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Walk around Jericho Beach Park
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Jericho Beach: A Vancouver Destination Walk
The Jericho Beach Park walking trail boasts views of a thriving metropolis,
while maintaining its own tranquility and diversity.
Jericho Beach Park is 46.71 hectares in area; however a walk around the duck
pond and along the seawall path is only 1.45 kilometers, 0.91 miles, or
approximately 2,871 steps. On average, it will take about 25 minutes to
complete. With several trails and the seawall extending along the shoreline, it
is easy to add distance to this walk if you are inspired and able to go further. |
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Located in the neighbourhood of West Point Grey, Jericho Beach Park is situated
just west of Kitsilano . It can be accessed by following Pt.Grey Road past the
Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, Jericho Tennis Club, and Brock House Restaurant
until you reach Wallace Street where a pay parking lot marks the end of the
road.
The circular walking route starts at the edge of the parking lot and continues
along a gravel pathway towards the ocean. The view here is incredible. An
astonishing 180 degree view from the shoreline includes: an elegant row of
moored sailboats which sweeps in front of the equally impressive expanse of
downtown skyscrapers. The vast green of the Stanley Park forest is prominently
featured, as well as the Lions Gate Bridge extending from Prospect Point. West
Vancouver is visible in its entirety, directly across the bay. Behind the
towering tankers, the majestic coastal mountains and most southern islands of
Howe Sound extend into the horizon, making this diverse view with its unique
juxtapositions an awe inspiring point for peaceful contemplation. The walking
route heads inland toward the marshy forest, and then travels east on the south
side of the duck pond. This area is teeming with life, from bunnies; to turtles
you are guaranteed the sight of some wild creature enjoying this healthy
ecosystem before you return to your starting point.
While Jericho Beach Park boasts views of a metropolis while maintaining its
tranquility, it hasn't always been such a serene location. This area has a
history of continuous redevelopment. Jericho was originally home to a native
village called Ee’yullmough. In the 1860’s Jeremiah Rogers created a logging
camp on the beach and logged most of Kitsilano. The site was known as “Jerry's
Cove”, which eventually evolved into what we call it now: Jericho. Rogers has
been called "the greatest woodsman of them all”. He was likely the first person
in British Columbia to use mechanized power instead of animals to haul logs, and
he designed most of his own equipment to do so. In the early 1900s, the
driftwood-strewn sand dunes of Jericho became home to The Vancouver Golf Club,
the first course in the City, which was said to use tomato cans for each of its
nine holes. In 1919, the National Department of Defense commandeered the land
for a base, and covered the shoreline with seaplane hangars. In the early 1970s,
most of the buildings were demolished and the land was turned over to the Park
Board, who developed it into a beautiful community park with many amenities.
Jericho Beach Park has a large playing field area that is used for baseball,
rugby, and soccer. There are five tennis courts, as well as swimming rafts,
picnic tables, a concession and washrooms. Lifeguards patrol the beach from
Victoria Day (late May) to Labour Day (early September). Additionally, located
at the west end of the Park, the Jericho Sailing Association offers lessons, and
rentals for many water sports. The public Sailing Centre is home to the fabulous
Galley Patio and Grill; perfect for enjoying a casual lunch and a view of people
participating in various water sports in the bay. This side of the park is
accessed by Discovery Street and a pay parking lot exists here as well.
Providing diverse recreational opportunities and unparalleled views, Jericho
Beach Park is a favourite destination to walk for many Vancouverites.
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