of frozen rivers and chilled waterfalls. After about 16000 ft till Gurudongmar is mostly flat land with mountains on all sides. Its a high altitude desert, hardly any vegetation and very stony and dusty. You have to make your own roads here and its very easy to get lost. Because it is a plateau, it is very cold as chilled winds come down the frozen mountain slopes. Don't exert much as you would be gasping for breath at this altitude.

Gurudongmar lake at 17100 ft is mind blowing. In winters, the entire lake is frozen except one corner which is considered to be very sacred. Army jawans are always there to offer help. One should not miss Gurudongmar Lake in the north Sikkim tour.

 * The Yumthang Valley beyond Lachung is the major tourist attraction in the region. The colourful rhododendron bloom (May–June), soaring snow-capped peaks, and herds of wandering yaks makes this an idyllic location.  The valley has a thermal spring, although the water can get quite dirty.
 * Yumesamdong, Zero point from Yumthang Valley.

Do
Short walks in the Yumthang Valley are highly recommended.

Don't forget to take a walk through the towns in the night. Its dark, a few light bulbs are the only source of light, its creepy but it is something which you cannot find in the cities. All you can hear is the stream of water flowing.

Tours
The region of the Yumthang, Yumesamdong, Gurudongmar and Chopta Valley is the only part of North Sikkim that is accessible for tourists. Since North Sikkim is an area of significant military presence (bordering Tibet), tourists may only visit with a guided tour, who must arrange a travel permit. Most organised tours are for 2-3 nights, costing US$30 per day.

There are many travel agents who organize North Sikkim tours. A typical itinerary would be

Day 1: Travel from Gangtok to Lachen Day 2: Travel to Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar early in the morning and return to Lachen, move to Lachung Day 3: Travel to Yumthang Valley and back to Gangtok.

However, customized trips only to Lachen/Gurudongmar or Lachung/Yumthang Valley is also available.

It takes about 7 hr to travel from Gangtok to Lachen. The journey is very beautiful, don't forget to stop your vehicle in between to take snaps. The series of Buddhist white prayers flying from long poles create spectacular sights.

There are two major towns in North Sikkim except Mangan, the district capital. These are Lachen and Lachung. The road to both these towns are same except for the last 30 km where they bifurcate. At the junction is a small dhaba serving amazing tea, samosas and coconut based sweets. Don't forget to try them out.

Both Lachen and Lachung are sleepy towns with a small local population. Lachung is more developed than Lachen. Hotels with basic facilities have sprung up.

The journey is long and tiring, but the scenic beauty will help you forget all this.

Eat
Simple Nepali, Indian and Tibetan food is offered at most of the guesthouses. The Tibetan momos (dumplings) are a must.

The hotels serve simple yet good food at Lachen. You can try out Wai Wai noodles, a brand of noodles widely available there.

Also, don't forget to try lopchu, a sweet made from milk and sugar.

Drink
Sampling the local millet beer (known as tongba or chang) with the locals is a great way of soaking up the atmosphere in Lachung. The Sikkimese beer "HIT" is popular for its high alcohol content. Basic brands of beers and liquors are available.

Stay safe
Provided you stay away from military zones, there are few safety concerns in the region. Theft is uncommon.

The journey to Gurudongmar takes you into high altitude regions. Many people experience headaches because of lack of oxygen. Don't exert yourself too much and drink lots of water. The roads are steep and winding and nausea is very common.

title: North Sikkim


text:
North Smithfield

North Smithfield is a large town in Providence County, Rhode Island. It has an abundance of historic houses, sites, landmarks and mills enriched with history to visit.

Understand
It was settled as a farming community in the 17th century by British colonists it started out predominately as a farming community. Located along the Blackstone River, mills were later built along the river. These mills are still standing, some of them are open to public tours and others have been turned into luxury living communities or offices.

North Smithfield includes the historic villages of Forestdale, Primrose, Waterford, Branch Village, Union Village, Park Square, and Slatersville. Its population was 12,000 in 2015.

North Smithfield is in a New England upland region. The Branch and Blackstone Rivers provided much of the power for the early mills in the town.

Get in
You can fly into T.F. Green airport and taking either a taxi or rental car from the airport.

If you are relatively close to North Smithfield, driving would be your best bet. Because Rhode Island is so small, everything is within short driving distance.

There is also a train station in downtown Providence.

See

 * The historic Slatersville Public Library was built in the 1800s on the Blackstone River. Behind the library lies an old bridge as well as remnants of old mill engineering devices.
 * The Forestdale Red School House is a one-room school house. It is no longer used for educational purposes, and is open to tours.
 * The Indian Burial Grounds - On the corner of Black Plain & Greenville Rd, deep in the woods. There is a trail that has been made by passers-by, and is generally maintained, but it is not guaranteed. Throughout the trail you will be able to see what looks to be piles of rock (where Native American bodies lie) as well as caves and tunnels. If you are lucky, you may even be able to spot an arrowhead or two!
 * The historic Slatersville Congregational Church was built in the early 1800s. This historic white colonial church features an old piano, organ and the original pews and balcony. The church is open for viewing Monday - Friday from 9AM - noon, and worship is open to all on Sundays from 10-11AM with a coffee hour following the service. The service is open to all religions and all people.
 * The historic Slatersville Congregational Church was built in the early 1800s. This historic white colonial church features an old piano, organ and the original pews and balcony. The church is open for viewing Monday - Friday from 9AM - noon, and worship is open to all on Sundays from 10-11AM with a coffee hour following the service. The service is open to all religions and all people.

Do

 * Rustic Tri-View Drive-In - Route 146, +1 401-769-7601. Apr-Sep. Seasonal outdoor movies just like the good old days! The Rustic Drive-In is a great alternative to the usual movie theater; one of the last surviving drive-in theatres in the United States, it still brings in quite the crowd every summer. Cost is by carload and each screen shows 2 movies each night with a brief intermission.
 * Slatersville Reservoir - It is in Slatersville (North Smithfield), off of Providence Pike. On this body of water people are allowed to fish, and boat (electric boats). However, make sure you have a fishing and boating license if you plan on doing either.

Buy

 * Goodwin Brother's Farm Stand - Greenville Rd. This farm stand has been a part of North Smithfield tradition and history for decades and has attracted people from all over the state. This farm stand has been built with a beautiful timber frame. There is a wide variety of fruits and vegetables available for purchase. All fruit and vegetable are organic and fresh.

Eat

 * Parente's Restaurant 1114 Douglas Pike. Though Parente's is in Smithfield, it is on the North Smithfield line. The prices are reasonable and fair, their food is served in very good portions, and the service is always friendly. It's one of those little mom-and-pop places that is worth trying at least once, and they've got what is probably the best Greek pizza in the whole state; try it for yourself.
 * Gator's Pub Corner of Main St and Victory Highway. This restaurant is also a bar and features an outdoor, sand volleyball court. The food ranges from pizza to sandwiches, steaks to fish. There is a wide range of beer on tap at the sports bar. This restaurant has a tendency to be very crowded on Fridays, yet the service is also very quick and the food is moderately priced. The majority of its clientele are elderly, but that should be no hindrance to an enjoyable dining experience.
 * Parente's Restaurant 1114 Douglas Pike. Though Parente's is in Smithfield, it is on the North Smithfield line. The prices are reasonable and fair, their food is served in very good portions, and the service is always friendly. It's one of those little mom-and-pop places that is worth trying at least once, and they've got what is probably the best Greek pizza in the whole state; try it for yourself.
 * Gator's Pub Corner of Main St and Victory Highway. This restaurant is also a bar and features an outdoor, sand volleyball court. The food ranges from pizza to sandwiches, steaks to fish. There is a wide range of beer on tap at the sports bar. This restaurant has a tendency to be very crowded on Fridays, yet the service is also very quick and the food is moderately priced. The majority of its clientele are elderly, but that should be no hindrance to an enjoyable dining experience.

title: North Smithfield


text:
North Sound

North Sound is in Puget Sound, a region of Washington.

Regions
The North Sound consists of Snohomish County and Island County.

