Our North Shore Bike Park Brand Story
- Mike Upton
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
The Story Behind Our Name
We get this question a lot: "Are you changing the name to Maple Ridge Bike Park?"
Let's clear the air right away: No, we aren't! But the story behind our name is the entire reason we exist.
For us, "North Shore" isn't just a dot on a map. It’s a mindset, a rhythm, and a world-famous legacy of adventure recreation. When we decided to build a place for families, kids, and riders of all levels, there was only one name that captured the spirit we wanted to share with the world.
The Legend of the Real North Shore
If you're into outdoor adventure, you've heard the legends of Vancouver's North Shore. It’s a special place, and not by accident.
The area is defined by rugged mountains like Grouse, Seymour, and Cypress, all surrounded by forests and water. This landscape has shaped a culture of adventure for a very long time. It began with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, who thrived by adapting to the rugged reality of the sea-to-sky terrain.
When Europeans arrived, they also adopted the outdoors as a way of life, both for work and play. By the early 1900s, people were already forming mountaineering clubs to explore the peaks.
This spirit of pushing boundaries hit a new level in the 1970s and 80s. This is where modern mountain biking, as we know it, was practically born. The "North Shore" style of riding, with its unique trail designs, influenced the entire world and created an entire industry.
That’s the key. The North Shore isn't just a place; it's a globally renowned hub for mountain sports, built by a community of pioneers who saw adventure everywhere they looked.
The "North Shore" brand represents a commitment to active, family-friendly, and skill-progressive recreation that draws its spirit from the bold, daring, adventurous, outdoorsy culture of Vancouver's iconic North Shore. The brand is not tied to geography, but rather to a lifestyle and legacy: natural terrain, community connection, rich history, bold participation, and accessible fun.
Bringing That Spirit Indoors
That's the feeling we wanted to bottle.
We wanted to capture that same feeling of adventure, community, and skill-building and put it under one roof. We’re inspired by that bold, adventurous vibe, but we wanted to make it accessible to everyone, all year round.
The real North Shore can be pretty intimidating. Our goal is to be the opposite. We're a place that feels welcoming, encouraging, and safe. We want to be the spot where a three-year-old can gain confidence on a run bike, where a teenager can safely practice new tricks, and where parents can join in on the fun.
It’s a place to be bold, but in a way that’s supportive, not scary.
It’s a Vibe, Not a Location
Think about it—lots of brands you love do this.
Boston Pizza - Based in Alberta, Canada, not Boston. Uses the city name to convey American-style casual dining and familiarity.
Arizona Iced Tea isn't based in Arizona; it's from New York! They use the name to make you think of refreshment and desert heat.
Outback Steakhouse started in Florida, not Australia. It uses "Outback" to evoke a feeling of rugged adventure.
Montana's BBQ & Bar is based in Ontario. “Montana” evokes cowboy and grilling culture, not geography.
These brands prove that a name can stand for a lifestyle. That's what "North Shore" means to us. It stands for action, progression, and family-friendly challenge no matter what city we're in.
It starts with North Shore Bike Park, our home for all wheeled sports like BMX, mountain biking, scooters, and skateboarding. But that same spirit will grow. Soon, you'll see North Shore Adventure, which will include things like climbing, obstacle courses, and more.
So, when you see our name, you know what we stand for: a commitment to building community through movement, skill, family interaction and a whole lot of fun.
Welcome to the North Shore!
