Boundary Bay Regional Park and Centennial Beach, Delta

Situated within Boundary Bay Regional Park, Centennial Beach and the adjoining trails are the perfect spot to while away a hot summer day. The beach itself is often quieter than its Vancouver counterparts, yet has most of the same amenities that make Vancouver beaches so popular. If you can, plan to spend most of the day at the park so that you can take in all that the area has to offer. A stroll along the trails is the perfect activity to break up a lazy day at the beach. Brush up on your bird identification before you go though, since the area is popular with hawks, owls, song birds and shorebirds alike.

GETTING THERE

From Highway 99, take Highway 17 south to Tsawwassen. Turn left on 56th St. and follow 56th St. to 12th Ave. and turn left. From 12^th Ave., turn right on Boundary Bay Road and proceed until you see the park entrance on your left.

TERRAIN

Wide, flat trails of fairly compact gravel make their way across the sandy dunes and scrubby grass of the park. Expect full sun along this route as there aren’t really any trees. 

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION

Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH

Taking the 12th Ave. Dyke Trail from Centennial Beach and returning via the Raptor Trail will take approximately one hour. The route can easily be extended by continuing past 12th Ave. to make your way to the main Dyke Trail. Alternatively, near the parking lot, there are some great short looping options if you need to keep the stroller wheels turning to let junior nap a bit longer, yet don’t want to find yourself miles from the car when your little one does wake up.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Stroller-accessible washrooms (indoor and outhouse), benches, viewing platforms, picnic tables, a concession stand, sports field, and one of the most amazing playgrounds in the Lower Mainland. Of course, we can’t forget the beach itself. During low tide, young walkers will enjoy venturing out into the wet sand almost as far as the eye can see.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

The views from this trail are best described as stunning and expansive. On clear days, you’ll see Mt. Baker, Mt. Cheam and White Rock (among many other sights) off in the distance. The ramp-accessible viewing deck at the turnaround point of the 12^th Ave. Trail is the perfect spot to pause for a rest and take in the impressive show that Mother Nature puts on in this area.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Cammidge House (1914) is located near the park entrance. This beautifully restored heritage building makes a stunning backdrop for a picnic or impromptu photo shoot.

GOOD TO KNOW

Much of the parkland is a protected wildlife reserve and is not accessible by the public. While it is tempting to pluck a few flowers or pick up a piece of driftwood or two as a memento of your visit, it’s best to leave nature as you found it and stay on the trails.

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!

Campbell Valley Regional Park, Langley

The trails in Campbell Valley Regional Park are perfect to explore on the hottest days of summer. The relatively shady trails allow walkers young and old to get the most enjoyment out of a summer walk without completely baking in the sun. Whether you have only limited time to get outdoors or are looking to occupy most of an afternoon, the looping trails, amazing scenery and family-friendly features at Campbell Valley make it a must-see for the stroller-walking set. For maximum stroller-friendliness, opt for the Little River Loop Trail.

GETTING THERE

From Highway 1, take the 200 St. exit south. Proceed along 200 St. to 16th Ave. and turn left to access the North Valley Entrance. Alternatively, continue along 200 St. and enter the park just before 8th Ave. at the South Valley Entrance.

TERRAIN

Wide, compact gravel paths with wooden boardwalk/bridge sections. Expect a mix of sun and shade. The main trail, Little River Loop Trail, is completely flat if you start and end at the North Valley Entrance. For more of a workout, extend your walk by departing from the South Valley Entrance and connect to the main trail down the steep slope of the South Valley Trail. Just be ready for the push back up the hill to return to your vehicle at the end of your walk.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION

Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH

The Little River Loop Trail can easily be completed in less than an hour starting from the North Valley Entrance. Plan more time if you opt to connect to it from the South Valley Entrance. With several looping options within the park, you can easily customize your walk to suit your needs (or your baby’s needs, as the case may be).

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Picnic tables, washrooms (indoor and outhouses, neither with change tables), and benches. The Visitor Centre is open most weekends during the summer.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

Take in a few of the interpretive signs highlighting area ecology or just bask in the beauty of all that surrounds you on this stunning trail.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

There is an historic farm and schoolhouse located near the South Valley Entrance. The Campbell Downs Equestrian Centre is also in the area; accessible off of 208 St.

GOOD TO KNOW

The park is popular with local equestrians, so you may be lucky enough to see horses along some of the trails.

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!

Richmond Nature Park, Richmond

The trails within the Richmond Nature Park are decidedly more family-friendly than they are stroller-friendly, but with so much to see and do in the park, it’s well worth a visit (or two). You’re sure to have a little extra bounce in your step as you venture along the springy trails looping through the peat bog which makes up most of the park’s terrain. Spring is a time when the park puts on one of its most impressive displays as a carpet of colours appear across the bog and hummingbirds buzz in for a visit.

GETTING THERE

The park is located west of No. 5 Road on Westminster Highway. It’s easily accessible from Highway 99 or Knight Street.

