Summary
7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2T3, Canada
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Phone: +1 604-925-7275
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Location Details
Sunbathing sea lions are among the 200 marine animal species that call Whytecliff Park home. Situated just west of West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay neighborhood, the park is renowned for its exceptional diving opportunities. However, it also serves as a beautiful locale for non-divers to appreciate the stunning wildlife and rugged coastline of Howe Sound. Accessible via car or public transit, the park is an integral part of West Vancouver’s natural environment.
History of Whytecliff Park
Covering 15.63 hectares, the Whytecliff area was established in 1909 as White Cliff City, but in 1914, Colonel Albert Whyte requested the name change to Whytecliff. Originally known as Rockcliffe Park, it was developed by W.W. Boultbee in 1926. In 1939, the Union Steamship Company acquired the 50-acre Boultbee estate, operating a Bowen Island Ferry from the park until 1952. Notably, in 1993, the surrounding ocean became Canada’s first saltwater Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Marine Protected Areas are critical for conserving ecologically significant regions within oceans, rivers, and lakes to protect various species, habitats, and ecosystems. Whytecliff Park was Canada’s inaugural ocean MPA, which has facilitated the flourishing of marine life, making it a sanctuary for wildlife and an extraordinary destination for diving enthusiasts.
Activities to Enjoy
- Hiking: Explore short hiking trails around the park while keeping an eye out for wildlife. Start at the northwest corner of the gravel overflow parking lot to find the trails. At low tide, you can carefully traverse the rocks to reach the bluffs of Whyte Island—just be cautious of the tide. Depending on the season, you might spot sea lions basking on the rocks or catch a glimpse of resident orcas in summer.
- Swimming: Swimming is a favored activity during the warmer summer months, and the pebbly sand beach receives ample sunlight throughout the day. Although the water remains cooler, it is clean for swimming—be sure to check local conditions for any safety warnings.
- Diving: Renowned for its superb cold water diving, Whytecliff Park caters to all skill levels, from beginner classes in the inner cove to adventurous dives in Queen Charlotte Channel. The diverse marine life includes squid, octopuses, orcas, dolphins, fish, and coral. The clearest diving conditions typically occur between April and October, with local dive shops offering gear rentals, lessons, and guided tours.
As this park is within a Marine Protected Area, visitors should be mindful of regulations and treat marine life with respect. Beginner classes generally occur at the beach near facilities, though this location may not offer extensive marine life due to traffic and slightly murky water. However, areas to the east and west of the main beach present excellent opportunities for viewing and are only a short swim from the beach, reaching depths of around 15 feet (5 meters). More experienced divers can explore sloping reefs and a near-vertical dive wall slightly north of the main beach.
Available Facilities
The park provides public washrooms, and the patio of The Whytecliff Kitchen offers a lovely spot to enjoy a meal with scenic views. Facilities also include a children’s playground, two tennis courts, and a sizable grassy area ideal for sports. Additionally, various picnic spots are available throughout the park, making it perfect for a leisurely day outdoors. The nearby Horseshoe Bay features cafes, restaurants, shops, and ferries to Bowen Island, Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver Island.
Accessing Whytecliff Park
Accessible by car or public transit, the park is somewhat secluded and can be reached through a residential area, but the journey is well worth it. If driving from Downtown Vancouver, take West Georgia Street and cross the Lions Gate Bridge, continuing along Marine Drive toward West Vancouver. Turn right at Taylor Way to exit onto Highway #1 westbound, then take exit #2 for Eagleridge Drive, follow the road, and turn left after the overpass onto Marine Drive. After navigating a roundabout, continue through the residential neighborhoods to reach Whytecliff Park.
The transit option involves a short walk from the nearest bus stop in Horseshoe Bay. Catch bus #257 (Horseshoe Bay Express) from Downtown near Granville and Georgia or from North Vancouver’s Park Royal. After the bus leaves the highway, there is a large roundabout at Marine Drive and Nelson Avenue; exit here and walk along Marine Drive through the residential area until you arrive at the park.
