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!

Trout Lake, Vancouver

Actually, the park's official name is John Hendry Park, but, let's be honest, most people just call it Trout Lake. It has to be one of the most family-friendly places I can think of in the entire Lower Mainland. Your child like beaches? There's a beach. He like playgrounds? There's a playground. Birds? They've got birds too. Trees to climb? Check. Pretty much the only thing they're missing is a train, but, hey, you can't have it all.

GETTING THERE
This is one walk that is super easy to access via transit, so, if you can, leave the car at home and hop on the bus or Skytrain to make your way to the park.  It really is just a short walk from the Broadway Skytrain station (located at Broadway and Commercial Drive), so transit is a great option. If you must drive, you'll find the park between Victoria Dr. and Nanaimo St. at about East 15th Ave. There is usually plenty of street-side parking in the area, but it can get a bit congested in the summer months when the farmers market is on, so be respectful of the residence who live in the area. The parking lot at the north end of the park is not available on market days.

TERRAIN
The entire park is flat, so don't expect to build up too much of a sweat pushing the little one along this route. The trail itself is mostly compact gravel with short paved sections. Large mature trees throughout the park provide ample shade if you wish to get off the trail and out of the sun. In spots the trail takes you very near the water's edge, so little ones will have plenty of opportunity to examine the mysteries that lie along the shoreline.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION
Any type of stroller can handle the trail around Trout Lake.

LENGTH
The walk around the lake itself is not a long one, and therein lies the beauty. Sometimes you just want to go for a quick walk with the stroller. All told, you can easily make it around the lake in less than half and hour. While not extensive, there are a few trails through the park, so you could do more than just loop the lake if you wanted/needed to.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
In all likelihood, you'll find yourself spending much longer than a half hour since this park has so much to offer. At the south end, you'll find a small beach, swimming area, playground, covered picnic tables, and the all-important washrooms (no change tables). The previously mentioned farmer's market is another excellent feature for families.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
On clear days, you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the North Shore Mountains.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
The park is conveniently located in one of Vancouver's many quaint, family-oriented neighbourhoods. This one also happens to be very near Commercial Drive and all the excitement it offers a toddler in a stroller. Explore a few of the city streets in the area and you're likely to come across a few community gardens and an amazing array of playgrounds.

GOOD TO KNOW
On Saturdays between May and October, you'll find one of the best farmers markets going: the Trout Lake Farmers Market. Be sure to toss a reusable cloth bag into the stroller as you head off on your walk so you can pick up a few locally produced items from the market.


View Trout Lake, 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 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!