-
Lynn Canyon Park
Before we went all out with exploring the outdoors during the pandemic, we only knew a few spots that we frequented around Metro Vancouver. Lynn Canyon Park is one of these go-to destinations of ours for many years. It features a great suspension bridge (a smaller but free alternative to the famed Capilano Suspension Bridge)…
-
Nairn Falls Hike
Quick Facts: AllTrails link: Nairn Falls Trail, 2.6km out-and-back trail with 108m elevation gain Difficulty: easy, but unprotected steep slopes down to the river requires close supervision for a toddler Traffic: heavy Facilities: pit toilets at trail head View: powerful waterfall cutting deep into a gorge Overall score: 8/10 Nairn Falls Provincial Park has a…
-
Paddling Lightning Lake at Manning Park
Quick Facts Parking and Launching: Lightning Lake Day Use Area (the better option) Spruce Bay Parking (if the above is full) Launching type: small dock at Lightning Lake Day Use Area and sandy beach at Spruce Bay Difficulty – very easy No cell phone service. Boat traffic – no motor boats View – layers of…
-
Camping and Paddling at Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
Quick Facts: Sunshine Coast is a quick 40 min ferry ride away from Metro Vancouver, but it has a very nice laid-back Island vibe. Taking the ferry also somehow makes the trip feel more like a vacation on a psychological level. With easing COVID 19 restrictions in BC, we went on a 3-night camping trip…
-
Camping at Alice Lake Provincial Park
Quick Facts: The campground at Alice Lake Provincial Park is routinely listed as one of the most family friendly in the region. It features flush toilets, automatic hot water faucets at the sinks, showers, a playground, a paved bicycle pump track, many picnic tables and of course, a very swimmable Alice Lake. We booked an…
-
Camping at Cultus Lake Provincial Park
Being so close to Vancouver, Cultus Lake Provincial Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in BC. There are ample recreational opportunities including a waterpark and an adventure park, boat and jetski rentals, and a privately owned Sunnyside campground for camping alternatives to the provincial sites. We’ve stayed at 3 of the 4…
-
Cultus Lake Paddle
Quick Facts Parking and Launching: Entrance Bay Picnic Area Spring Bay Picnic Area Maple Bay Picnic Area Launching type: beach Difficulty – generally easy especially in the morning before motorboats and wind pick up Boat traffic – many motor boats, jet skis especially on a weekend afternoon. Water-skiers get up surprisingly early. View – lakeshore…
-
Boundary Bay Regional Park
Quick Facts: AllTrails link: Boundary Bay, 3.7km with 11m elevation Difficulty: very easy, stroller friendly Traffic: heavy on a sunny weekend afternoon Facilities: flush toilet, big playground, accessible path on sandy beach View: sandy beaches of Boundary Bay, flat and exposed sandy dunes Overall score: 7/10 Boundary Bay Regional Park features a sandy Centennial Beach and…
-
Mahon Park
Quick Facts: 2.8km walk Difficulty: easy, but not stroller friendly Traffic: light to moderate Facilities: free parking View: forest, creek side views Overall score: 6/10 Mahon Park is a sizeable municipal park in North Vancouver, featuring a very pleasant forested walk beside a loud Wagg Creek and a more mellow Mission Creek. There are 10…
-
Kanaka Creek Regional Park
Quick Facts: AllTrails link: Kanaka Creek Canyon Trail, 3.7km with 123m elevation Difficulty: easy, but not stroller friendly Traffic: light on a rainy day Facilities: pit toilets, picnic tables near the canyons and at the Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre View: interesting views of the canyons and water carved sandstones Overall score: 8/10 Kanaka Creek Regional…