TERRAIN

Wide, flat trails make their way across the spongy bog of the park. The paths are made up of either wood chips or wooden boardwalk. Shade cover is minimal outside of the small forested area within the park.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION

In dry weather, almost any type of stroller could handle the inner trails and boardwalk. However, after any rainy weather, even all-terrain strollers will get bogged down...literally (it is a bog after all). Be sure to check the trail conditions sign posted on the washroom building next to the playground before you head out. It will indicate whether the trails are dry, wet or downright flooded. Stick to the boardwalk loop if you don’t feel like getting a little extra workout pushing a stroller through the muck. 

LENGTH

Depending on which of looping trails you choose and the trail conditions, plan to spend anywhere from 10-60 minutes walking the park’s seven kilometres of trails – longer if your toddler likes to get out of the stroller and get up close with Mother Nature. With so much to see and do in the nature house as well, allow additional time for some indoor exploration as well.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Stroller-accessible washrooms (with change tables), benches, playground, viewing platform, and picnic tables are all available in the park. The nature house, located at the park entrance, features plenty of interactive displays, nature-themed puzzles and games, and crafts that will appeal to young and old alike.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

To better enjoy all of the natural beauty this park provides, pick up the Self-Guided Nature Walk brochure from the nature house before you set out. The tour introduces visitors to 15 of the area’s most beautiful features and inhabitants.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

From the nature park, it’s a short drive west along Westminster Highway to the hustle and bustle of Richmond’s No. 3 Road or the oasis of Minoru Park.

GOOD TO KNOW

The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. The nature house is open daily from 9 am - 5 pm. Admission is free. In order to protect its fragile ecosystem, dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park. 

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!

Beacon Lane Trail (Lighthouse Park), West Vancouver

Beacon Lane Trail is the perfect trail to attempt on the rainy days of spring on the West Coast. It’s a short, quick route that takes you within spitting distance of one of the area’s most recognizable and historic landmarks: Point Atkinson lighthouse. With its extensive network of trails and stunning scenery, Lighthouse Park is extremely popular with local hikers, dog walkers and folks just out for a leisurely stroll.

GETTING THERE

In West Vancouver, head westbound along Marine Drive. As you emerge from the shopping and business section, the roadway will narrow and make its way along the coastline. Continue past Caulfield Cove Marina and watch for the sign marking Lighthouse Park on your left. Turn left on Beacon Lane and continue until you reach the parking lot. If driving is not your thing, the route is also easy to access on transit.

TERRAIN

Wide, compact gravel paths with paved sections. Expect little to no sun since the majority of the trail is shaded by trees. The trail slopes downward as it travels toward the water (great on the way out, not so much on the way back).

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION

Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH

Departing from the parking lot, it takes just 10-15 minutes to get to the gate at the end of the trail. If the gate is open, the public is welcome to venture a little closer to get a better view of the lighthouse and accompanying scenery. Because of the steady slope, plan about double the time for the return trip to the parking lot.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Lighthouse Park has limited family-friendly amenities but does come equipped with picnic tables and stroller-accessible washrooms (with no change tables). Along the trail you’ll find a few benches perfect for taking a rest on the uphill climb back to the parking lot.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

The highlight of this trail has to be the view at the end. With a stroller, you won’t be able to venture up the rocky path up to the official viewpoint, so if you’re comfortable doing so, it may be worth unstrapping junior and carrying him the last little bit. The payoff is worth the extra effort.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

There are several other parks in the area so if you have to travel a ways to get to Lighthouse Park, plan on hitting at least a few of the others to make the venture worthwhile.

GOOD TO KNOW

The park is in an ecologically sensitive area, so stay on the marked trails and observe all park notices during your visit.

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!

Beaver Lake (Stanley Park), Vancouver

The beavers the lake was named after may be long gone, but Beaver Lake still has lots of interesting wildlife to hold your attention as you make your way around its shore. Whether it’s a stately blue heron, a noisy family of ducks, or one of the park’s many squirrels or racoons, you’ll more than likely get a chance to point out some of these big city animals to your kids. The trail is a popular one with dog walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers, so it can get a wee bit busy at times.

GETTING THERE

From either the North Shore or Downtown, enter Stanley Park and make your way toward Malkin Bowl and the Stanley Park Pavilion (located on Pipeline Road). Parking within the area is limited, so transit is an excellent option. To access the trail, head to the northwest edge of the Rose Garden and look for the trailhead and marker indicating the South Creek Trail. The South Creek Trail meets up with the Beaver Lake trail after a short distance.

TERRAIN

Wide, flat paths of mostly compact gravel. Expect a fair bit of shade as the route travels through Stanley Park’s stunning coastal forest. The route takes you directly along the water’s edge.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION

Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH

Walking at a decent pace, the loop will take about 45 minutes. With plenty of other trail options in the area, it’s easy to extend your walk with any number of alternate routes which are clearly marked.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Washrooms (available at the Pavilion), benches, and a playground (including toddler equipment).

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

The path was designed to accommodate wheelchairs and incorporates several wooden platform rest areas. These are perfect to park the stroller and let little ones out to peer down into the boggy marsh and waters of the lake.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Since the trail is located in the heart of what could arguably be called the greatest park in the world, there are plenty of attractions to stop in at after you’ve rounded the lake. There are the aquarium, miniature train and children’s farmyard, Rose Garden, and Lost Lagoon to name just a few.

GOOD TO KNOW

Do not be tempted to feed the animals. There is plenty of natural food available to all of Stanley Park’s animal residents.

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!