Cities

 * on Whidbey Island:
 * - county seat of Island County
 * - largest city in Island County
 * on Whidbey Island:
 * - county seat of Island County
 * - largest city in Island County
 * on Whidbey Island:
 * - county seat of Island County
 * - largest city in Island County
 * on Whidbey Island:
 * - county seat of Island County
 * - largest city in Island County
 * on Whidbey Island:
 * - county seat of Island County
 * - largest city in Island County
 * on Whidbey Island:
 * - county seat of Island County
 * - largest city in Island County
 * - largest city in Island County
 * - largest city in Island County
 * - largest city in Island County
 * - largest city in Island County

Other destinations

 * - Historical features of the reserve appear to today's visitors much as they did a century ago, when New England sea captains were drawn to Penn Cove
 * Local native gambling establishments - Quil Ceda Creek Casino and Tulalip Casino
 * Mount Pilchuck State Park — features a trail to the top of Mount Pilchuck (5324') and breathtaking views in all directions. Located some 35 miles north-east of Everett
 * Sunset Falls — some 25 miles east of I-5
 * Wallace Falls State Park, 2 miles northeast of Gold Bar
 * Wenberg County Park, on Lake Goodwin 18 miles northeast of Everett

title: North Sound


text:
North Stonington

North Stonington is a village in southeastern Connecticut, about 5 miles inland from the coast.

Understand
North Stonington is a very small town located on the border of Rhode Island, and is usually overlooked by the vast amount of traffic passing through on the way to Foxwoods Casino. By reputation, North Stonington embraces a very rural atmosphere with many houses and farms inhabiting the green and hilly landscape, occasionally interrupted by beautiful lakes laden with fishermen.

Get in
Interstate 95- exit 92 off 95 and a left onto Rt. 2.

Rt.1- route 1 south into westerly, then right onto Rt. 78 East, then left onto Rt.2 passing into North Stonington.

Get around
By Car- Being so small and strewn throughout miles of winding road through the forest, a car is the only way to properly explore North Stonington.

title: North Stonington


text:
North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island is an island off the coast 30 km south-east of Brisbane in South East Queensland.

Understand
Known as Straddie by the locals and Brisbane residents, North Stradbroke Island protects the shoreline of Southern Moreton Bay. North and South Stradbroke Islands where connected until a cyclone removed a block of unstable to create the Jumpinpin bar and separate the islands. (South Strabroke Island continues all the way to the Southport Seaway at Southport, on the Gold Coast)

Get in
The only way to get into the island is by ferry from Cleveland across Moreton Bay. There are three main ferries, all of them leaving Cleveland at the same point on the east side of Cleveland at the end of the bus line 258. Local buses at North Stradbroke meet most of the passenger-only ferries, but check with the bus company.

 * Stradbroke Flyer, also called Gold Cats offers 14 daily passenger-only "water taxis". The trip takes approximately 25 minutes, cost is $13 one way and $19 return. There is a courtesy bus that links Cleveland rail station with the ferry terminal for the ferries from 6:55am to 6:25pm.
 * Stradbroke Ferries has two types of ferries, a large vehicle ferry (11 daily services, $135 return) and a smaller water taxi for passengers only (12 daily services, $12 single, $17 return). Travel time is about 50 minutes.
 * Big Red Cat offers 8 daily car ferries and accepts passengers as well. Their ferries sell food and drinks. The trip is about 45 minutes and costs $5.5 one way and $11 return for passengers, and $135 return for cars. Note that local buses at North Stradbroke are not timed to meet this ferry, though since these ferries stop at the same place as the Stradbroke Ferries you can just wait (up to one hour) and catch the bus.

Fees and permits
If you are visiting Minjerribah Recreation Area, you will need a vehicle access permit fee. These can be booked on Minjerribah Camping's website. A 1-month permit for a car costs A$57.80.

By car
By far the most convenient way to travel the island is by car. You can rent a car at Brisbane and take the car ferry, or rent it at North Stradbroke. Many accommodation options at the island have their own shuttle service so you don't need a car if you don't plan to move from your location.

Unlike a lot of the other islands of the region, North Stradbroke Island has bitumen roads, which makes it accessible by regular vehicles. You can, however, drive on Flinders Beach and Ocean Beach by four wheel drive vehicle provided you have the appropriate permit (it is not recommended to drive on the sand in all wheel drive vehicles!). You can also camp along Ocean Beach, but you will need to be self-sufficient as there are no facilities. You will also need a permit to camp, if choosing this option.

By taxi
There is a taxi van waiting on arrival of every ferry so you can use this as well.

By bus
Stradbroke Island Buses connect Dunwich with Point Lookout and Amity Point and are timed to meed most of the passenger-only ferries. A one-way ticket is $4.50, and a one-day pass is $9.

Scuba diving
Point Lookout offers some of the best scuba diving in the area and boasts the Manta Ray Bommie where Manta rays congregate, together with other large fish such as bull rays and (non-dangerous) leopard sharks. The Manta Lodge and Scuba Centre, at the Youth Hostel, is the local diving company and offers diving PADI courses.

title: North Stradbroke Island


text:
North Sumatra

North Sumatra (Sumatera Utara) is a province in the north Indonesia's Sumatra Island. Various tourist destinations can be found throughout the province, Berastagi is best known as a hilly place with a cooler temperature as the whole province is in tropical region. Lake Toba is also a popular travel destination. Toba is a large volcanic lake which has an island inside of it, Samosir Island. Nias Island and other several islands nearby named Batu Islands is a popular spot for surfing. The capital city, Medan, has many places of interest, mainly for its historical sites. is also known for its variety of cuisine.

Cities

 * — the chaotic capital famous for its varieties of local cuisine
 * — second largest city
 * — small city 22 km east to Medan city and part of Greater Medan, also transit point to Bukit Lawang and Tangkahan
 * & its neighbor — the only international passenger port to peninsular Malaysia
 * — the 'Salak' city and transit point to West Sumatra
 * — the fruit city and gateway to Karo highland
 * — major port city in the southwestern part
 * — famous for its coffee and a gateway to western & central Aceh
 * — last major town near southeast border to Riau province

Other destinations

 * — the largest lake in South East Asia, placed within exceptional volcanic scenery and surrounded by inspiring mountains.
 * — elephant and orangutan conservation
 * — famous surfing destination
 * — famous surfing destination
 * and its highest volcano Sorikmarapi
 * — famous surfing destination
 * and its highest volcano Sorikmarapi

People
North Sumatra is a multi-ethnic province. The Malay people are regarded as the natives of the east coast of the province, while the west coast of the province is mainly inhabited by the Batak (Pakpak, Angkola, and Mandailing groups). The central highlands region around Lake Toba is predominantly inhabited by other Batak groups (Toba, Simalungun, and Karo). The Nias people are natives of Nias Island and its surrounding islets. With the opening of tobacco plantations in East Sumatra during the colonial era, the colonial government employed many contract labourers for plantations, mainly Chinese, Javanese, and Indian migrants.

Landscape
North Sumatra has a broad, low plain along the Strait of Malacca on which the provincial capital, Medan, is located. In the south and west, the land rises to the mountain range that runs the length of Sumatra; the mountains here are dominated by Lake Toba, formed from the caldera of an ancient volcano. Several large islands in the Indian Ocean off the west coast of Sumatra are part of North Sumatra, most notably Nias Island and the Batu Islands.

Talk
Indonesian is mostly spoken in the North Sumatra area. People commonly speak their local languages as well. Batak Toba spoken in Tapanuli and Samosir, while Simalungun spoken in Simalungun area (southern Medan), Karo spoken in Tanah Karo (Kabanjahe, Berastagi), and Pakpak spoken in Dairi.

By plane
Kualanamu International Airport near the provincial capital Medan has direct connections from regional international destinations in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, as well as frequent flights from all major cities in Western Indonesia.

Another international airport is ( - formerly Silangit International Airport) that serves Lake Toba.

In addition, there are a few smaller airports in the province. Flights from the national capital Jakarta serve  near Sibolga on the western coast. The south of the province is served by  with flights from Padang and Medan. The islands on the west of North Sumatra see scheduled flights from Padang to  on the island of Nias and  on the Batu Islands.

By boat
Major port is Belawan (Medan) and Tanjungbalai (formerly Tanjungbalai-Asahan). As of April 2019, Belawan only serves domestic voyages while Tanjungbalai serves domestic voyages and international voyages from/to Port Klang and Hutan Melintang, Perak.

