Phyl Munday Nature House, Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver

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Stop by the Phyl Munday Nature House in Lighthouse Park to explore the natural word from birds to bats to bugs and much more!

A walk through Lighthouse Park's vast old growth forest leads visitors to ponder many questions about the unique ecosystem - the last of its kind in the Greater Vancouver region. Answer those questions at the Phyl Munday Nature House near the Point Atkinson Lighthouse in West Vancouver which offers a wide range of natural exhibits focusing on the varied ecosystem, flora and fauna found throughout this beautiful coastal Park.

Lighthouse Park situated on the shores of West Vancouver is one of the region's most visited Parks, offering several kilometres of trails, towering old growth Douglas Fir, Hemlock and Western Red Cedar and hikes accenting the region's spectacular views, tide pools and unique flora and fauna. There are many secrets tucked away inside Lighthouse Park, one of which includes the Phyl Mundy Nature House. Visitors can access the Nature House by walking down Beacon Lane Trail which leads to a scout camp made up of several old buildings (trail map). Walk past the buildings towards the Lighthouse and the Phyl Munday Nature House is the building closest to the Lighthouse residence gates.

The building which houses the Phyl Mundy Nature House along with those surrounding it were constructed during the Second World War to house the Canadian Armed Forces in the event of an attack. Afterwards the buildings were used mainly by Junior Forest Rangers and Girl Guides. In the 1960's and 70's, mountaineer, naturalist and Girl Guide leader Phyl (Phyllis) Munday held nature workshops in the Park, teaching hundreds of young girls about the surrounding environment. In 1991 the Phyl Munday Nature House was opened to the public housing a collection of exhibits and murals to continue Phyllis Munday's work to inspire and educate visitors to Lighthouse Park.

The Phyl Munday Nature House continues to be operated by the Girl Guides of Canada and the West Vancouver Parks & Recreation and is open only on Sundays. Inside, a wide range of exhibits provide a unique learning experience including a bird learning area with several stuffed examples of Birds of Prey, nests, eggs and feathers; a forest learning area with a whole log with species of bugs, cross sections of trees and even a hornets nest; an ocean learning area with shells, books and rocks; and as well, collections of skulls and educational posters. Be sure to direct questions to the staff and volunteers who delight in sharing fascinating information on this beloved West Vancouver locale.

Young or old, the Phyl Munday Nature House attracts people who have come to Lighthouse Park to enjoy its rugged beauty and breathtaking shoreline. Take the opportunity to see, touch, hear and feel the elements that makes up the Park and continue to experience the passion Phyllis Munday had for nature in Lighthouse Park!