Comments

Blair from Vancouver writes:

Have been here a few times before with friends for picnics. Came back this time with my son for his first hike (5 yr old). We took the Valley Trail and Arbutus Trail down to Eagle Point ~1.6km round trip. I'd highly recommend this over the mainline to the lighthouse. Even on a sunny day in the middle of July saw only 8-10 people after leaving the main trail to the Lighthouse. Despite a decent climb back up, it was a great hike to do with my son. Enjoying the odd huckleberry, early Salal berries and wild blueberries along the way. The terrain is nice and varied, but not difficult with some up and down both directions. Picnic lunch on the rocks at Eagle Point enjoying the views of the city and wildlife followed by exploring the tidal pools and driftwood debris was a perfect break.

Posted: July 16, 2018 11:56:12 PM PST

Jc from Richmond writes:

Love this place !!

Posted: May 5, 2018 11:33:38 PM PST

Toby from Copenhagen, Denmark writes:

My friend and I wanted to spend the day hiking near Vancouver and spent all morning making the decision on which trail to take on this drizzling day in February. We chose Lighthouse Park, and happy we did. After getting out of Vancouver, we passed a bridge, drove through a calm residential area and after around half an hour, we made it to the parking lot which had plenty of space even if a hundred hikers was to suddenly show up. There was several trails to take, the main one was easy to follow and if you felt a bit adventurous there was also some herd paths to find where you just have to push some branches to the side to pass. We made it to the look out and spent half an hour there just taking in the ocean view where cargo ships occasionally sailed by and birds circled around above you. We can only recommend this trail if you're on the look out for a nice, calm and easy hike close to Vancouver.

Posted: February 5, 2018 09:11:09 PM PST

Barb from Vancouver writes:

Spectacular views and LOTS of route choices in this pretty park. My dog and I chose the largest loop which was around 5km and offered a range of terrain from flat and easy to reasonably steep and challenging. If you drive, expect LONG LONG waits to find parking on the weekend.

Posted: August 11, 2017 05:33:53 PM PST

Marjorie Row from Vancouver writes:

Easy morning/afternoon/evening stroll. Take Bus #250 to Horseshoe Bay from downtown to the Beacon Lane stop. Not too far from the parking lot to the lighthouse. Might not be best to take prams but people managed. Picnic is a must. Great place to climb around on the rocks. Several little trails all around the park so you can go for a short walk or a slightly longer one. Hiking shoes not required.

Posted: July 2, 2017 08:45:13 PM PST

Alexis L from Vancouver writes:

went middle of march. theres a lot of up and down hills, but its not too bad. my two younger sisters were able to enjoy it. the beach is very pretty.

Posted: March 19, 2017 09:10:14 PM PST

Lion Tamer from Vancouver writes:

Did this trail on January 20th.

This park is amazing. There's enough trails and viewpoints to satisfy any hiking appetite that hits in the winter months. In particular, the south-east viewpoints offer striking views of Stanley Park, Downtown and even UBC, plus all the boats in the water. There's also a summit which is bald enough to give a bit more of a view.

The "Valley of the Giants" trial was a creek for us, so avoid that one until it dries up a bit.

Even in the summer months when it gets busier, there's enough view points and picnic spots that it never feels too crowded.

Posted: February 7, 2017 03:08:48 PM PST

Vanessa from Burnaby writes:

My boyfriend and I recently moved to Burnaby from Toronto and this has quickly become one of our favourite spots. There are so many great viewpoints and trails, and there is a good range of difficulty among the trails.

Our first visit we went straight to the lighthouse to watch the sunset, and on our next visit we spent the afternoon wandering through the other trails. Each time we have gone there has been a few other groups of people, but never felt crowded. We were always able to find a trail and lookout to have mostly to ourselves.

Posted: August 29, 2016 10:34:29 AM PST

Iris from Vancouver writes:

Went for a hike on June 6th, 2015. It was a nice mix of paved and natural trails. Of the ones we went to, Beacon Lane Trail, the direct route to the lighthouse was the easiest (paved for vehicles to pass through), and Arbutus and Valley of the Giants were natural trails and moderate in difficulty. The latter two were very fun -- it felt a bit like going off on an adventure of our own since there were so few people around.

We started our hike around 11am and finished in two hours or so (moseying back and forth between several trails), and only ever saw people at the viewpoints or at the cabins near East Beach. Both West and East Beach offer scenic views and are absolutely perfect for sunbathing or reading a book.

