Scenic Views · British Columbia
A rocky lookout in Whytecliff Park near Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, with views over Howe Sound, a small beach and a tidal islet. Canada's first marine protected area, so no fishing or harvesting.
Whytecliff Park sits at the mouth of Howe Sound near Horseshoe Bay, with rugged cliffs, forested hills and views out to the islands and mountains. Visitors describe a small waterfront park where you can sit on the rocks and watch ferries come and go from the nearby terminal. Sunsets here get particular praise, and one lucky group saw whales and a seal.
The viewpoint needs no real hike, just a couple of minutes downhill from the parking lot, which is listed as wheelchair accessible. From there you can climb the rocky knolls on either side of the small sandy beach for an even better view. The path out to the islet on the left gets covered at high tide, so check the tide before you cross.
It's a family favourite and a well-known spot for scuba diving. The park became Canada's first marine protected area in 1993, and because fishing and harvesting have been banned for decades, the water is rich with rockfish, lingcod, crabs and anemones. Swimming is possible if you don't mind cold water.
The beach is tiny and fills quickly on sunny days, so arrive early. Watch the tide on the rocks, wear shoes with grip for the scrambles, and leave all marine life where you find it.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 1,698 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
