As summertime comes to an end, the busy but beautiful Seawall starts to slow down and only the avid cyclists and runners hit the pavement. As many locals know, Vancouver gets rainy in the fall, which makes it slightly less pleasant to run outside.
The solution for this is to grab some trail runners and head into the trails! Sure it may be a little muddy but the rain barely touches you and you don’t notice it anyway, because you’re distracted by roots, rocks and fallen trees. Trail running is where it is at!
Here is a quick list of my favourite trail runs, from North Vancouver to Burnaby.
Quarry Rock
A common hot spot for cyclists, kayakers, donut-eaters, coffee-drinkers and of course, hikers, Deep Cove has become a very popular summer town for tourists and locals to visit. Parking can be a bit of a headache but trust me, this place is worth it. If you can make friends with some of the residents of Deep Cove, you are golden. Quarry Rock is part of the Baden Powell Trail and it finishes off the Knee Knacker North Shore trail race.
What’s amazing about this trail is that if you run it, you can literally be done it in less than 40 minutes round-trip and the view is EPIC. You can see the City of Vancouver, SFU Burnaby Mountain, Port Moody and so much ocean. You can also choose to go kayaking afterwards and, of course, stop in for a famous Honey’s donut located right in Deep Cove. It might demolish your workout but these donuts are to die for.
The trail is just less than 4km in length, 100 meters in elevation and perfect for beginners! Unlike many Vancouver-area trails, this one’s not all up and then all down; it is pretty variable, which is great for anyone who is intimidated by a steep uphill battle.
Whyte Lake Loop Trail
Less than a 30 minute drive from Vancouver, Whyte Lake is a peaceful lake that offers a lovely 5 km loop to run or hike, depending on the intensity of your workout. The trail follows Nelson Creek and leads you through a passage of Western Cedar and Douglas Fir trees. It starts fairly steep but overall, is a short and easy route to take. The trail can take up to 2 hours to complete if you are hiking, since there is some elevation (160m), but if you run it, it can be much quicker!
If you have a little more time (or energy) on your hands, this run can be extended. For those of you looking for a bit more of a challenge (or a longer hike), you can continue on the Whyte Lake Trail to the Baden Powell Trail, which will take you towards Horseshoe Bay. If you take a right here, you will come to the Eagles Bluff viewpoint before the trail continues on to Cypress.
To get to Whyte Lake from Vancouver, get onto Highway #1 heading west. Take exit #4—Woodgreen Drive to Caufield. Turn left onto Woodgreen and at the 4 point stop, go straight onto Westport Road, look for 5647 Westport Road or the gravel parking area close to the metal gate (where the trail begins) – here is the map: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//49.360746,-123.258769/@49.3601969,-123.2632604,16z/data=!3m1!4b1. For directions on the trail, see the link here: https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/whyte-lake/
Burnaby Lake Trail
If you aren’t a huge fan of hills, Burnaby Lake Trail is for you!! It is the largest lake in the Lower Mainland and has a range of wildlife including geese, beavers, ducks and so much more! The loop is about 10 km in length with minimal elevation, meaning no hills! I love hills but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a trail run without having to go up and down all of the time. This run provides a nice change of scenery away from Vancouver and is a great way to challenge your 10 km time!
This trail is located right near the Sperling – Burnaby Lake Sky Train Station and is super easy to get too! For more details on the trail, check it out here: https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/burnaby-lake/.
Pacific Spirit Park
Located on the west side of the City of Vancouver, this park offers stunning trails that are relatively flat and very well maintained. There are many trails to choose from but to give you a grand tour of the park I would recommend trying out the 10 km route that starts at 16th Avenue next to Camosun Park. From here you will turn left and continue on the trail until you get to Imperial Road. Follow Imperial road before turning left onto Hemlock Trail. You will pass Sasamat Trail and reach a junction with Clinton Trail. You will turn right and follow Clinton Trail – just be careful as mountain bikers and horseback riders also have access to the trail.
You will arrive at a clearing where you will take Salish Trail to the right and go back into the forest. Here you will run by an ecological reserve, so take in the amazing sights and smells of Hemlock, Cedar and Maple leaf trees! The Salish Trail will meet with Imperial Trail underneath the power lines.
Turn left and stay left as the trail will reach a fork. Once you get to Sword Fern Trail, go right onto this trail and continue onto it (also called Iva Mann Trail) until you can go left on Salish Trail towards 16th Avenue. You can either end your run at 16th (where you started) or continue your run by crossing the street and entering the forest on the other side. For more details, you can check out the website here: https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/pacific-spirit-regional-park/
This park is only a 10 minute drive from Vancouver and is close to the UBC campus. You can do a run and then go visit the Botanical Gardens or check out Wreck Beach for a decent set of stairs and a swim (clothing optional).
Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (12.5 km Phantom Run Trail)
For a longer trail run (1.5-2.5 hours), I absolutely love the trails in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (LSCR) in North Vancouver. Follow Lillooet road all the way to the north of the park and start your run at the LSCR. There are many trails to try out but if you are looking for a bit of a challenge, follow the Phantom Run route details (Phantom Run) for the 12.5 km race. This race happens every November and is one I have participated in twice (12.5km and 19 km).
The route is perfect because it is a healthy variation of up and down hills, roots, stairs, rocks, and pipeline road and is never boring. A very entertaining set of trails takes you near Rice Lake, onto the
Suspension Bridge, along the Baden-Powell trail onto Fisherman’s Trail, up Bridle Path switchback, up the stairs at Riverside, to the Twin Bridges trail and then through the parking lot to the finish line!
IF Four Seasons running the Phantom Run 12.5 as a team
Give it a Shot!
There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors in Vancouver and trail running is definitely one of them. This list is just a starting point but I highly recommend you get out there and try them out. If you aren’t ready for a big run, try out Quarry Rock – there are a lot of people there, making it a very non-intimidating trail with a gorgeous view!
If you want to get a little dirty and try something a bit more challenging, check out the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve – you will sweat on this one and you won’t get bored!
If you want more ideas, I am here to help and I am sure your coach is too! Just ask us and we will be happy to find the trail run for you ☺
Camille Hindley
Events Manager
Innovative Fitness – Four Seasons
Cell: 778.231.4292/Phone:604.609.5450
www.innovativefitness.com
Like IF – www.Facebook.com/InnovativeFitness
Follow IF – @IFDifference
Watch IF – www.YouTube.com/InnovativeFitness1
