Whytecliff Park – West Vancouver
Whytecliff Park – West Vancouver
Whytecliff Park is situated just west of Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. This beautiful corner of the Howe Sound has a rugged coastline of cliffs rising out of the ocean and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains including the Tantalus Range.
The waters off Whytecliff Park are famous for their incredible diving and abundance of sea life. You’ll also find hiking trails, a playground, picnic areas, a swimming beach, tennis courts and even a concession in the 15+ hectare park.
Distance (Round-Trip): 0.1 km
Difficulty: Easy
Season: Year-Round
Elevation Gain: n/a
Scenery: ★★★☆☆
Camping: NoFrom Vancouver: 45 minutes
Public Transit: No
Dog Friendly: Yes
DOG FRIENDLY IN WHYTECLIFF PARK: YES
Dogs are only allowed off-leash in the trails area of the park on the east side of Marine Drive. They need to be leashed everywhere else in the park.
HIKING IN WHYTECLIFF PARK: YES
There are a few short trails to satisfy walkers within the park. The trails are located on the west side of marine drive where a second parking lot is situated to reach the trailhead. The views of the Howe Sound and the distant Tantalus Mountains should not be missed.
SWIMMING AT WHYTECLIFF PARK: YES
The protected bay at Whytecliff Park is an ideal location for cooling off during those hot summer days. Keep in mind that you may encounter seals while in the water. Do not try to approach them or disturb their habitat.
CANOEING / KAYAKING AT WHYTECLIFF PARK: YES
This is a perfect place to set off on a coastal canoe or kayak ride.
SCUBA DIVING AT WHYTECLIFF PARK: YES
This is a great location for beginner and experienced divers. You can expect to see rockfish, lingcod, crab, sculpin, anemones, starfish, harbour seal, and the occasional wolf eel and giant octopus in this designated Saltwater Marine Protected Area.
PICNICKING AT WHYTECLIFF PARK: YES
PLAYGROUND AT WHYTECLIFF PARK: YES
There is a playground located in the field area by the parking lot.
TOILETS IN WHYTECLIFF PARK: YES
FOOD & CAFE NEARBY WHYTECLIFF PARK: YES
There is a concession located by the parking lot where you can enjoy burgers, smoked meat sandwiches, healthy sides, ice cream, housemade snacks and drinks or coffee.
Concession Hours: May 21 to July 1 - Saturday & Sunday: 11 am–5 pm // July 2 to Sept. 5 - Saturday & Sunday: 10 am–8 pm - Monday–Friday: 11 am–7 pm // Sept. 6 to May 20 - Closed
WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY: YES
Certain areas of the park are wheelchair friendly such as the parking lot and the viewpoint to the west of the parking lot. There is also a ramp down to the beach where views can be enjoyed and disabled divers can access the water.
SMOKING AT WHYTECLIFF PARK: NO
Smoking and open fires (including beach fires) are prohibited year-round.
