Whytecliff Park (West Vancouver)

 park, scuba diving facility / area, marine, stone, soap, kayak

Whytecliff Park is a Marine Sanctuary and Park located in West Vancouver. To reach it, simply follow Hwy 99 towards Squamish/Whistler and take the first exit after the Ferry terminal (HorseShoe Bay Village). Follow the road to the end!

The Park is composed of two main bays. The south bay (Day Marker) is accessible via stairs or a vehicle ramp (closed to traffic) and receives the most attention and is a favoured scuba diving destination and training area. Swimming, kayaking and other water sports are also possible. The north bay (cliff cove) is accessible via a stairwell and offers a more natural/quiet setting. There is good interperative signage throughout the park, so it is worth taking a walk around, especially on the west wall.

The cliffs are great places to collect soapstone, if you are an artist. You can chisel out larger pieces, pretty much as as big as you can bring back up the stairs, or just pick up smaller pieces along the bottom of the beach.

The park includes washroom and concession facilities (open on weekends and selectively through the week). It can be quite busy on weekends during the summers. Get there early.

For more information, please see the offical park site www.westvancouver.net/article.asp?a=2012&c=766 or www.greatervancouverparks.com/Whytecliff01.html