I would suggest printing out a map of the park if you're going to spend some time there. The signs only indicate which loop you're on, and without a map to orient yourself, it'll be hard to know where one loop is relative to another.

Posted: June 9, 2015 08:18:57 PM PST

SC from Vancouver writes:

Went up there in early May 2015 - weather was cool in the morning and the trails were dry with little to no mosquitoes/bugs. We hiked without hiking boots and did not have any problems. This is a nice park with a series of easy hikes that would be enjoyable for the easy to easy-moderate hiker. We got to the entrance of the park via the route that takes you through a neighbourhood area but there is good signage and the GPS can easily guide you there. Parking is limited (and on gravel), however, so be prepared to wait around a bit or go there early to get a spot. Once you're there, there is one straightforward trek that leads right to the main lighthouse viewpoint. We were a little bit confused as to how to actually get to the lighthouse itself - it is private property so unless you ask the owners, you will not be able to reach the actual lighthouse. The view from the public viewpoint is quite spectacular, and there is a nearby picnic area with a few picnic tables you can set out your lunch or, if you want to go down to the beach, there are huge flat rocks there (if you're not afraid to climb up) where you can sit and enjoy the view, too. The trails were not too crowded in the morning, however as the day progressed, it rapidly got more crowded so try to get there early if you don't like that. Overall, a nice place to spend half a day.

Posted: June 8, 2015 01:48:54 PM PST

Emilyy from New Westminster writes:

For those interested in climbing, this is a quick jaunt to go to if you don't want to do the hour trip up to Squamish. A few quick pitches on the bluffs by the water. Really pretty views of the inlet from here and even just a nice place to chill out and relax.
This a great area to go due to our usual Vancouver rain. When we have a chance bit of sunny weather, it's nice to get a few hours of climbing in before the rain returns!

Posted: February 21, 2015 01:33:33 PM PST

Erin from Vancouver writes:

I used to come to Lighthouse Park all the time as a kid, and recently revisited. It remains absolutely gorgeous, but the minimal elevation gain note is a lie - you'll lose about 100m getting down to Starboat Cove (which you should definitely visit). You'll need to regain that at some point to get back to the parking lot, plus another 50 if you take some of the side trails.

Posted: February 2, 2015 10:53:25 AM PST

Katrina from Vancouver writes:

If you like a short hike to a great scenic view this is the trail for you! I took the main trail in the forest and within 15 mins, we get to Starboat Cove which open up to a beautiful view of the ocean. You will want to go during low tide, that way you can get on the big rocks and enjoy the scenic view in front of you. You can also see Lion gate from a distance. Perfect retreat place from our daily busy life- tend
to be quiet in the morning but can get busier in the weekend afternoon.

Posted: September 7, 2014 10:57:30 PM PST

Paola from Turcato writes:

Wonderful place, amazing views and trails! Wild and intense! I'll come back for sure!
We're from Modena, Italy

Posted: July 29, 2014 09:12:12 PM PST

Mecredes from Vancity writes:

Excellent hike to do with the family (especially with younger children)!

Easy and accesible. Kids loved running around the trail and chasing after each other. Good weekend walk/hike for the short duration.

Posted: October 15, 2013 10:04:52 AM PST

Lisa from Vancouver writes:

Friend and I were here on August 26 later in the afternoon. We are not experienced hikers. I am in my early 20s, overweight, and found the trail to be decent, but not easy. Since we took the bus, we got confused and did not continue straight through the parking lot to the main head of the trail. We veered off to the left and went on numerous small trails, which was a combination of packed soil, tree roots, and a lot of rocky steps at a slightly steep elevation. It was lovely, with really cool view points. Saw a total of one or two groups while heading down, but mostly just saw people lounging around on the massive rocks (viewpoints) at around 5:30pm.

When we finally found the lighthouse, we also found the main trail that goes directly down from the parking lot. It's quite a long uphill walk. If you go through the small trails (Seven Sisters, Juniper Loop, Shore Pine) it will be much more difficult. I found that the lighthouse view point wasn't all that impressive, but the other ones by West Beach was much more relaxing and quiet.

Overall, both of us enjoyed it very much. Since we went along the trails on the West, it would be nice to come back and hike along the East side trails.

