Horseshoe Bay is a small community at the western end of the North Shore and home of the BC Ferries terminal. This community is perfectly suited to pedestrian traffic. Park your car and walk the few blocks that constitute the main street, choosing a restaurant that suits your taste. Many come to Horseshoe Bay just for the view.
This is the North Shore’s gateway to Howe Sound. It’s here that you can board a ferry if you wish and go as a foot passenger to Bowen Island. The trip each way is short but sweet, and you can disembark and go exploring, or take the next ferry back.
Families with kids will enjoy the seaside playground, and everyone will enjoy the seaside deck chairs where you can take in the spectacular views. A popular tradition is getting fish and chips or a burger from one of the take-out restaurants and eating it in the park overlooking the water. Another is buying an ice-cream cone and wandering along the pier.
A few of your restaurant options include Troll’s Restaurant, Olive & Anchor and the Boathouse Restaurant.
Throughout the village, you will find many charming shops and eateries. You’ll also find a number of art galleries and gift shops selling artisan crafts.
Howe Sound is a network of fjords who’s mouth at the Strait of Georgia is situated between West Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast. Setting off from Horseshoe Bay you can explore by sea safari, scuba diving, kayaking, and cruising with companies like Sewell’s Marina, and Sea Dragon Charters.
Just west of Horseshoe Bay is Whytecliff Park, a natural marine sanctuary and a popular scuba-diving spot where seals and other sea life can be seen. There is a swimming beach, which is great fun for kids when the ferry waves come ashore. You’ll also find a playground, picnic spots, and tennis courts in the 15+ hectare park. Pack a picnic lunch or get something from the concession, which is open from the May long weekend through Labour Day.
Check the conditions or reminisce about those beautiful views with the Sewell’s Marina live webcam.