By road
North Sumatra is connected by Trans-Sumatran Highway. Many buses serve Medan to many cities in Sumatra such as Pekanbaru, Padang and Banda Aceh.

By car
North Sumatra road condition has improved in the mid 2010s, especially around major cities. But 2/3 of the road condition is still bad, with many potholes. Traffic is chaos, with most drivers won't pay attention to traffic signs and lights. Be extra careful especially if driving into rural areas.

There are tollways connecting Belawan - Medan - Tanjung Morawa (Belmera tollway), Medan - Binjai - Stabat - Tanjung Pura in Langkat and Lubuk Pakam - Tebing Tinggi - Kisaran with Tebing Tinggi - Pematangsiantar section is on final phase as of April 2024. The government intends to connect the tollways with Aceh province and Riau province.

By bus
The easy way to get around without hassle is by bus. Most cities are served by buses. Some bus drivers may drive recklessly. Road conditions are so-so only for main road, while in rural areas, roads may sometimes unpaved.

By train
Railway service covers only about 1/3 of the province, but are very reliable, cheap and fast. They cover Binjai, Medan, Pematang Siantar, Tanjung Balai and Rantau Prapat.

By plane
There are several airports scattered around North Sumatra. See above.

See
Berastagi is a small town in mountainous region south of Medan is a popular weekend getaway for local, with 2 nearby volcanoes Sibayak and the active Sinabung.

Danau Toba, or Lake Toba, is about 4 hours from Medan by car, and is the world's largest crater lake. Pulau Samosir, in turn, is the largest island-within-an-island. The village of Tuktuk on the island is popular with European tourists, and magic mushrooms are freely available (look for the magic mushroom and laundry service). The village of Balige is booming as tourist destination after Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship (F1H20) 2023 opening stage took place at Lake Toba at Balige bay. Balige has more modern looks and amenities compare to Parapat.

Batak Toba Traditional House is a-must-see attraction while visiting North Sumatra. For tourism, it centered in mostly in Karo highland & Lake Toba.

Gunung Leuser National Park is a very large national park span across 2 provinces, home to several faunas like elephant, orangutan, and tiger.

Surfing lover worldwide will definitely ever heard the famous wave of Nias Island and the nearby Batu islands. Both also has excellent view.

Some interesting religious building including at Medan,  (the place where missionary Ludwig Ingwer Nommensen first started his work) at Tarutung, and  at Portibi. Or visit (Garden of Faith) in Sidikalang, a spiritual tourism area with mosque, vihara, temple, and church.

Eat
The most notable foods in the area are those of the Batak people. Batak people use either pork or even dog to make saksang. Another Batak pork specialty is babi panggang in which the meat is boiled in vinegar and pig blood before being roasted. Ayam namargota is chicken cooked in spices and blood. A notable fish dish is ikan arsik, carp cooked with spices and herbs. Andaliman is strong pepper used by Bataks, similar to Sichuan pepper in taste.

Drink
Tuak (palm wine) is an alcoholic beverage created from the sap of various palm tree. It's a popular drink of Batak people.

Stay safe
Sumatra is famous in Indonesia for being "rough", and locals are proud of their roots.

As in any city, be vigilant about your personal property and always be aware of your surroundings. Especially if you're taking the public bus or minivan, those are always filled with pickpockets.

Be careful when crossing the street. Keep an eye on the locals and cross with them if possible.

Should health emergency occurred at rural places, look for puskesmas (local clinic) for first aid treatment. Almost every small village will always have a puskesmas.

Emergency telephone numbers: 112.

Connect
There are few expats here, but the Hash House Harriers has a few local chapters in Medan and surrounding areas.

Go next

 * Pulau Weh
 * Penang island
 * Bukittinggi

title: North Sumatra


text:
North Sydney (Nova Scotia)

North Sydney is a community of 5,700 people (2016) on the eastern shore of Cape Breton Island on the north shore of Sydney Harbour. It is mostly a service centre for the ferry traffic to Newfoundland with a number of restaurants and motels.

Understand
North Sydney is an important port in Atlantic Canada, serving as the western terminus of the Marine Atlantic ferry service. It acts as the marine link for the Trans-Canada Highway to Newfoundland and is often called "the Gateway to Newfoundland". Marine Atlantic ferries operate from North Sydney's terminal to the ports of Channel-Port aux Basques and Argentia.

History
North Sydney was settled around 1785 by Europeans and by Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. It emerged as a major shipbuilding centre in the early 19th century, building many brigs and brigantines for the English market, later moving on to larger barques. Wooden shipbuilding declined in the 1860s, but increasing numbers of steamships began arriving, drawn to North Sydney for bunker coal.

By plane

 * Via Halifax or Toronto. J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport (YQY), a regional airport, is the closest airport

By car

 * Highway 105 (Trans-Canada Highway) travels directly to the Marine Atlantic ferry terminal. Highway 1 in Port Aux Basques within Newfoundland and Labrador is the continuation of the Trans-Canada Highway.
 * North Sydney is 24 km from Sydney: southwest on Highway 4, northwest on 126, and east on King St.

By bus

 * Its route between Halifax and Sydney includes stops in Dartmouth, Halifax Airport, Truro, New Glasgow, Antigonish, Port Hawkesbury, and North Sydney. Travel time to North Sydney from Halifax is 5.75 hours, from Truro is 4 hours, from Antigonish is 2.5 hours, and from Sydney is 50 minutes.
 * Travel to North Sydney from the following destinations involving same day transfers is as follows:
 * From Moncton (6.75 hours) with a transfer in Truro.
 * From Charlottetown (7.75 hours) with transfers in Amherst and in Truro.
 * From Bathurst (10 hours), Campbellton (11.25 hours), Edmundston (13.25 hours), Fredericton (9.5 hours), Miramichi (9 hours), and Saint John (9.75 hours) with transfers in Moncton and Truro.
 * Connections from Quebec City, Rimouski, and Gaspé can be made on Orléans Express. The stop at Pointe-à-la-Croix, QC is a 2km taxi ride from Campbellton.
 * Connections from Quebec City, Rimouski, and Gaspé can be made on Orléans Express. The stop at Pointe-à-la-Croix, QC is a 2km taxi ride from Campbellton.

By boat

 * There are two ferry routes connecting to North Sydney from Newfoundland:
 * From Port aux Basques (7 hours) located in south-western Newfoundland. Operates throughout the year, typically two sailings per direction per day. An inter-city bus route stops at this terminal.
 * From Argentia (16 hours) located in eastern Newfoundland. Operates several days per week from June to September.

Buy
The town has a shopping mall on King Street that is anchored by a Walmart and a Sobeys store, and has clothing, jewellery, and variety shops. In the same area is a SuperValue Grocery, Shoppers Drug Mart, and a Nova Scotia Liquor Commission store.

There is also shopping along Commercial Street which used to be the main street of the town but has now become an eclectic mix of service providers, food vendors and variety stores.

Go next
North Sydney is the departure point for ferries to Newfoundland. Marine Atlantic provides daily year-round service to Port aux Basques and seasonal service to Argentia (three days a week from mid-June through September). The Port aux Basques trip takes 6-8 hours, with passenger fees ranging from $18-36 (child/adult) and a normal size passenger car costing $102. Cabins are available for overnight sailings for $108-154. The Argentia trip takes 14-16 hours, with passenger fees ranging from $50-100 and a car costing $209. Cabins are available for $158-200.

Sydney, the largest city in Cape Breton, is away via Highway 125.

title: North Sydney (Nova Scotia)


text:
Northtowns

The Northtowns of Erie County are in the Niagara Frontier region of New York.

Cities

 * — a small rural village that's home of the majestic Akron Falls
 * — countrified charm at the eastern edge of Erie County
 * — Buffalo's most populous suburb, with a wide range of things to do; includes the charming historic village of Williamsville
 * — shopping galore, home of the largest mall on the Niagara Frontier
 * — a comparatively-high income town known for antique shops
 * — where the Niagara River splits in two; once an old summer resort, now an upper-class exurb with a charming old-fashioned amusement park.
 * — site of the historic Lancaster Opera House
 * — the western terminus of the present-day Erie Canal; a 19th-century lumber port turned middle-class suburb

Go next
Buffalo, of course, if you haven't already.

