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!