Our Family-Favourite Hiking Trails in BC

Hiking is a great way to get the whole family outside enjoying fresh air. When the kids are outside, they’re off screens and exploring the Earth’s classroom.

To help you find new outdoor spaces to explore, we asked the team at WestCoast Families for their favourite local hikes, and here’s what they had to say.

*Please Note: Some areas may be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check each hiking destination before you head out.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Vancouver

This is a network of trails contained in more than 750 hectares of forest on the University Endowment Lands, found to the west of the city of Vancouver.

TIME: Allow at least one hour to explore. There are many different routes and loops found throughout the park.

WHY? You can spend the whole day exploring and walking the trails here, stopping to enjoy the trees and creeks. The trails are for all ages and abilities, and can be walked with very little elevation. Jug Island Beach Trail Hike,

Delta Watershed Park, North Delta

This is a wilderness community park and natural area, and very popular for hiking and mountain biking. Some trails are designated hiking only, so you can avoid any fast moving bikes! Lots of terrain and trails to cover.

TIME: Allow at least an hour to explore. There are many different routes through the park.

WHY? This can be a challenging hike and bike trail up and down the hillsides, good for all abilities from beginner to very fit. There are some great hidden surprises like the grassy meadow picnic area in the middle, and the natural spring water fountains too.

Clockwise from top left: Buntzen Lake, Delta Watershed Park, Gold Creek Falls, Jug Island Beach, Othello Tunnels, Pacific Spirit, Train Wreck Hike, Twin Falls

Othello Tunnels, Hope

This section of trail connects a series of old train tunnels and bridges that cut through the solid granite walls and pass over the wild Coquihalla River.

TIME: Give yourself at least 1 hour to complete the hike.

WHY? The history of the tunnels and railway is extremely cool, and the viewpoints of the Coquihalla Canyon are spectacular. You can hike or bike this trail and go a long way in both directions. Great for all ages.

Jug Island Beach Trail Hike, Belcarra Regional Park

Jug Island is not accessible, so the name is a bit deceiving, but this trail in the northern tip of Belcarra Regional Park offers a hike to a beach that faces the island and offers great views of Indian Arm.

TIME: About 2.5 hours round trip.

WHY? The viewpoints are amazing and the rocky beach at the end is perfect for a picnic. Be aware of wildlife here. The trails are mostly under tree cover, which is great for summer sun.

Buntzen Lake Loop, Anmore

This is a very popular trail for families, as it passes through scenic forests, offers several views of the lake, crosses a suspension bridge, and reaches a quieter beach at the north end.

TIME: You’ll need at least 3.5 hours to complete this hike.

WHY? It’s moderately challenging so it feels like a real hike, and you can take a dip in the lake to cool off.

Gold Creek Falls, Maple Ridge

This is an easy trail that leads to a spectacular waterfall and campsite.

Time: Allow 2 hours for a round trip to the falls.

WHY? This hike is a short, dog-friendly hike, perfect for an afternoon outing, and takes adventurous families to a campsite in Golden Ears Park to set up for the night.

Train Wreck Hike, Whistler

This well-travelled trail takes you to colourfully painted boxcars, which have been sitting in the forest since 1956. Kids love climbing through and on top of the train cars, and each visit to the site presents a whole new scene as the boxcars are constantly being spray painted by new visitors.

TIME: You’ll want to spend at least 1 hour here.

WHY? This hike is great for all ages, and the suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River is spectacular. There are photo ops galore here!

Twin Falls Loop Lynn Canyon, North Van

This is a short, popular hike in North Vancouver that crosses the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and follows the river and back, crossing a wooden bridge.

TIME: Approximately 1 hour.

WHY? The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is spectacular, and free to cross. There is some elevation here, so wear good shoes and enjoy a small workout.