Lighthouse Park

Douglas firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii) provide the logging industry with a significant portion of their revenue. They often dominate the forest canopy, and once at maturity these trees reach immense heights and size.[5] Before the man-made skyline of Vancouver of modern day, the Douglas fir defined the skies of Vancouver. When the first European settlers arrived in Vancouver, they were amazed by the scale of the 1,000 year old Douglas fir trees. Some of the tallest trees on earth grew here. The Douglas fir remains to this day as the North America's most important tree for forestry for construction, furniture, and pulp.[6]

Along the Pacific coast Western red cedars (Thuja plicata) can be found from Northern California to Southern Alaska. The age range of these trees are between 800-1,000 years old, with the oldest living up to 2,000 years in California. The wood from these trees is used extensively in the forestry industry, much like the Douglas fir. However, there needs to be an increase in regulation of the management of these trees, as they are currently being used faster than they can grow.[7]

Arbutus menziesii is best known for its smooth, red-orange bark and is native to warm climates of the Mediterranean, Western Europe and North America. Arbutus trees grow vibrant red berries which are edible with the taste resembling that of a fig. The Straits Salish people of Vancouver Island used this tree for medicine to help treat colds, tuberculosis and stomach problems. This tree was also the symbol for many myths of the Straits Salish people.

The salal (Gaultheria shallon) is an evergreen plant with thick, tough egg-shaped leaves that are shiny and dark green on the top surface and rough and lighter on the lower surface. It grows as far north as Alaska and as far South as California as it can thrive in both sunny and shady conditions. This plant grows dark blue berries that are edible and can act as an appetite suppressant. First Nations have used this plant for anti-inflammatory medicinal uses when prepared as a tea.

The sword fern (Polystichum munitum), one of the most abundant ferns in North America, can be found from Alaska to California and is named for its small upward-pointing lobe that resembles a sword hilt. This fern prefers to grow in moist, coniferous low elevation environments but can survive dry periods. Traditionally, this plant has been eaten when no other food source was available, can relieve the pain from the sting of a stinging nettle but now it is mostly used by florists as an ornament.

Oregon Grape that has not yet flowered

The Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a spiny leafed plant that blooms into yellow flowers in the spring with dark blue-black berries to follow. This plant is native to North America growing as far north as Southern Alaska, as far south as Northern California and as far east as Eastern Alberta. It thrives in forests with the Douglas fir although it can be found in other forests as well. The berries are edible, and the aboriginal peoples often combined them with the berries of the salal plant.

Native to North America, the elderberry is used mostly for its cream coloured flowers and dark blue or red berries. These flowers are fruits are used for treatment of minor diseases such as the flu or colds. However, the most common use is as a syrup made from the blossoms as an extract. Although the cooked berries are edible, raw berries can be quite poisonous. Even the leaves, twigs, branches, seeds and roots contain cyanidin glycoside which can cause illness after sufficient consumption.

It is crucial for the visitor to ensure that they are practicing optimal safety procedures during their visit to Lighthouse Park. In the rain and snow the rocks along many of the trails and view points become slippery, and present a danger to hikers. When approaching the beach and the lighthouse visitors can venture over a rocky terrain that is right next to the water. This area can be particularly dangerous, as there are no barricades and visitors can slip off the edge of the massive rocks into the water from a high distance.[8] When the terrain is dry, it is crucial to remember there is a strict fire ban at all times within the park.

Restroom facilities can be found at various locations throughout the park, as there are three in total. The first can be found along the trail Juniper Loop, right outside of the Parking Lot. The second can be located near the picnic tables at the beginning of Beacon Lane trail. Lastly. the third washroom can be found along the East Beach trail near the Lighthouse Station.[8]

This viewpoint is one of the most popular as it has a great view of the lighthouse itself and allows you to look out into the Strait of Georgia. This view is accessible by a short walk west from the service buildings. Continuing west you arrive at a junction that starts you down the West Beach Trail.[11]

This view does not incorporate the lighthouse but instead gives you a great look toward Passage Island, Bowen Island and Howe Sound. The Juniper Loop Trail begins near the parking lot and heads to the northwest point of the park to this viewpoint.[11]

Located on the east side of the park, the Eagle Point view shows off the Burrard Inlet and looks across Vancouver as far as the Lions Gate Bridge. While this view point isn't the most popular among visitors, it is highly recommended for its beautiful hike along the Arbutus Trail and its quiet nature.[11]

Accessing the park by car is simple, as the park is located close to Highway 99, otherwise known as the Trans-Canada Highway, and therefore simple for travellers who do not live in the area to access the park by car. Ample amounts of parking is available at the beginning of the park, and at the start of the trails, in a gravel parking lot designated for visitors arriving by car.

There are various buses that depart from Downtown Vancouver that take visitors to the park. Visitors can take the 250 Horseshoe Bay bus to get to the park. These buses leave from the bus stop at the intersection of West Georgia and Seymour Street. This bus ride takes an estimated 42 minutes to take visitors from Downtown Vancouver to Lighthouse Park.

The Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal serves as a port for foot passengers as well as those traveling by car to get to Vancouver Island and the surrounding islands. It is located at the western end of the North Shore and is very close to park.[11] Visitors from the islands can access the park through the BC Ferries services, as there are various ferries operating at various hours that take visitors from several islands to the mainland of British Columbia.