The world-famous Niagara Falls is to the north.

Just across the Niagara River (via the Peace Bridge) is Canada, more specifically Ontario. Keep in mind that you do need documents such as a passport to cross.

title: Northtowns


text:
North Uist

North Uist (Gaelic Uibhist A Tuathis) is an island in the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It measures 20 miles north-south, 25 miles east-west, and is separated from Benbecula to the south by a tidal ford, nowadays bridged by a causeway. It's poor farmland, boggy, low-lying and dotted by innumerable lochans or small lakes. In 2011 the population was 1619.

Lochmaddy (Loch nam Madaidh) on the east coast is the ferry port and what passes for the main village, but most settlement is scattered along the west coast, where the machair provides grazing for crofting.

Understand
It is remarkable how many fights and feuds have contested this poor farmland, which lacks a fishing industry or mineral wealth. North Uist, like the rest of the Highlands and Islands, was drained of its population at first by gradual voluntary emigration, then in the 19th century by brusque eviction to make way for sheep farming. Its hills were also turned over to grouse-shooting and deer-stalking. In Sollas in 1849 there was a pitched battle between residents and evicting officers, but it didn't halt the process. The 20th century saw a slow revival of Gaelic language and culture, and of the crofting way of life.

The Outer Hebridean islands had fragmented governance until 1975 when the Western Isles Council (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) was formed. There was also European funding for indigenous minority cultures, and later a sympathetic Scottish parliament, so today two-thirds of North Uist's population speak Gaelic. Ro-ro ferries made visitor and truck access from the mainland easier, and the island's Protestant Sabbatarians were unable to block the introduction of Sunday ferries in 1989.

The landscape is undeniably stark, it's not "picturesque" like Skye. But it has a haunting quality as the sea breeze ruffles the marram grass by long summer beaches, or winter dark skies display the stars and aurora.

By plane
is the airport for the Uists, a short drive south across the causeway. Loganair fly daily from Glasgow taking an hour, and M-F from Stornoway on Lewis taking 35 min. Buses between North and South Uist run past the airport.

By boat
has Calmac ferries from Uig on Skye, with one or two per day year-round taking 1 hr 45 min. Until end of March 2025, return fares are £73.60 for a car, £14.90 per adult including driver, and £7.60 per child aged 5-15. Buses from Glasgow Buchanan station connect with the ferries from Uig, which is effectively on the mainland since Skye is linked by a bridge.

Another route is from Mallaig on the mainland to Lochboisdale on South Uist. It sails daily Apr-Oct taking 3 hr 30 min, then you have a long drive north up the causeways. From November to March there's no sailing Tuesday or Thursday, and some ferries ply from Oban (a 5-hour crossing) instead of Mallaig.

, linked by road to North Uist, has a car ferry from Leverburgh on Harris. This sails 3 or 4 times per day, taking one hour.

For your own boat, Lochmaddy has a small marina which charges £2 per metre of boat length per night. There are also some mooring buoys at £10 per night.

By road
The Uists have long been linked by causeways. The road across these is well clear of the sea and passable in all tides and weathers except for the worst Atlantic winds and waves. Northbound (as B893) the road crosses to Berneray, the ferry port for Leverburgh on Harris, and ends. Southbound (as A865) it crosses to Grimsay then Benbecula, with the airport. It continues down the long thin island of South Uist to Lochboisdale, which has ferries for Mallaig. Lastly it crosses onto Eriskay, which has ferries to Barra.

Buses W10, 16 and 17 run M-Sa along the chain of islands, integrated with ferries so you can travel in a day between Stornoway on Lewis and Castlebay on Barra, though only one service per day plies the entire route. North Uist, being midway, has more connections, with four from Stornoway, six from Tarbert on Harris, six from Benbecula and South Uist, and three from Barra.

Get around
By road: The terrain is low-lying and easy for cycling, though the breeze is often stiff. All roads are single-track with passing places. Drivers, please observe the traditional Highland etiquette: always give way to mad fellows in white vans who are driving at Mach 2 to try to catch the ferry.

There is no taxi or car hire on North Uist, see Benbecula for hire firms based at the airport. You can take the hired car to other islands and may be permitted to drop-off there, but may not take it to the mainland.

Bus W18 loops clockwise (twice per day) and anticlockwise (once per day) along the island's main road, from Lochmaddy and back. It doesn't cross to Berneray or Benbecula. There are additional part route services, some of which require a telephone booking the day before.

See

 * Lochans are common on the Outer Hebrides but on North Uist the terrain is dotted with hundreds of little lochs. Some are inlets of the sea, others are peaty lakes, often just pond-sized.
 * Sponish Suspension Bridge carries the footpath across a sea inlet north of Lochmaddy to the Camera Obscura. In 2023 it's in need of repair and officially closed; form your own judgement on whether to cross. Otherwise take the lane from the head of the inlet onto Siginish peninsula. This continues to Cheesebay.
 * Sponish Suspension Bridge carries the footpath across a sea inlet north of Lochmaddy to the Camera Obscura. In 2023 it's in need of repair and officially closed; form your own judgement on whether to cross. Otherwise take the lane from the head of the inlet onto Siginish peninsula. This continues to Cheesebay.
 * Loch Portain is the convoluted bay east of the Camera Obscura, with over 200 islets and a mix of fresh-water and sea habitats. Please never let MV Loch Portain the Berneray-Harris ferry wander in here.
 * is the end of the road from Siginish, not so much a settlement as a crossroads of farm lanes. Islands in view nearby are Stromay west, Sursay north and Tahay east, all uninhabited since the 19th century.
 * is tumbledown but the best-preserved broch on North Uist, an Iron Age fortified dwelling on a loch islet reached by a causeway.
 * is one of the island's best beaches, gleaming white from its crushed seashells and backed by sandhills. Reach it by the lane to Clachan Sands campsite. Lingay is the uninhabited islet close to shore. Boreray further out was uninhabited from the 1960s to 1999, when a crofter took up residence.
 * Traigh Iar 5 miles west is another fine beach. Vallay is the uninhabited tidal island just west.
 * is a Remote Radar Head, a military radar originally operated by RAF Benbecula hence the name, but now run remotely from RAF Boulmer in Northumberland. New radar was fitted in 2015 that doesn't suffer interference from wind turbines, so these can now be sited on the hill. The point of coming up here is for the distant view of St Kilda, but you need your own binoculars as the viewing scope is corroded. The lane from the west is the easiest route. The radar tracks missiles fired from the test range on South Uist. It also monitors the skies to the north, the approach route over the Arctic for hostile fighter jets and bombers hurtling this way to test NATO's air defences. In the Cold War of the 1960s there were plans for huge air and missile bases to concrete over much of the Uists: lucky this was never implemented and the Soviet threat receded.
 * is a Remote Radar Head, a military radar originally operated by RAF Benbecula hence the name, but now run remotely from RAF Boulmer in Northumberland. New radar was fitted in 2015 that doesn't suffer interference from wind turbines, so these can now be sited on the hill. The point of coming up here is for the distant view of St Kilda, but you need your own binoculars as the viewing scope is corroded. The lane from the west is the easiest route. The radar tracks missiles fired from the test range on South Uist. It also monitors the skies to the north, the approach route over the Arctic for hostile fighter jets and bombers hurtling this way to test NATO's air defences. In the Cold War of the 1960s there were plans for huge air and missile bases to concrete over much of the Uists: lucky this was never implemented and the Soviet threat receded.
 * is a Remote Radar Head, a military radar originally operated by RAF Benbecula hence the name, but now run remotely from RAF Boulmer in Northumberland. New radar was fitted in 2015 that doesn't suffer interference from wind turbines, so these can now be sited on the hill. The point of coming up here is for the distant view of St Kilda, but you need your own binoculars as the viewing scope is corroded. The lane from the west is the easiest route. The radar tracks missiles fired from the test range on South Uist. It also monitors the skies to the north, the approach route over the Arctic for hostile fighter jets and bombers hurtling this way to test NATO's air defences. In the Cold War of the 1960s there were plans for huge air and missile bases to concrete over much of the Uists: lucky this was never implemented and the Soviet threat receded.
 * South Clettreval Chambered Cairn 100 yards south of the viewing point is an example of a "wheelhouse", an Iron Age structure with cubicles radiating from the central hearth. There's a better one on Grimsay the island between North Uist and Benbecula.
 * is a chunky standing, or rather leaning, megalith, at a jaunty angle. Park by the farm gate at the bend in Committee Road (don't block gate or passing places) then march east uphill a quarter mile. The approach is boggy.
 * (Baile Sear) is a small tidal island off the southwest coast, connected by road to North Uist. It's a low-lying farmland with good beaches and a couple of B&Bs, and its machair and sandhill habitat make it a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The SSSI extends to the island of Kirkibost, which may once have been joined to Baleshare before being severed by coastal erosion.
 * sculpture and cairn commemorates the long-ago days when bears stalked this land, the summer of 1980. See Benbecula for the story of how a tame grizzly was being filmed there for a Kleenex commercial when it broke its tether, ambled off and disappeared for 24 days. After recapture it resumed its media career until dying and being buried at its owner's house in Clackmannanshire. In 2015 Hercules was re-interred at this woodland spot.
 * are an archipelago 15 miles west of North Uist, nowadays uninhabited. The three main islands (linked at low tide) are Ceann Ear, Ceann Iar and Shivinish which has an automated lighthouse. The isles are protected for their bird life and huge breeding colony of grey seals.
 * sculpture and cairn commemorates the long-ago days when bears stalked this land, the summer of 1980. See Benbecula for the story of how a tame grizzly was being filmed there for a Kleenex commercial when it broke its tether, ambled off and disappeared for 24 days. After recapture it resumed its media career until dying and being buried at its owner's house in Clackmannanshire. In 2015 Hercules was re-interred at this woodland spot.
 * are an archipelago 15 miles west of North Uist, nowadays uninhabited. The three main islands (linked at low tide) are Ceann Ear, Ceann Iar and Shivinish which has an automated lighthouse. The isles are protected for their bird life and huge breeding colony of grey seals.
 * sculpture and cairn commemorates the long-ago days when bears stalked this land, the summer of 1980. See Benbecula for the story of how a tame grizzly was being filmed there for a Kleenex commercial when it broke its tether, ambled off and disappeared for 24 days. After recapture it resumed its media career until dying and being buried at its owner's house in Clackmannanshire. In 2015 Hercules was re-interred at this woodland spot.
 * are an archipelago 15 miles west of North Uist, nowadays uninhabited. The three main islands (linked at low tide) are Ceann Ear, Ceann Iar and Shivinish which has an automated lighthouse. The isles are protected for their bird life and huge breeding colony of grey seals.

