West Vancouver

While Ambleside and Dundarave Beach are the most well-known public beaches in West Vancouver, Stearman Beach, Sandy Cove and Altamont Beach are less frequented but equally stunning. The West Vancouve Seawall Walk is another popular waterfront destination.

Click the image above for a map of WV beaches.  

Host mountain of several events during the 2010 Olympics, Cypress Mountain is located just above Highway 1 as it crosses through West Vancouver. In addition to downhill, other options include cross country skiing, snowtubing and snowshoeing. West Vancouver residents also benefit from being only 90-minutes from world-renowned Whister Blackcomb. 

With the exception of Salmon House on the Hill, the majority of your dining options in West Vancouver are going to be found within a few blocks of the waterfront. The Beach House, the Boat Shed Ambleside and Earls Ambleside are all popular for their oceanside patios. Park Royal offers a range of options in one place: from  Glowbal Group's Trattoria, to The Village Taphouse.  

If you're looking for some insights into the area's best restaurants, enjoy this list from foodie-focused publication, Noms Magazine.  

West Vancouver School District provides excellent options for both Elementary and High School. My own son attends one! For private school options, top-rated Mulgrave School and Collingwood School are the most established in the area. You can see school rankings from the Fraser Institute here. 

West Vancouver offers an abundance of options for sports and recreation, from the soccer and field hockey-specific turfs at Ambleside, to the comprehensive programming offered by the West Vancouver Community Centre and Gleneagles Community Centre.

Hollyburn Country Club is a world-class private recreation facility for families that is situated in the British Properties overlooking the city. 

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Capilano Golf and Country Club in another highly regarded private facility in the area, ranking among the top 10 golf courses in Canada. 

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This is all in addition to numerous specialised sports programs and the outdoor recreation opportunities that West Vancouver provides.  

Given its location along the mountainside, and waterfront, West Vancouver offers no shortage of hiking trails and stunning walks. From the Baden Powell Trail, which stretches all the way from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove, to Cypress Falls, which is just under 3 km, there is something for everyone.

See a list of popular hikes here 

Park Royal Shopping Centre is without doubt the most well-known and frequented shopping destination in West Vancouver, covering everything from clothing stores and electronics, to grocery stores and restaurants.

Dundarave Village is a charming alternative. Like Ambleside, it offers a range of boutique shops, services and eateries - most of them located along the thoroughfare of Marine Drive.

Caulfield Village is the one shopping area located away from the water. You can find its shops, cafes and services just off the Upper Levels highway en route to Horseshoe Bay heading west.

And speaking of Horseshoe Bay, this quaint seaside community is home to a number of galleries and local gift stores, not to mention some great ice cream and fish & chips. 

If boating is your thing, West Vancouver is home to a number of yacht clubs and marinas.  You can find a list of them here.

Sewell's Marina also offers boat rentals in West Vancouver for those who only want to get out on the ocean for a day or two. The West Vancouver Yacht Club has a boat sharing option for members, along with a long list of racing and sailing programs. 

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Bowen Island, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast are popular trips.  

West Vancouver's parks offer something for all ages. John Lawson is a favourite among kids with its wooden pirate ship, train and water park (in the summer). Other popular options are Lighthouse Park, known for its beautiful scenery, and Whytecliff Park, which is is sought out by scubadivers. Capilano Regional Park is home to a network of forest trails, a salmon hatchery and the often-photographed, Capilano Dam.

You can see a more complete lists of parks on the District's website here. 

For those interested in the visual arts, the West Vancouver Art Museum and Silk Purse Gallery host frequent exhibitions along with events and educational arts programs. At the time of writing, award-winning local artist, Martha Sturdy, had her "All Fall Down" sculpture series on display at WVAM. Another notable local artist, Douglas Coupland, has several permanent installations in the district. 

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The Key Meek Arts Centre offers audiences live music and performances, in addition to visual art displays. The centre was made possible thanks to donations from a West Vancouver resident, Mrs Kay Meek, who recognised the need for a performance art centre in the municipality. 

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Every year the Harmony Arts Festival, brings a celebration of visual, performance and culinary arts to the West Vancouver waterfront for a week-long celebration.  

Considering a move to West Vancouver, or curious about the real estate?  You can search currently available West Vancouver properties here. 

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If you are serious about purchasing a West Vancouver home, get in touch to find out how we can add expertise, ease and additional opportunities to your search.