Top 8 Easy Trails & Walks 🥾 As Spring Warms the Ground Up

Megan Brillos
May 4
5 min read

Updated: May 4

The sun is finally (reliably) out in Vancouver and doing his part to warm up the ground for us hikers. As spring nudges the chill away and wildflowers start poking through the thawing soil, it’s the perfect time to dust off your hiking shoes and ease back onto the trails.

Whether you're craving fresh mountain air, a lakeside stroll, or just a break from city life, these easy trails and scenic walks are ideal for weekend adventures as the ground warms up. From forest paths to coastal rambles, here are my beginner-friendly recs for the warming up of trail season.

1. Inter River Park – North Vancouver

Distance: 6 km network
Time: 3 hours
Dog friendly: Yes, on and off-leash areas
Highlights: Tall conifers, shady trails, and crisp, mountain-fed river
To keep this nice and easy, just explore the park of Inter River! The park itself is split in half by a river and is very flat to walk. On any given day you can find dogs playing in the river (be super careful with this obviously and use your discretion). If you're up for a moderate hike, you can take the Seak to Sky and Baden Powell Trail out-and-back but it is considered a moderately challenging hike, taking a total of 3 hours and 1,174 foot gain to complete. It's a popular birding trail and open year-round.

2. Twin Falls Loop at Lynn Canyon – North Vancouver

Distance: 1.29 km
Time: 30 mins
Dog friendly: Yes, on and off-leash areas
Highlights: Towering evergreens, forest canopy, moss-covered trunks
The Twin Falls Loop Trail in Lynn Canyon Park, North Vancouver, is a short, scenic loop (about 2.3 km) that offers a beautiful blend of forest, waterfalls, and canyon views, making it a perfect easy-to-moderate walk for a weekend outing. Highlights include crossing the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, a thrilling free-access bridge that sways high above the canyon; visiting the tranquil Twin Falls, viewed from a wooden bridge over the creek; and stopping by the serene 30-foot pool, a popular spot for a refreshing dip on warm days. The trail winds through lush, mossy rainforest and offers peaceful moments in nature just minutes from the city. Dog-friendly and open year-round, it's a fantastic way to stretch your legs and soak up some fresh air, just wear good shoes, as the path can get slick, and go early to beat the crowds.

3. Lighthouse Park – West Vancouver

Distance: 6 km network
Time: 1–2 hours, Birdsong Path on leash but most areas can be off-leash
Dog friendly: Yes
Highlights: Coastal cliffs, giant Douglas firs, panoramic ocean views
A beloved spring pick, Lighthouse Park offers soft trails winding through old-growth forests, with rewarding lookouts over Burrard Inlet. The main path to the lighthouse is easy and well-maintained so it's perfect for a low-key adventure with a picnic stop.

Seymour River Suspension Bridge near Hyannis Trail

4. Hyannis Trail and Mystery Creek Loop – North Vancouver

Distance: 2.6 km
Time: 1-2 hours
Dog friendly: Yes, on and off-leash areas
Highlights: Less-traveled paths, huge old spruces and firs, tranquil waters
Parking is easy right outside the Hyannis trailhead. This is trail is a loop around a beautiful part of the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve in North Vancouver. A great bonus of this trail is that it has SO MANY connectors nearby. We added in Powerline Trail, the suspension bridge, and Will's Way connector to more than double the length (be aware that some of these connectors increase difficulty). You'll hike through ginormous old-growth trees and have several water viewpoints including the Seymour River.

5. Quarry Rock (Note: check if open) – Deep Cove, North Vancouver

Distance: 3.8 km return
Time: ~1.5 hours
Dog friendly: Yes, on and off-leash areas
Highlights: Forested switchbacks, a stunning lookout over Indian Arm
Short but scenic, Quarry Rock is a classic North Shore trail that opens up into an epic viewpoint at the top. It’s a good warm-up for summer hikes and a great intro trail for visiting friends.

6. Lynn Loop – Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, North Vancouver

Distance: 5.1 km loop
Time: ~1.5–2 hours
Dog friendly: Yes, on leash
Highlights: River views, mossy forest, dogs welcome
The Lynn Loop is flat, shaded, and peaceful...an ideal forest stroll for easing back into hiking season. The trail follows Lynn Creek and loops back via a quiet forest trail. Perfect for families or walking with your dog.

7. Whytecliff Park – Horseshoe Bay

Distance: 2–3 km explore-as-you-go
Time: ~1 hour
Dog friendly: Yes, on and off-leash areas, dogs are not allowed on beach areas
Highlights: Tide pools, island access at low tide, dramatic coastlines
More of a nature walk than a full hike, Whytecliff is a coastal gem. You can wander, explore, and even walk across to Whyte Islet if the tide’s right. It's especially stunning at sunset and ideal for a relaxed outdoor reset.

8. Stanley Park Seawall – Vancouver downtown

Distance: 9 km loop
Time: 2–3 hours (or break into sections)
Dog friendly: Yes, on and off-leash areas
Highlights: City-meets-nature vibes, waterfront breeze, paved path

Classic, accessible, and always beautiful, the Stanley Park seawall walk is a spring must-do. With cherry blossoms blooming and the ocean sparkling, it’s the easiest way to soak up spring energy without leaving the city.

Tips for Spring Trail Days

Utilize apps like AllTrails and https://bcparks.ca to be trail-prepared. Always check trail status before heading out, especially in early spring.
Wear waterproof shoes or hiking boots because some trails are still muddy. The further up you go into the mountains the more likely it is you would need to wear spikes. If you're going high enough up, its recommended to bring bear spray (can be bought from Real Canadian Superstores.
Bring a light jacket or shell because the weather changes fast and forest canopies (plus being higher up) can make it feel cooler than the weather says.
Start early to beat the crowds (and snag a parking spot).
Pay attention to on and off-leash rules for pups. It's also always a rule of thumb that if you're in a designated off-leash area but approaching an oncoming pup who is leashed, you leash your dog out of courtesy. All parking lots, crosswalks, picnic areas, and public off-trail places are generally designated as on-leash areas even if it's an off-leash zone. Note that wildlife is abundant in BC mountain areas and bears, coyotes, and raccoons can all act aggressively towards dogs unprompted. Obviously, pick up after your pup's number 2. "Dog waste contains higher levels of nutrients than wildlife waste and can cause algal blooms that kill wildlife, contaminate water sources, and even impact human health" per MeetroVancouver.

Whether you're hiking solo, meeting friends, or heading out with your pup, these easy trails are the perfect way to shake off winter and start moving again as the world around us begins to wake up.

📍 Got a favorite spring trail? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us!