Capilano Pacific Trail Vancouver
Easy, scenic hike
Pamela from Vancouver
The Capilano Pacific Trail is an easy, year-round hike along the Capilano River, gently sloping upwards for 8 km through west coast rainforest. You'll pass through a variety of terrain, past steep canyon cliffs and over wooden bridges, with various viewing spots along the way.
The trail starts in Ambleside Park, a sandy, windy beach looking out onto English Bay. There are bathrooms here and a concession, and during the summer you can go swimming. It's a few minutes from Park Royal and transit accessible.
To get onto the trail, follow the SeaWalk toward the river. You'll pass briefly through an urban area before getting back into the forest. From there the trail is wide and clear, with very little roots or rocks, but as you get closer to the top, the trail gets wilder, with tall trees and ferns. In the right light, it can be quite magical.
The upper portion connects with other trails and you can follow signs to the salmon hatchery, where you see salmon at various life stages.
The trail ends in Cleveland River Regional Park, with an impressive view of the Lions over Cleveland Lake and you can stand atop the 90 meter high Cleveland Dam. During snow-melt season, the spillway roars with water rushing down to the canyon below.
One of the special things about this hike is that it's transit accessible from both ends. My suggestion is start at the bottom and then have a nice swim at Ambleside when you come back down.
Vancouver Spotter Pamela
Our Vancouver City Guide
Find your way with 195 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Vancouver
Rooster's Ice Cream Bar
Artisanal ice cream
"Rooster's Ice Cream Bar" is Vancouver's new gourmet ice cream bar! It makes artisanal ice cream with natural ingredients - I love trying their experiments
by
Adelina
Wong
Long's Noodle House
Amazing soup dumplings
"Long's Noodle House" Vancouver is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant serving up fantastic Shanghaiese food. I'm a fan of their soup dumplings and wine chicken.
by
Adelina
Wong
Anny’s Dairy Bar
Quebecois comfort food
"Anny’s Dairy Bar" in Vancouver serves more than dairy products, despite its name. The real draw, at least for me, is its maple twist cones...
by
Adelina
Wong
MeeT on Main
Vegan comfort food
"MeeT on Main" in Vancouver makes amazing vegan comfort food, no mater whether you're plant-based or not! Pro-tip: just go earlier rather than later...
by
Samantha
Cheng
Superbaba
Mouth-watering falafel food truck
Food truck "Superbaba" in Vancouver, simply has the best falafel I've ever tasted. I'll often 'forget' my lunch just to go there and indulge...
by
Samantha
Cheng
The Orpheum
Historical theatre from 1927
"The Orpheum" in Vancouver is home to the city's symphony orchestra. It's truly a sight to see and a must-visit for an evening show in the city...
by
Samantha
Cheng
Loafe Cafe
Artsy university cafe
"Loafe Cafe" in University of British Columbia in Vancouver is a favorite among students. It's one of my favorite places to catch up with friends...
by
Samantha
Cheng
Reflections Garden Terrace
Rooftop patio downtown
The "Reflections Garden Terrace" in Vancouver is on Hotel Georgia. This cozy garden bar is a favourite among locals year round. Remember: ask for a blanket
by
Samantha
Cheng
La Casa Gelato
Locally owned ice cream shop
"La Casa Gelato" is Vancouver's queen of ice cream, with almost as many flavors of ice cream as there are days in the year.
by
Samantha
Cheng
Sun Sushi
Cheap but delicious sushi
"Sun Sushi" in Vancouver is perfect if you're looking for a fast & delicious meal, plus incredibly quick service and cheap prices! Try the agedashi tofu...
by
Samantha
Cheng
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
Oasis in the city
"Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden" is in Vancouver's Chinatown. This garden is home to a tranquil outdoor space and some art exhibits. It's a true oasis!
by
Samantha
Cheng
49th Parallel Cafe
Coffee and donut heaven
"49th Parallel Cafe" in Kitsilano, Vancouver is great to visit with friends: its infamous, delicious Lucky's Doughnuts have me coming back again & again...
by
Samantha
Cheng
Heading to Vancouver?
195 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Vancouver?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 195 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Relaxing
Our team loves Vancouver
Get to know our other Spotters from Vancouver
As featured on:
