West Vancouver Travel Guide

Explore the natural beauty, culture, food scene, and more in West Vancouver. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to West Vancouver

Located on the North Shore of Lower Mainland in British Columbia, Canada, West Vancouver is a beautiful tourist destination with a plethora of natural and cultural attractions. Its scenic coastline, urban forests, and rugged mountains make it a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through the list of places to visit, best things to do, food scene, culture, and customs of West Vancouver and help you plan your perfect itinerary.

List of Places to Visit in West Vancouver

West Vancouver is home to many culturally important attractions, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures. Here is a list of must-visit places in West Vancouver.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. West Vancouver Museum and Archives: Located in the former Gertrude Lawson House, this museum showcases the history, arts, and culture of West Vancouver through permanent and temporary exhibits.
  2. Hycroft China and Silver Museum: It is a must-visit place for collectors of antique and collectible China and Silverware.
  3. Lighthouse Park: Home to the Point Atkinson Lighthouse, this park is abundant with scenic views, hiking trails, and beaches.

Natural Attractions of West Vancouver: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: This park features a 140-meter-long suspension bridge over the Capilano River, Treetop Adventures, and the award-winning Cliffwalk.
  2. Whytecliff Park: With its rocky beach, underwater marine life, and scenic views, Whyte cliff Park is a popular spot for scuba diving, swimming, and hiking.
  3. Cypress Provincial Park: Home to the Cypress Mountain Ski Resort, Cypress Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for hiking, snowboarding, camping, and picnicking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of West Vancouver

West Vancouver is an outdoor paradise with many trails of varying difficulty levels for hiking and biking. Here are some popular ones:

  1. Baden Powell: This 48km trail passes through the scenic landscapes of North Shore, from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay.
  2. Lighthouse Park: It has many short trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and the lighthouse.
  3. Cypress Falls: This easy trail passes through Cypress Falls Park and showcases the two waterfalls.

Best Things to Do in West Vancouver: Activities and Tours

  1. Kayaking in Howe Sound: It is a great way to explore the tranquil waters along the coastline.
  2. Skiing and Snowboarding at Cypress Mountain: It is the perfect destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
  3. Vancouver Trolley Company Tour: This guided tour takes you through the scenic neighborhoods of Vancouver and West Vancouver.

Week-Long Itinerary for West Vancouver

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long vacation in West Vancouver:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit West Vancouver Museum and Archives
Day 2 Hike in Lighthouse Park and relax at the beach
Day 3 Take a kayaking or paddleboarding tour along the coastline
Day 4 Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Day 5 Ski or snowboard at Cypress Mountain
Day 6 Take the Vancouver Trolley Company Tour
Day 7 Explore Whytecliff Park and scuba dive

Food and Drink Scene of West Vancouver

West Vancouver’s food scene reflects its diverse culture, with many international and local cuisines. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Smoked Salmon: Freshly cooked or smoked salmon is a local delicacy.
  2. Poutine: It is a Canadian classic, with fries, cheese curds, and gravy lining a bowl.
  3. Sushi: West Vancouver has a plethora of Sushi Restaurants that serve delicious and fresh sushi.

Local Beverages

  1. Craft Beer: West Vancouver has many local breweries that serve craft beer to suit any taste.
  2. BC Wine: West Vancouver has many wineries and vineyards that produce world-class wine.

Where to Stay in West Vancouver: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

West Vancouver offers many accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of our favorite spots:

  1. Horseshoe Bay Motel
  2. Crystal’s View Bed and Breakfast
  3. Hostelling International Vancouver Downtown

What to Buy in West Vancouver: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

West Vancouver offers many local products that make great souvenirs for visitors. Here are some popular ones:

  1. Natural and Organic Skincare Products
  2. Art, Pottery, and Jewellery from Local Artists
  3. Maple Syrup and Other Canadian Specialties

Local Culture and Customs of West Vancouver

West Vancouver’s culture is heavily influenced by the indigenous people and their history, arts, and traditions. Respect for nature, wildlife, and diversity is paramount, and visitors are asked to follow suit.

Best Time to Visit West Vancouver

The best time to visit West Vancouver is from May to October, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the natural attractions and outdoor adventures are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of West Vancouver

Do:

  1. Respect the environment, wildlife, and indigenous culture.
  2. Explore the natural wonders and outdoor adventures that West Vancouver has to offer.
  3. Taste the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage the natural surroundings.
  2. Ignore safety guidelines or disregard local customs.
  3. Underestimate the strength of the ocean currents.

Safety and Health

Safety in West Vancouver

West Vancouver is a safe destination, but visitors should take precautions while hiking, skiing, or engaging in water sports. They should follow safety guidelines and take necessary gear.

Health in West Vancouver

West Vancouver has many hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities that provide quality medical services.

Getting to West Vancouver: Transportation Options and Logistics

West Vancouver is easily accessible via many transportation modes, including airlines, buses, and ferries.

Airports Near West Vancouver

  1. Vancouver International Airport-27 km
  2. Abbotsford International Airport-93 km

Bus Stations Near West Vancouver

  1. North Vancouver-4 km
  2. Vancouver-12 km

Other Options

  1. Ferry- Ferry services connect West Vancouver to Vancouver Island, Bowen Island, and the Sunshine Coast.
  2. Car Rentals- Car rentals are available at the airport and in the city.

How to Get Around in West Vancouver

West Vancouver is well-connected by bus, taxi, and rented cars.

Where to Go Next from West Vancouver: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

West Vancouver is surrounded by many nearby destinations that are worth exploring. Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Nanaimo, Vancouver Island-95 km
  2. Whistler-119 km
  3. Victoria, Vancouver Island-114 km

Conclusion

West Vancouver is a perfect tourist destination with natural beauty, culture, arts, and outdoor adventures. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your perfect itinerary and explore the best that West Vancouver has to offer. Enjoy the scenic views, local cuisine, and cultural attractions of this amazing destination and make memories of a lifetime.

West Vancouver and Grouse Mountain, viewed from across English Bay West Vancouver and Grouse Mountain, viewed from across English Bay The Lions Gate Bridge viewed from Ambleside Park. The Lions Gate Bridge viewed from Ambleside Park. Cypress Mountain ski area Cypress Mountain ski area