With a pretty harbour, coastal mountains and alpine lakes, hiking – and to a lesser degree mountain biking – is part of the Port Moody lifestyle.
Nearly all trails are groomed and well maintained. Trail information boards are easy to locate at both Belcarra and Buntzen Lake.
By far the most accessible and popular trail, the 3km/1.9mi Shoreline Trail meanders along the horseshoe-shaped shoreline from Rocky Point Park to Old Orchard Park, linking several small parks and heritage landmarks along the way.
Some of these include Pigeon Cove, named after the thousands of Band-Tailed Pigeons that migrate through Port Moody in the Spring and Fall; Hutchinson Creek where a thriving brickyard stood in the 1890s; as well as locations of logging operations and steel mills. Fruit trees from the early 1900s still stand in Old Orchard Park. Pick up a Heritage Trail Map from the Station Museum; allow two hours for the full return trip.
Belcarra Regional Park
Admiralty Point Trail (easy)
A Belcarra Park favourite, this easy 5km/3mi hike weaves through a well-established, second growth forest and past panoramic vistas. At the end, there's a small shoreline called Maple Beach that features Cod Rock, a large outcrop next to the ocean. Allow two hours for the return trip.
Jug Island Beach Trail (easy/moderate)
Starting at Belcarra picnic area, this path follows an old road that soon becomes trail-like with minor rocks and roots. The trail is quite hilly with a series of wooden stairs in the steepest sections – one staircase leads to a viewpoint over Bedwell Bay, Eagle Ridge and the broad flank of Coquitlam Mountain. It's a steep descent to a gravelly beach overlooking Jug Island. Allow 2 hours for the 5km/3 mi return trip.
Sasamat Lake Loop Trail (easy with moderate detours)
Likely the most popular trail within Belcarra, the 2.5km/1.5mi loop circles around from White Pine Beach and although mainly flat, it does have some bridges, wooden stairs and a floating boardwalk. Most of the paved and gravel path hugs the shoreline and passes by two small docks for fishing and swimming.
Woodhaven Swamp & Cod Rock Trail Detours
Watch for a detour to Woodhaven Swamp. It's a bit of a steep climb and other than one short segment involving a gravel road, it's a forested trail all the way. The very pretty swamp is visible after about 2km from the loop and well worth the detour. Allow 1.5 hrs return trip from Sasamat Lake. The 7km/4mi Cod Rock Trail is another loop digression that's a shade more challenging.
Buntzen Lake
A network of trails begins just south of the beach offering short hikes for rainy days, or longer excursions that encircle the lake and offer many view points along the way.
Lakeshore Trail (easy)
This picturesque trail passes by the first pump house before it twists and turns through the forest. After about an hour, there's a rocky view point of the lake, across from Eagle Ridge. Winding down the hillside, a suspension bridge leads to North Beach and a good stop to picnic, swim and explore old cabins that are often used for movie sets.
It's a steep incline to the west side of Lake Trail where a service road leads right back to south beach – a good option if time is short. The forest trail follows the shoreline closely and includes a dog beach. Allow up to 3hrs for this 8km/5mi circle.
Diez Vistas Trail (moderate)
Translated from the Spanish as 'Ten Views' the switchback trail is aptly named for the ten spectacular views it provides along the hike. Although it's an uphill, fairly well groomed ascent to the first viewpoint, persevere to the top and the reward is majestic. At 560m/1,837ft, the trail meanders along the ridge with vistas of Vancouver Island, Deep Cove, the North Shore mountains and Indian Arm.
Depending on how many short-trail digressions are taken to various viewpoints, allow up to 6 hrs for the round trip.
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