Thursday, March 28, 2024

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6 Things To Do At Whytecliff Park

Whyte Islet in Whytecliff Park. Photo: Destination BC/Alex Strohl

West Vancouver’s Whytecliffe Park has spectacular scenery. Go for a hike, explore an off-shore island at low tide, enjoy the incredible ocean views, and lots more.

How to Get to Whytecliffe Park

By car: From Vancouver, go north over the Lions Gate Bridge, then follow signs along Marine Drive and Taylor Way to go west on Highway 1. Take exit 2 for Eagleridge Drive. At the roundabout, go right onto Horseshoe Bay Drive, following the signs for Marine Drive. After passing the ferry toll booth, turn left onto Marine Drive. Cross the overpass over the highway, then go right at the roundabout to stay on Marine Drive. At the next roundabout, go straight to continue on Marine Drive as it curls through the neighbourhood. About 2 km later, turn left at the sign into Whytecliffe Park. The main parking lot fills fast on sunny weekends. There is an overflow parking lot a few minutes further along Marine Drive on the right-hand side.

By bus: From downtown Vancouver, catch the 250 bus from West Georgia at Seymour Street (near Granville Skytrain Station). Get off on Marine Drive at Nelson Avenue and walk 2 kilometres along Marine Drive into the park. The walk will take about 30 minutes.

Tips for Visiting

  • Visit the park website to plan your trip.
  • Dogs must be on leash in the park, except in the off-leash area on the east side of Marine Drive.
  • Smoking, vaping, cannabis, drones, alcohol, and collecting plants are not allowed.
  • There are washrooms next to the main parking lot.
  • Be safe in the park. AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every hike. Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the weather. Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.
  • Read our tips for safe spring hiking in Vancouver.

Hike the Panorama Trail

The 2-kilometre-long Panorama Trail explores Whytecliff Park’s quieter eastern half. The trail starts at the overflow parking lot, then climbs up onto a ridge. After the initial climb, the trail makes several loops. Be sure to explore each one to discover viewpoints of Howe Sound.

Explore Whyte Islet

The prominent rocky island just offshore is called Whyte Islet. You can reach it at low tide by walking across a narrow ridge of rocks. Once on the island, scramble up the granite face to reach informal paths to viewpoints. Check the Point Atkinson tide table before you head across to the islet to make sure you have enough time to get there and back before the tide comes in. Otherwise, you will get your feet wet or even have to swim.

Rock hopping back from Whyte Islet as the tide comes in. Photo: Brayden Law/Unsplash

Rock hopping back from Whyte Islet as the tide comes in. Photo: Brayden Law/Unsplash

Hit the Beach

The small pebble and sand beach is a great spot for relaxing or beach combing. It has sun all day, so it’s often nice and warm. The small cove is a great place to swim on hot days. But use caution as there are no lifeguards.

Enjoy the Viewpoints

The west side of the park has a small network of trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints and benches atop granite bluffs. Look across to Bowen Island and the busy BC Ferries sailing to and from Horseshoe Bay. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset.

Looking across to Whyte Islet from a viewpoint in Whytecliff Park. Photo: Benjamin Hayward/Unplash

Looking across to Whyte Islet from a viewpoint in Whytecliff Park. Photo: Benjamin Hayward/Unplash

Have a Picnic

Whytecliff Park is the perfect spot for a picnic. There is a large covered picnic shelter near the parking lot as well as plenty of grass to spread out a picnic blanket. Or you can take your picnic down to the beach or one of the benches at the viewpoints to soak up the scenery while you eat.

Go Scuba Diving

Whytecliff Park is one of the most popular places to scuba dive in Vancouver. The easy beach entry and sheltered cove make it a popular place to learn to dive. But experienced divers will love exploring the sides of the bay with their abundant sea life. Local dive sho

ps can help with lessons, rentals, and dive recommendations.


By Taryn Eyton
Source Inside Vancouver



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