Trail Profile: Capilano River Regional Park

Situated in North Vancouver, Capilano River Regional Park offers an excellent rainforest experience to walkers and hikers. Approximately 6.5 kilometres of the park’s trail network are directly on the Trans Canada Trail, and connect to over 25 kilometres of excellent hiking and walking trails if you’d like to continue exploring the area.  

What we love about this Trail section

• It offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging in length and difficulty, with great choices for all ages. 

• It features giant — and we mean giant! — fir trees in a beautiful forest setting. 

• Did we mention the water features? Take in the river views and the vistas from the dam — plus a hatchery. 

Coho Loop Trail: a family-friendly circuit with beautiful views 

Coho Loop Trail is a short and sweet, relatively flat and well-maintained option that is appropriate for all ages. Start out at the salmon hatchery entrance — where you can take a self-guided tour of the interpretive centre and see Chinook, Coho and Steelhead salmon, depending on the time of year — and continue along the water and through forested areas. The loop includes great views of the river and surrounding landscapes.

Giant Fir Trail: hundreds of years of history 

Not far from the Coho Loop Trail, the Giant Fir Trail connects to several other hiking trails in the park and is part of the Trans Canada Trail system. Hike alongside centuries-old Douglas fir trees on this short there-and-back trail section. You’ll find interpretive panels en route that give you a glimpse into the history of the area. 

Capilano Pacific Trail: an extended jaunt from North Vancouver to West Vancouver

On the Capilano Pacific Trail, you can head out from the Cleveland Dam, which was built in 1954 and sits on Capilano Lake. and continue along the Capilano River out of the park and over six kilometres to the Ambleside neighbourhood of West Vancouver, where you’ll find a beach and several cafés and restaurants. Note that a part of this trail was closed due to a landslide, and a detour is in place. 

More trails, picnic areas and great attractions

Discover several more trails within the park, some offering exceptional views of Capilano Canyon, or stop at the covered picnic area for a meal or snack, then continue your trail adventuring. If you like, extend your Trans Canada Trail journey and connect to the City of North Vancouver Trail on one side, and the District of West Vancouver Trail on the other. A short detour from Capilano River Regional Park Trail, you’ll find the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is definitely worth a visit if you’re exploring the area.