June 08, 2010 | Tips from Us >
West Vancouver, Hiking
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The snow line is dropping, which means hiking season on the coast has begun. First hike of the year for me was up to Eagle Ridge bluffs in West Vancouver. The trailhead is in Nelson Canyon Park (take Exit 4 to Westport Rd).
The route starts by following the TransCanada Trail, but then branches off to the Whyte Lake Trail. Whyte Lake itself is small, but has an awesome log barge that will be put to good use in summer. We stopped to chat with a family fishing for trout in the lake (they'd caught three).
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the outhouse. Why? Because it’s swanky (or as swanky as an outhouse can be). It’s like a mini log cabin. A must-use.
Whyte Lake Trail hooks up with the Baden Powell Trail, which leads to Eagle Ridge bluffs. It was windy up top, so we had a quick lunch (which was eyed quite carefully by the resident raven), and then headed back down.
Total time for the trip was 5 hours (3 up, 2 down), and most of the route is in the woods. The forest floor was thick with ferns, mossy trees stretched overload, and fallen trees or man-made boardwalks crossed over streams. One huge boulder field mid-route and the bluffs themselves add an element of scrambling.
After the trip, my hiking partner and I commented on the number of families out on the trail – so cool! It's great to see kids out enjoying nature, especially nature in their own backyard.
July 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
West Vancouver, Hiking
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Recently, I hiked one of the Juniper Point trails at Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver. For the time and travel invested it was an awesome payout. The trail is pretty easy going for the first three quarters then it's down some steps and step-like rocks to a landing on a big boulder with an awesome view West in the Georgia Strait. The great part is how close you are to the city and downtown but because of where you are situated, you can't see any civilization besides the odd boat. It's like your own lil' paradise. It's clearly a popular spot with the locals as I see many families and people walking there dogs along the trail.
June 01, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
West Vancouver, Hiking
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thought i would try the lions a little earlier this year. ive been up there many times and really like the hike, it's got many differant aspects to the hike and know the hike very well. i knew there was going to be quite abit of snow so i took my crampons and a pik. if you've been up there yourself you will know what sections that im going to talk about. after you head over the bridge after the the small trail you get into a rock section then it goes into a switchback section in the tree's. this is were if you havent been up there before it might be the end for you, there were many trees that have falling since last year (big trees) and the path is blocked all over the place and most of the flags and trail markings are gone. i did not have fun through this section after that i came to the rock section before the ridge, still 3 feet of snow needed my crampons. i would not suggest going up there quite yet all in all i had i good day the weather was great and there was no one else up there, i wonder why. i do hope that the tree's get cleaned up for this season as it's a great hike even for the non-experienced hope to see you in the mountians soon good hiking to all ! ps picture not from this trip will post some soon
April 03, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
West Vancouver, Hiking
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I found this rock staue on a walk around Whytecliff park in West Van. Not sure what it is or what it means but I guess it just watching over the ocean...Keeping the Boats safe