Gulf Beach Park appears to be a well-kept local secret. It was only through my expertly honed park spotting skills that I managed to find its entrance:
Beside the private property sign, the blackberry brambles and the slanted construction fence, you can see the telltale sign of cheap but sturdy steps winding their way down to the waterfront.
In addition to it's subtle entrance, you can tell this is a well-loved secret spot because some regular users have actually brought down some deck chairs to supplement Gulf Beach Park's one bench.
I actually like this bench quite a lot. Not just because of it's amazing view and secluded location, but because of it's inscription. I've long been in search of the perfect bench inscription. I don't think I've found it yet, but this one certainly gets an honourable mention. It reads,
Stephen P. Y. Lee
Though we have come to love the mountains,
the sea, this land, we will remember.
Love your family.
I love this one because it's both poetic and original. The praises of the coastal landscape are sung often on north shore benches, but this one managed to say the same thing in a way that's simple, yet special. But most of all, I love it because of the mystery. The 'we will remember' seems to be referring to something specific that Stephen's family understands. I can't help but wonder what that is.
One downside to Gulf Beach Park could be it's size. Besides the area with the bench and chairs in it, there's only the trail there and a narrow slab of concrete resting atop the natural jagged rocks. It's not really the kind of place to run around in. However, I can imagine this place being perfect to have a long conversation at. While looking at Gulf Beach Park's stunning and dynamic view, I could go on for hours with a good friend about anything from the meaning of life to the price of cat food.
Gulf Beach Park is presumably named for its likeness to British Columbia's Gulf Islands. It has a similarly rugged landscape, and it's edge-of-the-earth location makes you feel like you're on an island. The view is just as incredible as some that you can find in the Gulf Islands, and there's just as many boats moving through it. But of course, there are the tightly packed neighbours on either side of this park that are impossible to avoid on the mainland. Although nothing can compare to the actual Gulf Islands, if you can't make it away for the weekend, an hour at Gulf Beach Park should work just fine.
PPR
Good: view, plenty of seating, feels like an island
Bad: small, neighbours, hard to find
6.5/10
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