Parks

Cypress Provincial Park

Covering 3,012ha/7,413ac, Cypress Provincial Park has some great backcountry hiking. Explore the subalpine meadows and marsh ecosystem along the Yew Trail, or try the Four Lakes Loop. Experienced hikers can attempt the rugged challenge of the 29km/18mi (one-way) Howe Sound Crest Trail. This is also the home of Cypress Mountain ski resort.

Mount Seymour Provincial Park

Mount Seymour Provincial Park is considered a mecca for mountain biking and hiking and is just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. The paved Seymour Valley Trailway stretches 10km/6.2mi through the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. Watch for coyotes, deer, and Steller's jays (British Columbia's official bird). Mount Seymour is an affordable skiing destination for families in the winter.

Lynn Canyon Park

Lynn Canyon Park (3663 Park Rd) attracts hikers with its famous suspension bridge 50m/164ft above the forest floor, but there's much more to see on the rugged trails of this 250ha/617ac park.

Wander through dense rainforest, admire the Twin Falls or stop in at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre. The east side of the suspension bridge offers trail access to the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve and Lynn Headwaters Park.

Capilano River Regional Park

The biggest landmark at Capilano River Regional Park is the 1954-built Cleveland Dam, which helps contain Vancouver's main drinking water supply. Beneath soaring mountains, hike the nearby trails and visit the Capilano Salmon Hatchery. This park is located just off Capilano Road.

City Skate Park

The City Skate Park boasts 1,486 sq m/16,000 sq ft of ramps, walls, and curbs for skateboarders. One of the coolest features of this heavily used park is the "Wave," a skateable work of public art. The park is at the corner of the Trans-Canada Highway and Lonsdale Avenue; helmets are mandatory.

Mahon Spray Park

Kids can get wet and wild at Mahon Spray Park, cooling off with 20-plus pieces of spray equipment between May and October. Much of the park is designed for children aged six and under. Located at the intersection of Jones Avenue and West 18th Street.

Maplewood Farm

A favourite among kids, Maplewood Farm (405 Seymour River Pl) offers the chance to feed and pet goats, sheep, cows, pigs, and ponies in a rural setting. There are more than 200 animals and the farm is open year-round.

Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is next to Lonsdale Quay and offers beautiful views of the Vancouver skyline. The playground for kids includes a distinctive metal climbing sculpture. Check out festivals throughout the year, including Caribbean Days Festival (July), the Carol Ships Festival (December), and car shows.

Cates Park

In Deep Cove, Cates Park is framed by lush rainforest and has a a picnicking area, boat launch, tennis courts, kayak rentals, playgrounds, washrooms, concessions, and sandy beaches for swimming. It's the biggest waterfront park in North Vancouver.

Nearby West Vancouver Parks

Ambleside Park, a sandy beach adjacent to the Park Royal Shopping Centre, is one of West Vancouver's most popular places to chill out. Follow the 1.2km/0.8mi shoreline path to gaze across the water at passing cruise ships and Stanley Park. Green herons nest at the pond. There are basketball and tennis courts, a par-3 golf course, a skateboard park, and more.

Lighthouse Park offers 75ha/185ac of old-growth cedar and fir trees, rock-climbing, and gentle trails leading to the 1912-built lighthouse at Point Atkinson. There are great views of sunsets and Bowen Island.

More Parks Information

For more information and directions to these and other parks, pick up the North Shore Visitors' Guide or contact the Visitor Centre (102-124 West 1st St). Another useful resource is the map-brochure entitled Parks of North Vancouver, published by the City of North Vancouver.

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