Cates Park is the largest waterfront park in North Vancouver. Its ancestral name is Whey-ah-Wichen, which is a Tsleil-Waututh word that means “faces the wind”.
Cates Park is a great place to spend the day. You can explore the 6km waterfront walking trail that winds past sandy beaches and coastal rainforest. At low tide, there is a perfect beach for beachcombing. You can search for starfish and crabs or just enjoy the beautiful scenery. There is also a nice, sandy swimming beach in front of the concession stand. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Families with kids will enjoy the two playgrounds, large grassy areas to run around and play, sandy beaches, and forest trails to explore. Explore the walking trails and check out the First Nations totem poles and canoe on display. At the far end of Cates Park/ Whey-ah-Wichen there is a trail that connects to Little Cates Park, which also has a large grassy area, playground, areas to explore and washrooms.
Takaya Tours is a First Nation-owned eco-tours business and is based out of Cates Park/ Whey-ah-Wichen. You can learn about local history and wildlife during their canoe tours, boat tours, walking tours, and spawning salmon tours during the mid-August to mid-November salmon season!
If you are heading to Cates Park in the summer, you’ll want to arrive early as it can get quite busy and parking, though there is plenty that can get tight. Check the schedule for summer Concerts in Cates Park, which usually run from mid-July to mid-August.
Cates Park is located in the 4000 block of Dollarton Highway, east of the Second Narrows Bridge.
