Holiday season is upon us again - too much of this, too much of that …you might need to exercise a bit to get rid of the excess, not too much though, because you feel sluggish. Last year we did Grouse with Santa, the reindeer and choirs - the whole bit.  Well this year let's do something less or more of a workout - you decide how much you are willing to do.  Let's do Lighthouse Park.

Yes I know, we all know it.  But honestly, when were you seen there the last time?  Two of us asked ourselves the question and hmm, it had been a while - actually it had been years!  So let's go and see what's up there now. 

To find the spot, drive along Marine Drive into West Vancouver towards Horseshoe Bay.  Past Caulfeild you watch the left side of the road for the sign “Lighthouse Park”.  You turn into Beacon Lane, carefully watching the oncoming traffic, which pops up over a hill.  Follow the signs to the parking lot and find yourselves a good spot.

There were maps on the boards when we explored.  Of course we saw them after we had traipsed around the park for about four delightful hours.  So you might want to be smarter and look for one right away.  Before you lock the car, may we remind you again that even on such easy trails you will enjoy the event more with proper footwear, water and food, and a flashlight if, god forbid, you did not quite allow enough time to come home in daylight.

If you don't find maps at the board, it is great fun just finding out why the trails have been named after certain plants - like Salal Loop or Arbutus Trail.  The place is very well marked on all trails, so pay attention.  Don't miss the Summit Trail, because the 115 m elevation might get you a bit warmer.  Tracing your steps back from the Summit Trail, try the Valley of the Giants.  Don't miss the Eagle Point view either, a worthwhile little loop.  Then go back onto the Arbutus Trail which leads you to the Valley Trail.  You have a choice here to go to the Arbutus Knoll, East Beach and the Point Atkinson Lighthouse.  There is a lot to explore in this little corner.  Once you've had enough, go back along the Beacon Lane Trail to the parking lot.

If you find you are not quite ready to go yet, leave Point Atkinson to go onto the Salmonberry and Songbird meadows for another little bit “up”.  Retrace your steps and follow the Seven Sisters Trail back to the Juniper Loop, then back to the parking lot or another beautiful trail follows the shoreline from West Beach along the Shore Pine Trail (my absolute favourite), which also ends into Juniper Loop back to the parking lot.
And then there is a discovery at the end of your exploring when you head for the outhouses.  You are, after all, in the Municipality of West Vancouver - these outhouses have water flushing toilets - wow!

Photo Mystery Spot: 
(from Oct/Nov magazine) 
We hope you enjoyed Cheakamus Lake on a sunny fall day.  Did you find the picture?  If you went all the way to the very end of the trail to the sign “The maintained trail ends here…” then you saw these little waterfalls.

Olga is a member of the North Vancouver
Outdoors Club.  www.northvanoutdoorsclub.ca

copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Dec 05 - Jan 06