Things To Do
in West Vancouver
West Vancouver is an affluent, leafy municipality on the north shore of Burrard Inlet, offering sweeping views of the Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver skyline, and the Gulf Islands. It blends quiet residential neighbourhoods, upscale shopping and dining around Ambleside and Dundarave, and immediate access to rugged coastal parks and mountain trails. Outdoor recreation is a major draw — from Lighthouse Park's coastal rainforest to Cypress Mountain's alpine terrain.
The community is family-oriented, multicultural, and respectful of the area’s Indigenous heritage and natural environment.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in West Vancouver and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Ambleside Park, where you can breathe in the fresh ocean air and enjoy the coastal views. Grab a coffee from a local café as you prepare for your adventures ahead.
Explore the iconic Lions Gate Bridge with a walk or bike ride across this breathtaking structure. Afterward, visit the nearby Stanley Park, where you can stroll through lush greenery and view the famous totem poles. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the park's picturesque spots.
Dine at a waterfront restaurant featuring fresh local seafood. Indulge in the stunning sunset views over the ocean while enjoying your meal. After dinner, take a relaxing walk along the beach to end your first day.
Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you can walk across the thrilling suspension bridge suspended high above the Capilano River. Discover the surrounding rainforest on the treetop walkways, marveling at the diverse flora and fauna. Take in breathtaking views and get your camera ready for some stunning photos.
Enjoy lunch at the park's café while sipping on freshly brewed local coffee. Afterward, explore the park's thrilling Cliffwalk, a series of narrow walkways cantilevered over the canyon. Immerse yourself in nature as you take in the views of the rushing river below.
Head back to West Vancouver and relax at your accommodation. For an engaging evening, attend a local event or community gathering to experience the culture. If you’re up for it, venture out to try some local craft beer at a nearby pub.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3.50-5 |
| 🍺Beer (pub, pint) | $6-9 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride (5 km) | $15-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $140-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning coastal and mountain scenery with easy outdoor access
- Quiet, safe neighbourhoods with excellent waterfront promenades
- High-quality restaurants and shopping in Ambleside and Park Royal
- Close to Vancouver while offering a more relaxed pace
- Higher prices for accommodation and dining compared with other suburbs
- Less nightlife and fewer cultural institutions than downtown Vancouver
- Dependence on car for many destinations; public transit less frequent
- Parking congestion at popular parks and viewpoints on summer weekends
Places to Visit in West Vancouver
Visit one of these nice places.
Old-growth trees, rocky headlands and panoramic ocean vistas make this a top spot for coastal landscape photography at sunrise and sunset.
A charming pier with shoreline gardens and clear sightlines back to the city skyline and Lions Gate Bridge; great for golden-hour shots.
Walkable waterfront with beach scenes, boats, and framed views of Vancouver across the inlet.
Rocky coves and marine life; good for wide-angle coastal scenes and underwater/diver photography opportunities in summer.
High-elevation vantage points offering sweeping views of Howe Sound, the ocean and mountain ranges — dramatic in clear weather.
Food in West Vancouver
West Vancouver Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Wild or farmed Pacific salmon served grilled, smoked or in chowder — available at local restaurants and seafood counters.
Must-Try!
Short-season delicacy in late spring/early summer; try them simply prepared at seafood-focused eateries or farmers' markets when available.
A comforting local staple featuring mixed shellfish and fish in a creamy broth — common on many waterfront menus.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods, small-batch preserves and prepared foods — good for picnic supplies and tasting BC specialties.
A mix of quick eats and sit-down restaurants inside the major shopping centre; convenient for varied tastes and faster meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People value politeness and quiet public behaviour; keep a respectful distance and be courteous in queues and public spaces.
West Vancouver sits on the ancestral territories of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) and Tsleil-Waututh peoples — acknowledge this history and follow guidance at cultural sites.
Pack out what you bring, stay on marked trails, and follow fire and wildlife safety rules; littering is frowned upon and often fined.
Dress is generally casual and outdoorsy; for upscale restaurants or events, smart casual is appropriate.
Safety
Tipping in West Vancouver
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard restaurant tips are 15–20% pre-tax for good service; leave $1–2 per drink at bars and 10–15% for taxis if service was good. Tip housekeeping and other service staff modestly for good service.
Credit and debit cards (VISA, Mastercard) are widely accepted; chip-and-PIN and contactless payments are common. Cash is accepted but less used; mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work at most vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with increasing sunshine; trails become green and wildflowers appear. Spot prawns may be in season; expect occasional rain and muddy trails, so bring waterproof footwear.
Warm, dry and pleasant — ideal for beaches, kayaking, hiking and cycling. Popular spots can get busy on sunny weekends; sunscreen and layers for cooler waterfront breezes are recommended.
Crisp air and colourful foliage in the parks; rain increases toward late fall. Shoulder-season crowds mean easier parking, but trails and viewpoints can be wet and slippery.
Mild and wet at sea level with occasional frost; higher elevations on Cypress Mountain get reliable snow for skiing and snowboarding. Bring rain gear and check road and ferry conditions if traveling to mountain or coastal areas.
West Vancouver at Night
Hiking in West Vancouver
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of short to moderate trails through old-growth forest to ocean cliffs and lighthouses — great for family hikes and photography.
Alpine and subalpine trails with panoramic views of Howe Sound and the coastal mountains; excellent for both summer hikes and winter recreation.
Long-distance trail that traverses the North Shore, with accessible sections offering ridge views and varied terrain.
Short coastal paths, tide pools and rocky viewpoints good for casual hikes and marine life spotting.
Offer short but steep hikes with rewarding views over Howe Sound and the islands — check access and trail conditions before setting out.
Airports
How to reach West Vancouver by plane.
The primary international airport serving the region, located on Richmond and about 25–40 minutes by car (depending on traffic) plus a short drive across the city; frequent shuttle, taxi and ride-hailing options.
Downtown seaplane terminal offering scenic flights and quick transfers to islands and some regional destinations; convenient for waterfront access to the Vancouver core.
An alternate airport east of the city for some domestic and seasonal flights; approximately 60–90 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many established families and professionals choose West Vancouver for its schools, parks and residential character.
The area has a significant proportion of older homeowners and retirees attracted by the quiet neighbourhoods and services.
A diverse population including many residents of Asian heritage contributes to varied cultural and dining options.
The land is the traditional territory of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) and Tsleil-Waututh peoples; Indigenous presence and heritage are important to the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cypress Mountain draws locals for downhill skiing, snowboarding and winter recreation.
Like much of Canada, hockey is widely followed and played at community rinks and arenas.
The coastal location supports sailing, boating and paddle sports in the warmer months.
North Shore trails and parklands are popular for mountain biking and trail running year-round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting West Vancouver.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and restaurants offer clear vegetarian options; larger menus at Park Royal and Ambleside make it easy to find salads, grain bowls and vegetable-forward mains.
Vegan choices are available but slightly more limited than in downtown Vancouver — many places will accommodate with swaps and plant-based items on request.
Gluten-free options are common; always inform staff of needs and they will usually point out safe menu items.
Most restaurants are allergy-aware; communicate clearly about severe allergies and double-check cross-contamination concerns.