Posted: September 7, 2013 10:44:58 AM PST

tayler from chilliwack BC writes:

wow! this year, for my birthday i took my family and my two closest friends up to both the viewpoint and the actual lighthouse point. the view point is very well marked. it is not very easy to get lost. there is weathering in the trail because it has been used so many times my 5 year old sister could do it so it is really easy. we were tired but we didn't give up after the viewpoint, that was fantastic ! you always see pictures of the vancouver coast but it's another thing to actually experience it. the actual lighthouse was pretty for pictures it's important to watch your footing and if you have a group stay together my group gt lost good thing we found our way back to each other :)

Posted: August 7, 2013 01:11:57 AM PST

Becky from Vancouver writes:

Every time when I see the Light House from UBC,I tell myself that I should go and feel it closely. Finally, I did last Friday.
It was absolutely beautiful.The trail is easy and the view is gorgeous.Took a lot of pictures and try to paint.

Posted: May 9, 2013 12:14:17 PM PST

Jessica from Vancouver writes:

Went to lighthouse park today with our dog! So beautiful.. many little rocky beaches you can climb down too. My dog had fun swimming around and jumping around on the rocks. People around are very friendly and have dogs off leash. Perfect sunning area or to bring a packed lunch!

Posted: April 22, 2013 02:37:53 PM PST

Jessica from Vancouver writes:

Went to lighthouse park today with our dog! So beautiful.. many little rocky beaches you can climb down too. My dog had fun swimming around and jumping around on the rocks. People around are very friendly and have dogs off leash. Perfect sunning area or to bring a packed lunch!

Posted: April 22, 2013 02:37:41 PM PST

Emma from Vancouver writes:

Absolutely loved lighthouse park. Beautiful trees and viewpoint. Excited to go back and try other trails.

One important point, not mentioned on this site, is the steep grade of the trails (especially the walk to the lighthouse). I brought my 60 yr old + parents here, expecting an easy walk on a level surface, but the trail to the lighthouse is straight down and straight back up a steep incline, FYI. The sign at Lighthouse park says- 10 minutes downhill and a steep 25 minutes to climb back up. Just want everyone to know. :)

We were still thankful to be there, just a little too hard for us!

Posted: July 29, 2012 09:48:38 AM PST

Madibaman from Singapore writes:

Lighthouse Park is my favourite place in the world. It was the first time I'd ever gone to Canada and was taken there by someone I hold very dear to my heart. Spent all afternoon up there, sitting in the spot she used to sit when she was a child. It was a beautiful day, watching the little boats go by as the sun arced across the blue sky. Will never forgot her nor the place for as long as I live and I wish I could go back there with her again some day.

Posted: July 9, 2012 01:34:26 AM PST

Melissa Wong from Vancouver writes:

Easy trail but a lot of rocks and gravels. Arbutus Knoll and Starboat Cove were probably our fav. viewpoints. Make sure you grab a trail map.

Posted: May 26, 2012 09:52:41 PM PST

alaina Steiro from West Vancouver writes:

what government owns lighthouse park???????

Posted: December 14, 2011 07:41:16 PM PST

Joyful from North Vancouver writes:

This is my favourite spot in the Greater Vancouver area. I actually bussed out there 5x this past week!! (~45 min - 1 hr from dt Van) It has everything!! You can make a 30 minute pit stop and hit up the Juniper Loop/ Point to decompress after a long day at work or you can hike the many trails and visit the beaches/ old growth forest/ rock bluffs!! I can\'t wait to learn how to rock climb... because there is even a spot for that!! It\'s a great trail for a beginner because you can really make it into whatever you are up for. It is also a great spot to watch the sun set. rnrnFavourite trails: Juniper Loop; Seven Sisters Trail; Shore Pine Trail; Salaal Loop

Posted: April 17, 2011 08:34:32 PM PST

RJ from Burnaby writes:

Hiked in the park July 4th 2010. There are many more trails than this site indicates; we spent about 3 hours hiking both the east and west trails. Got a good workout and some nice views. There's also more wildlife than you'd expect at a city park.

Posted: July 6, 2010 07:18:18 AM PST

Karen Hamilton from Vancouver writes:

We took my in-laws around Point Atkinson and Starboat Cove and returned to the entrance way via the Valley Trail. Everything is so photogenic! Great views of the city skyline from the cove.

Our new favourite day trail in the GVRD.

Posted: May 26, 2008 06:56:47 PM PST