Whytecliff Park

Route Description for Whytecliff Park

Kick off the Whytecliff Park hike from the parking lot, towards the shoreline path by walking up past the bathrooms to the end of the pavement. Pass by the picnic area until you hit a gravel path that leads to an elevated lookout area.

From here, you can see Howe Sound and Bowen Island. Relax on the park benches here, while the kids play in the grassy fields, the adults can chat and enjoy the view of the ocean and observe the B.C. Ferries As they come and leave the bay.

Walk south along a small and bumpy trail, passing more picnic area before reaching a few concrete steps.

Walk along the rocks here for unique vantage points.

Loop back eastward, until you reach a set of wooden stairs. For a fun side adventure, follow them down into a small cove. At low tide, you’ll likely be the only ones here and you can walk into the cove and enjoy the unique perspective from the tiny beach.

Climb back up the stairs, heading eastwards towards the main beach.

Very quickly, you’ll arrive at a lookout point spreading over I the sandy beach and Whyte Islet. Stop here for a photo op and then head down the stone steps to put your toes in the sand. Be mindful, as on a wet day these rocks can be very slippery.

Once you’re down on the beach, there is an access point back up to the parking lot. Glide along the beach, stopping to pick-up unique shells or other sandy treasures. Once you reach a bathroom with a scuba diving flag painted on it, you’ve reached the second access point back up to the parking lot.

If you’ve arrived during low tide, you can follow the exposed rocky path over and onto Whyte Islet itself. But be warned, the tide moves quickly and you don’t want to find yourself on the island during high-tide.

Getting onto Whyte Islet can be tricky with a steep incline, especially on slippery rocks. But once you’re up on top, you have another great view of the beach and of the incredible houses perched above the water in Gleneagles.

Hike out to southern tip of Whyte Islet to view the outline of the mainland, then head back to the beach and up the path to the parking lot.

Insider Hints for Whytecliff Park

• For alternative paths, there are some short walking trails within the trees above the grassy area and playground at Whytecliff Park.
• Be extremely mindful of the tides. You can find a tide schedule here to plan your hike accordingly.
• There are some short trails within the trees of Whytecliff Park and a few rugged paths along the cliffs above the water.
• Bring a picnic, and make a great half-day adventure by the sea.