Lighthouse Park

Named after the hexagonal lighthouse built at the mouth of Burrard Inlet in 1910 to guide ships through the foggy channel, Lighthouse Park is an unspoiled area with 75 ha (185 acres) of old growth forest and wild, rocky coast. The trees here have never been logged and some of the majestic Douglas firs are over 500 years old. There is a variety of hiking trails in the park, some leading to a viewpoint near the 18-m (60-ft) Point Atkinson Lighthouse. On a clear day one can see stunning vistas across the Strait of Georgia all the way to Vancouver Island. A two-hour hike leads through about 5 km (3 miles) of old-growth forest, taking walkers through the fairly rugged terrain of mosscovered gullies and steep rocky outcrops with breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding area. Wear good walking shoes or boots, stay on the trails and be prepared for inclement weather. The drive to the park itself is spectacular. Scenic Marine Drive winds along the West Vancouver coastline edging past beaches, clinging to rocky shoreline and passing some of Canada’s priciest real estate. On the way, there are a couple of towns that are worth a stop. Ambleside has a long beach, which is a favourite with families but packed on sunny summer weekends. From here there are great views of Stanley Park and the Lion’s Gate Bridge. A seawall walkway leads to Dundarave Pier, with panoramic views sweeping from Vancouver right around to the Strait of Georgia. Dundarave itself is a small town with a pleasing cluster of shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as a beach that’s not so busy as Ambleside’s.

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