Capilano Pacific Trail Vancouver
Easy, scenic hike
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.Â
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.Â
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Vancouver guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Vancouver
Mr. Red Cafe – Fresh Northern Vietnamese food
"Mr. Red Cafe" is the 'quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine'. This restaurant is just simply delicious. Let me tell you, it's not typical Vietnamese fare...
By
Adelina
Wong
Ngon Cafe – A piece of Vietnam in Vancouver
Ngon Cafe offers authentic & affordable Vietnamese delights like banh mi and fresh salad rolls. Here my favorites are the coconut and salted cheese coffee!
By
Rebecca
Heggs
Jingle Bao – Colourful dumplings in the West End
Magnificent Seven — seven soup dumplings with different colours and flavours and their giant soup dumplings, which are served with a straw for easy slurping.
By
Rebecca
Heggs
Fun Alley – A hidden colourful hangout spot
Benches to sit on and watered plants show that Fun Alley was designed as a place for people to hang out, not just a place to glance at and keep going.
By
Rebecca
Heggs
Fraser River Trail – Unique riverside view
The "Fraser River Trail" in Vancouver is a super relaxing walk with a view of boats in the distance and some planes flying in and out of YVR Airport.
By
Daniela
Botelho Perotto
Vancouver Story Slam – 2nd longest in the world
"Vancouver Story Slam" runs the second-longest-running story slam in the world! It's very unexpected and underrated treat. Grab a drink, sit back & enjoy!
By
Daniela
Botelho Perotto
La Grotta del Formaggio – A taste of Italy
La Grotta del Formaggio, a Vancouver classic, offers hefty custom sandwiches, unique pastas, and diverse cheeses in Little Italy since the 1970s. Enjoy!
By
Rebecca
Heggs
Grounds for Coffee – Best cinnamon buns in the city
While they are a cafe selling coffee and various baked goods, the main reason people come through the doors is to get one of their delicious cinnamon buns.
By
Rebecca
Heggs
Rocky Point Park – Nature, food & beer
A popular but out of the way park, Rocky Point Park and its surroundings are a gathering place for families, friends, and couples alike.
By
Rebecca
Heggs
Wall for Women – Interactive street art
Depicting a woman rising with newfound strength, this wall honours women living in or fleeing domestic violence.
By
Rebecca
Heggs
Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie – Handmade dumplings!
"Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie" is one of the finest Chinese restaurants in Vancouver. I have a whole list of favorites there. Come prepared to share!
By