Do

 * Check the tides, as several sights are on tidal islets. Get a free seven day prediction from Easytide using Lochmaddy as the reference port.
 * Walk, cycle, and watch for bird life.
 * Beaches are sandy but exposed, however the gradual shelving of the shore means you don't get breakers for surfing.
 * Fishing is from shore by the many freshwater and sea-lochs.
 * Hebridean Way is a way-marked hiking and cycling trail the length of the Outer Hebrides. Stage 6 for hikers starts from Carinish near the causeway from Benbecula. It heads north around Locheport to the prehistoric monuments at Langlass then joins the road into Lochmaddy. Stage 7 continues north by road then over the heath to the next causeway, to end at Berneray ferry pier. Cyclists simply follow the west coast road around North Uist to join this causeway.
 * North Uist Highland Games are at Balelone Farm near Scolpaig Tower, with the next probably on 19 July 2024, tbc.
 * North Uist Agricultural Show is held at Hosta, a mile south of Balelone. The next is probably on Th 25 July 2024, tbc.

Buy

 * All the shops in North Uist are shut on a Sunday, but some shops on Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay are open on Sunday afternoons.

 * Bank of Scotland by Morrison's is open Tu and Th 10AM-2:30PM and closes permanently in Feb 2024. It has an ATM outside.
 * Bank of Scotland by Morrison's is open Tu and Th 10AM-2:30PM and closes permanently in Feb 2024. It has an ATM outside.

Eat

 * Taigh Chearsabhagh in Lochmaddy has a cafe. See also the hotels.

Drink

 * Lochmaddy Hotel bar is open to non-residents.
 * Westford Inn bar is open seven days a week, see above.
 * North Uist Distillery is actually on Benbecula, two miles south of the airport. They make gin and whisky.

Sleep

 * Campsites are at Clachan Sands (two miles SW of causeway to Berneray), Balranald (west tip of the island), Tractor Shed (SW coast, see below)) and Moorcroft (near bridge to Benbecula).
 * Redburn House is a B&B 500 yards from the ferry pier.
 * Maddy B&B is opposite Hamersay House.
 * Self-catering cottages: several available, they usually book Saturday to Saturday.
 * Maddy B&B is opposite Hamersay House.
 * Self-catering cottages: several available, they usually book Saturday to Saturday.
 * Self-catering cottages: several available, they usually book Saturday to Saturday.
 * Self-catering cottages: several available, they usually book Saturday to Saturday.
 * Self-catering cottages: several available, they usually book Saturday to Saturday.
 * Self-catering cottages: several available, they usually book Saturday to Saturday.

Connect
As of Sep 2023, North Uist has 4G from EE but no signal from other carriers. 5G has not reached the Uists.

Go next

 * North the road leads to Berneray, a small island with ferries to Leverburgh on Harris, which is connected by road to Lewis.
 * South the road crosses Benbecula (for airport), South Uist (for ferries to Mallaig on the mainland) and Eriskay (for ferries to Barra).
 * East the ferry from Lochmaddy sails to Uig in the most scenic part of Skye, the Trotternish peninsula.
 * West in the Atlantic lies lonely St Kilda. Boat trips visit in summer from Leverburgh, there are no boats from the Uists.

title: North Uist


text:
Northumberland

Northumberland is a rural county in North East England, on the England-Scotland border. It contains one of the most picturesque and untouched stretches of coastline in the United Kingdom and contains rolling hills and low mountains in the sparsely populated interior. Northumberland feels a world away from London and the south of England in terms of its ruggedness, sense of remoteness, its culture and its geography. It has a distinctly more Scottish feel to it than English and at its closest point is a mere 45 minutes from the Scottish capital.

Along the coast
Most of Northumberland's settlements are in the lowland strip between the coast and the A1, with the main railway line snaking through. The southern parts are the least interesting, with former mining and industrial small towns that are nowadays in the commuter belt for Newcastle. Here you can find, Blyth, Bedlington and Ashington. is where you eventually escape the burbs and come into open country.

is a small fishing village. A little further north are the linked small towns of, with a notable castle and charming old town centre, and nearby on the coast.

The best of the coast is the rugged, scenic stretch north through Beadnell and. From here, boat trips run to the, busy with seabirds and curious seals. or "Holy Island" is reached by a road at low tide - check tide times before venturing out. Finally you reach, the most northerly town in England, with stout defensive walls. Another two miles north and the route crosses into Scotland, over the moors to Dunbar and Edinburgh.

Tyne Valley & Hadrian's Wall
A lowland route, nowadays the A69, breaks through the hills to link Newcastle with Carlisle in Cumbria. Industry and suburbs sprawl west as far as, then the view improves. and are pleasant historic towns along the route, and are close to the best sections of Hadrian's Wall, the Roman defence that kept out the marauding Picts. is the last village before crossing into Cumbria. Just south, in the North Pennines AONB, the upper Tyne valley is very scenic.

The Border Hills
The to the north form a natural border between England and Scotland, with the Pennine Way traversing their crest. Much of them are part of and Kielder Forest Park.

Two main routes access the area. The lowland route A697 runs north from Morpeth past Rothbury, Wooller and the scenic villages of to reach the border at. Here the road crosses the Tweed to Coldstream in Scotland, running on to Edinburgh. The upland route A696 / A68 runs past Newcastle Airport towards Otterburn; is a good base for Kielder Forest. This route crosses the border at Carter Bar, descending to Jedburgh and Edinburgh.

Understand
England's most northern and sparsely populated county, Northumberland is a remnant of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria which once covered an area stretching from Edinburgh to Sheffield and the river Mersey.

