Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver

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Sunset from the top of Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver. This photo was taken in late fall near the observation deck on the west side of the park.

Whytecliff Park, in stunning West Vancouver is a popular park with some of the best sunset views, diving and exploration on the North Shore. Visitors can discover Whyte Island, accessible only in low tide or digging among the rocks to discover crabs, starfish and other hidden creatures along the shoreline. This park is one of the best hidden gems in West Vancouver.

Whytecliff Park, nestled in a small slice of land amongst million dollar homes on the waterfront of West Vancouver, is a popular year round area for tourists and locals to visit. The park is five minutes away from Horseshoe Bay along a scenic and narrow roadway on the edge of Howe Sound that holds sights almost a beautiful as this inconspicuous park, it is unsurprising why Whytecliff Park is a popular West Vancouver destination.

Originally named White Cliff because of the colour of the rocks found on the coastline of the Park, the name was changed in 1914 when Colonel Albert Whyte put pressure to have it spelled to reflect his own.

Billed as one of the best Diving spots along the coast, the sheltered bay created by nearby Whyte Island and the coastline has created calm and bountiful waters filled with several unique species of sea life. A popular diving area for all ability levels, WhyteCliff Park also has the distinction of being Canada's first Salt Water Marine protected area, created in 1993, which protects the species and diversity in these waters. The rock filled beaches are also filled with crabs, starfish, eels, driftwood and the occasional seal sunbathing on the beach. Its bountiful shores are also home to large flocks of birds that pick at the exposed rock face during low tide.

On warm, clear days the park is especially populated as the shaded grassy knoll is full of picnickers eating either their own fare or something bought from the well stocked concession stand on the edge of the beach. The beaches equally crowded with children playing in the shallow waters or on the nearby playground. The park, although small contains many amenities such as bathrooms, food, diving information and showers, swimming, tennis courts and picnic areas.

Many people also explore the Whyte Island which only reachable in low tide. Dozens of people scale the rocky cliffs to see the panoramic views of the Georgia Strait and on clear days, Vancouver Island. This rock and shrub filled island is a popular place to sit and drink in the mountains and ocean as well as to watch the ferries servicing the Nanaimo-Horseshoe Bay route along with sailboats and motorboats enjoying the waters.

Most popular at sunset, Whytecliff Park is descended upon by couples as well as families and other curious people who try to get prime seating on the benches that line the rocky cliffs or pick out a spot on the rock face. The park offers one of the most magnificent sunset views on the North shore with its unobstructed shoreline and quiet surroundings.

The park can also be dangerous on wet, slippery days and equally so without proper footwear as the park has many steep cliffs so be on guard when walking on the rock face or stay within the fenced boundaries.