West Vancouver is a district municipality located to the northwest of Downtown Vancouver, and is easily accessed by the landmark Lion’s Gate Bridge from Georgia Street in Downtown. The 1,823 kilometer bridge takes traffic straight to the border of West Vancouver and North Vancouver and onto Marine Drive, West Vancouver’s main commercial strip that runs along the Burrard Inlet and continues all the way to Horseshoe Bay, a water-front ferry community located at the westernmost point of West Vancouver. Ferries to Bowen Island, Nanaimo and Langdale leave from Horseshoe Bay. The Trans Canada Highway, also known as Highway 1, ends here and Highway 99 can be taken from here to head north toward Whistler, B.C.

 

West Vancouver is mostly residential, as the Municipality makes sure to maintain the area as a laid back and quiet upscale community. Canada’s first and West Vancouver’s only mall, Park Royal Shopping Centre, is located on Marine Drive right off of the Lion’s Gate Bridge. Park Royal is the North Shore’s largest shopping destination with over 280 stores and restaurants. Two enclosed malls sit on the north and south side of Marine Drive. The bus stops on either side of the street is a main transfer point for those going west, east to North Vancouver, or south to Downtown. In the past few years the Village at Park Royal was built, a popular outdoor shopping venue located next to the South Mall, with top name shops and cafes, including Whole Foods and Starbucks.

 

Ambleside Beach is one of the North Shore’s most popular gathering places. Sweeping views of Downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge can be seen from the park, and the amenities make the park very family friendly. During the summer Ambleside becomes a hot beach destination, and the rest of the time it’s a great place for walking dogs, taking children to play, or a romantic date. Lighthouse Park is located closer to the west end of West Vancouver, and is more of a historic nature destination. The 185-acre park consists of both steep and flat trails, extremely dense foliage, and its Municipal landmark, the lighthouse. Lighthouse Park got its name from Point Atkinson, one of Canada’s first manned light stations.

 

West Vancouver has a highly acclaimed public school district, and also offers two private schools. There are 14 primary and elementary schools and 3 secondary schools in West Vancouver.