Located at the tip of West Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay is a quaint seaside village folded in the beauty of British Columbia nature. A day in Horseshoe Bay is filled with a plethora of outdoor activities like hiking and biking, or other leisure pursuits that won’t put too much stress on your cores like visiting a park or hitting up a secret picnic point from a lookout.
Despite its compact footprint, Horseshoe Bay is no short of stellar restaurants, souvenir shops, art stores, and cafes to keep you occupied for a whole day. Or if you wish to take a closer look at the local life, meander around the residential areas and admire the unique housing buildings in the bay.
Planning to hide out in Horseshoe Bay? Buckle up with this comprehensive travel guide to Horseshoe Bay and make a better plan!
What Is Horseshoe Bay Known for?
Horseshoe Bay is geographically known as the gateway to Howe Sound in the North Shore. It’s a very small seaside village that’s sweet and peaceful to find an escape for the weekend. A visit to Horseshoe Bay opens out to a picture-perfect scenery of Howe Sound and its surrounding islands. You can get here on a short ferry ride from the BC Ferries terminal in Lower Mainland.
Looking beyond, Horseshoe Bay is also a doorway to the famous Sea to Sky Highway that takes you to Squamish, Whistler, or further into Pemberton and Lillooet.
Horseshoe Bay is best to visit when it’s sunny. Families with kids and view seekers love to hang around the seaside playground and deck chairs to soak up the spectacular views. You will also find a decent selection of quaint bistros and eateries to fill your tummy and a variety of art galleries and gift shops selling artisan crafts.
How to Get to Horseshoe Bay, BC?
You can reach Horseshoe Bay by either car or ferry. If you drive from Vancouver, head up the Trans-Canada Highway for about 20 minutes.
Alternatively, visit the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal in West Vancouver, 25 kilometers northwest of downtown Vancouver to board the ferry with BC Ferries. The BC Ferries have routes from and to Sunshine Coast (Langdale Ferry Terminal), Nanaimo (Departure Bay Ferry Terminal), and Bowen Island (Snug Cove).
If you plan to travel by ferry, start early in the morning to dodge the crowd in the queue and give yourself a chance to stroll around Horseshoe Bay without a rush.
9 Things to Do in Horseshoe Bay
1.Enjoy the View at Horseshoe Bay Park
Fringing the ferry terminal, Horseshoe Bay Park is one of the major attractions in the area and filled with plenty of leisure pursuits to decompress and clear your mind.
This scenic park is bounded by Sewell’s Marina to the north, the community of Horseshoe Bay to the south and west, and the ferry terminal to the east. Therefore, watching ferries traverse between mainland and BC’s island destinations becomes the most popular thing to do.
If you’re here for the view, you’ve come to the right place! The tree-lined mountains rising from the depths of Howe Sound instantly lift the stress off your shoulders. Don’t forget to carry a blanket to spread on the lawn and throw an intimate picnic with your loved ones!
Address: West Vancouver, BC V7W 3H5.
2. Hide out and Soak in the View from Horseshoe Bay Lookout – Horseshoe Bay Sunset Platform
This secret lookout point over Horseshoe Bay is one of the loveliest getaways for the locals of Vancouver. Sitting on a wooden panel that juts out from a cliff is like floating in the air, especially when sunset fast approaches and the sky turns into a fiery red before the night slowly sets in.
Sneaking into this hidden gem is an adventure itself. Follow Exit 2 to Horseshoe Bay Drive and keep going for about one kilometer to find a parking lot along the old highway. From there, walk down the road until you see a sign on a large pole saying “Residential Area. Avoid Using Engine Brakes”. This is where you climb to a small rocky opening that leads to the wooden lookout platform.
3. Visit Whytecliff Park
The park is a household name for local picnickers, hikers, and divers in Horseshoe Bay. Bordered by a rugged shoreline and cobble beach, Whytecliff Marine Park is a gem in town to hunt for the best sunset view, throw a bonding picnic, and hang with loved ones.
Whyte Marine Park is Canada’s first Marine Protected Area, boasting an impressive range of 200 marine animal species including exotic speckled sanddab and the sunflower seastar.
