Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Steveston Village, Richmond

The dyke surrounding Richmond is an ideal spot for a stroller walk: wide, flat trails as far as the eye can see. A good place to start an outing is at Steveston’s Garry Point Park. The path heading east out of the park takes you directly through the village with its quaint shops and bustling boardwalks before continuing along the waterfront past Britannia Shipyard and beyond as far as your legs will take you. This is a very popular walk on weekends, fortunately the wide paths mean there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy.




GETTING THERE
From the Arthur Laing Bridge, follow the signs into Richmond via No. 2 Road. Follow No. 2 Road and turn right onto Steveston Hwy. Continue along Steveston Hwy to 7th Ave and turn left. Garry Point Park is located at the south end of 7th Ave.

TERRAIN
Flat (it is Richmond after all), mostly paved path with short sections of wooden boardwalk or compact gravel. There is little to no shade cover.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATIONS
Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH
An hour should be plenty of time to cover the path from Garry Point Park to No. 2 Road and back.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Picnic tables, benches, concession stands, washrooms (with change tables), and several nearby parks with playground equipment.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Expansive views of the south arm of the Fraser River, plenty of bird and boat watching opportunities, plus many historic sites to stop at and investigate.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, Steveston Museum, Britannia Shipyard and London’s Landing.

GOOD TO KNOW
You can stop by the docks to pick up fresh fish for dinner!


View Steveston Village, Richmond in a larger map

IMPORTANT: Any adventure in the outdoors carries a certain level of risk. The route information and maps contained in this blog are provided as rough guidelines only. The walks written about on Baby Meets Trail are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while trying one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an awesome time!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Mundy Park, Coquitlam

When exploring Coquitlam’s Mundy Park, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city. At over 440 acres, there are enough trails and sights (including two lakes) to keep you busy for multiple visits (or for a really long stroller nap, should you be so lucky). The park is a popular spot for dog walkers and sports enthusiasts as it features a lacrosse box, soccer fields, ball diamond, outdoor swimming pool, and disc golf course.


GETTING THERE
From Lougheed Highway, take Austin Road to Hillcrest St. Turn up Hillcrest until you reach one of several parking areas for Mundy Park.

TERRAIN
Wide paths, some hills, mostly compact gravel or bark mulch with short paved sections. Don’t expect to see much sun as most trails are through thick forest.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATIONS
Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH
The perimeter trail around the entire park can easily be done in about an hour with the option to extend your walk by taking any of the dozen or so looping options.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Washrooms (no change tables), playground equipment (separate equipment for toddlers and older kids), picnic tables, benches, and sports fields.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
The two lakes make for interesting resting spots.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Mundy Park is set among residential neighbourhood so there is not much else around.

GOOD TO KNOW
Dogs are not allowed on certain paths in the ecologically-sensitive areas around the lakes.


View Mundy Park, Coquitlam in a larger map


IMPORTANT: Any adventure in the outdoors carries a certain level of risk. The route information and maps contained in this blog are provided as rough guidelines only. The walks written about on Baby Meets Trail are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while trying one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an awesome time!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Deer Lake Park, Burnaby

The epitome of calm and serenity nestled right in the heart of Burnaby, Deer Lake Park is, quite simply, a walker’s dream. During the warmer months, the park is popular with concert-goers, walkers, joggers, picnickers, birdwatchers, nature-lovers, boaters and horticultural enthusiasts. The looping trails and beautiful setting are what make Deer Lake Park a stroller-friendly walk not to be missed.


GETTING THERE
From Highway 1, take the Kensington South turnoff. Turn west on Canada Way and follow the signs to Deer Lake Park.

TERRAIN
Wide paths, minimal hills, mostly compact gravel with short sections of wooden boardwalk or paved road (minimal traffic). Expect a mix of covered forest and open grassy meadows.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATIONS
Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH
The trail around the lake can easily be done in about an hour with the option to extend your walk by taking the loop trails at the west end of the park.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
A small beach, washrooms (no change tables), playground equipment (swings and climbing apparatus only), benches, and picnic tables.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Docks and ponds for viewing frogs and turtles, plenty of bird watching opportunities, flower gardens, beautiful views of Deer Lake and the North Shore mountains in the distance.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby Art Gallery, and Burnaby Village Museum.

GOOD TO KNOW
Dogs are not allowed in the beach or picnic areas around the lake.



View Deer Lake in a larger map


IMPORTANT: Any adventure in the outdoors carries a certain level of risk. The route information and maps contained in this blog are provided as rough guidelines only. The walks written about on Baby Meets Trail are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while trying one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an awesome time!