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!

Trans Canada Trail, Burnaby

Also known as The Heights Trail, this route takes walkers from North Burnaby to the eastern edge of Vancouver. Because the trail is so well covered by trees, it’s not until the temperature drops and leaves have all fallen that you can truly appreciate the expansive views that this trail offers of the North Shore, Burrard Inlet and Capitol Hill. It’s one trail where the views may actually be better in winter than in other seasons.

GETTING THERE
Start at Confederation Park, located in North Burnaby near the north end of Willingdon Avenue. To access the trail, the parking lot nearest the lawn bowling green is most convenient, so head north on Willingdon until you reach Penzance Dr. and make a right turn. You’ll see the parking lot almost immediately on your right. The trail starts just across the street at the corner of Penzance and Willingdon. If driving is not your thing, the route is also easy to access on transit.

TERRAIN

Wide, compact gravel paths with short paved sections. Expect a mix of sun and shade since the first half is exposed while the second half is almost completely shaded by trees. The trail gently slopes downward as it travels west gradually getting steeper as it enters Vancouver.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION

Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH

Departing from the lawn bowling green parking lot, the trail runs less than 2.5 km to take you all the way to the eastern edge of Vancouver just underneath the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. To complete the entire trail at a leisurely pace in and out with play stops, plan for about 1.5 hours.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Confederation Park has just about any family-friendly amenity imaginable, including washrooms (with change tables), playgrounds, sports fields, a library, and more. Along the trail you’ll find benches, a playground (including toddler equipment), and picnic tables – because who doesn’t love a picnic?

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

Take in a few of the interpretive signs along the way highlighting area history and ecology.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

The Heights neighbourhood offers great shopping along Hastings St. In the warmer months, the miniature train at the Burnaby Central Railway is a hit with kids (and parents too). Confederation Park itself is worth a visit even in the winter months since it’s home to so many kid-friendly indoor activities at the pool and library.

GOOD TO KNOW

Just as the trail approaches the Ironworkers’ Memorial Bridge, you’ll come to a spot where trains enter and exit a tunnel that takes them under the northern part of Burnaby. Who knew!

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!

Mundy Park, Coquitlam

When exploring Coquitlam’s Mundy Park, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city. At over 440 acres, there are enough trails and sights (including two lakes) to keep you busy for multiple visits (or for a really long stroller nap, should you be so lucky). The park is a popular spot for dog walkers and sports enthusiasts as it features a lacrosse box, soccer fields, ball diamond, outdoor swimming pool, and disc golf course.

GETTING THERE
From Lougheed Highway, take Austin Road to Hillcrest St. Turn up Hillcrest until you reach one of several parking areas for Mundy Park.

TERRAIN
Wide paths, some hills, mostly compact gravel or bark mulch with short paved sections. Don’t expect to see much sun as most trails are through thick forest.

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

LENGTH
The perimeter trail around the entire park can easily be done in about an hour with the option to extend your walk by taking any of the dozen or so looping options.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Washrooms (no change tables), playground equipment (separate equipment for toddlers and older kids), picnic tables, benches, and sports fields.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
The two lakes make for interesting resting spots.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Mundy Park is set among residential neighbourhood so there is not much else around.

GOOD TO KNOW
Dogs are not allowed on certain paths in the ecologically-sensitive areas around the lakes.


View Mundy Park, Coquitlam 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!