Point Atkinson Lighthouse
Point Atkinson Lighthouse
4.5
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4.5
45 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
15
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Paulshappy
Courtenay, Canada4,147 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
The Point Atkinson Lighthouse Trail was a good-go, and highly recommended, but that said some improvements could be made.
Colleen and I stopped in right after docking, and following the Marine Drive route found the turn-in to the parking was an almost 180 degree turn, which seemed somewhat dangerous, so that could be improved. The parking lot and available spots was pretty good actually. The signage to the most direct-route leading to the lighthouse was lacking, and we had to ask other travellers for assistance. The path itself is not bad but could be improved, especially considering how much money is floating around West Vancouver. And again, at the end of the trail it's a bit confusing as to how to actually get to either the waterfront or the lighthouse itself, and we again relied on others to help us out.
All in all it was a really pleasant walk, and yes it does take more time to walk back up to the parking lot than it does to walk down to the water, but there's a few benches for us older folks to 'catch our breath', or as we tell others, 'we're just enjoying the scenery, thanks'.
We look forward to seeing some improvements next time on the mainland.
Safe travels, Paul
Colleen and I stopped in right after docking, and following the Marine Drive route found the turn-in to the parking was an almost 180 degree turn, which seemed somewhat dangerous, so that could be improved. The parking lot and available spots was pretty good actually. The signage to the most direct-route leading to the lighthouse was lacking, and we had to ask other travellers for assistance. The path itself is not bad but could be improved, especially considering how much money is floating around West Vancouver. And again, at the end of the trail it's a bit confusing as to how to actually get to either the waterfront or the lighthouse itself, and we again relied on others to help us out.
All in all it was a really pleasant walk, and yes it does take more time to walk back up to the parking lot than it does to walk down to the water, but there's a few benches for us older folks to 'catch our breath', or as we tell others, 'we're just enjoying the scenery, thanks'.
We look forward to seeing some improvements next time on the mainland.
Safe travels, Paul
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve W
Seattle, WA50 contributions
Mar 2016 • Solo
I've always had an interest in lighthouses and sadly, many of them in my area are disappearing due to modern technology with the advancements of navigation equipment. Still, there are a few of them that have been kept safe. While I don't know the specifics about this lighthouse, its still fun to see.
I will tell you upfront, parking is nothing short of a nightmare and many people park and walk very far just to come to this park. If you're lucky enough to get a golden parking spot as I was you'll save yourself a lot of steps and time.
The actual hike down to the lighthouse takes you about 10 or 15 minutes. The general public is not allowed at the lighthouse itself, but there are several vantage points offering great picture moments.
If it's the lighthouse alone you want to see follow the main pathway down from the top of the parking area. You'll come to a small group of buildings. Walk past them continuing down and you'll come to what appears to be someone's house (probably the caretaker) where if the gate is open then you're invited in. Be mindful of their personal space and avoid going to the house or it's porches.
There is a better vantage point just to the west of the house on top of a large outcropping of smooth rock. Many people will sit, rest or eat their lunch here. Overall in my opinion, it gives a better vantage point to see the entire lighthouse Bowen Island and the Straits of Georgia behind it.
One final piece of advise... Do not leave any valuables in your car. Signs were up to warn people. There is so much activity within the parking lot one would never know if it was legit or not.
I will tell you upfront, parking is nothing short of a nightmare and many people park and walk very far just to come to this park. If you're lucky enough to get a golden parking spot as I was you'll save yourself a lot of steps and time.
The actual hike down to the lighthouse takes you about 10 or 15 minutes. The general public is not allowed at the lighthouse itself, but there are several vantage points offering great picture moments.
If it's the lighthouse alone you want to see follow the main pathway down from the top of the parking area. You'll come to a small group of buildings. Walk past them continuing down and you'll come to what appears to be someone's house (probably the caretaker) where if the gate is open then you're invited in. Be mindful of their personal space and avoid going to the house or it's porches.
There is a better vantage point just to the west of the house on top of a large outcropping of smooth rock. Many people will sit, rest or eat their lunch here. Overall in my opinion, it gives a better vantage point to see the entire lighthouse Bowen Island and the Straits of Georgia behind it.
