Since we are planning to go for a hike in Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver this week, let me share a few snaps of my first trip there with my husband. I believe I've posted about it before but it was kind of brief. We've only been in a few hiking spots but we plan to do more if we have the time.
Let me start it off with getting there.
- Drive:
- Approximately a 40 min. drive from Vancouver. You can plan your route via Google Maps. A friendly advice, GPS does not work like magic all the time, so be familiar with landmarks and turns before heading out to unfamiliar places. Saves you time.
- Bus:
- Lighthouse Park is very accessible via public transit as well. From downtown Vancouver, you can take 250 Horseshoe Bay in Georgia Street. Be careful though, some #250 buses might be Dundarave or Park Royal only. Let the bus driver knowxwjere you are headed to and he'll gladly let you off where you're supposed to.
- From Vancouver, you'll be traveling via Georgia Street, passing by Stanley Park, Lion's Gate Bridge, Park Royal, along shops and houses, then along Marine Drive. On your way, Marine Drive will become a bit narrower. You're on the right track. You'll also come across a scenic view of the ocean.
- Get off at Marine Drive and Beacon Lane. You won't have trouble finding it, plus, drivers most often drop people off there anyway.
Trails
Once you get there, you can plan on which trail to take. Don't forget to get a copy of the Lighthouse Park Map! You'll need it!
As I have said before, I'm not good with directions and got us lost (even with a map). I took us a few hours as we went in circles, but we did enjoy the view. I remember taking on the Barred Owl trail with my husband, then took a turn and headed for the Seven Sisters trail.
When you make your way through the Seven Sisters Trail, remember to stop and turn to your left where the sign "Songbird Meadow" points to. There, you will find a clearing with an outdoor amphitheatre.
It looked like an abandoned, rustic outdoor cinema in fiction movies, where the residents of the forest (I will leave that to your imagination) would gather at night and watch a movie under the stars. The log seats were covered in moss and ferns lined the grass carpeted clearing. (This was from my previous post)
It's a bit Fern Gully-ish.
Difficulty Level: Easy
It was a good, easy hike. The elevation was minimal and there were lots of viewpoints that gave away the surreal sight of Howe Sound and the horizon. I think it's also good for train running and biking.
With its beauty comes steep cliffs, slippery areas and slopes, moss-covered rocks, and muddy paths so keep your kids and pets supervised. Be cautious when stepping rocks, they might be loose or unstable. Sudden drop offs and crashing waves are also things to watch out for.
Thousands and thousands of gigantic trees make up the park: Cedar and Douglas Fir among many. Mind you, I've googled different trees that I was not familiar with. It's quite an interesting topic to read on.
Anyhow, we often stopped to rest and just marvel at the scenery. The breeze was cool, the sun was high up, and the sound of the waves crashing was just priceless.
Wildlife
We continued on until we reached the spot we were aiming for. Along the way you'll come across wildlife, though we were fortunate not to run into a cougar or a bear. I highly doubt there'd be one there, but who knows? Right? So be wary of Bear signs. Bring a bear spray and be aware.
Remember, we are in bear / cougar country so don't take your chances. Be cautious, but don't forget to enjoy!
Speaking of wildlife, it was my first time to see a woodpecker up close (well, not that close). I've only known Woody all my life. Severals species of birds whistle different tunes, Mother Nature really is amazing.
Short Walk
If you're there only for a brief moment, you can take a short walk going to the viewpoint. Venture through the wide, open trail and it will take you only about 10 minutes to get there. Refer to your map or better yet, just read the signs.
When we found a good spot near the water, we just decided to rest our feet. Ducks were floating agains the waves, cargo ships were honking, sea gulls were flying as well a sea planes. I think we even saw an eagle. Also, you can get a good view of Vancouver from there.
If you're looking for a nice, relaxing day hike somewhere that's not too far from the city, I would Lighthouse Park. Can't wait to explore more of it the next time I come back (which is very soon!).
So go grab your day bag and head there!
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