Shoreline Park Pathway, Port Moody

The Shoreline Park Pathway is fantastic any time of year, but particularly in the fall when it offers some of the most spectacular views of Burrard Inlet and the seasonal colours of fall. Connecting Rocky Point Park on the south side of the inlet to Old Orchard Park on the north side, the route is a smooth, paved pathway, perfect for either a leisurely stroll or a heart-pumping power walk with baby. More adventurous stroller walkers may want to tackle the lower, unpaved trail which runs directly along the shoreline. This rugged route is not recommended without an all-terrain stroller.















GETTING THERE
From St. John’s Street (the main drag in Port Moody), turn left onto Moody Street. Proceed over an overpass and down to the left before making another left onto Murray Street. You’ll see the entrance and parking lot on the left.

TERRAIN
Wide, paved path from start to finish. Aside from a short section which runs directly alongside Murray Street, the path takes you through forested parkland. The trail is so smooth and even, it's a good one to let new walkers out of the stroller to test their legs.

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

LENGTH
The path is 6 km (return) so it could be managed in less than two hours, but with playgrounds at both ends (yes, that's right...there's more than one playground!), you’ll likely need to plan for a bit more time. If an epic walk is not what you’re after, there are plenty of options to loop back through streets or along adjoining trails.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Washrooms (with change tables), playgrounds, spray park (summer months only), beach, benches, covered tables, picnic tables, sports fields, and interpretive signage referencing the local history and plant life.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Piers for gazing out at the inlet, plenty of benches to rest and take in the calm of the forest, and a few historic remnants of the region’s past as a mill town make for a very interesting walk.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
The Inlet Community Garden along Murray Street is worth a visit in the warmer months. The Port Moody Station Museum and Noons Creek Hatchery are two more family-friendly destinations in the neighbourhood.

GOOD TO KNOW
The path is very popular with cyclists, joggers and inline skaters, meaning it can get a bit crowded.


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 and are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while attempting one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an excellent time!

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.


View Rice Lake, North Vancouver 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!

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!