Rice Lake, North Vancouver

Calm. It’s the perfect word to describe the surroundings you’ll enjoy on this trail. Calm…and lush. Lush would also be a good word to describe this trail. Calm…lush…and quiet. It’s definitely quiet too, despite the popularity of this area with anglers, joggers, mountain bikers and walkers. Calm, lush, and quiet. Sounds just about perfect, doesn’t it?

Nestled among the trees of the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, this looping trail is just the route to tackle on a hot, sunny afternoon. The towering trees provide almost complete shade and present an interesting backdrop for an easy stroll around the lake.

GETTING THERE
Take Exit 22a at the north end of the Second Narrows (Iron Workers Memorial) Bridge. Turn left at the first intersection and proceed up the hill along Lillooet Road past Capilano University. Continue along the road for approximately 2km until you arrive at the gravel parking lot. The trail is also accessible by transit.

TERRAIN
Wide, shade-covered paths, minimal hills, mostly compact gravel with a few wooden bridges. Don’t expect to see much sun as the trail runs through thick forest.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION
If push came to shove, just about any stroller could make it on this trail but an all-terrain stroller is recommended given the uneven terrain.

LENGTH
Walking at a decent pace, the loop will take less than an hour. With several other trails in the area, it’s easy to extend your walk with any number of alternate routes which are clearly marked with signage.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
A beautiful picnic area, benches, viewpoints, a couple of docks, and plenty of trail-side outhouses (no change tables). Interpretive signs along the trail tell tales of the area’s historical significance.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Mountain views peeking out between the trees and stunning views across the lake.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Though the area feels quite remote, it’s actually just a short ways away from the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and the suburban streets of North Vancouver.

GOOD TO KNOW
Bikes and dogs are not permitted on the trail around Rice Lake. Both are allowed on many of the other trails in the area though. Be sure to note the designated park hours as gate will be closed after these hours.


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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!

Blackie Spit and Crescent Beach, Surrey

If bird watching is your thing, you’re probably already aware of Blackie Spit Park. If it’s not, you’ll still want to make your way to the South Surrey area to take in this amazing natural beauty. The stunning views and sprawling beachside trails make for one of the most enjoyable walks in the area. Keep the walk short and stay within the park boundary or venture out into the neighbourhood for a longer roadside adventure. Home to over 200 species of birds, the park is popular year-round with joggers, walkers, kite flyers, birdwatchers, beachcombers, and dog owners.

GETTING THERE
From King George Highway, turn west onto Crescent Road as it winds past stately seaside homes and heads down the hill toward Crescent Beach. Once across a set of railroad tracks, turn right onto Sullivan Street, then right onto McBride Avenue and out to the free parking lot at Blackie Spit Park.

TERRAIN
Wide, flat paths of mostly compact gravel with short stretches of sand. Expect little to no shade as most of the trail proceeds along exposed shoreline and through grassy meadows.

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

LENGTH
The trail through the park can easily be done in an hour with the option to extend your walk by either taking the looping trails or by heading into the nearby neighbourhood (highly recommended if you enjoy gawking at beautiful character homes).

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Beaches, washrooms (with change tables), benches, and picnic tables. Kids will appreciate the nearby ice cream shops or ice cream truck in the summer.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Plenty of stunning views out over Boundary Bay or north toward the North Shore mountains.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Historic Stewart Farm is a short drive up Crescent Road.

GOOD TO KNOW
The park is managed as a wildlife conservation area so dogs and bikes are not allowed in sensitive areas (well signed). There is a fenced dogs-off-leash area.


View Blackie Spit Park and Cresent Beach, Surrey 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!