Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Nelson Mouellic
Vancouver is a great city for running, with lots of great views and traffic-light-free routes. In face, Runkeeper named it one of the best cities for running in North America! You can run through quiet neighbourhoods, next to the ocean, around lakes, or through the forest. Here are our picks for the best places to go for a run around Vancouver.
Until further notice, in line with the public health order, non-essential travel into, within, and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents, let’s do our part by continuing to stay small and support local with your immediate household, in accordance with the latest guidelines.
Stanley Park Seawall
The Stanley Park Seawall is one of Vancouver’s top attractions and a great place for a run. The 10-kilometre-long path loops around the outside of Stanley Park, passing Brockton Point, the Lions Gate Bridge, Lost Lagoon, and lots of other photo-worthy spots. Walkers and runners get their own lane, separated from cyclists.
Photo: Heath Moffatt
Arbutus Greenway
Opened in 2016, the car-free Arbutus Greenway runs across Vancouver from north to south along an old rail right of way. At 8.5km long with gentle hills and pedestrian-controlled traffic lights at most intersections, it’s a great option for an out-and-back run.
UBC Campus
The leafy streets of the University of British Columbia campus in Vancouver’s Point Grey neighbourhood are great for running. Many of the streets are closed to cars and traffic is light. Plan your own route or use Wesbrook Mall, Chancellor Boulevard, and Marine Drive to make an 8.5 km loop around the perimeter of campus.
Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach
A gravel path stretches for 3.5 kilometres along the ocean between Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks. It has incredible views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains. If you want to add on some distance, follow the Seaside Bike Route along Point Grey Road to Kits Beach.
False Creek Seawall
The 9-kilometre-long False Creek Seawall is a spectacular running destination. Start at English Bay and run all the way to Vanier Park. Or make a shorter loop by running across the Burrard Street or Cambie Street bridges. Along the way, enjoy views of False Creek, Yaletown, Granville Island, the Olympic Village, and Fairview.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Tanya Goehring
Trout Lake and the Central Valley Greenway
The one-kilometre gravel loop path around Trout Lake in East Vancouver’s John Hendry Park is a scenic place to run. For a longer workout, do multiple laps. Or head to the nearby Central Valley Greenway. It extends for nearly 20 kilometres from False Creek to New Westminster, paralleling the Millenium Line of the Skytrain.
Central Park, Burnaby
The forested trails of Burnaby’s Central Park are an oasis in the middle of the city. There are lots of run options in the park, but the 2.9 km Trail of Hope and the 5 km route around the perimeter are both popular choices. If you want a longer run, head out of the park along the BC Parkway path.
Richmond Dyke Trails
Richmond’s flat, gravel dyke trails have great views of the bustling Fraser River and the Strait of Georgia. On a clear day, you can see all the way across to Vancouver Island. The 5-kilometre-long Middle Arm Trail runs from near Cambie Road west to Terra Nova Park. From there, you can connect to the West Dyke Trail and run 6.5 km to Steveston. Continue east on the South Dyke Trail for a further 8 km to Number 5 Road.
Photo: Tourism Richmond/John Lee
Spirit Trail, North Vancouver
Run across the width of the North Shore from Ambleside Park to Park and Tilford Gardens on the Spirit Trail. Most of the 10-kilometre-long trail is a flat path along the water, passing Lonsdale Quay and the new Shipyards District. Be sure to look for First Nations art as you run along the Squamish Nation Greenway section.
Mundy Park, Coquitlam
This quiet forested park in Coquitlam is a great running destination. Follow the Perimeter trail to make a 4 km loop, passing tiny Lost Lake. Add on a bit more distance by running some of the trails inside the park. Try the Interlaken Trail that travels between Lost and Mundy Lakes or the Waterline Trail that runs from north to south across the park.
