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Smuggler Cove Hike
Quick Facts: AllTrails link: Smuggler Cove, modified as a 2km out and back hike to the first fork on the map. Difficulty: moderate Traffic: heavy, with lots of dogs Facilities: pit toilet a trailhead View: cool boardwalk through wetland and nice views of Smuggler Cove at the end. After the fork, it wasn’t clear how…
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Paddling Alouette River
Quick Facts Alouette River is a popular paddling destination for some of the best and easiest river conditions around Vancouver. There’s something magical about paddling a meandering river that constantly reveals something new with every turn, be it a new composition of the views, new wildlife to greet, a new navigation decision, a sudden change…
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Spanish Trail to Salish Trail Loop in Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Quick Facts: AllTrails link: Salish Trail to Spanish Trail Loop, 7.2km with 103m elevation Difficulty: intermediate but only due to length Traffic: moderate Facilities: flush toilet at trail head, pit toilet at the information kiosk on 16th Ave View: forests, creeks, canyon, golf course, wetland, and partially obstructed views of Burrard Inlet and Spanish Banks…
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Ladner Marsh and Harbour Paddle
Quick Facts I originally grouped this post with Deas Slough Paddle, but the two sections of Fraser River, although connected, are quite distinct. Unlike the blind channel in Deas Slough, the water flow in this side branch of Fraser South Arm is heavily affected by tidal current, which is strong enough to reverse the river…
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Deas Slough Paddle
Quick Facts Parking and Launching: Deas Island Regional Park (49°07’34.5″N 123°03’18.2″W) Launching type: dock and muddy beach Difficulty – easy, but with occasional boat wakes Boat traffic – usually infrequent View – muddy Fraser River slough and marshes, distant views of North Shore mountains Facilities: picnic tables, a regional park with trails, toilet about 100m…
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Lighthouse Park
Quick Facts: AllTrails link: Lighthouse Park Viewpoint Loop, 5.8km with 267m elevation Difficulty: intermediate to difficult Traffic: usually heavy on weekends Facilities: pit stop toilets at trail head, flush toilet near the lighthouse View: fantastic views on the western shore, looking at snow capped mountains surrounding lower Howe Sound. Good views of downtown and Vancouver…
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Everett Crowley Park
Quick Facts: AllTrails link: Everett Crowley Loop, 2.1km with 19m elevation Difficulty: easy, stroller friendly if you stay on the graveled loop Traffic: heavy, lots of dogs Facilities: minimal. There’s a washroom placed strangely across the park on the other side of Kerr St, away from the rest of the park View: obstructed views of…
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Robert Burnaby Park
Quick Facts: AllTrails link: Robert Burnaby Park Loop, 2.1km with 63m elevation Difficulty: moderate, with more technical sections through the woods Traffic: light Facilities: flush toilet available near the tennis court, picnic tables, playground, sport facilities, swimming pool View: wilder than expected network of trails, crossing small streams Overall score: 7/10 For an urban park,…
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Brunswick Point Trail
Quick Facts: AllTrails link: Brunswick Point Trail, 11.3km with minimal elevation Difficulty: very easy, stroller friendly Traffic: light Facilities: no toilets View: Fraser river estuary, lots of birding opportunities, surprisingly great views of surrounding mountain ranges on a clear day Overall score: 7/10 Brunswick Point Trail is a great hidden gem at the eastern tip…
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Rolley Lake Camping
Quick Facts: Rolley Lake Provincial Park features a sizable frontcountry campground close (but not immediately adjacent) to the small and paddler-friendly Rolley Lake, with luxurious amenities including hot shower, flush toilet, and a playground. We put this campground high on our to-visit list, and at the first sight of warmish weather this spring (14 degrees…