This is a great spot for an easy walk beside some lovely waterfalls. It is great for dogs to jump…read moreinto the water. There is ample parking at the top of the hill near the soccer field and the waterfall path is just about 20 steps away from the parking and a public washroom.

Like Roberts Creek isn't un-urban enough, you can truly escape away from it all with a little jaunt…read morethrough Cliff Gilker Park. Well marked trails, easy paths, a babbling creek, waterfalls, bridges and huge, red cedars make this a little sanctuary. And the canopied woods means even if it's raining, you're protected. There's a few "viewpoints" with benches and in the hour that I was "lost" in the woods, I didn't see a soul. Although I should warn, the bear sighting signs didn't sit well with me. I should have brought my dog spray and my whistle. Then I could show them who's boss! There's lots of parking, an outhouse (just jump over to the golf course) and a big map that tells you where you are. If you're staying in Roberts Creek, I'd suggest just walking. It's only another 10 minutes and the trails aren't that long.

Nice easy hike that is safe for dogs. However, this hike does have some rocky sections. There's…read morelots of wide open spaces, bodies of water, and some wild life.

Beautiful waters here! Short hike, easy access, be prepared to swim…read more PARKING It's a small parking lot, maybe 10 spots, with overflow on the road around it. I've been here in the afternoon on a weekday in July and midday in a weekday in August. Both times we were lucky and one spot was open. Generally there's turnover since it's a short hike and you can get a spot. AMENITIES There is a bathroom at the trailhead, no water. There are tons of educational signage about the wildlife and plants in the area. DIFFICULTY & TIME Short hike, very little elevation change. You can get to the actual Smuggler Cove in about 30-40 minutes with a 4 and a 6 year old in tow (this is right before the loop starts). I've done the entire full lollipop loop in exactly one hour with only adults. SHADE The hike is 95% shaded. RECEPTION I had 5G reception for most of the hike (T-mobile). CROWDS It was busy but not too crowded both times I went. It was more empty when I went in the afternoon (July 2023). There were many more swimmers during my midday visit in August 2024, but still easy to get your own little private small cove to swim in. SWIMMING In August, we went swimming in the cove. It's not tropical, but it's not nearly as cold as other parts of the ocean. Lots of people were swimming, and a lot of people brought inflatable stand up paddleboards or kayaks.

* Easy hike, very peaceful *…read more Just a short hike from the docks this is a beautiful little spot. If you follow the posted signs to the picnic area and stop just a bit short there is a little hidden bench made out of beautifully polished wood (this ain't no ordinary splintery bird poo covered park bench!) that is smooth and makes for a wonderful spot to just lay down, enjoy the view, listen to the ducks, and watch the dragonflies with the mountains off in the distance. Beautiful!

A short stroll, right off the ferry will transfer into the woods of Bowen Island. This well marked…read moreout trail will make you feel like you have walked right into a Canadian jungle.. that's because you have! I have done this walk probably 20 times and it has yet to get boring. I like doing the loop with my parents dog. I can take the dog off leash most of the time, but just be respectable if your dog isn't responsive in off leash situations because you will probably run into other dogs and people. I find most of the times i am actually alone out there and it's so nice. Lots of view points, and benches to take breaks and savor the view. Picnic tables for those people that don't want to grab lunch at a place on the strip or Artistan square. It takes me 45 minutes to complete the loop, but i also drive right to the picnic tables.

There are a few trails in Coquitlam area that are worthwhile for those into hiking…read more Crystal Falls in one of them. As mentioned in my previous review of Lions Park, this trail starts from Colony Farm near the entry of Coquitlam at Lougheed Highway and terminates far beyond Crystal Falls. It is a good 2-3 hour hike just one way. A more manageable trip would be to start from David and Shaughnessy Street in Coquitlam, if your destination is Crystal Falls. This takes approximately 1hr and 20 minutes on foot according to Google. However depending on the weather and road conditions, it may take significantly longer. Winter, rainy, muddy, lots of struck down trees. All in all, it is a good way to recharge and take in some rich oxygen to detox the work week.

The Crystal Falls trail was a very easy hike. For this particular section, the trail head starts at…read morethe end of Shaughnessy Street. Stay on the trail for about 40 minutes, going over a few streams and around many mud puddles after it has rained and you will come to the falls at the end. There were a few good stops along the way to sit, take in the river and to take in all the nature around you. Some parts of the trail can be narrow. Good for all ages, but can be tricky on some of the stream crossings.