The area has a very long and bloody history due to its proximity to Scotland and has fallen into Scottish hands at least once as the border has shifted over time. The more populous towns are either market towns (Amble, Hexham, Morpeth) or former mining communities (Prudhoe, Ashington).

Northumberland has its own dialect, different from the famous Geordie of Newcastle.

The Northumbrian Pipes are a local folk instrument, similar to the Scottish bagpipe.

Ethnically Northumberland is overwhelmingly white and British. While racism against ethnic minorities is not a recorded issue, do be aware that it is very unusual to see a person of a black or Asian background in the county and that people might take a second glance.

By plane
is the nearest airport to Northumberland.

By train
The principle London-Edinburgh rail line runs through the county and Berwick-upon-Tweed, to the north, is served frequently by both LNER and Cross Country Trains. These operators also serve Morpeth and Alnmouth (for Alnwick), though less frequently.

In most cases it is generally more convenient to connect with the local rail network at Newcastle Central, which is served by regular trains to Edinburgh, London, the Midlands and South West. From Newcastle, Northern Rail operate frequent services along the Tyne Valley Line towards Hexham and Carlisle, as well as serving local stations along the East Coast Main Line towards Morpeth, Alnmouth and Chathill.

Get around
You generally need a car to get about in Northumberland as it is a rural county. There are some regular bus services on the main routes mainly served by Arriva Northumbria. Bus timetables can be found at Nexus' website for services to and from Tyne and Wear and traveline can help you with other routes. There is a cross-county train service from Newcastle upon Tyne to Carlisle, stopping at towns in the Tyne Valley, including Prudhoe, Corbridge, Hexham and Haltwhistle.

Trains from Newcastle stop at Morpeth, Northumberland's county-town.

See

 * Hadrian's Wall is a World Heritage Site stretching across 80 miles of Northumberland on the Scottish border. Housesteads, Vindolanda, Chesters and Corstopitum are all worth visiting.
 * Norham Castle (located in the village of Norham, about 8 miles from Berwick) is a romantically ruined castle, immortalised by Turner and Sir Walter Scott (in the poem 'Marmion') alike.
 * Northumberland National Park and the Cheviot hills.
 * Bamburgh Castle - a large castle nestled between the ocean and the affluent and picturesque village of Bamburgh.
 * Northumberland has many castles, some of which have a history of hauntings, such as Chillingham Castle. Other castles, like Warkworth Castle, are preserved ruins and visitors can wander through the stone rooms, imagining bustling castle life.

Do

 * Northumberland County Show is held on the first Friday of June at Bywell Hall near Riding Mill.

Drink
Newcastle Brown Ale from the local city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Stay safe
As is the case for most of Britain's rural counties, Northumberland is an extremely safe county with very low crime levels. The main problems will be in the towns of Morpeth, Alnwick and Berwick on Friday and Saturday nights when alcohol-fuelled youths spill into the town's streets. Keep your wits about you as anywhere, but you really would be the most unlucky tourist if a crime was to be committed against you.

Go next

 * South to Tyne and Wear, including Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead and Sunderland.
 * West to Cumbria, including Carlisle and Lake District National Park.
 * North to the Scottish Borders, across the border in Scotland.

title: Northumberland


text:
Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Parkis the most northerly park in England and covers 1030 km2. It is entirely within the county of Northumberland.

Understand
There are two main geographical areas within the park. The Cheviot hills to the north and Kielder Forest to the South West. The park is generally very quiet, it gets very few visitors compared to some of its more famous neighbours like the Lake District National Park.

History
The park was designated in 1956 and since then has steadily become more and more user friendly with visitor centres and programs to involve and educate visitors.

Landscape
The landscape is typically moorland, heather and conifer plantations. The Kielder reservoir is the largest body of water. Just over 70% of the area is open moorland. Heather is very common and approximately 20% of the park is heather moorland which gives beautiful autumn displays. This heather moorland is largely unique to the United Kingdom. There has been considerable habitat improvement with grouse moor management schemes.

Flora and fauna
The park has red and roe deer, foxes, and badgers, while small mammals are very common. However the bird population is truly amazing. The open habitats host many different species including black grouse, curlew, merlin, and red grouse. Along the valleys are heron and kingfisher.

Climate
Generally wet and windy. The north easterly gales sweeping in off the Atlantic are a common feature of the area.

Visitor information

 * Northumberland National Park website

Get in
From the north. A1 from Edinburgh. From the south. Either the A68 from Corbridge or the A1 trunk road From the east. Many small roads providing access into the park. From the west. A69 through to Corbridge and then the A68 north. By plane into Newcastle airport. By train, north east line to Newcastle and stations north.

Fees and permits
None

Get around
Large areas of Northumberland National Park are accessible to the public - you can walk feely on designated ‘Access Land’ without having to stay on rights-of-way.

There are also visitor centres at Ingram, Once Brewed, Alnwick, Bellingham, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Brampton, Carlisle, Newcastle, Hexham, Morpeth, Wooler.

See

 * Hadrian's Wall, UNESCO site from Roman times.
 * Cheviot Hills and surrounding area with Hill forts and wide open moorland.
 * Redesdale Valley and Border reiver history.
 * Visit the many medieval castles.

Do

 * Walking
 * Riding
 * Visit markets and fairs
 * Bird watching
 * Shooting and hunting
 * Cycling

Buy
There are many craft shops and some woolen mills converted to sell clothing and related items.

Eat
Local food as expected centres around the rich landscape and game. So you get meat and fish dishes.

Drink
Northumberland brewery provides local ale.

Sleep
The area has plenty of B&B and self-catering accommodation. There are hostels and camping barns There are local businesses offering green accommodation and self-catering accommodation throughout Northumberland.

Connect
The official national park details are here.

title: Northumberland National Park


text:
Northumberland Shore

The Northumberland Shore is a region of Nova Scotia, Canada. The Northumberland Shore has more warm-water ocean beaches than anywhere else in Atlantic Canada. Fresh local lobster is a food of choice for the region and is available at restaurants throughout.

Cities

 * — a service hub for the surrounding region, and home of the picturesque campus of St. Francis Xavier University
 * — see its historic downtown core
 * — the birthplace of new Scotland

Other destinations

 * — a 1.6-km-long sand beach offers some of the warmest saltwater swimming north of the Carolinas, serviced and unserviced campsites, hiking trails
 * — a long sandy beach with warm water, and salt marsh; boardwalk access, no camping

Understand
The Northumberland Shore was the landing place for the first European immigrants, and the Town of Pictou, known as the “Birthplace of New Scotland.” Its moderate climate lends itself to growing grapes for wines: one of the province's largest wineries is here.

Get in
The Trans-Canada Highway 104 is the main road in and out of the region.

Halifax is the closest major airport.

Via Rail's closest terminal is in Truro, approximately 40 minutes west of New Glasgow. The Ocean service passes through three times a week en route between Montreal and Halifax.

Pictou is the closest town in Nova Scotia to the Prince Edward Island ferry.

Get around
Highway 104 is the main routes between New Glasgow and Antigonish, while Highway 106 takes you from New Glasgow to Pictou and the PEI ferry. Route 337 provides a nice drive around Cape George.

See

The Sunrise Trail is a scenic motorway which passes through many of the coastal towns and villages in the area. The trail is known for its stunning ocean views and seaside farms. It is the access route for several attractions. These include the Cape George Lighthouse (the park at the lighthouse features several kilometres of hiking trails), Ballantyne's Cove Bluefin Tuna Interpretive Centre, and the Arisaig Lighthouse. It also passes through Antigonish, home of the Antigonish Highland Games every July, and of St. Francis Xavier University.

New Glasgow offers several museums and galleries, and you can learn about the history of Scottish immigration at the Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou.

Do
Gorge yourself on crustaceans at the Pictou Lobster Festival in July.

Enjoy the beaches of Caribou Provincial Park and Waterside Beach Provincial Park.

