Getting out with my kids and going for a hike is one of my favourite things. We all benefit from the exercise, and outdoor time and during the pandemic it has been something that has remained constant. Now, as my youngest has reached 2.5 years and is too heavy for the hiking carrier, I have to choose our trails carefully – knowing, full well I may end up giving her a piggy back through at least some of the journey. However, she has proven pretty resilient when it comes to tackling the trails and generally complains less than my older kids.
A few tips before heading out on a family hike. First of all…bring snacks, LOTS of snacks and a water bottle(s). Nothing motivates my kids more than promised snacks, and nothing will garner more complaints than if I forget those at home. I also usually do a google search of the trail I’ve chosen before heading out, trying to get an idea if its stroller friendly/need a carrier/not suitable for little ones. And finally, dress appropriately and wear proper footwear – especially at this time of year when it is damp and the trails are often muddy.
I’ve put together a list of some of my favourite trails and hiking spots to head to with my family. I’d love to hear what some of yours are, and put them on my bucket list!
Pacific Spirit Park
It feels like you can never go wrong with a hike through Pacific Spirit Park up by UBC. It’s huge, with many different trails and possible points of entry. None of the trails have much elevations gain, so they are suitable for all ages. Some are more groomed and stroller friendly than others, that have tree roots etc and are better with a carrier. You can pick and choose your route on one of the many available maps. Our favourite spot is to park along west 16th avenue near UBC and enter Salish trail and then choose a different route and loop depending on how ambitious we feel. The forest is amazing and never disappoints.
UBC Foreshore Trail
If you grew up in Vancouver and attended UBC, there’s a good chance you’ve visited Wreck Beach before – but have you ever hiked the foreshore trail? It is a scenic beach route that follows around the west side of the University of British Columbia and passes through Wreck Beach (so note…if the weather is warm you could catch a glimpse of nudists, when I go at this time of year it’s a little too cold for any naked enthusiasts). This is an easy trail with the toughest part probably being just the stairs getting down from Marine Drive to the beach. The entire trail is around 5 km long one way. My fave part to tackle with the kids is about half that distance. We park along Old Marine Drive at Trail 7 (just near the UBC botanical garden). Parking is free here. Then we go down the stairs and turn right, in the direction of Wreck Beach. This stretch of trail takes you past Oasis Beach and gives great ocean views, then at Wreck Beach we usually head back up the stairs and walk back along Marine Drive to the car. But you can keep going further on Foreshore trail too! Just a heads up, depending on high tide or not sometimes the next section of the trail heading east can be blocked off.
Lighthouse Park
Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver has some of the most picturesque west coast views you could ask for. The park provides a loop that is around 6 km long and takes about two hours with minimal elevation gains. It is not stroller friendly. You don’t have to do this loop though, there are many short cuts and smaller trails to cut directly down to the water and the gorgeous ocean views. It is a wonderful place to have a picnic and enjoy some sun on the rocks!
Lynn Canyon Park
Lynn Canyon Park is the home of several beautiful hiking trails that are suitable for any hiking level. It’s definitely a choose your own adventure situation. There are stairs involved and elevation gains so not stroller friendly. Lynn Canyon features a suspension bridge and a network of trails such as 30 Foot Pool and Twin Falls. Twin Falls is a one-hour 1.5 km out-and-back trail and is suitable for babies in carriers. The water at Lynn Canyon is so gorgeous and in the summer time there will be people taking a dip – but it can also be dangerous for swimming and cliff diving in certain areas (so observe extreme caution if you’re tempted)
Cleveland Dam
The Capilano Canyon trail starting at the Cleveland Dam is a really great trail to do with the kids. I recommend parking at the lot right at the Cleveland Dam off of Capilano Road. It’s provides a wonderful view of the reservoir and the dam. There’s a loop you can do from there, or you can just explore some the trails around the river yourself. It’s a beautiful spot and the trail will take you right past the Salmon Hatchery. The hatchery’s interpretive centre is open to the public everyday from 8am until closing times that vary seasonally according to how much daylight there is. A visit to the hatchery is free.
Terra Nova Park
If you like to combine your family walk with an amazing playground, then head to Terra Nova Park in Richmond. You can walk along the flat, gravel trail of the West Dyke (stroller friendly) and enjoy gorgeous ocean and mountain views. There are also trails that take you through the park and the farms and gardens. Enjoy ponds and ducks and many other birds. Then, of course there is the Terra Nova playground with zip lines, super fun slides and more. This a favourite with my kids!
Robert Burnaby Park
We first visited Robert Burnaby Park in Burnaby last year after hearing about the wonderful, forest sculptures that had been created during the pandemic and placed throughout the wooded trails there. It provided a fantastic treasure hunt to scour the woods in search of them. Now, since we visited last I have heard that a few of the sculptures have been destroyed (people are the absolute worst…seriously, who would do that?) But there are still some remaining. Even without the structures, the trails are great and the 2 km loop trail is good for all skill levels.
Next Up….Bucket List Hikes
I would love to hear what hikes you think we should try out next. I already have a few on my radar that I’m hoping to do: Mystery Lake in North Vancouver (a 90 min round trip hike that takes you to a wonderful swimming spot to cool off), Crystal Falls in Coquitlam (a 7 km out and back hike to the beautiful falls), and Sasamat Lake in Port Moody (8 km loop around the lake).
