West Vancouver

From downtown Vancouver, look to the mountains north-west over the water of Burrard Inlet, and you’ll find West Vancouver. Driving over the landmark Lions Gate Bridge - originally constructed in the 1930s by Britain's Guinness family to access their vast property development, West Vancouver is also en route to Whistler.

With some of Metro Vancouver’s most exclusive communities, exploring the city’s neighbourhoods is a real treat. If you're on the lookout for antiques and crafts, Ambleside is worth a try, while Dundarave is known for its boutiques and galleries. Both areas are on the waterfront – why not take a casual stroll along the seawall which connects them? Horseshoe Bay is the western-most community in West Vancouver—the departure point for ferries to Bowen Island, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. But it’s also a worthy destination in itself, with lots of restaurants offering ocean views, perfect for watching the coming and goings of the harbour.

Outdoor adventure is never far away in West Vancouver. The 75-hectare (185-acre) Lighthouse Park offers an extensive network of trails through majestic Douglas Firs, leading to the 1874 lighthouse – a National Historic Site - and along the rugged coastline where seals can be found basking on the rocks below. An equally impressive road will take you up to Cypress Mountain where there's great skiing in winter and a host of summertime activities.

Throughout West Vancouver the focus for many of the city's restaurants is on seafood. Perched high above the city, the Salmon House on the Hill serves up stunning views along with your equally spectacular dinner. At sea-level, local restaurants such as the Beachhouse Restaurant offer legendary waterfront dining. History, arts and culture are important to the community, with a local museum in a heritage building, and a number of galleries throughout the area.

For more information, visit the Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association online, or call 604.960.0785.