Vancouver, Coast & Mountains is home to many impressive viewpoints. These include the fragrant, flowered, sub-alpine meadows of Manning Provincial Park; the panoramic city vistas from atop Grouse Mountain or the Vancouver Lookout; Lighthouse Park's unobstructed view of ocean, mountains, islands and city; as well as the captivating rapids of Skookumchuck Narrows.
Cascade Lookout (Manning Provincial Park)
Manning Provincial Park sits in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. The turnoff to the Cascade Lookout and Sub-Alpine Meadows is located across the highway from Manning Park Resort. The 16km/10mi drive ascends a steep and winding road right into the mountains. At the 8km/5mi mark, the Cascade Lookout provides spectacular must-see vistas of valleys, lakes and rivers. Visitors who drive the remaining 8km/5mi will be treated to a myriad of flower-clad meadows. If you experience the sensation of being on top of the world, it's because you are! The road is open June to September, weather permitting.
Manning Park is located along Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton, three hours east of Vancouver.
Grouse Mountain
Known as the Peak of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike. Just a short drive from downtown
Vancouver, the mountain adventure begins in the parking lot, where a 100-passenger aerial tram ride whisks visitors up the mountain to the lodge.
Ride to the top of the Vancouver Lookout in the Harbour Centre and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city, North Shore mountains and one of Canada's largest ports. Scale the approximately 167m/548ft in a glass elevator, arriving at the top in 50 seconds, and explore the interpretive displays around the viewing deck.
Learn more about the Vancouver Lookout by watching Field Reporter Simon's video:
Lighthouse Park
The entire family will enjoy this wilderness escape at the mouth of Burrard Inlet. Hidden on the outskirts of
West Vancouver, the well-developed trail system includes an invigorating 5km/3mi circuit through centuries-old Douglas fir and cedar forest. This moderately-rated walk takes approximatley two hours.
To the east, enjoy fabulous views of English Bay, Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver. To the west, see Bowen Island and, further on, Vancouver Island. No trip to the park is complete without a look at its namesake, 1912's Point Atkinson Lighthouse.
Lighthouse Park is located in West Vancouver, 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
Skookumchuck Narrows
The word "Skookumchuck" is Chinook for "powerful waters." That about sums up what visitors to Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park will encounter. On a 3m/9.8ft tide, 757 billion litres/200 billion gallons of water pulse through the narrows connecting Sechelt Inlet to Jervis Inlet. The result is a crescendo of turbulent rapids renowned for their astounding whirlpools and whitewater. A relatively flat 8km/5mi roundtrip trail leaves from the site's parking lot to the Roland Point viewing area. Time the walk right, and arrive when the tidal surge is at its strongest.
Rated "easy", the walk should take approximately two hours. Consult with the tide table or Sechelt Visitor Centre for best viewing times. The park is located off Highway 101 near Egmont, one hour north of
Sechelt.
Whistler Mountain
The panoramic views are breathtaking at the top of Whistler Mountain. The adventure begins with the Whistler Gondola (admission fee required), which travels from the Village to the mountain top. Here, enjoy 360-degree views of world-famous peaks, crystal lakes and magnificent glaciers. During the summer months, there are also some wonderful trails to explore, including Glacier Trail, Harmony Lake Trail and the quirkily named Musical Bumps. Before setting off to explore the mountain, please note the time of the last gondola back to Whistler Village.
Stanley Park
The crown jewel of Vancouver's parks, 405ha/1,000ac Stanley Park has room for plenty of spectacular views. Navigate the park in a counterclockwise direction and see panoramic vista points.
The Seawall, from the Georgia Street entrance to Brockton Point Lighthouse, provides stunning views of the downtown skyline, including the distinctive five-sails silhouette of
Canada Place.
Rounding the bend beyond Brockton Point, prepare to be wowed by the stature of Lions Gate Bridge, the legendary three-lane suspension bridge connecting
Vancouver to the
North Shore.
In proximity to the bridge is Prospect Point, a perfect place to stop and view the picturesque North Shore.
Continue to the western tip of the park, and see Siwash Rock – an offshore volcanic outcropping.
Stanley Park is within easy walking distance of downtown Vancouver.
Beaches of English Bay
Most people expect water views from a beach. In
Vancouver, there's also the unexpected: mountain and cityscape views.
This is particularly true of Spanish Bank, Locarno, Jericho and Kitsilano beaches along the southern shores of English Bay. Each is renowned for its stunning views of the downtown city skyline, North Shore mountains and Pacific Ocean.
Perch on a large log and gaze at the setting sun, passing sailboats, and harbour seals.
English Bay's south-shore beaches are just a 15 to 25-minute drive from downtown Vancouver.