Cates Park Beach North Vancouver

Cates Park (Whey-ah-Wichen): North Vancouver's Forest-to-Sea Beach

Category: Beaches & Parks | Area: Dollarton, North Vancouver | Cost: Free | Best for: Families, picnics, kayaking, beachcombing, forest walks

Cates Park, known by its ancestral name Whey-ah-Wichen, is the largest waterfront park in the District of North Vancouver. The name is a Tsleil-Waututh word meaning "faces the wind." Forest trails lead down to pebbly and sandy beaches on Burrard Inlet, with views across to Burnaby and up toward Indian Arm.

Where Is Cates Park?

The park is at 4141 Dollarton Highway, a short drive from Deep Cove. The main entrance and parking are off Dollarton Highway.

A Bit of History

The park lies within Tsleil-Waututh Nation territory. In the 1940s and 1950s, shacks along this shore were home to writers including novelist Malcolm Lowry and poet Earle Birney.

Things to See and Do

Beachcomb at Low Tide

The beaches are mostly pebbles with sandy patches, and low tide reveals sea life along the shore around Roche Point.

Paddle to Deep Cove

A year-round boat launch makes Cates a popular start for kayaking and paddleboarding, and Deep Cove is about 4.5 km away by water.

Walk the Waterfront Trails

About 6 km of trails wind through the forest and along the shore.

Picnic and Play

The park has playgrounds, a picnic shelter, tennis courts and Wally's Burgers, a seasonal concession.

Getting There

By car: Cross the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, take the Dollarton Highway exit and follow it east to the park.

By transit: Buses along Dollarton Highway stop near the park entrance.

Good to Know

• Pay parking is in effect during the busy season.
• Dogs must be leashed in the park and are not allowed on the main beach area.
• Washrooms are on site, and the picnic shelter can be booked through North Vancouver Recreation & Culture.
• There are no lifeguards, and boat traffic is common near the launch.

Best Time to Visit

Summer for paddling and picnics; low tide on any season for exploring the shoreline.

More Beaches Nearby

Directly across the inlet is Barnet Marine Park in Burnaby. Further west, try Ambleside Beach. See all of them in our guide to the best beaches in Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Whey-ah-Wichen mean?

It is a Tsleil-Waututh word meaning "faces the wind."

Is Cates Park beach sandy?

It is mostly pebbly, with some sandy patches.

Can you launch a kayak at Cates Park?

Yes, the park has a year-round boat launch.

Photo: Cates Park 02 by Braveheart, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.