Vancouver
West
This may seem a small spot on the map, it's but filled with some of the prettiest walks, hikes, bike rides in the Vancouver area. Originally home to the Salish tribes, in the 19th century, Vancouverites would canoe across the bay to set up tents for summer camping.
Ambleside Beach - Flat sand beach where you dabble your toes or swim in the water, picnic tables and grassy areas. Lean back against a driftwood log and take it easy. Rent ocean kayaks at the Ambleside Paddling Centre to paddle around Burrard Inlet. Across from the beach is a playground with swings and climbing structures, and a water park in the summer.
John Lawson Park - Grassy areas, playground and picnic tables, and great views of Vancouver across the way. Stop into Navvy Jack's House. Walking west along the beach towards Lawson Creek you will see what is reputed to be the Lower Mainland's longest continually lived in house, built by Navvy Jack, a Welshman, and his wife Rowia (granddaughter of Chief "Capilano") in 1910.
Horseshoe Bay - This is a terminus for one of the BC Ferry routes, and probably the prettiest towns on the mainland side of things. Worth a stop on your way to Whistler, or as part of a tour of the north shore side of Coal Harbor, Horseshoe Bay is a tucked into coves just north of Vancouver. The wharf is quite pretty, a nice place to stroll around.
Don't miss Whytecliff Park, where you can enjoy a picnic, sunbathe, let the kids play on the playground or go down at the beach to get up-close-and-personal with the sea lions.Boating - Get a boat at the marina to explore scenic Howe Sound. Keep your eyes peeled for the chummy pilot whales and harbor seals around Pam Rocks.
