Are you tired of constantly shelling out money for parking every time you visit North Vancouver? We know the feeling. It can be frustrating to spend your hard-earned cash on something as mundane as parking when there are so many other exciting things to do in the area. But fear not, because we have some insider information on where you can park for free in North Vancouver.
Picture this: your heart is racing as you try to find a spot to park near your destination. The clock is ticking, and every minute that passes means more money out of your pocket. You start to feel anxious and stressed, wondering if you’ll ever find a spot that doesn’t require payment. The good news is that there are options available that will alleviate this pain point and give you peace of mind.
In this article, we’ll reveal the best places to park for free in North Vancouver, saving you both time and money. Say goodbye to the frustration of searching endlessly for a spot or wasting money on parking fees. Get ready to discover North Vancouver’s hidden gems where parking comes at no cost!
If you only got 30 seconds:
Discover the best areas in North Vancouver to find free parking and avoid getting ticketed or towed. Lonsdale Quay and Lower Lonsdale offer limited free parking, but arrive early or later in the afternoon to secure a spot. Keep in mind that time restrictions apply, with most street parking having a maximum time limit of two hours.
Best Areas in North Vancouver to Find Free Parking
North Vancouver is a beautiful city located just across the water from downtown Vancouver. It offers numerous parks, hiking trails, and other attractions for visitors to enjoy. Finding free parking can be challenging, but there are some areas where you can park without having to pay.
Lonsdale Quay
Lonsdale Quay is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to shop, eat, and enjoy the waterfront views. There is limited free parking available in the area, but it can be difficult to find a spot during peak hours.
- If you’re planning to visit Lonsdale Quay during the day, try arriving early or later in the afternoon when many people have left for work or school.
- You can also try parking on nearby side streets such as 3rd Street West or 4th Street West.
Lower Lonsdale
The Lower Lonsdale area of North Vancouver has plenty of shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. There is some free parking available in the area if you know where to look.
- The best places to find free parking in Lower Lonsdale are along St. Georges Avenue or on side streets such as Chesterfield Avenue or 4th Street East.
- Keep in mind that these spots fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. If you’re visiting on a weekend or during an event, it’s best to plan ahead and arrive early.
Time Restrictions for Free Parking in North Vancouver
Many of the free parking spots in North Vancouver have time restrictions that limit how long you can park in one spot. It’s important to be aware of these restrictions to avoid getting ticketed or towed.
Street Parking
Most of the free street parking in North Vancouver has a maximum time limit of two hours. After this time, you must move your car to a new spot or risk getting ticketed.
- Some areas may have shorter or longer time limits, so make sure to check the signs before you park.
- You can use a timer app on your phone to keep track of how long you’ve been parked in one spot.
Designated Free Parking Lots
There are some designated free parking lots in North Vancouver that allow you to park for longer periods of time. These lots are often located near parks or other attractions and offer a convenient way to park without having to pay.
- The parking lot at Lynn Canyon Park is free and has no time restrictions, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.
- The gravel lot at the base of Grouse Mountain also offers free parking with no time restrictions, but it’s only available during non-ski season.
Parking for Free at Local Parks in North Vancouver
If you’re planning to visit one of North Vancouver’s many beautiful parks, there are some free parking options available nearby. Keep in mind that these spots can fill up quickly during peak hours, so it’s best to arrive early if possible.
Lynn Canyon Park
Lynn Canyon Park is a popular destination for hiking and swimming. There is limited free parking available near the park entrance, but it can be difficult to find a spot during peak hours.
- If the parking lot is full, you can try parking along nearby roads such as Peters Road or Dempsey Road.
- Be aware that some of these spots may have time restrictions, so make sure to check the signs before you park.
Cates Park
Cates Park is a beautiful waterfront park in North Vancouver. There is limited free parking available near the park entrance, but it can be difficult to find a spot during peak hours.
- If the parking lot is full, you can try parking on nearby streets such as Dollarton Highway or Deep Cove Road.
- Keep in mind that some of these spots may have time restrictions, so make sure to check the signs before you park.
Finding Free Street Parking Near Popular North Vancouver Attractions
If you’re planning to visit one of North Vancouver’s popular attractions such as Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mountain, finding free street parking can be challenging. However, there are some areas where you may be able to find a spot without having to pay for parking.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a popular tourist attraction with limited free parking available on site. However, there are some free street parking options nearby if you know where to look.
- You can try parking on nearby streets such as Ridgewood Drive or Highland Boulevard.
- Be aware that many of these spots have time restrictions, so make sure to check the signs before you park.
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is a popular ski and hiking destination in North Vancouver. There is limited free parking available on site, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.
