If you’re like me, winter loses its allure by the time March rolls around. The cherry blossoms and magnolias start to pop, the sun shows its face for more than a few minutes every couple of weeks, and thoughts of summer start to fill your head.

Last Saturday was one of those beautiful, spring-like days – a teaser of good weather to come. So a bunch of us decided to head to West Vancouver to hike the Whyte Lake trail.

It only takes around 60 minutes each way, but is a gradual walk through old growth forest and cascading streams of crystal clear water. On this particular day, the sunshine streamed through leafless branches to cast beams of golden light on the forest floor.

Sparkling Whyte Lake is the reward at the end of the hike. Surrounded by thick forest, the water is still and peaceful.

The trail leads to a rickety, partly sinking dock that not everyone is willing to chance, but my friend Aaron braved it for a better view of the lake.

I suggest removing your shoes first. Just make sure to watch for nails sticking out of some of the wood. There’s a bench at the end of the dock, where hikers can sit and become part of the beautiful painting-like scene.

Don’t forget to visit Whyte Lake’s cedar outhouse – it’s famous for the cedar smell, which acts as a natural deodorizer. You just have to continue down the path from the dock to find it.

Whyte Lake would be a great place for a summer picnic. Graham and I try to do at least one hike each weekend in the spring and summer. We’ll probably do this one again.

As for swimming in the lake, people do it. Really, it just depends on how brave you are, as the lake does have some weeds that can grab onto legs and make imagination run wild.

Getting There

We made the mistake of following the directions on the West Vancouver parks site, which says to take Exit 1 on the Upper Levels Highway and ended up having to turn around.

The best way to get to the trail when you’re coming from Vancouver is to take Exit 4 (Westport Road). Make sure to turn left at the stop sign and keep going until you’re driving under the highway. There’s a tiny “Whyte Lake” sign on the right side of the road.

The hike starts on a gravel path that heads under the highway overpass. There’s a big water tower to the right of the trailhead, so you can’t miss it.

Tips

• Take Exit 4 on the Upper Levels Highway
• Bring some water and snacks
• Check out the outhouse
• Go for coffee at Caulfeild Village after the hike – it’s really close to the trail!
• Distance: 6km
• Difficulty level: easy to moderate (many people bring their dogs on this trail)