Nestled on the Pacific coast of Canada, Vancouver is a vibrant city. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, and bustling urban scene, it's no wonder that visitors from around the world want to travel to this incredible city. However, what many don't realize is that Vancouver is not just a destination in itself; it's also a gateway to a treasure trove of natural wonders.

In this blog post, I invite you to join us on a journey beyond the city limits as we uncover the magic of Vancouver's surrounding areas. These day trips offer a chance to experience the diverse beauty that British Columbia has to offer, all within a few hours' drive from the heart of Vancouver.

So, fasten your seatbelts, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on a series of unforgettable day trips that will take you on an adventure through lush rainforests and into the heart of Canada's wilderness.

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver

Nestled on the rugged coastline of West Vancouver, Lighthouse Park is a haven of tranquility just a short drive away from the bustling heart of the city. The park spans over 185 acres, boasting a dense forest of majestic old-growth trees and an intricate network of trails that wind through the wilderness, leading to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

Point Atkinson Lighthouse

This lighthouse was built in 1912, however, the park has been home to a lighthouse since 1874!

The iconic Point Atkinson Lighthouse and the light station grounds are a national historic site and one of the most photographed landmarks in this area.

The area around the light station grounds cannot be accessed, however there are great viewpoints in the park.

Walking Trails

There are many trails throughout the park. Most of the trails are fairly easy with a few small hills. However, I would recommend wearing hiking shoes when coming to the park.

You will get to see some huge Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir Trees while walking through the largest uncut rainforest in the Lower Mainland.

Getting There

Getting to Lighthouse Park is a relatively straightforward journey, and there are a few different routes you can take. Here's a common way to reach Lighthouse Park from downtown Vancouver:

By Car:

1. Head north from downtown Vancouver across the iconic Lions Gate Bridge. This bridge offers stunning views of the city, the surrounding mountains, and the inlet.

2. Once you cross the bridge, continue on Marine Drive in West Vancouver. Follow the signs for Lighthouse Park.

3. Marine Drive will lead you to Beacon Lane, the main entrance to Lighthouse Park. There is a parking lot available near the park entrance.

By Public Transit:

1. Head to a nearby bus stop and take the #250 Horseshoe Bay bus. This bus route will take you to the closest stop to Lighthouse Park.

2. Get off at the Beacon Lane on Marine Drive and walk south along Beacon Lane into the park.

It's important to note that public transit options may have changed since I wrote this so I recommend checking the latest schedules and routes on the official TransLink website or using a transit app for real-time information.

For more information about Lighthouse Park visit www.westvancouver.ca

A Natural Delight: A Day Trip to Shannon Falls

Nestled along the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway, Shannon Falls Provincial Park is one of the most captivating day trip destinations from Vancouver.

Shannon Falls stand at a height of 1,099 feet (335 meters) and is the 3rd tallest waterfall in the Province.

Walking Trails

After checking out the waterfall, you may want to take a walk along the boardwalk and trails to explore the surrounding park. There is also a creek and many people were splashing around in the water when we were there.

Picnic Area

Not far from the parking lot, is a large picnic area as well as washroom facilities. We enjoyed a packed lunch before setting off on our walk.

Getting There

Shannon Falls is located in the town of Squamish, BC. Getting there from Vancouver is easy. The park is located about an hour's drive (58 km) north of the city.

By Car:

Take the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) North towards Squamish. Look out for signs for Shannon Falls Provincial park. From the parking lot, it’s a short walk to the trailhead and then about 10-15 minutes to reach the viewing platform for the falls.

By Public Transit:

Getting to Shannon Falls from Vancouver by public transit requires a bit more planning and time. Take the YVR Skylynx Whistler route bus from Vancouver to Squamish, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Then it's about a 4-kilometer walk or a 10-minute taxi ride to the start of the Falls trailhead.

A Taste of Hollywood in the Heart of Nature

After a day of exploring the wonders of Shannon Falls, why not round off your adventure with a touch of Hollywood magic? Just a short drive away from Shannon Falls, in the charming town of Squamish, you'll find The Watershed Grill, a hidden gem for fans of the popular series 'Virgin River.' The exterior of this restaurant is used in the filming of ‘Jack’s Bar’. We walked along the short trail and then had a drink and some snacks on the patio. The view was fantastic!!

The Watershed Grill doesn’t really have a plant-based menu but we got fries and the tofu bites to share.

Travel Tips:

1. Timing: Consider visiting on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and holidays.

2. Comfortable Footwear: Whether you're hiking or just exploring, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Some trails can be uneven or rocky.

3. Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Be prepared for varying weather conditions. It's a good idea to bring layers, as the weather can change quickly.

4. Snacks and Water: Pack some snacks and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and energized during your visit.

5. Photography Gear: If you're into photography, don't forget your camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking views.

Other places to visit include:

• Whistler (check out my blog posts about visiting the Train Wrecks and Whistler Village)

• Victoria

• Grouse Mountain (we climbed the Grouse Grind!)

• Bowen Island

• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

• Harrison Hot Springs

Let me know if you have any other day trip recommendations!