Pack the sunscreen, tighten your laces, and don’t forget your camera—because West Coast Wanderlust is calling, and she’s dressed in misty pines and ocean cliffs. Just a short drive from downtown Vancouver, Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver is the kind of place that gives you big gay gasp energy the moment you round the trail corner and spot that iconic red-topped lighthouse perched above the Pacific. This isn’t your usual tourist trap. It’s rugged, raw, real—and oh-so-refreshing.

West Coast Wanderlust isn’t about rushing from one museum to the next or checking boxes off a sightseeing list. It’s about letting nature work her magic on you while you wander among coastal trees taller than your ex’s ego. Lighthouse Park delivers that and more, especially for queer travelers craving a little serenity between Pride parties and city crawls. You’re not going to find rainbow crosswalks here, but you will find a quiet kind of beauty that hits in the best way.

Getting there is easy—less than 40 minutes by car or bus from downtown Vancouver. But what you’re stepping into feels like a secret world. The park is a living slice of coastal rainforest, with massive Douglas firs, western red cedars, and arbutus trees twisted in dramatic poses that could rival any drag queen on stage. The air smells like sea salt and pine needles. The trails feel ancient but welcoming, and the occasional caw of a raven overhead reminds you you’re deep in Mother Nature’s queer little sanctuary.

The trails themselves are manageable, even for the moderately fit. Whether you’re in hiking boots or chunky-soled sneakers (we see you), the paths take you through a web of shady forest trails and rocky viewpoints. Stick to the main Lighthouse Viewpoint trail if you’re just there for the Insta, or venture out on the Shore Pine Trail for more dramatic ocean views and fewer people in your frame. The landscape does all the heavy lifting for your grid. No filter required.

And let’s talk about that lighthouse. It’s the star of the show. Built in 1912 and still standing proud, this coastal queen has seen storms, sunsets, and probably a few stolen kisses over the years. While you can’t go inside, the views from the rocks surrounding it are unbeatable. Think wide-open sea, distant mountains, and the occasional ship sliding by like it’s floating on glass. It’s peaceful, powerful, and oddly romantic—whether you’re solo, with your boo, or with your squad.

The best time to go? Mid-afternoon into golden hour. Crowds thin out a bit, and the soft light makes the forest and shoreline feel extra dreamy. That’s your cue to unpack a charcuterie box from Granville Island Market, pop open a chilled can of bubbly, and have yourself a sunset wine picnic. If you’re smart, you’ve packed a blanket and one of those little Bluetooth speakers to set the mood with some Troye Sivan or Tove Lo. But keep it low—this is still a nature spot, not a circuit party.

If you’re feeling frisky for more than forest, Lighthouse Park is a gateway to the quieter, more residential corners of West Vancouver. Nearby Dundarave and Horseshoe Bay have seaside cafés, ice cream shops, and patios with ocean views that are worth a pit stop. You won’t find rainbow flags hanging in the windows, but you will find friendly locals and cozy spots that don’t feel forced. It’s the kind of escape that gay travelers don’t always know they need—until they get it.

For those staying in Vancouver without a car, the 250 or 253 bus from downtown takes you within walking distance of the park entrance. Just make sure to wear layers. Even in the summer, that ocean breeze can sneak up on you. And bring water. Hydration is key—not just for your skin but for those uphill trail moments that leave you breathing heavy in a good way.

Lighthouse Park isn’t just photogenic. It’s grounding. In a world full of noise, it’s nice to remember what silence sounds like. You’re not going to find a DJ, drag show, or brunch here—but what you will find is time to breathe, connect, and maybe even reflect a little. It’s the ideal pause button on a West Coast gaycation. And honestly, who couldn’t use one of those?

If your travels are taking you through Vancouver this year, don’t skip the natural side of the city. There’s something about wandering along a coastal trail, watching waves crash into ancient stone, and feeling the earth beneath your feet that reminds you just how fabulous it is to be alive—and gay—in a place like this. West Coast Wanderlust isn’t a trend. It’s a whole experience. And once you’ve felt it, trust—you’ll be coming back for more.