The sweeping wraparound vista is peeled off after you jump and climb over a pile of big rocks. Despite the effort, the view is totally rewarding with the calm water resonating at the foot of the boulder.
If you’re looking for a place to experience a little weightlessness after work, reach out to the scuba diving site southwest of the park and float off into the nether world offshore.
Address: 7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2T3.
4. Canoe and Kayak
Inheriting a flat, calm body of water and a serene setting, Howe Sound becomes a popular point for canoeing and kayaking. It’s also a great jumping-off point to explore Bowen Island’s extensive shoreline and the nearby Gambier Island and Keats Island.
Paddlers can weigh anchor to explore a nest of islands at the mouth of Howe Sound. Aforementioned, Sewell’s Marina is one of the premier moorage locations in Horseshoe Bay to find your kayaking equipment or rent a canoe.
5. Go Fishing and Boating in Horseshoe Bay
Ever dreamed of sailing out to Horseshoe Bay with your family and friends? There’s a federal dock beside the BC Ferries Terminal to launch your boat and set sail to admire the rugged beauty of Coast Range mountains and the wilderness.
Fishing is also a norm here. Sit back and spin the reels to catch a fresh pink salmon, Coho, or Chinook. One of the best waters to cast your line is around the mouth of Howe Sound which is usually dotted with salmon fishermen and their boats.
You can also book a fishing trip or rent a charter boat with Sewell’s Marina to enjoy the day.
6. Take on the Gnarliest Hikes in Horseshoe Bay
Baden Powell and Whyte Lake are the two most beaten trails sharing the same trailhead that start in Horseshoe Bay. Those are the longest trails in the North Shore, which knits the entire region together into one continuous strand.
Whyte Lake trail is an easy trail that begins off of Westport Road, follows the Sea-to-Sky Highway, and branches off to a scenic lake. You only need an hour and a half to conquer four kilometers of the entire length with an elevation gain of 185 meters.
Baden Powell Trail, on the other hand, is tough and challenging. It breaks down into four different sections during the length of 45 kilometers between Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver and Deep Cove in North Vancouver.
If you look further north, there is a steep route called Eagle Bluffs that connects Horseshoe Bay and Cypress Provincial Park. It follows the Baden Powell Trail until it opens out to an incredible viewpoint over the bay.
7. Conquer Challenging Mountain Routes on a Bike
The land between West and North Vancouver has given birth to some of the most challenging off-road mountain biking trails in the world. If you’re looking for some thrilling kind of fun to spend a day outdoors on your two wheels, the Spirit Trail and Marine Drive are here to unleash your free spirit.
Spirit Trail is an easy, flat greenway that all fitness levels agree. Meanwhile, the bike route between Horseshoe Bay and the North Shore via Marine Drive is more challenging but promises brilliant views of the ocean and the gently rolling hills.
8. Escape to Bowen Island
Having more than a day to spend? Take a short ferry for 20 minutes to land on Bowen Island to find a place for disconnection. This is a place to work out with scenic views, as well as a haven for relaxation and nature away from the side hustles.
This island getaway opens out to a wealth of easy trails and loops that wrap around Killarney Lake as well as some burning climbs up Mount Gardner. Aside from the woods, the water surrounding Bowen Island is great for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, beachcombing, and scuba diving.
9. Play Golf at Gleneagles Golf Course
One of the best ways to celebrate the beauty of Horseshoe Bay to the fullest is to spend a day on a golf course. It goes without saying that Gleneagles Golf Course is the most visited golf course in the area, with its history dating back to 1927.
Surrounded by the cloud-capped mountains, the rugged ocean, and the thriving rolling hills, Gleneagles Golf Course is a wonderful nine-hole golf course with challenging holes to game up your skills. Some random apple trees in the middle of the fairway also contribute to the lovely setting.
Don’t forget to stop by the Orchard Club House restaurant after you’ve done swinging the club. It has sweet indoor and outdoor seating and serves up great food that’s well priced with a fabulous view to die for.
Address: 6190 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2S3.
