5 Family day long weekend easy hikes and adventures that everyone can enjoy

easy vancouver hikes long weekend

Image from Carrie Leslie

The weather forecast is a mixed bag for the Family Day long weekend in Vancouver, but no matter the weather – there’s always something to enjoy!

One of the easiest and most fun ways to celebrate Family Day this weekend is to gather together and spend some extra time in nature. Luckily for us, there are plenty of walking and hiking trails in Vancouver that provide endless opportunities no matter the skill level or weather forecast.

If you’re looking for a few suggestions on where to spend some time with your family or loved ones this long weekend, check out the 5 ideas listed below!

Quarry Rock hike in Deep Cove

The extremely popular Quarry Rock hike in Deep Cove is perfect for those who want a bit of exercise, but don’t want to spend the entire day sweating up a mountain.

Located in picturesque Deep Cove, the hike has a few ups and downs and ends up at a delightful rock perched high above the water. Pack a picnic, but save room for some delicious Honey’s Donuts when you return to the Deep Cove village area.

paific spirit park

Photo: R. Weiss

Pacific Spirit Park

Located near the Point Grey UBC campus, Pacific Spirit Park is a magical destination that offers endless trail opportunities that are mostly flat.

Study a trail map or just wander the woods for a few hours and you won’t be disappointed surrounded by the massive trees and other greenery. If you prefer to walk the beachside, head North and spend some time down by the water’s edge. This is also a perfect walk for dog owners as the majority of trails are off-leash.

Stanley Park

Image from Tourism Vancouver

Stanley Park

The Stanley Park Seawall is often the star of the show when people think about nature near downtown Vancouver. However, Stanley Park itself offers several walks that will instantly make you forget you are so close to the epicentre of the city.

There are over 27km of trails networking inside the park itself, many connecting to the attractions inside such as the Aquarium, the totem poles, and more.

Print out a map before you head to the park to plan out your route and make sure you hit all of the top spots. Or, you can always walk around the Seawall itself, the iconic stretch of uninterrupted paved trail is certainly a splendid way to spend a sunny afternoon!

family day long weekend

Image courtesy of Grouse Mountain

Snowshoe trails on Grouse Mountain

When it’s raining in the city, there’s a good chance that it’s snowing up the mountain! If the weather turns, or if the sun sticks around for the long weekend, the snowshoe trails up Grouse Mountain are a fun way to burn some excess energy.

There are easier trails, but if you’re looking for more of a challenge, you can also try out the Snowshoe Grind. Expect an epic workout but you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view at the top!

Note: If you don’t want to wear snowshoes, you can also rent microspikes that can fit underneath your boots and are easier to manage.

Full details about snowshoeing on Grouse Mountain are available here.

rice lake north vancouver

Rice Lake | Photo: Inside Vancouver Flickr

Rice Lake in Lynn Valley

Located in North Vancouver, this picturesque lake offers a short but scenic loop trail that is accessible for everyone.

If the 3km loop trail doesn’t entertain you for long enough, there are several trails that branch off into similarly scenic venues. If you have a dog, make sure you head over to the headwaters trail for some off-leash activity.

To access the calm, quiet lake and its looping path, check out the driving directions available here.

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