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Lighthouse Park is approximately 75 hectares in size and a nationally significant natural park within West Vancouver. It has important natural and cultural resources and very high levels of use by local residents and tourists. The park is a biologically rich and unique resource and is an example of a remaining old growth coastal forest in the Lower Mainland. The lighthouse and light station grounds at Point Atkinson are a national historic site and one of the most photographed and recognizable landmarks in the entire Lower Mainland.
While the area directly around the light station grounds cannot be accessed by the public, there is a great viewpoint in the park that gives visitors a beautiful vantage point of the area. View the trail map for directions on how to find your way to the viewpoint.
The lighthouse, a national historic site, is one of the most photographed and recognizable landmarks in the entire Lower Mainland. The waters around Lighthouse Park is a Rockfish Protection Area, and the park is a favourite spot for picnicking.
Things to do in the park
- Walking and hiking
The Lighthouse Trails are all relatively short and appeal to people of varying fitness levels. Some trails are challenging—please wear good walking shoes or hiking boots.
A map of the trails can be found here. - Visit the lighthouse viewpoint
A functioning lighthouse has remained at this National Historic Site since the 1870s. See it for yourself, and become part of its history. - Bird watching
From diving cormorants to soaring eagles, birders flock to Lighthouse Park for great viewing opportunities.
Park hours
- The park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Dogs in Lighthouse Park
Well-behaved dogs that stay on the trails are allowed off-leash on the trails in Lighthouse Park, except Birdsong Path.
Dogs on a leash (no greater than two metres in length) and under control are permitted on Birdsong Path. A maximum of two dogs per person are allowed on this path.
Check out Dogs in Parks for information on off-leash areas, licensing and more.
Parking
Public parking at the park is limited and fills up quickly in good weather. Please have an alternate plan.
Lighthouse Park is accessed from a parking lot just off Beacon Lane. When travelling along Marine Drive towards Horseshoe Bay, turn left on Beacon Lane and follow the signs for Lighthouse Park.
Note: No buses are permitted down Water Lane or into the Lighthouse Park parking lot.
Pay parking is in effect year-round for Lighthouse Park. Vehicles with Veteran or Memorial Cross license plates and vehicles with a valid accessible parking placard are exempt. Residents of the District of West Vancouver may apply for an annual parking pass at no cost to the resident.
Learn more about pay parking in parks.
Washrooms
Toilets are available in two locations within Lighthouse Park:
- Two portable toilets in the parking lot near the entrance to Birdsong Path (one accessible).
- Two portable toilets in the parking lot near the entrance to Beacon Lane.
Management Plan
Plan details and information can be found here:
Lighthouse Park Management Plan
Lighthouse Park Preservation Society
Please visit the Stewardship page for information on this group.