Go next
East to the Minas Basin, west to Cape Breton Island, south to the Eastern Shore, or north to Prince Edward Island.

title: Northumberland Shore


text:
North Vancouver

North Vancouver is a mostly suburban area across the Burrard Inlet from downtown Vancouver. Surrounded by mountains and water on three sides, it's the ideal playground for the outdoor-minded. You can wander on miles of hiking trails (or test yourself on Nature's stairmaster), take in steep descents on a mountain bike or skis, kayak a fjord and cross canyons on a suspension bridge. If you're not looking for something that gets the heart going, there are always the stellar views the city affords. Ride the gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain for a view of Vancouver and beyond, stroll along the waterfront by Lonsdale Quay or relax in one of the many coffee shops. And that's one of the great things about North Vancouver — it's close to the sophistication offered by Vancouver but in 30 minutes you can be in the wilderness or a beautiful spot like Deep Cove and forget you're in a metropolitan area of over two million people.

Understand
The history and culture of North Vancouver is largely shaped by its geography and climate. Drawing on the frequent rain and temperate climate, the slopes of the Coastal Mountains were forested with massive trees and lush vegetation. The streams and rivers cascading down the mountains were ideal sources of salmon and the forests had abundant wildlife. The first inhabitants of the area, the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples, had a number of villages and camps on the shores of Burrard Inlet and relied on the rivers and forests for food and resources.

The same giant trees attracted European settlers, who started arriving in the mid 1800s. Logging became the principle industry and for a stretch of time in the late 1800s, the sale of logs from the Moodyville mill in North Vancouver was one of British Columbia's largest sources of export revenue. By the early 1900s, most of the old growth forest had been chopped down and the industrial focus switched to shipbuilding. The North Vancouver shipyards were at their peak during World War II and the decades immediately following, and are estimated to have built half of Canada's wartime cargo vessels. Much of the old shipyards are gone now, but their story is still told in the Shipyards area close to Lonsdale Quay.

One thing any visitor to North Vancouver will notice is the mountains rising up behind the city. More than just a beautiful backdrop on a pretty postcard, the mountains are an attraction onto themselves. Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour became popular in the 1920s and 30s with hikers and skiers. Chalets and cabins were built, followed by rope tows and chair lifts. Development has continued, with Mount Seymour now protected as a provincial park, while Grouse Mountain has become one of the Vancouver region's top tourist attractions with its views and year-round activities. The mountains were early hot-spots for and helped push snowboarding and mountain biking, and remain favorite locations for pro photo shoots. Many people choose to live in North Vancouver today for the easy access it provides to outdoor recreation.

North Vancouver is composed of two municipalities: the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver. The city is centred on Lonsdale Ave and is more dense and urban in character. The district is more suburban and is largely composed of single-family homes. The distinction between the two is irrelevant for travellers, and most locals would have a difficult time telling you where the city ends and the district begins (it's all just "North Vancouver"). However, if you get a parking ticket or need to visit one of the city halls, make sure to check which one — city or district — you need to go to.

Together with its neighbour West Vancouver, North Vancouver is part of a local regional grouping referred to as the North Shore municipalities, or simply "the North Shore".

Climate and when to go
The weather in North Van follows what happens in Vancouver, with sunny dry summers (July & Aug) and wet winters (Nov-Mar). The proximity of the mountains does influence the local weather though, with somewhat more rain and less sunshine than Vancouver. There's also more snow the further up the mountain you go. All of this will often be irrelevant to visitors, but if you are planning on hiking or skiing in the mountains, be aware the weather may be quite different than what you see in Lonsdale Quay, or can change quickly, so be prepared.

It's hard to pin down when is a best time to visit North Vancouver (and the region as a whole). The main attractions like Grouse Mountain and the suspension bridges are open year-round, as are hikes at lower elevations. If you have your heart set on doing the Grouse Grind or back-country hikes, then May-Oct are when they are open. The local ski hills are normally open from Dec to early/mid April, while kayaking and Deep Cove are at their best May through Sept.

Get in
See Vancouver for a listing of options to reach the Vancouver area by plane, by ferry, by intercity bus, and by intercity rail.

By car
If you're coming from anywhere other than downtown Vancouver, driving is probably the easiest way to get to North Vancouver. From downtown, the Lion's Gate Bridge (Highway 99) provides a scenic although sometimes congested entrance point. Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) and the Second Narrows Bridge (also called the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge) generally moves better. Both bridges slow down significantly during rush hour on weekdays; traffic can backup on weekend afternoons, as well.

By train
Rocky Mountaineer has a station in North Vancouver, which is served by the train to Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel in the summer months. This is a luxury service aimed squarely at tourists who wish to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace, and not a practical option for travel.

Get around
Car and bus are both convenient ways to get around North Vancouver, although a car will generally be a little faster and more direct. Cycling is also possible with the network of bike lanes, but the terrain is hilly and the distance between attractions tends to be large, so a bike may not be the most efficient way to get around.

By road
Hwy 1, or the Upper Levels Highway, runs east-west from the Second Narrows Bridge to West Vancouver and provides quick transit across the city. However, if you're going to see the attractions, you'll need to get off the highway. Lonsdale Avenue runs north-south through the middle of the City of North Vancouver, while Capilano Road, Lynn Valley Road and Mount Seymour Parkway provide access to the areas above and east of the highway. Many shops, restaurants and businesses are located along Marine Drive and Lonsdale Avenue. As with most cities, traffic on these roads can be busy at morning and evening rush hours. Parking is quite plentiful and usually free on the North Shore.

By public transit

 * If your trip only involves the bus system, the standard adult fare is . Trips that combine the bus with either the SeaBus or Skytrain follow the normal three zone pricing system.
 * On the North Shore, the three transit hubs are Park Royal in West Vancouver, Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver and Phibbs Exchange in North Vancouver. Buses run between each of these hubs and out to the various attractions and parts of the region (e.g., Grouse Mountain, Horseshoe Bay, and Deep Cove). Park Royal and Lonsdale Quay have buses that connect with downtown Vancouver while Phibbs Exchange has buses that connect with Vancouver and Burnaby. Travel within North and West Vancouver is considered one zone and costs.
 * The main bus routes of note to reach North Vancouver from other cities are:
 * R2 - RapidBus service that connects Lonsdale Quay (and the Seabus) with Phibbs Exchange and Park Royal. This is one of two bus routes that connect with West Vancouver bus routes.
 * 28 - Connects North Van (at Phibbs Exchange) with the Millenium and Expo Skytrain routes (Gilmore and Joyce stations, respectively).
 * 210 & 211 - Connects North Van and downtown Vancouver via Gastown, East Van and the Second Narrows Bridge. The bus routes continue on to Deep Cove with a stop at Phibbs Exchange for transfers to other North Van bus routes.
 * 240 - Connects Lynn Valley, Central Lonsdale and Marine Dr with downtown Vancouver via the Lions Gate Bridge and the West End.
 * SeaBus is an easy, efficient, utilitarian option to travel between North Vancouver and downtown Vancouver. Departing from Waterfront Station downtown and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, the passenger only ferry ride takes 12 minutes to cross the harbour and the big windows at the front and back provide great views of the North Shore mountains and the downtown Vancouver skyline. Departures are generally every 15 minutes until the 9PM departure from North Vancouver and the 9:15PM departure from Vancouver; after that it runs every half hour until last sailing. The SeaBus operates from 6:02AM to 1:22AM M-Sa, and from 8:02AM-11:16PM on Sunday and public holidays. Passage is considered two zones so the standard adult fare is on weekdays until 6:30PM and  at other times. Cash is not accepted on the SeaBus so you must either buy a Compass ticket or Compass Card from the vending machines outside the SeaBus terminal or tap your credit card at the fare gate.
 * SeaBus is an easy, efficient, utilitarian option to travel between North Vancouver and downtown Vancouver. Departing from Waterfront Station downtown and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, the passenger only ferry ride takes 12 minutes to cross the harbour and the big windows at the front and back provide great views of the North Shore mountains and the downtown Vancouver skyline. Departures are generally every 15 minutes until the 9PM departure from North Vancouver and the 9:15PM departure from Vancouver; after that it runs every half hour until last sailing. The SeaBus operates from 6:02AM to 1:22AM M-Sa, and from 8:02AM-11:16PM on Sunday and public holidays. Passage is considered two zones so the standard adult fare is on weekdays until 6:30PM and  at other times. Cash is not accepted on the SeaBus so you must either buy a Compass ticket or Compass Card from the vending machines outside the SeaBus terminal or tap your credit card at the fare gate.