One final piece of advise... Do not leave any valuables in your car. Signs were up to warn people. There is so much activity within the parking lot one would never know if it was legit or not.
Written 4 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina H
West Vancouver, Canada55 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
We go by this landmark every time we go out on the boat. It’s always a great lighthouse to photograph. The currents in front can be quite wicked so be aware of tide changes. We’ve had some very large vessels with experienced captains have green waters over the top of vessel. If you time it well, it can be very calm. Always worth the visit. One of the best photo ops in vancouver. The park can also be visited from the land but it is an entirely different perspective. Enjoy!
Written 28 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kathystivin
West Vancouver, Canada90 contributions
Aug 2019
Bring the kids, bring the dogs, bring grandma, there are many trails all reasonably easy. Bring a pic-nic basket, and sit on the rocks watching kayaks and boats float by. Great views to downtown Vancouver, views to Bowen Island and Horseshoe bay. Or, go for lunch to Horseshoe bay at the end of your hike, you will love the seafood. You will need a car to get here, but its all easy.
Written 11 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulhundal
West Vancouver, Canada125 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
Yhe Park itself is an amazing place but the lighthouse, not so much. It is really just the end point on the trail, not much to look at and you can only see it from a distance. Strongly recommend you hike to Jackpine Point instead. It makes for a good loop trail and Jackpine point is a far more beautiful place to stop as a destination point.
Written 12 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scpatankar
Mumbai, India10 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
There are beautiful rock patches to sit in tree shade besides the sea shore. The dense tree cover makes the place quiet. Sea on one side and dense forest on other gives magnificent scenery. The only drawback was that washrooms were out of service. You can see the downtown vancouver, stanley park, lions gate bridge and UBC from ligthouse tower. Though this place is few kilometers from downtown Vancouver, it feels different here like being in country side!
Written 20 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan C
Calgary, Alberta, Canada61 contributions
Sept 2015 • Family
An easy hike through the forest is just an added pleasure as you work your way towards the lighthouse. The silence and majesty of the massive trees in this ancient growth forest is awe inspiring. A spiritual place indeed. When you finally climb the rock that overlooks the lighthouse, the view is stunning. You can sit and watch the huge ships moving in and out of the harbour. Bring a picnic lunch and just contemplate nature at it's most magnificent. There are a number of pathways to explore throughout Lighthouse park and you can spend hours.
Written 21 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oncofighter
Vancouver, Canada139 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
I have been coming to this lighthouse park for over 20 years. It's a tranquil romantic experience especially if the weather cooperates.
Written 18 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maggie m
Vancouver, Canada47 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
Worth taking in if you are visiting West Vancouver or on your way
to Horeshore Bay. Large parking lot and a well defined trail takes you to a rocky place to sit and have a picnic, enjoy the fab. view and hike back at a slow pace taking in the beautiful surroundings. A local treasure.
to Horeshore Bay. Large parking lot and a well defined trail takes you to a rocky place to sit and have a picnic, enjoy the fab. view and hike back at a slow pace taking in the beautiful surroundings. A local treasure.
Written 23 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnowyShasta
Portland, OR2,313 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Note that this lighthouse is at Lighthouse Park, on the far west side of West Vancouver. It was a little hard to find, but our GPS directed us there correctly. We were not able to see the full lighthouse (just the top) from the main trail to it and the nearby viewpoint. We walked down to West Beach and from there got some great views of the ocean and the lighthouse. It was worth the trek down there and back up.
You can't get to the lighthouse, it is in a restricted area, but it makes for some nice viewing against a blue sky. We enjoyed our hikes in the nearby park.
You can't get to the lighthouse, it is in a restricted area, but it makes for some nice viewing against a blue sky. We enjoyed our hikes in the nearby park.
Written 7 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had Knee replacement surgery in late October. My recovery is going well. However, I am not up for long walks, so I am wondering how long is the hike to to lighthouse from the parking lot. We are visiting Vancouver in late January.
Written 5 January 2017
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