One of the best things about living in Vancouver is the easy access to the beauty of nature, just a short drive away from your home. Whether you prefer the beach, the mountains or a hiking trail, you can enjoy an active lifestyle here. Here are our recos of some great summer outdoor activities close to West Vancouver, for when you need to head over the Stanley Park Bridge and escape city life!
Go walking in Cypress Falls Park
Make a quick retreat into nature at this lush park just a short drive outside West Vancouver. With low-elevation hiking trails, two picturesque waterfalls, and 300-year-old cedar and fir trees, the Park is ideal for a family day out. Go bird-watching or walk your dog while the kids enjoy the playground. Cypress Falls is also popular in winters, when other trails are shut.
Explore Howe Sound by Speedboat
Spending time together outdoors on a boat is a great activity for families. Rent a speedboat and explore the sights around Howe Sound. Catch sight of the local harbour seals and bald eagles, marvel at the towering cliffs of Anvil Island, and enjoy the peace around you. If you’ve always nursed a hidden desire to “drive” a boat, this lesser-known outdoor activity near West Van is perfect for you!
Go Scuba Diving at Whytecliff Park
Whytecliff Park isn’t just a place with a beach and picnic areas. You can actually get some pretty good diving done here, all year round. The water is a Saltwater Marine Protected Area and you can find local marine life like seals, starfish, sea anemones, crabs, etc. How’s that for hidden treasure right here in West Vancouver?
Spend the day at Ambleside Beach
Ambleside is a great place to spend a sunny day in West Vancouver, with a sandy beach, hiking and biking trails, and a pier that you can fish off. It’s an ideal outdoor escape for families in the summer; you can take long walks along the sea, and enjoy views of Stanley Park across the water. The beach is also known for spectacular sunset views, especially during the winter.
Get trigger happy at Lighthouse Park
A hidden gem on the North Shore about a 15-minute drive from Horseshoe Bay, Lighthouse Park is a stunning spot to enjoy the outdoors. With its rich cover of old-growth forest, variety of bird species, multiple hiking trails, and historic Point Atkinson Lighthouse, this park is a photographer’s and birder’s delight as well.
Play a round at Gleneagles Golf Course
This par-35 golf course has been voted as one of the best 9-hole golf courses in Canada. You can enjoy the laid-back West Vancouver lifestyle to the hilt here. To play a round at Gleneagles, book a tee-time online and take your own equipment. The views from the golf course are quite something too.
Take a scenic hike in Whyte Lake Park
Escape city life and hit the nature trail at Whyte Lake Park, the largest Park in the West Vancouver district. There are a couple of hiking trails here, with the most popular one leading to the lake. Once at the charming lake, do take some time to relax and enjoy the views. This Park is a beautiful gem and a worthy addition to the list of amazing outdoor activities around West Vancouver.
Which of these outdoor lifestyle activities are you picking for the next weekend?
