Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver

Horseshoe Bay is the western bookend of the North Shore and the site of the B.C. Ferries terminal. But this small community is perfectly suited to pedestrian traffic as well. Park your car and walk the few blocks that constitute the main street, choosing a restaurant that suits your taste. Many come to Horseshoe Bay just for the view. In addition to the ferries chugging in and out, there are other boats here at Sewell's Marina, which has been owned by the same family for three generations. Why not rent a boat and venture onto the water yourself?

Try your hand at fishing or just enjoy the magnificent surroundings while bouncing along the waves. Adding to the atmosphere in Horseshoe Bay are circling sea-birds, sparkling water and looming tree-covered mountains. There's also a nice playground for kids. One favourite activity is getting fish and chips or an oyster burger from one of the take-out restaurants and eating it in the park overlooking the water. Another is buying an ice-cream cone and wandering along the pier.

This is the North Shore's gateway to Howe Sound. It's here that you can board a ferry if you wish and go as a foot passenger to Bowen Island. The trip each way is short but sweet, and you can disembark and go exploring, or take the next ferry back.

Just west of Horseshoe Bay is Whytecliff Park, a natural marine sanctuary and popular scuba-diving spot where seals and other sealife can be seen. There is a swimming beach, which is great fun for kids when the ferry waves come ashore. You'll also find a playground, picnic spots, and tennis courts in the 15+ hectare park.