Whytecliff Park West Vancouver

Whytecliff Park: West Vancouver's Wild Cove Beach

Category: Beaches & Parks | Area: Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver | Cost: Free (pay parking) | Best for: Scenery, tidepooling, scuba diving, short hikes, photography

Whytecliff Park is where West Vancouver's shoreline turns rugged. A small cove beach of pebbles and driftwood sits below rocky cliffs and forest, facing Howe Sound, with tiny Whyte Islet just offshore. It is less a sunbathing beach than a place to explore, and it is one of the most scenic waterfront spots in Metro Vancouver.

Where Is Whytecliff Park?

The park is at 7102 Marine Drive, at the western end of Marine Drive just past Horseshoe Bay.

Canada's First Marine Protected Area

In 1993 the waters around Whytecliff became Canada's first saltwater Marine Protected Area. Harvesting marine life is prohibited, and the park is home to more than 200 marine species, from seals and lingcod to sea stars and anemones.

Things to See and Do

Walk Out to Whyte Islet

At low tide, a rocky path connects the beach to Whyte Islet. The climb onto the islet is steep at first, and the tide comes back quickly, so check tide times before you go.

Go Scuba Diving

Whytecliff is one of the most popular dive sites in the Vancouver area, and many local divers learned here.

Explore the Trails and Viewpoints

Short trails lead through the forest to lookouts over Howe Sound and the coves along the shore.

Picnic With a View

Grassy areas above the beach have picnic spots, plus a playground and tennis courts.

Getting There

By car: Take the Upper Levels Highway to Horseshoe Bay and follow Marine Drive west to its end. Parking at the park is paid.

By transit: Buses run to Horseshoe Bay, about a 20-minute walk from the park.

Good to Know

• The beach is mostly pebbles and rocks, so wear sturdy shoes.
• Leashed dogs are welcome in most of the park but not on the beach.
• There are no lifeguards, and the water is cold year-round.
• Do not take shells, crabs or other marine life from the protected area.

Best Time to Visit

Plan around low tide if you want to reach Whyte Islet. Sunset over Howe Sound is spectacular, and weekdays are much quieter than weekends.

More Beaches Nearby

Head back east along Marine Drive to sandy Dundarave Beach and Ambleside Beach. See every option in our guide to the best beaches in Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you walk to Whyte Islet?

Yes, at low tide, over a rocky path from the beach. Check the tide table and watch for the incoming tide.

Is parking free at Whytecliff Park?

No. Pay parking has been in place at the park since 2024.

Are dogs allowed at Whytecliff Park?

Leashed dogs are allowed in most areas of the park but not on the beach.

Photo: Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver by Northwest, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.