October is an excellent time to visit Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver – the days are cooler, the bugs have died off for another year and the fall colours are stunning.
The park encompasses 75 hectares, including walking and hiking trails, old growth forest and the lighthouse and light station grounds at Point Atkinson – one of the most recognizable places on the Lower Mainland. The lighthouse and grounds are a national historic site and the waters around Lighthouse Park are a rockfish protection area.
Photo by iStockThe park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The Lighthouse Trails that are available for walking and hiking are relatively short and are great for people of various fitness levels.
While the lighthouse itself and the grounds surrounding it are not available for the public to access, there is a lighthouse viewpoint where visitors can get a sweeping view of the lighthouse and the surrounding area and water. The park is also an excellent choice for birdwatchers.
Lighthouse Park is located at the south end of Beacon Lane, shortly off Marine Drive in West Vancouver. Public parking at the park is limited and it fills up quickly. The parking lots will be closed when they’re full. Busses are not permitted into the parking lot, so travellers should have an alternate plan for parking if necessary.
Photo by iStockFor more information about the park or to access maps for the trails, visit westvancouver.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails/lighthouse-park.