The boardwalk boasts an impressive backdrop of the Howe Sound, snow-capped mountains, and clear…read moreblue sky. This is the most southerly fjord in North America. With the parking lot being near the highway and free, many visitors (both people and dogs) stroll the area.  Watch out for the webby tents of caterpillars in the trees. They're a bit unsightly. Other things to do at Porteau Cove: - Scuba dive among shipwrecks, artificial reefs, sunken sculptures, and diverse marine life - Explore tide pools - Camp along the waterfront Porteau Cove was a picturesque stop along our Sea to Sky Highway road trip. I wish I could come back here to watch sunset or the stars at night. (Part 2)

This place has been my escape and sanctuary for a few years now. Whenever I need to escape the city…read moreI usually drive up here. I have also used this place many times to capture pictures. I find this location great for night photography. Stars, Moon, Milky way and have even been able to capture Northern Lights. Not the best Northern Lights but considering it is close to home a score. Worth checking out.

Also known as Knob Hill but perhaps better monikered as Gibsons Grind or the sunshine coast stair…read moremaster, this is a short, steep hike with rewarding views. Parking can be scarce and difficult to find but we would suggest parking by the dog park nearby and walking the extra block or two. The trail itself starts innocently and is fairly well marked at the trailhead and every junction. One view to the top is rumored to have 400 stairs - luckily we took the other approach with fewer stairs but still steep with loose dirt - hiking poles recommended. Of note there are several other shorter and easier trails within the park if you so choose but without the view. No washrooms or water sources on the trail so be prepared. The views over Howe sound were well worth the effort. At a fair place the hike took roughly an hour return. Well worth doing if you're passing through Gibsons.

I've just had one of the best hiking days of my life…read more Reasons: ~A gorgeous drive up the Sea To Sky past Squamish to the Cheakamus trail head. ~The best group of hiking friends I could ever imagine. ~The trail has amazingly beautiful views of mountain peaks, Starvation Lake and the rushing river with a pebble beach where people fly-fish. I felt like I was watching a fishing show only it was live! I half expected to see bear hunting there. ~A gradual elevation with gravel and well compacted stone on some parts while other parts were carpeted in perfect Autumn coloured leaves. The hike is only a few hours long and about 9k, but you feel you want to stretch it out a bit and enjoying the real wilderness feeling to be had out there. Bring a snack, there's a couple of spots to sit on a Moss carpet with incredible views of snowy peaks. Not only does this easy hike have incredible views of the mountains, but also offers some real beauties for rail-fans. This trail is an in and out, not a loop, and includes a few surprises like the makeshift 'suspension bridge' above the train tracks where there the trail fell away. It's more like a fence laid flat and supported with chain link and re-bar. Safe but a bit freaky! I felt super brave and went first of the 7 of us. One of the best hikes I've had in BC. and anyone could do this one. This has got to be on the best of BC hikes list.

This is a beautiful and easy 8k hike through the woods and along the water to the narrows…read more Tide pools reveal an abundance of sea life including an astounding PURPLE starfish! There's plenty of room to picnic on the rocks and watch the tide rush past. We saw a bear on the far shore and enjoyed it from our safe distance. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water along and especially don't forget your camera! Happy hiking :-)

It has been years, decades even, since I last came here. Many times I wanted to drop by but…read morecouldn't find parking so I left. This time, the parking God smiled on us and we managed to get a spot when a car left. My sister was here for a visit and we took her here. There is now a gift shop with info board near the entrance, compared to 20 years ago. There are a few picnic tables and benches for those who are not going up to the falls. There are two paths to the falls, one is for those with strollers and wheelchairs. The falls is still as beautiful as I remembered. I stayed by the stream and it was quite mesmerizing to see the flow of water gushing over the rocks in the stream. The water was so clear. This is definitely a great place to bring visitors.

Shannon Falls was beautiful and the creek had the clearest water. Made me want to have a drink…read more Meandering through a moss covered forest to get to Shannon Falls was just magical for me. I loved every inch of that forest and the lush green moss covering tree trunks and branches. The ferns were so alive and pretty. I could forest bath here all day if I had the time. The sight and sounds of water rushing was so peaceful and tranquil. Could not get enough of this enchanting forest!

Such a cute local trail. It's a short (30min or less) and easy walk in the forest, suitable for…read morekids. The trail starts at the back of the field. Then, follow the trail signs. Follow directions for Baker Fields Park for parking. Google took me next to the fire hall, that path is locked.

Wonderful, magical place to take a walk. Can get a little boggy in the rain. They are pretty quick…read moreat cleaning up the mess after a storm. You can find bikers, walkers and horseback riders. Gnomes, fairies, and magic all in one place.