Spotting wildlife at Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver / Suzanne Rushton
With parks and greenspaces throughout the city, it’s easy to explore nature in Vancouver. These five short walks are perfect for connecting with local ecosystems this March.
Since Vancouver has mild winters, its easy to get outside at this time of year. All of these short and easy trails are close to sea level where the weather is warmer in March. They also have flat gravel surfaces that are easy to navigate for people who use mobility devices or families with strollers. And each nature walk has scenery that everyone will enjoy.
Safety First: AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every nature walk. Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the weather. Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back. Check out our tips for safe spring hiking in Vancouver for more advice.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
The forests surrounding UBC are protected in Pacific Spirit Regional Park. A huge network of trails winds past babbling streams, lush wetlands, and towering cedar, Douglas fir, and hemlock trees. The flat gravel trails are perfect for walking, but be sure to bring a park map since it is easy to get turned around. Or use our Pacific Spirit Regional Park trail guide to follow our recommended loop route.
If you need a break, head to one of the cafes in the Wesbrook area near West 16th Avenue and Wesbrook Mall. The fresh croissants and expertly-made espresso at Doughgirls Bakeshop are a neighbourhood favourite.
Enjoy the beauty of the forest at Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Photo: Julien Kettmann/Unsplash
Lost Lagoon and the Stanley Park Trails
The easy paths around Lost Lagoon are a great place to go for a walk. There are lots of places to stop and soak in the scenery. Be sure to watch for many species of birds including Canada geese, ducks, great blue herons, and hawks. You might even spot curious raccoons scuttling through the underbrush.
If you want to walk further, head north into Stanley Park to explore the forested trails. The old-growth trees on Tatlow Walk are particularly spectacular. Our Stanley Park hiking guide has suggestions for a fun and easy 3-hour loop walk. Or wander the trails on your own to see what you can discover. The park map can help you find your way.
If you want to fuel up before or after your walk, head to nearby Denman Street to discover lots of cafes and restaurants. Warm up with a bowl of delicious ramen at Kinataro, a Denman-street institution since 1999. Or pick up a treat at Breka Bakery to enjoy on your walk.
Lost Lagoon. Photo Rachael Ren/Unsplash
Rice Lake
If you’re looking for a serene nature walk, head to Rice Lake in North Vancouver’s Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. The three-kilometre-long loop trail is wheelchair accessible. Be sure to stop at the wharf to admire the reflections. Our Rice Lake trail guide has step-by-step directions and the park map is also helpful.
Stop by the End of the Line General Store after your walk. This historic store has hot coffee, sandwiches, soups, and baked goods as well as tons of locally made gifts.
Rice Lake in North Vancouver Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
If you love birds, you won’t want to miss the walking trails at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary near Ladner. The flat gravel trails let you meander through the wetlands. The sanctuary sells bird seed if you want to feed the ducks. Spring is a great time to visit to see many bird species including songbirds, waterfowl, and fish-eating birds like herons, hawks, and eagles. Bring binoculars to get a closer look. Our Reifel Bird Sanctuary hiking guide includes directions for an easy 2-hour loop walk. Heads up: Admission is charged and you must reserve in advance.
Head to nearby Ladner for lunch after you are done birding. Localz Urban Cafe is a popular spot for coffee, soup, and freshly made sandwiches. If you’re into craft beer, visit Britannia Brewing to sample their beers and enjoy pub-style comfort food.
A great blue heron perches on a tree at George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary. Photo: Chong Wei/Unsplash
Deer Lake Park
Deer Lake Park provides a natural oasis in the middle of Burnaby. The flat gravel and boardwalk trails around the lake are a great place to wander and enjoy the tranquillity of the lake. For many visitors, the highlight is spotting turtles sunning themselves on logs. While many of the turtles are introduced species, you can also spot endangered Western painted turtles. The Deer Lake Park trail map can help you plan your walk.
Grab a bite to eat afterward at one of the cafes in the nearby Metrotown neighbourhood. La Forêt is a gorgeous vine-covered cafe that serves up French and Asian-inspired pastries, pasta, and brunch. Or grab bubble tea and a dessert at Japanese-style Ki Cafe. They have a manga library if you want to read while you enjoy your food.
Deer Lake Park. Photo: Burnaby.ca