In recent years, Whyte Lake has become a popular year-round hiking spot for locals. It's a wonderful destination for a wet-weather or shoulder-season day, especially when you don't have the time or inclination do something higher or farther.
I've hiked to the lake on three occasions. It's now protected as part of Whyte Lake Park, which at 124 hectares is the largest park administered by the District of West Vancouver (in the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations).
Hiking to Whyte Lake. Photo: Stephen Hui.
During my most recent visit, we enjoyed a pleasant loop that began at the trailhead off Westport Road, south of the Upper Levels Highway. On the way to the lake, we crossed the old Highway 1 bridge and took the less-travelled path, west of Nelson and Whyte creeks. After lunch on the viewpoint dock, we followed the Whyte Lake Trail back the start.
We reached the lake, which is also home to a celebrated outhouse, in 1.5 hours. The round trip lasted 2.5 hours.
Trail to Whyte Lake viewpoint. Photo: Stephen Hui.
That's a very short hike. For a longer and more challenging excursion, continue past the lake to find the Baden-Powell Trail. A right turn will take you up Black Mountain and into Cypress Provincial Park, where worthwhile destinations, such as the West Knob and Eagle Bluff, await.
