Taryn’s Trans Canada Trail: Winter is Different in Vancouver
In the Vancouver area, we rarely get snow at sea level, so we keep hiking and biking all winter. The Trans Canada Trail is enmeshed in Vancouver’s urban life, as it weaves through the city on neighbourhood paths and forested trails. Here are a few of my favourite places to experience the Trail on foot or by bike in winter.
Tips for Winter Hiking and Biking in Vancouver
• The weather can change quickly and is often wet and cold. Dress in layers including a waterproof jacket, gloves, a warm hat and waterproof footwear. Avoid jeans and cotton clothing because they won’t keep you warm if they get wet.
• In Vancouver, the Trans Canada Trail is close to sea level, so snow and ice are rarely a problem. However, when temperatures dip below freezing, microspikes for your shoes or studded bike tires will help keep you upright.
• Remember that the days are short in winter. Start early and give yourself enough time to finish before dark. Carry a flashlight or headlamp just in case — the flashlight on your phone will drain your battery quickly and isn’t very bright.
Seaview Walk, West Vancouver
Photo credit: Taryn Eyton/Happiest Outdoors
A stroll or bike ride along Seaview Walk in West Vancouver — part of the District of West Vancouver Trail section of the Trans Canada Trail — gets you great views for minimal effort. The path is an old railway bed with a gentle grade and is wheelchair accessible. The 4-kilometre return-trip trail winds its way along the hillside between houses and groves of trees. In a few places, there are incredible views of the ocean and the boats in Eagle Harbour. The best place to start and finish is Gleneagles Community Centre, which has parking and a stop for the 250 bus. Extend your trip by following the Trans Canada Trail north for a farther 1.5 kilometres from the community centre to Horseshoe Bay. Grab a coffee and stroll along the waterfront while you watch the ferries dock.
False Creek Seawall, Vancouver
Photo credit: Taryn Eyton/Happiest Outdoors
The Trans Canada Trail cuts through the heart of Vancouver’s core on the south side of the False Creek Seawall, part of the City of Vancouver section of the Trail. This 4.5-kilometre return-trip walk takes you between the bustle of Granville Island and the towers of the Olympic Village. As you walk, gaze across at the city skyline and the water taxis zipping back and forth across the inlet. Make time to stop at the Granville Island Public Market to pick up lunch from one of the food stalls. Parking is available at both Granville Island and Olympic Village, but starting from Main Street/Science World or Olympic Village Skytrain Stations is much easier.
Shoreline Trail, Port Moody
The shallow waters of Port Moody are a great place for winter bird watching. Look for flocks of Canada Geese, herons fishing in the shallows and many species of ducks. Follow the paths along the waterfront Shoreline Trail between Rocky Point Park and Inlet Park, along the Tri-Cities Trail, a section of the Trans Canada Trail. Bikes need to stick to the inland route, but pedestrians can explore the newly reopened boardwalks over the mud flats. It’s a 4-kilometre round-trip between the two parks, both of which have parking. Or get there via Skytrain from the Moody Centre or Inlet Centre stations. After your walk, head to Brewery Row on Murray Street to grab a pint and lunch from one of the five microbreweries in close to the Trail.
Coquitlam River Trail, Coquitlam
Photo credit: Taryn Eyton/Happiest Outdoors
The forested trails along the Coquitlam River are tucked between suburban neighbourhoods, but they feel much wilder. The path follows the riverbank through groves of cedars and clusters of sword ferns. In a few places, you can take informal paths down to the water’s edge. In the fall, the river churns with salmon heading upstream to spawn. If you listen carefully, you’ll hear woodpeckers drilling into dead trees in search of insects. The Trans Canada Trail follows the west side of the river between David and Patricia Avenues. It’s a 5-kilometre return-trip walk or bike ride between the two. You can park along Gabriola Drive or take bus 189.
More Recommended Trans Canada Trail Sections in Vancouver
Photo credit: Taryn Eyton/Happiest Outdoors
Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver: The iconic seawall route around the perimeter of Vancouver’s Stanley Park is part of the City of Vancouver section of the Trans Canada Trail. The flat, paved path has beautiful views of downtown Vancouver, the ocean and the North Shore Mountains.
Burnaby Heights Trail, Burnaby: A quiet section of the Trans Canada Trail works its way across Burnaby’s northern edge from the Second Narrows Bridge, through Confederation Park and Capitol Hill to the foot of Burnaby Mountain.
Fraser River and Pitt River Dikes, Pitt Meadows: The network of trails along the tops of the dikes provides great views of the rivers and surrounding farmland.
Fort to Fort Trail, Langley: Follow the trail along the Fraser River between the town of Fort Langley and the site of the original fur trading fort near Derby Reach Regional Park.
Taryn Eyton is a Squamish-based writer and the founder of the outdoor adventure website, HappiestOutdoors.ca. She is also the author of two hiking guidebooks: Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia: The Essential Guide to Overnight Hiking Trails (Greystone Books, 2021) and Backpacking on Vancouver Island: The Essential Guide to the Best Multi-Day Trips and Day Hikes (Greystone Books, 2024). Taryn is a Leave No Trace Master Educator, the President of the Friends of Garibaldi Park Society, a member of the Board of Directors of the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, and a Fellow of the Canadian Geographic Society. Follow her on Instagram at @happiestoutdoors or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/happiestoutdoors.
