OUR TOP #5 PARKS NEAR VANCOUVER!
1. LIGHTHOUSE PARK
Lighthouse Park is a symbol of West Vancouver, one of Vancouver’s most beautiful areas and boasts the largest uncut rainforest in the Lower Mainland. The park is unique for being Vancouver’s last standing first-growth Douglas fir tree forest. It is the perfect location for enjoying a picnic with family or friends, dense vegetation and over six miles of scenic walking trails!!!
You can take public transit to Lighthouse Park. Take the #250 bus from downtown Vancouver. Get off at the Beacon Lane stop on Marine Drive in West Vancouver, then walk 350m down Beacon Lane to the park.
2. GROUSE MOUNTAIN
Rising 1,250 meters above Vancouver, is the alpine playground of Grouse Mountain. As Vancouver’s most popular attraction, Grouse Mountain is the only four-season destination in the lower mainland where you can enjoy a wild bear's refuge, a good selection of dining options, thrilling outdoor adventure, summer activities... and much more!
And if you feel like challenging yourself go for the Grouse grind! On average, you can expect the climb to take up to an hour and a half to complete, depending on your fitness level, beginners should allow up to two hours.
You can get to Grouse by public transit! From Downtown Vancouver, ride the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then take the #236 bus to Grouse Mountain (about a 25-minute ride).
3. LYNN CANYON PARK
Lynn Canyon Park officially opened to the public in 1912 and has been a popular destination among tourists and local residents of Lynn Valley ever since. The main attraction, the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge towers 50 meters (160ft) over the canyon and is part of the Baden Powell Trail. In addition to the bridge, the park features several hiking trails to enjoy and some amenities including the Lynn Canyon Cafe and Ecology Centre.
Here is a map where you can check all the trails!
To get to Lynn Canyon Park, take Highway 1 to the Lynn Valley Road (#19) exit. If you are approaching from the west, stay right as you go off the exit, and you will go onto Lynn Valley Road. If you are approaching from the east, take the Lynn Valley road exit and turn right onto Lynn Valley Road.
You can also get there by public transport. Take #228 Lynn Valley bus to Lynn Valley Rd at Peters Rd (20 minutes) and walk along Peters for 750 meters (10 minutes) to the Park.
4. WHYTECLIFF PARK
Whytecliff Park is located by the end of the 7000 block of Marine Drive, just west of Horseshoe Bay.
This beautiful corner of Howe Sound has a rugged coastline and spectacular views of colorful mountains and passing boats. The waters off the park are famous for their incredible diving. You’ll also find a playground, picnic spots, a swimming beach and tennis courts.
We recommend to stay there until sunset, the views are just breathtaking!
If you are lucky, you'll get to see one or two seals swimming or sunbathing in the rocks.
To get here catch bus #257 Horseshoe Bay Express from Downtown near Granville and Georgia or at Park Royal if you are in North Vancouver. Just before Horseshoe Bay after you exit the highway there is a large roundabout. Exit the bus at this roundabout and walk along Marine Drive through a residential area until you reach the park.
5. BRIDAL VEIL FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK
This last one is located east of Chilliwack. You can not get here by public transport but is just about 1 hour ride.
Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is a scenic day-use area. The landscape is characterized by low elevation valleys and lush, rounded mountains. You can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and viewing the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls, which tumbles 60 metres over a smooth rock face, creating a “veil-like” effect.
Definitely worth it!
To get here follow the Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E towards Chilliwack. Take exit #135 to Bridal Falls Rd. Take a left onto Bridal Falls Road, and a right onto Page Road. Follow Page Road into the park
Tell us what do you think, have you ever been to any of them? what's you favorite park around Vancouver?