4 Best Places to Eat in Horseshoe Bay
Olive & Anchor
Olive & Anchor serves your favorite comfort food in an intimate, casual yet professional setting. Everything they put out on the menu is reliable and good but you definitely don’t want to miss the fish and chips. This is a must order that comes out in a great portion to fill your empty stomach while waiting for the ferry. They make ordering a lot easier with the alert button to get the attention of the servers.
Plus, the unique décor brings out an old-school ship feel, with a decent distance between seats. If you’re in the mood for some good food with a view, stop by Olive & Anchor and you won’t be disappointed.
Address: 6418 Bay St, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2H1.
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Troll’s Restaurant
Starting out as a sweet family-owned restaurant serving local fishermen, Troll’s Restaurant has been around since 1946 and still dishing up locals’ favorite Fish’n’Chip.
Featuring a classic Canadian fare, the dining space is infused with a festive, cheerful setting with the warm glow of the red lights over the indoor tables. If you like to get some fresh air, head out to the expansive patio and revel in the beautiful waterfront view of Horseshoe Bay!
While Fish’n’Chip is a must have, the menu at Troll’s has a lot more to surprise! From Wraps to Trolls’ Specialty, from Bottled Domestic to Wine Done Differently, take some time to peruse and take your favorite pick!
Address: 6408 Bay St, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2H1.
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The Troller Ale House
Nothing makes a better scenario of drinking some really good craft beers with a view over the water.
Sounds like a plan? Drop by The Troller Ale House to celebrate the locals’ favorite golden fuel in a tasty pub fare!
You don’t only have draught beer and cider to enjoy. There are reds whites, rose wines, sparkling, and cocktails to delight even the most demanding drinkers. Their old fashion and 3oz Zombie are some of the best cocktails for a lovely sip to cap off your night. Or if you’re looking for something on the fancy side, get some Grey Monk Chardonnay or French oaked Thornhaven Pinot Noir to complete that fish and chips or Yorkshire Pudding.
Address: 6342 Bay St, West Vancouver, BC V7W 3H5.
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Pudgie’s Pizza
Pudgie’s Pizza has been around since the 80s and still going strong for good reasons. Locally sourced ingredients, specialty sodas in the cooler, and attentive services send Pudgie’s into the list of Canada’s top-rated pizza joints.
Sometimes when people think about Canadian pizzas, they recall something thick and heavy. But Pudgie’s emerges with its nice thin base, reasonable toppings, and great dough that completely changes your mind.
Pudgie’s is a household name for the residents in Horseshoe Bay and beyond. It’s going to be a huge mistake if you miss out on this long-running bistro!
Address: 6620 Royal Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2B9.
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Parking at Horseshoe Bay
Both on-street parking and underground parking are available in Horseshoe Bay.
BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay Terminal offers both short-term and long-term parking with 482 spaces available in total.
Short-term rates at BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay Terminal:
- $1 for 15 minutes
- $4 for 1 hour
- $19 per day, ending at midnight
Long-term rates at BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay Terminal:
- $10.50 for 6 hours
- $14.75 for 12 hours
- $17 for 24 hours
$8.50 for each additional 12-hour period after the first 24 hours.
Prices are subject to change.
For more parking details and payment options, check out the BC Ferries website.
Here are some on-street parking lots near the Sewell’s Marina:
- Horseshoe Bay – WestPark Lot 035: 6417 Bruce St, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2G6.
- WestPark Lot 124: 6367 Bruce St, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2G5.
- Lion’s Mark – Impark Lot 545: 6343 Bruce St, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2G5
- Horseshoe Bay – Impark Lot 1748, 6750 Keith Road, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2V1.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long is Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay by Ferry?
The sailing duration from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay is an hour and forty minutes.
Can I Park My Car at Horseshoe bay?
You can park your car at the BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay Terminal, WestPark Lot 035, WestPark Lot 124, Lion’s Mark – Impark Lot 545, and Horseshoe Bay – Impark Lot 1748.
How Long Is the Ferry Ride from Horseshoe Bay to Victoria?
It takes about two hours and a half from Horseshoe Bay to Victoria by ferry and bus combined. There is no direct ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Victoria. You need to hail an hour bus from Horseshoe Bay to Vancouver, get off and board a ferry from Tsawwassen terminal to Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal in 90 minutes.
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