North Vancouver’s lifestyle is synonymous with the outdoors. Cascading down the mountainside and toward the Burrard Inlet, each of its family-friendly neighbourhoods offers ready access to nature, including some of the most popular hiking trails in Metro Vancouver. While this North Shore community may be a popular destination for active outdoor enthusiasts, it might be even more popular amongst their dogs. Here are five North Vancouver trails best enjoyed with a furry companion.
1. Dog Mountain Trail
Location: Mount Seymour
Distance: 5 km
Dogs: On-leash
Access the trailhead from the parking lot at the top of Mount Seymour and embark upon a brisk hike filled with streams, small wooden bridges, and rocky outcrops until you reach the stunning lookout point. On a clear day, you’ll be able to take in panoramic views of North Vancouver, the Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, and downtown Vancouver.
2. Hyannis Trail
Location: Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve
Distance: 2.6 km
Dogs: On and off-leash in some areas
This stroller-friendly trail is a wonderful way to spend time in nature with family and friends. Hyannis Trail is open year-round, and thanks to its dense canopy of old-growth trees, it can be enjoyed year-round. Conclude your trip with a stop at United Strangers— a nearby corner store-meets-coffee shop with a dog-friendly patio.
3. Lynn Loop
Location: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
Distance: 5.1 km
Dogs: On-leash
This lovely riverside trail can serve as a peaceful meditation or social excursion any day of the week. While it doesn’t offer any views, the loop is an interesting mix of flat terrain and undulating hills with several opportunities to view the creek up close. If you wish to lengthen your trip, begin the hike by taking Varley Trail— an easy, off-leash walk before you hit the elevations of Lynn Valley Loop.
4. Cleveland Dam and Capilano Lake Lookout
Location: Capilano River Regional Park
Distance: 3.2 km
Dogs: On-leash
Flanked by lush forest, this family-friendly gravel road provides views of the Cleveland Dam, salmon hatchery and Capilano Suspension Bridge. This trail is a popular destination for walkers and runners, making it a sensible choice for solo hikers who prefer not to spend time in the forest alone.
5. The Brewery District
Location: Lower Lonsdale
Distance: 1 km
Dogs: On the patio
Although not technically a hike or even a trail, Lower Lonsdale’s brewery district is an excellent alternative for humans who prefer to be seated and dogs who favour a human’s lap. In the span of less than a kilometre, you’ll find no fewer than seven breweries prepared to welcome you and your four-legged friend with a frosty pint and bustling patio.
North Vancouver offers a wealth of outdoor activities for dogs and humans of all energy levels. If getting outside is integral to your daily life, consider making the North Shore your new home. Click here to explore new homes to buy or rent in North Vancouver.
