- Difficulty Easy
- Time 1.25 hours
- Round-Trip 4km
- Elevation Gain 185 meters
- Season March - November
- Camping No
- From Vancouver 20 minutes
- Public Transit Yes
- Dog Friendly On-Leash
View Trail MapWhyte Lake is a small scenic lake, nestled in the forest above the Trans-Canada Highway in West Vancouver. The most common route to Whyte Lake begins just off of Westport Road, however this route follows the western-most section of the Baden Powell Trail, starting near Horseshoe Bay, before branching off to the lake.
The trailhead of the Baden Powell (and this route to Whyte Lake) begins from a small gravel parking lot at the side of Highway Exit #2's off ramp, on the other side of the fence from the ferry terminal ticket booths. Follow the trail, past the fence, as it climbs steadily. After the initial uphill section, the trail follows alongside concrete slabs from the Sea To Sky Highway before making its way under a bridge next to a creek. Go left after passing under the bridge and continue follow the path in the direction of the highway.
The route reaches another steep uphill section and, as you climb up the wide path, you begin to leave the sounds of the highway behind you. Continue uphill, occasionally catching your breath, until the trail begins to level and continues through a wide forested section. The break is brief as the trail again gains elevation quickly.
Eventually, the Baden Powell Trail that you are following reaches a sign at a junction. Go right to Whyte Lake and follow the trail uphill. Once the trail reaches another junction, go right and walk across the wooden boardwalks. A short distance after the boardwalks, go left at the sign and walk to the dock on Whyte Lake.
After enjoying the views of the lake from the dock, return to the trail and go right, walking across the long boardwalks. After the boardwalks, go left and down the hill until you reach the junction with the Baden Powell Trail. Follow the Baden Powell Trail back downhill towards Horseshoe Bay where you began your hike.
How to get to Whyte Lake via Horseshoe Bay
Estimated Driving Time from Vancouver
20 minutes
The trailhead to Whyte Lake from Horseshoe Bay is the same trailhead as the Baden Powell Trail in West Vancouver. It's located at a small parking lot on the old Sea To Sky road, just on the other side of a fence that separates the Horseshoe Bay ferry ticket booths.
To access this small parking lot by car, you will need to take the highway Exit #2 as you approach Horseshoe Bay along Highway #1. This exit is just after the one for the Ferry Terminal but before getting onto the Sea To Sky Highway heading Northbound.
After taking Exit #2, drive straight through the roundabout and continue a short distance down the old Sea To Sky road on the other side of the Ferry Terminal. Slow down and watch for a small, gravel parking lot on your right, which is just beyond an imaginary line with the ferry ticket booths. If you reach the 3-way intersection at the overpass, you just missed the parking lot and you will need to turn left and loop around via Eagleridge Drive (and Marine Drive) and try again (see below).
If you miss this exit and end up on the Sea To Sky Highway, you will not be able to turn around for several kilometres until you reach Ansell Place. Once turned around, or if you end up in Horseshoe Bay, it's best to return to Horseshoe Bay, drive to the roundabout where Marine Drive begins, and eastbound a short distance on Marine Drive, turning onto Eagleridge Drive. Follow Eagleridge Drive until it crosses the highway, then make a left at the roundabout. Drive down the old Sea To Sky Road and be prepared for the parking lot on the right.
View a map of Driving directions to Whyte Lake via Horseshoe Bay.
Transit Access to Whyte Lake via Horseshoe Bay
Whyte Lake from Horseshoe Bay is a transit-friendly hike as a West Vancouver Blue Bus provides service to the Horseshoe Bay area directly from downtown Vancouver.
Make your way to the bus stops downtown along Georgia Street near Seymour Street. Look for Bus #250 to Horseshoe Bay. This bus will take you right to the stop and takes just under 1-hour. You will need to exit the bus near the end of Marine Drive where the overpass is (across from Glen Eagles Elementary School). Once you've exited the bus at this stop, walk to the roundabout and walk across the overpass. Go right and carefully walk along side the road for about 150-metres to where there is a small gravel parking lot and the beginning of the Baden Powell Trail.
Note that if you miss getting off the bus at the correct bus stop, the bus will stop at the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal. It is about a 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal to the trailhead.
Although we try to keep information as current as possible, www.vancouvertrails.com makes no warranty or representation as to the availability, quality, fitness for purpose, conditions or accuracy of the information provided with respect to this trail or trails. The information provided herein is further subject to our Terms of Use.
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