Lighthouse Park in Vancouver

Lighthouse Park is a popular Vancouver destination because it contains the largest uncut coastal-elevation trees in the region. The trees were saved because they provided a dark background to the lighthouse on Point Atkinson. The first lighthouse was built in 1874, a time when these forests were being logged. The trees are the main attraction, along with many trails that wind their way around the park. The lighthouse is operational and stationed so access is restricted. Even getting a good view of it is difficult. From the parking lot, the main trail/road heads straight to the overlook to see the lighthouse, a 10 minute walk. The main trail cuts the park in half so you'll see all sorts of other signed trails on each side, 6 miles (10km) of trails. The return hike is uphill and a bit tiring for some.

Lighthouse Park is located in West Vancouver off Marine Drive at the south end of Beacon Lane, West Vancouver. From West Vancouver, follow Marine Drive west to the park marked with a wood sign. Go down the hill through a neighborhood to the large parking lot. There is regular bus service from Park Royal Shopping Centre to the park; take the Horseshoe Bay (#250).

Lighthouse Park marks the point where Burrard Inlet meets Howe Sound. In 1792, Captain George Vancouver charted and named the land where Lighthouse Park sits. He called the promontory Point Atkinson. Point Atkinson served as the site of one of Canada's first manned light stations in 1874 and the original building was later replaced in 1912 with the building now preserved on the site. Late in the 19th century, the Government of Canada set aside 75 hectares as a lighthouse reserve. The park is maintained by the Municipality, which leases it from the Department of National Defense. Old military buildings can be found near the lighthouse, remnants of the site's military importance during World War II. From 1939 to 1945, the site functioned as a coastal defense installation to protect the Vancouver Harbour against a possible Japanese attack. From the start of World War II, the navy manned a signal station to receive advance radio warning of any major warships and to identify inbound vessels. Searchlights and guns were installed around the time of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbour, and up to 80 personnel were housed in barracks in the forest behind the lighthouse.