Top 5 Family Hikes on the North Shore

If you love to hike and want to introduce the kids to hiking, here are 5 family hikes to try, from "super easy" for beginners to "moderate" for the more experienced hiking families.  These hiking trails are usually fine to hike year round, but occasionally they are covered with snow.  However, the kids may love it even more when they're snow-covered!  So don your hiking boots and get out there to enjoy some of the north shore's luscious forests and fantastic scenery.  You and the kids won't be disappointed!


 Rice Lake Loop
This one's super easy and stroller friendly!  Follow Lillooet Road in North Vancouver all the way to the end and park in the Seymour Demonstration Forest parking lot.  Pick up a map at the kiosk and follow the signs to and around Rice Lake.  If you like to fish, bring your gear to the fishing dock on Rice Lake.  Don't be surprised if you see numerous families of ducks on this quaint little lake.  Sometimes in winter, the lake is covered in ice, which makes for interesting duck viewing -- the ice is slippery even for webbed feet!
Level:  Super easy
Hiking time: About 1 hour

Lynn Canyon / Twin Falls Loop
Take the Lynn Valley Road exit off Hwy 1 and follow Lynn Valley Road up the mountain. Turn right on Peters Road where you'll see the sign for the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and park in the lot at the end. This trail will take you over the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and the Twin Falls Bridge, and you'll experience incredible views of the river below from both bridges.  You can also visit the Ecology Centre (cost by donation) as well as the Lynn Canyon Cafe for a meal or snack after your hike.
Level:  Easy
Hiking time: About 45 minutes to 1 hour

Cleveland Dam / Fish Hatchery Loop
Heading north on Capilano Road from Marine Drive in North Vancouver, you'll come to the Cleveland Dam parking lot where you can park. Pick up a trail map from the kiosk and then walk through the park to the left to enter the trail that heads down the stairs. At the bottom, you can visit the Fish Hatchery (free) to learn about the salmon before continuing on your hike. Then head south to pick up the trail across the first bridge and then back toward the dam. Visit the deck at the end for a great view of the dam and Capilano River below. Then head back up the mountain and across the top of the dam to view the Cleveland Dam Reservoir and a spectacular view of The Lions.
Level: Moderately easy
Hiking time: About 1 hour (plus extra viewing time if you visit the Hatchery and other viewpoints)

Lighthouse Park
Driving west on Marine Drive in West Vancouver, turn left on Beacon Lane (watch for the wooden sign) and drive to the end to park in the parking lot. You'll definitely need a map of this park, which you can find at the kiosk, as there are numerous trails in which to hike. Some are more challenging than others, and none of them will disappoint. The trail found at the end of the parking lot will lead you directly to the Lighthouse viewpoint, which is a must-see when visiting this park.
Level: Easy in some sections to Moderate in others
Hiking time: Varies depending on chosen trails (roundtrip directly to the Lighthouse viewpoint is about 30 minutes)

"The Rock" from Deep Cove (part of the Baden Powell trail system)
Take the Dollarton Hwy exit from Hwy 1 and follow the road all the way to the end to scenic Deep Cove. There's a parking lot next to Panorama Park, and from there, look for the signs to the trail. The first 20-30 minutes may seem fairly challenging because it's mostly uphill, albeit not too steep. After that, there are shorter ups and downs and flat areas. The workout you'll get in order to reach "The Rock" will be well worth the effort when you see the magnificent views at the end. You'll likely find other families who have made the same journey and the kids can make some new friends!
Level:  Moderately easy
Hiking time:  Up to 2 hours round trip