The park contains one of the last stands of old-growth Douglas firs in the Lower Mainland, some of which are hundreds of years old.
Point Atkinson Lighthouse was established in 1874 to guide maritime traffic through the First Narrows into Vancouver Harbour.
The park was originally designated as a military reserve in 1881 to protect the entrance to Burrard Inlet.
The lighthouse uses a 'fog signal' system that has been upgraded multiple times since its original 19th-century installation.
Point Atkinson is a recognized Migratory Bird Sanctuary due to its position along the Pacific Flyway.
Lighthouse Park is a 75-hectare coastal rainforest located in West Vancouver, notable for its significant stand of original old-growth Douglas fir trees. The park features a network of 10 kilometres of trails that lead through dense forest to rocky bluffs overlooking the Burrard Inlet. The primary landmark is the active Point Atkinson Lighthouse, which was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1975. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but the surrounding grounds provide clear views of the Georgia Strait and Vancouver Island. The terrain is rugged, characterized by steep trails and exposed granite shorelines. The park was originally set aside as a military reserve in 1881 before being established as a municipal park. It hosts diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, seals, and occasional black bears. The site is maintained by the District of West Vancouver and preserves one of the last remaining examples of the native forest that once covered the region.
The viewing platform near the Point Atkinson Lighthouse, which provides a framing of the lighthouse against the backdrop of the Burrard Inlet.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking footwear, as the trails are uneven, rocky, and often muddy.
Bring binoculars for spotting marine life and vessels navigating the busy Burrard Inlet shipping lanes.
Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile root systems of the old-growth trees and avoid steep drop-offs.
Attempting to climb down to the water in unauthorized areas, as the rocky cliffs are slippery and can be hazardous.
Leash your dogs at all times, pack out all garbage, and do not approach or feed the wildlife.
