Lighthouse Park
Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver features a rugged coastline, majestic old-growth forest, and the historic Point Atkinson Lighthouse.
Can a lighthouse save a forest? At Lighthouse Park, that's exactly what happened. This popular 75-hectare park in West Vancouver is a National Historic Site, protecting not only the picturesque 1914 lighthouse but also one of the last remaining stands of old-growth Douglas fir forest in the Vancouver area. It's a perfect spot to experience the wild, rugged beauty of the West Coast.
Why Visit Lighthouse Park?
- Old-Growth Forest: Walk among magnificent Douglas firs and Western red cedars, some of which are 500 years old and over 60 metres (200 ft) tall.
- Rugged Coastline: The park offers numerous trails leading to rocky outcrops with stunning views of the water, the city, and Vancouver Island.
- Historic Lighthouse: The Point Atkinson Lighthouse is a beautiful, historic landmark that has guarded the entrance to Burrard Inlet for over a century.
- Accessible Wilderness: It provides a true West Coast wilderness experience that's easily reachable by public transit from downtown.
What to See & Do
- Hike the Trails: Explore several kilometres of trails that range from easy walks to more challenging, rugged paths. The main trail to the lighthouse viewpoint is a relatively easy 10-minute walk.
- Visit the Viewpoints: Find a spot on the rocky bluffs to watch the BC Ferries sail by, look for marine life, and enjoy the panoramic views.
- Photography: The combination of the lighthouse, the forest, and the dramatic coastline makes this a favourite spot for photographers.
- Have a Picnic: Several picnic tables are located near the main parking area.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Wear Proper Footwear: The trails can be uneven, with many roots and rocks. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended, even for short walks.
- Stay on the Trails: The terrain can be hazardous, with steep cliffs and slippery rocks. For your safety, please stick to the marked trails.
- The Lighthouse is a Working Site: The lighthouse itself and the surrounding buildings are not open to the public, but the viewpoints offer excellent photo opportunities.
- Pack In, Pack Out: There are limited garbage cans in the park. Please be prepared to take all your trash with you to help keep the park beautiful.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- Horseshoe Bay: Continue on the #250 bus to its terminus in the charming seaside village of Horseshoe Bay, where you can watch the ferries and grab a bite to eat.
- Dundarave Village: A quaint shopping area with cafes and a beach, located a short bus ride back towards Vancouver.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoLighthouse Park Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: 4902 Beacon Ln, West Vancouver, BC V7W 1S1, Canada
Phone: (604) 925-7275
Official Website: Lighthouse Park
Lighthouse Park Reviews
Rated out of 5
Beautiful and peaceful. It wasn’t crowded at all. You can take the #250 bus in the direction of Horseshoe Bay from Vancouver and get off at Beacon Lane for a short walk to the park and then there are a bunch of hikes through the forest and with views on the water, with the highlight being the light house (best seen from the west beach view). Highly recommend. The trails are very up and down and have stones/roots on the ground, so definitely watch your steps.
Elina Rindle - 6 months ago
Such a pretty view. The hike isn’t too bad, though it is steep at parts so kids may want to be carried at times. Can be pretty muddy on the small portions of the trail that aren’t paved. Beautiful view from the rocks up the steps, better view of the lighthouse below the housing units though.
Jake Robins - 7 months ago
Lighthouse Park is perfect for a quick hike with an incredible reward at the end. The trail is easy to navigate, and once you reach the top, the view is absolutely breathtaking. The stunning ocean and forest scenery make it well worth the visit. A great spot for nature lovers and photographers!
Sadaf - 6 months ago
Lighthouse Park is a beautiful spot, and my daughter loves exploring the rocks that stretch into the ocean. The natural scenery is fantastic, but there are a couple of downsides. It would be great if visitors kept their dogs on a leash, as not everyone is comfortable around off-leash pets. Parking is a bit pricey, and it would also be a big improvement to have functional washrooms closer to the lighthouse itself.
Sergey Shutko - 9 months ago
Beautiful park with lovely trails that lead to the water. I’ve sat on the rocks here before and was lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins, which was a truly special experience. The trails are well-maintained, easy to follow, and great for a summer swim.
That said, parking is a bit of a hassle. It’s expensive—around $5 for one hour, and $10+ if you stay longer. The lot is small, and getting there involves navigating through a residential area. Plus, there’s no cell service, which can make paying for parking tricky.
Despite the parking challenges, it’s a dog-friendly park with stunning views and well worth a visit! Just plan ahead for the parking situation.
AB - 7 months ago
Directions
| Skytrain and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line | Granville Station -> #250 | 3 Minutes |
| Canada Line | Vancouver City Center -> #250 | 3 Minutes |
How to get to Lighthouse Park by Skytrain and Bus
From Granville Station take the Seymour Street Exit. Go to your right along Seymour Street to Georgia Street and go right on Georgia to the #250 Horseshoe Bay bus stop.
From Vancouver City Center take the Granville Street Exit, cross over Georgia Street and go left to the #250 Horseshoe Bay bus stop.
Ride the #250 Horseshoe Bay bus to Beacon Lane on Marine Drive and walk south along Beacon Lane into the park. This is about a 40 minute bus ride that goes through Stanley Park, across the spectacular Lions Gate Bridge past an area of beautiful homes in West Vancouver.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Lighthouse Park:
Photo Gallery
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View towards Vancouver from Lighthouse Park cc licensed photo by Gary -
Beautiful view of the Lighthouse in Lighthouse Park on Point Atkinson cc licensed photo by Venture Vancouver -
Forest path through Lighthouse Park cc licensed photo shared by colink. -
Photo Credit: Miguel Ortiz (Thamur) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Miguel Ortiz (Thamur) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Miguel Ortiz (Thamur) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Miguel Ortiz (Thamur) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Miguel Ortiz (Thamur) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Miguel Ortiz (Thamur) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Miguel Ortiz (Thamur) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Miguel Ortiz (Thamur) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: michaelnugent - cc license via Flickr
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