The site was a traditional Tsleil-Waututh village and seasonal fishing camp for thousands of years.
Whey-ah-Wichen remains a significant cultural and spiritual site for the Tsleil-Waututh people today.
The park contains interpretive signage detailing the history and traditional ecological knowledge of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
The park provides direct access to the waters of the Indian Arm, a fjord extending north of Burrard Inlet.
A series of public art pieces by Tsleil-Waututh artists are located throughout the grounds.
Cates Park, known as Whey-ah-Wichen in the Tsleil-Waututh language, is the largest waterfront park in North Vancouver. The park covers 22 hectares of forested terrain and shoreline along the Burrard Inlet. Its name, Whey-ah-Wichen, translates to 'faces the wind' and reflects the site's significance to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. The park features 6 kilometers of walking trails that wind through coastal hemlock and cedar forests. Visitors have access to multiple pebble and sandy beaches suitable for beachcombing and relaxing. The site includes a designated boat launch and multiple kayak access points. Picnic shelters and charcoal barbecue pits are available for public use throughout the park. The park offers clear views of the Indian Arm and the North Shore Mountains.
The wooden pier extending into the Burrard Inlet at sunset.
Bring water shoes to navigate the rocky sections of the beach comfortably.
Check the local tide charts before visiting if you plan to launch a kayak or paddleboard.
The park is popular for picnicking; arrive early on sunny weekends to secure a table.
Do not attempt to swim in the boat launch area, as it is strictly for watercraft vessels.
Respect the cultural signage; ensure all trash is packed out to protect the coastal ecosystem.
