West Vancouver Things To Do

Air & Land Activities:

Rising above Vancouver, the sweeping North Shore Mountains draw hikers and cyclists to its seaside bluffs, old growth rainforest and sub-alpine meadows.

At the mouth of Burrard Inlet, visit Lighthouse Park to hike through 500-year-old Douglas-fir and cedar forest, leading to magnificent ocean vistas. Be sure to hike down the West Beach Trail to view the historic Point Atkinson Lighthouse.

Cypress Provincial Park is an all-season playground featuring both easy and strenuous hiking trails and the Cypress Mountain Bike Park. Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are all popular winter activities here.

From the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, you can explore a 26-km (16-mi) trail system along Capilano Canyon at Capilano River Regional Park. The Second Canyon Viewpoint Trail leads hikers to views of the canyon and Cleveland Dam spillway. Follow the Giant Fir Trail to view a massive, old-growth Douglas-fir tree.

Stroll the beaches and seaside promenade of Ambleside Park.

Play the nine hole Gleneagles Golf Course near Horseshoe Bay. Furry Creek Golf & Country Club is a world-class 18 hole course located on Highway 99, 40 minutes north of West Vancouver.

For a complete touring adventure, Sewell’s Marina in Horseshe Bay offers an all-in-one boat trip, eco-tour and round of golf package.

Arts, Culture & History:

As one of Vancouver's landmark tourist attractions, the Capilano Suspension Bridge features historical, natural and cultural attractions in one unforgettable setting. The park's Story Centre depicts the history of the famous foot bridge and Vancouver's early days. Totem Park displays totem poles created by First Nations carvers. Catch live demonstrations of Aboriginal carving, weaving and beadwork at the First Nations Cultural Centre.

West Vancouver Museum & Archives is housed in a 1939 home in the village of Ambleside.

Attractions:

A breathtaking vantage point overlooking Vancouver’s pristine cityscape, makes Grouse Mountain one of BC's most popular attractions.

Take the aerial tram above second-growth forest to the mountain top where you can hike in summer or enjoy the winter thrills of downhill skiing, snowboarding, skating, and snowshoeing. Family-friendly attractions include the lumberjack show, the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, Birds in Motion demonstrations as well as Theatre in the Sky. You can also take a helicopter sightseeing tour and dine at the scenic Peak Chalet.

Don’t miss crossing the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, a footbridge stretching 137 m (450 ft) across and 70 m (230 ft) above the Capilano River. Other attractions here include the award-winning Treetops Adventure, Totem Park, and the First Nations Cultural Centre where you can see live demonstrations of Aboriginal cedar carving, weaving and beadwork.

Ambleside Park has a seaside promenade and natural beach offering fine city views.

Entertainment:

The quaint seaside villages of Ambleside, Dundarave and Horseshoe Bay each offer a distinct, inviting atmosphere. Stroll the charming streets to explore a variety of boutiques, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Each of these seaside retreats feature waterfront parks.

Natural Sights, Parks & Wildlife:

A wilderness escape hidden in an urban setting, Lighthouse Park is located on the mouth of Burrard Inlet. Hike through 500-year-old Douglas-fir and cedar forest and see the historic Point Atkinson Lighthouse. A network of easy, rugged forest trails lead to granitic bluffs overlooking the ocean.

Whytecliff Park is set on the rugged shore of Howe Sound. Settle in for the day to picnic, swim, take in views from the observation pavilion or enjoy the playground. The small, pebbly beach is popular for sun tanning and the area is one of BC's most popular scuba diving spots.

Winter in expansive Cypress Provincial Park means downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Located in the North Shore Mountains, the park offers fine hiking and mountain biking in summer. Hike the strenuous Howe Sound Crest Trail that leads to the formidable 1,654 m (5,427 ft) Lions peaks. Or stroll the 2km (1.2 mi) Yew Lake Trail loop.

Watch for Harbour Seals and Bald Eagles on a guided sea safari launching from Sewell’s Marina in Horseshoe Bay.

Water Activities:

Located in Horseshoe Bay, Sewell's Marina offers boat rentals and sea safaris. Rent a speed boat to explore Howe Sound's islands, inlets and secluded marine parks. You can also stop in the village of Snug Cove on nearby Bowen Island. Experienced fishing guides are available or you can rent your own fishing gear.

Launch your saltwater fishing adventure at Horseshoe Bay where the largest overlap of salmon species occurs in August. Take a guided two-hour sea safari and spot Harbour Seals and Bald Eagles.

Winter Activities:

Three ski areas in the North Shore offer ample snowfalls and spectacular views of Greater Vancouver: Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour. Experience the thrill of alpine and night skiing or try snowshoeing, snow-tubing and cross-country skiing. Cypress Mountain is one of Canada's most popular cross-country ski areas. Enjoy 19 km (11.8 mi) of track set nordic trails and 7 km (4.3 mi) lit for night skiing.

Just a two-hour drive from West Vancouver, you’ll reach North America's largest ski area. Drive Hwy 99 to Whistler/Blackcomb, a ski area consistently ranked among the best on the continent. Take on some 3,306 ha (8,171 ac) of terrain and more than 200 marked runs. You can also try heli-skiing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.