The west part of West Vancouver is more like the Gulf Islands. The grid streets give way to winding roads and hidden cul de sacs among trees and hillsides. The ocean is never far away and every other road leads to a beach.
Starting at the Seaview Trail is another scenic 10K run. The Seaview Trail is an old railroad right of way and edges above Fisherman’s Cove with views over the marinas and out across the Strait of Georgia. Starting at the Trail entrance off Cranley Street in the Eagle Harbour (5700 block of Marine Drive) area, you cross a bridge over Nelson Creek, so soak up some ions on the way by. At the top of the hill the trail splits and you follow the branch to the left. The branch on the right goes up under the old highway all the way to Whyte Lake, a great hike in itself.
To digress a moment on running gear (guys, skip this paragraph), I discovered the best pair of running underwear ever. They are based on a Brazilian design, come in bright colours and don’t ride up. Comfortable, but sexy. See below for sourcing.
The trail section of this run is 2.5 kilometres of flat and crushed gravel and dirt all the way to the Gleneagles Community Centre. After that you are on the sidewalk along Marine Drive which turns left at Gleneagles School. Carry on straight through the round- about and Marine Drive slopes down gently for 2.5 kilometres. As you near the park at the curve there is an incredible view of the Strait and Passage Island. Circle around the park road and head back the same way you came.
Product Note for Women
As I mentioned above, the only underwear I have found that are comfortable for running are the Brazilian designed/Canadian made Vivvos brand. They are available from fellow West Vancouverite Kathy Pettigrew: Kathy@vivvos.com or check out her website: www.vivvos.com.
Run Stats
Run Stats
Distance: Seaview Trail Leg only-5 km; Seaview Trail to Whytcliff Park and return-10 km
Elevation: flat on Trail then slope down and up on Marine Drive to Whytecliff Park
Surface: packed dirt trail, paved sidewalk and road
Dog Situation: Off leash permitted on the Seaview Trail.
Elevation: flat on Trail then slope down and up on Marine Drive to Whytecliff Park
Surface: packed dirt trail, paved sidewalk and road
Dog Situation: Off leash permitted on the Seaview Trail.
Après Run
Horseshoe Bay, the last community in West Van, is fun to walk around and watch the ferries with the dramatic Howe Sound as the backdrop. There are many cafes in the Bay:
Mo’s,6406 Bruce Street [for baked goodies too]
Starbucks, 6390 Bay Street
Blenz,6334 Bay Street
Starbucks, 6390 Bay Street
Blenz,6334 Bay Street
Copyright 2010 Kelly W. all rights reserved
