Horseshoe Bay
West Vancouver, BC
The seaside village of Horseshoe Bay is the departure point for ferries to Vancouver Island and the starting point for the Sea to Sky Highway, which connects Vancouver to Whistler. Though many travelers rush through here, the picturesque town has plenty to offer, with pretty parks, hiking trails, and quaint cafés and restaurants.
The Basics
Many visitors arrive in Horseshoe Bay while en route to either Vancouver Island or Whistler, traveling independently, as part of day tours from Vancouver, or as part of multi-day tours through British Columbia. Vancouver Island– and Bowen Island–bound ferries depart regularly from Horseshoe Bay terminal, while the Sea to Sky Highway extends north from the town all the way to Whistler.
If you have time to spare in Horseshoe Bay, pause to enjoy the views from the waterfront, take a boat trip out on Howe Sound, or go swimming at Whytecliff Park, just west of town.
Things to Know Before You Go
Horseshoe Bay is a must for picnickers, people watchers, and nature lovers.
The town has cafés, restaurants, and shops, as well as public restrooms in the waterfront park.
BC Ferries operate wheelchair-accessible services.
How to Get There
Horseshoe Bay is in West Vancouver on the North Shore. The best time to visit is between May and October, when warm weather allows for outdoor activities. If you plan on getting the ferry and are on a tight schedule, it’s best to reserve in advance, particularly during the busy summer months.
When to Get There
Horseshoe Bay is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. To get there by public transit, take bus 250 from downtown Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay.
Drive the Sea to Sky Highway
Extending from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Squamish and Whistler farther north, the Sea to Sky Highway—also known as Highway 99—is one of the most scenic driving routes in British Columbia. Hugging the cliffs near Howe Sound and offering unforgettable mountain vistas, the road passes by some of the province’s biggest attractions and most epic displays of nature, from the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish to the rugged peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park.
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