By bicycle
The city has made a real effort to be more bicycle-friendly, enhancing existing bike lanes and building new separated lanes across some parts of the city. The network is particularly useful for getting from Lonsdale Quay/Lower Lonsdale to the Lions Gate Bridge but is less useful for getting to attractions at the edge of the city like Lynn Canyon, Grouse Mountain and Deep Cove. A map is available from the Translink website.

See
The North Shore mountains are a beautiful spot and much of the area's attractions are designed to capture that beauty or to take in what people have built to overcome the obstacles posed by the mountains. Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are the big attractions and popular with tour buses. To get a more local feel and North Shore experience, check out Deep Cove, Lynn Canyon or one of the parks listed below.

Lonsdale Quay and the Waterfront
Lonsdale Quay is a market, gathering place and transportation hub for North Vancouver, and often the starting point for exploring the city. The waterfront as a whole is still in development, but there are parks, public spaces, some history of the area and great views of the downtown Vancouver skyline.

Grouse Mountain
is an all-season attraction with a wide range of activities. The Skyride whisks you up the side of the mountain while providing views of Metro Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains. Up top, the has three restaurants, two shops, viewing windows and Theatre in the Sky, which shows short films about the area. Immediately outside of the chalet, is the summer patio that becomes the in winter. Beyond that are a number of fairly easy walking trails that lead to the Lumberjack Show, the Birds in Motion show and wildlife refuge area. There are a number of chainsaw-made wood carvings that are worth a look and on clear days you can catch a glimpse of Mt Baker.

From around April to October, trails are available to reach Grouse Mountain instead of taking the Skyride, which are covered in the Do section below. The Grouse Grind is only intended for one-way travel, up the mountain. Those who hike to the top can take the Grouse Mountain Skyride for $15 per descent.

Capilano River attractions
The Capilano River and canyon, along North Vancouver's western side, serves a number of roles. It's a spawning ground for salmon, the reservoir above the dam provides a large portion of Metro Vancouver's drinking water, and it's a recreation area, including one of the city's biggest tourist attractions, Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Hiking
There are beautiful hikes to do on the North Shore ranging from rugged steep climbs to gentle strolls, and range in time commitment from a couple of hours to a full day. Along the way you can potentially see waterfalls, lots of trees and some nice views. If doing some of the more advanced hikes in the mountains, be mindful that the terrain is sometimes steep, the trail rough and that you are in a wilderness area with bears and cougars so take appropriate precautions.

Snow sports
One of the things that drew people over to the North Shore in the early days was skiing and it continues to draw the crowds, particularly on weekends in January and February. The three ski hills offer a mix of downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing and snowshoeing. Opening and closing dates depend on the weather, but they are usually open by late November and close in early/mid April.

On the water
You'd never be able to describe the water as warm, but there are beaches at Deep Cove and Cates Park if you want a refreshing dip. The real attraction though, is the excellent kayaking in Indian Arm. Novice kayakers, or paddlers just looking for a couple of hours on the water, can paddle around Deep Cove and the nearby shoreline; the more experienced can explore the further reaches of Indian Arm. If you head up the Arm in a kayak, watch for motorboats as some move very quickly and be aware the wind normally picks up in the afternoon and will usually be against you on the way back to Deep Cove, so plan accordingly.

Cycling and mountain biking
North Vancouver, and the entire North Shore, is world-famous among mountain bikers as one of the best places to mountain bike. The obstacles created by the local terrain — roots, fallen trees, drops and the mountains — have led to a unique style of trails which combine man-made features and natural obstacles that has become known around the world as “North Shore” style. Not every trail in North Vancouver is a heart-pumping gnarly descent, though. There’s a growing network of paved trails that provide some easy riding and nice views. The main one is the Spirit Trail, which can be easily accessed from the Seabus and Lonsdale Quay.

Rentals
Bike rentals aren't as plentiful on the North Shore as they are downtown, so it may be easier to rent a bike downtown and take it on the Seabus. There are a couple of local options though with a good selection of bikes that can handle the level of riding you want.

Trails
North Vancouver trails cover the range from city cruising to forest paths to downhill descents. They’re listed below in approximate level of difficulty (paved trails at the top, mountain biking trails at the end). Mountain bike trails are graded using a green/blue/black system, with green being beginner, blue for intermediate and black/double black for advanced. Many of the trails are maintained by the North Shore Mountain Bike Association and Trailforks has an abundance of detailed trail information (also available as an app for iPhone and Android). Local bike shops are also good sources of information and first-hand knowledge.

Shopping malls

Many of the small villages within the North Shore have shopping districts, including and  (Ridgewood Drive and Edgemont Boulevard). A drive or walk along Lonsdale Avenue, Marine Drive and Main Street will also yield plenty of shopping opportunities.

Souvenirs, sports equipment and other stuff
A good spot for souvenirs (plus fresh produce, seafood and baked goods) is the Grouse Mountain has a gift shop in the bottom floor of the chalet with postcards, books, T-shirts, Native Art and other items. The Trading Post at Capilano Suspension Bridge has a large selection of First Nations art. There are also small gift shops in Deep Cove, Ambleside and Horseshoe Bay.

If your equipment needs a tune-up or you just want something new, Lonsdale Avenue has a number of shops that sell and repair bikes, snowboards and skis, as well as related accessories. If you need outdoor gear, there is a There are also shops along Marine Drive that cater for these sports.

Eat
If you're looking to buy your own food, there are plenty of grocery stores (Safeway, Save-on-Foods, Superstore, IGA) scattered across the North Shore. There are also smaller stores that sell produce (Kin's Market is one chain), as does the market at Lonsdale Quay.

North Vancouver has a large number of restaurants serving a variety of tastes. Generally, if you drive along Marine Drive or Lonsdale Avenue you won't have a problem finding a restaurant. A selection of restaurants is below.

Drink
Nightlife options in North Vancouver are limited. Clubbing is pretty much non-existent (you have to go to Vancouver to find night clubs), but there are a number of good neighbourhood pubs. There are also some microbreweries with lounges and kegs on tap if you want to sample the local craft beer scene. For microbreweries, the area just southeast of the Lonsdale Quay SeaBus Terminal has been designated the "Brewery District" and is home to microbreweries, cider mill, winery, distillery, and braggotery, with new establishments opening every few months.

Sleep
You'll find a smaller range of accommodation options in North Vancouver than Vancouver, with less luxury and fewer boutique hotels. Prices are a bit lower than downtown and still have reasonably easy access to Vancouver and most other destinations in the region. There are a number of chain motels located around the intersection of Capilano Rd and Marine Drive, while the fancier hotels are on the waterfront near Lonsdale Quay. B&Bs are also an option, with a number of them throughout the city.

Connect
All of the commercial and residential areas of the North Shore have cell phone coverage. However, the terrain is quite mountainous and therefore there are dead spots here and there. Once you get off on the hiking trails you lose cell phone coverage amazingly quickly.

Stay safe
The biggest danger in North Vancouver is the terrain and not being prepared. Property crime happens and usual precautions like keeping valuables out of sight should be followed. Violent crime is rare. If you need to contact emergency services, dial 911.

When hiking in the mountains, biking or skiing, understand the trails you are going on and do not go beyond your abilities or provisions. The terrain can be treacherous off marked trails with cliffs and gullies, and local rescue teams are frequently called out to find people who were unprepared or got in over their heads. Hikers should stay on well marked trails, have shoes and clothing appropriate to the level of hike and leave plenty of time to get back to the trailhead before nightfall (which happens quite quickly in the dense forest). Skier/snowboarders should stay in-bounds of the ski resort.

There are a lot of black bears around in the summer. Be bear aware when hiking around the North Shore areas.

Go next
If you're not ready to return to Vancouver yet, the North Vancouver offers several options for day trips and moving on.
 * West Vancouver, next door, has more parks, hiking and scenic views to take in.
 * West and north on Hwy 99 takes you through the Sea to Sky region, which offers varied outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, rock climbing and camping. It also takes you to the resort area of Whistler, with its nightlife, fine dining and a wide variety of activities that will keep you busy regardless of the season.
 * Get on the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to the Sunshine Coast or Nanaimo.

title: North Vancouver