Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver

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Lighthouse Park's shoreline offers views toward the Lighthouse which is still in operation today as well as the City of Vancouver.

Lighthouse Park located in West Vancouver is only shoreline park with uncut coastal forests lining the Burrard Inlet. Encompassing rare old growth trees and a still functioning lighthouse, the park has many interesting and informative hikes and amazing forest and coastal views to enjoy and explore.

Lighthouse Park, situated in stunning West Vancouver is one of the premier sea level parks on the northern shore. Encompassing 185 acres of land, this park is only identified on the main road by a rugged wood carved sign.

Its namesake, the lighthouse that sits at the end of Point Atkinson, was built in 1875 to indicate the shoreline to the ships coming into English Bay. The lighthouse is still in operation and is still inhabited - be sure to not trespass on private property when in the park. Point Atkinson is the southern most point of the park and consists of granite boulders which was charted and named by Captain George Vancouver in 1752 whom the City of Vancouver was named for. In recognition of the importance of the site it was named a Canadian National Historic Site and is protected.

Starboat Cove on the Park's rocky coastline is a fun place to explore. Throughout the year adventurous hikers can be seen looking for shells, small crabs and other sea creatures in the many tide pools during low tide.

Although the rugged shores are enticing to many, it is the stunning temperate forests which amaze visitors to the park which contains the regions largest uncut coastal elevation forest, with first growth Douglas Fir, as well as impressive Western Red Cedar and Western Hemlock that have shot up to dizzying heights. The park also encompasses old summer camp buildings which are not open to the public but are interesting in design and location.

The walking paths can be steep and narrow, therefore biking is not permitted in the park (see a trail map here). These pathways can be both slippery and steep so be prepared with proper footwear such as hiking boots to ensure your safety.

Lighthouse Park is one of the most awe inspiring sights in West Vancouver with its 500 year old trees, comprising mostly of Old Growth forest. Easily accessible by car or public transit, and including five kilometers of trails, this park shows what the region looked like prior to settlement (as it contains the only coastal forest in West Vancouver) and also offers amazing views of Downtown Vancouver, English Bay and the suburbs of the City.