- If the parking lot is full, you can try parking on nearby streets such as Nancy Greene Way or Capilano Road.
- Be aware that some of these spots may have time restrictions, so make sure to check the signs before you park.
Designated Free Parking Lots in North Vancouver
In addition to street parking options, there are also some designated free parking lots in North Vancouver. These lots offer a convenient way to park without having to pay for parking meters or attendants.
Lynn Canyon Park Lot
The Lynn Canyon Park lot offers free parking with no time restrictions. However, it can fill up quickly during peak hours, especially on weekends and holidays.
- If the lot is full, you can try parking along nearby roads such as Peters Road or Dempsey Road.
- Be aware that some of these spots may have time restrictions, so make sure to check the signs before you park.
Grouse Mountain Gravel Lot
The gravel lot at the base of Grouse Mountain offers free parking with no time restrictions. However, it’s only available during non-ski season and can fill up quickly during peak hours.
- If the lot is full, you can try parking on nearby streets such as Nancy Greene Way or Capilano Road.
- Be aware that some of these spots may have time restrictions, so make sure to check the signs before you park.
Arriving Early to Secure a Spot in the Free Parking Areas of North Vancouver
One of the best ways to find free parking in North Vancouver is to arrive early. Many of the free street parking spots and designated free parking lots fill up quickly during peak hours, so it’s important to plan ahead if possible.
Peak Hours
Most of the free parking areas in North Vancouver are busiest during peak hours, which are typically between 10am and 4pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays.
- If you’re planning to visit a popular attraction or park during these times, it’s best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon when many people have left for work or school.
- You can also try visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend or holiday when there may be fewer people around.
Residential Areas Where Visitors Can Park for Free in North Vancouver
There are some residential areas in North Vancouver where visitors can park for free without having to worry about time restrictions or meters. However, it’s important to be respectful of the residents who live there and avoid blocking driveways or causing other disruptions.
Lower Lonsdale Area
The Lower Lonsdale area of North Vancouver has many residential streets where visitors can park for free. These areas are quieter than some of the busier commercial areas, making them a great option for those who want to avoid crowds.
- The best places to find free street parking in Lower Lonsdale are along St. Georges Avenue or on side streets such as Chesterfield Avenue or 4th Street East.
- Be aware that some spots may have time restrictions, so make sure to check the signs before you park.
Online Resources to Help Locate Free Parking Spots in North Vancouver
If you’re having trouble finding free parking in North Vancouver, there are some online resources that can help. These websites and apps provide information on available parking spots and can help you plan your visit accordingly.
Parkopedia
Parkopedia is a website and app that provides information on available parking spots in North Vancouver and other cities around the world. It allows you to search for free parking spots based on location and time of day.
- You can also filter your search results by distance from your destination or by price if you’re looking for paid parking options.
- The app is available for both iOS and Android devices, making it easy to use on the go.
City of North Vancouver Parking Map
The City of North Vancouver has an online parking map that shows the location of all public parking lots in the city. This includes both paid and free options.
- You can use the map to find designated free parking lots as well as paid lots with affordable rates.
- The map is updated regularly, so it’s always current and accurate.
In conclusion, North Vancouver offers several free parking options for those who are looking to save their money. By exploring the various areas and taking advantage of the available resources, visitors and residents can find convenient and accessible parking spots without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions – Where to Park for Free North Vancouver
Is there free street parking in Vancouver?
In Vancouver, parking on the street overnight is free at any meter from 10pm to 9am the following day, as long as there are no signs prohibiting it.
How long can you park on the street in North Vancouver?
The RPO zone is reserved for residents who meet the qualifications and have a permit to park there for up to 72 hours. Non-residents are not allowed to park within the RPO zone.
Is street parking free on weekends in Vancouver?
Parking meters are operational 7 days a week, including holidays, from 9am to 10pm.
Where is car free day in Vancouver?
On September 9th, 2023, the Commercial Drive event will make a comeback. The celebration takes place along around fifteen blocks of Commercial Drive, from 1st Avenue to North Grandview Highway. The Commercial Drive event has been a tradition since 2005 and is Vancouver’s first-ever Car Free Day festival.
What is free off street parking?
Off-street parking refers to parking your vehicle in places that are not on the streets, such as garages and lots. It can be indoors or outdoors and includes privately owned lots, garages, and driveways.
Does Stanley Park have free parking?
Regrettably, it is not possible to park for free in Stanley Park as all parking within the park is subject to fees. This applies to any date, including February 24, 2023.

Nick Renford is a seasoned traveler and parking expert who is passionate about helping people find the best parking spots and save money on parking fees. With his insider knowledge and commitment to providing trustworthy information, Nick is dedicated to empowering readers to make informed parking decisions.