Hiking in Vancouver: Lynn Canyon Park

Lynn Canyon park is one of many unique things to do in Vancouver; the incredible forest is perfect to visit if you want to explore a bit of Vancouver’s wilderness, being easily accessible via car or public transport makes Lynn Canyon a favoured day trip for locals, tourists and repeat visitors.

Exploring Lynn Canyon doesn’t require any special preparation or tools; a pair of good walking shoes and a warm layer will get you through a morning or afternoon in the park. Pack a lunch or enjoy a coffee and snack at the café near the main parking lot on Park Road.

About Lynn Canyon Park

The Lynn Canyon Park opened in 1912, growing from its original 12 acres to 617 acres that can be explored today. This north Vancouver wilderness park is loved by tourists and locals for its incredible canopy of trees, stomach curling suspension bridge and beautiful flowing river.

Lynn Canyon park is super family friendly, the walking tracks are easy to follow and there are no steep hills to climb. The park is clearly sign posted and the walking tracks are well maintained with well built stairs winding their way up any hill. sitting in North Vancouver Lynn Canyon makes a great and cheaper alternative to Capilano Suspension bridge park as there is no entry free.

Lynn Canyon is also pet friendly – but all dogs must be controlled on a leash.

Wildlife

There is plenty of natural wildlife at Lynn Canyon, squirrels are the most common woodland creature you will see. However during the warmer months you must keep on your toes when it comes to bears seeking out food in the forest. I’m not sure how common bear sightings are this close to the city but I still wouldn’t take my chances about veering too far off the track if you don’t need to. This is also another reason to keep your dogs on a leash!

Ecology Centre

The Ecology Centre at Lynn Canyon Park is where you and your children can learn about the environment encased in Lynn Canyon Park. With interactive displays of plants, and animals where you can hear the different callings from black bears and even check out a black bear skull. This is also a great opportunity to learn about the different ways you can help protect the environment so animals and plants and continue to thrive in Canada.

Getting To Lynn Canyon Park

Getting to Lynn Canyon park is super simple if you have a private car, travel north from Vancouver central and head East towards Lynn Valley and you should get there within 20 minutes.

Taking the bus is a little more complicated but doable within an estimated arrival time of just over an hour. Check Google maps for the best route to take.

Exploring Lynn Canyon Park

Starting at the main carpark on Park Road, you will walk a short distance towards the café and past the Ecology Centre, before you know it you will find yourself at the foot of the suspension bridge. The suspension bridge sits 50 metres above the river with views of two waterfalls that feed into it. Follow the suspension bridge and you get your choice of paths to take.

To the left you can follow the track down to the river front and follow that up and through the bush. You will eventually find yourself back at the suspension bridge looping back from the other direction. We spent about 2 hours in the park just following our noses and exploring the natural beauty of Lynn Canyon Park. We visited during the very beginning of spring and the river water was almost below freezing.

During the warmer months you can bring your swimwear and experience a refreshing dip in the flowing river as long as the water levels aren’t too high.

The canopy of trees and moss make a great backdrop for family or creative photo opportunities. I couldn’t get enough of the sun light streaming through the trees to the forest floor.

The best time to visit Lynn Canyon park is early in the morning, that way you can get a picture of yourself on the bridge without having to wait for a gap in pedestrians to get your shot.

Hiking Trails at Lynn Canyon

There are 4 walking trails in Lynn Canyon park, these paths are all easy to follow and are popular year round so you shouldn’t find yourself getting lost. The two main tracks include a 45 minute loop track which takes you to the twin falls, and a track which can either be done as a loop or a short hike to the thirty foot pool which ends back at the suspension bridge.

If you’re looking for a forestry walk in Vancouver which takes a bit more effort then check out Baden Powell Trail or Lynn Headwaters and Rice Lake.

Baden Powell Trail takes around an hour and a half to complete, this track crosses through Lynn Canyon Park and crosses the North Shore region of Vancouver. For more information check out Baden Powell Track here.

Lynn Headwaters and Rice Lake hiking trail is another easy to follow trail that leads you along the river to Rice Lake. Swimming is no longer permitted at the lake but it provides amazing views and fishing for trout.

What to Wear Hiking in Vancouver

What you wear is all dependent on the season and how far you are hiking. Hiking in Lynn Canyon Park doesn’t require any expert hiking gear; we visited in April and I wore a pair of relaxed jeans, comfortable enclosed shoes and a rain jacket. But I also packed a pair of gloves, scarf and a beanie because the temperature in the shade is drastically different to standing in the sun.

For any other long distant or far from civilization hikes I wore my hiking boots and better prepared myself with a layer of thermals, exercise pants, a bottle of water and snacks.

Other Things to do in Vancouver

If you’re in Vancouver during winter then you need to check out this list of 37 things to do in Vancouver in Winter. This list has everything from winter sports games to Christmas markets and the best places to eat and drink.

Granville Island

Granville Island is where you want to be if you want to explore a funky shopping districts and get your hands on some delicious chocolate or hand made goods. Granville Island can be accessed either via car or public transport, or you can catch the ferry from near the Vancouver Aquatic Centre and take the 3 minute ride over to the island.

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is another incredibly beautiful natural park in Vancouver, located a shore drive from Vancouver central and sitting under the Lions Gate bridge, Stanley park is perfect for cycling and exploring the water edge. With lots of wildlife to discover, an aquarium and beaches; Stanley Park will have you occupied for half a day.

Gastown

Gastown is a shopping district in Central Vancouver with a lot of character, this is where you will find majority of souvenir shops, record shops, some high end fashion and the famous Gastown clock. It’s a very cool place to wander around for half a day to grab some goodies to take home.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

As mentioned previously, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is another extremely popular park with a suspension bridge that swings over a great canyon with a river churning below. The only downside to Capilano is there is an entry fee, which makes complete sense given the attractions at the park and the incredible suspension bridges that have to be maintained.

Whistler Train Wreck

The Whistler Train Wreck is a fantastic piece of history that isn’t always easy to get to. Derailed in the 1950’s, several carriages painted with layers of spray art and tagging, are scattered among the trees off the edge of the highway leading to Whistler. There are 2 paths that lead to the train wreck however caution is advised, as during winter the path gets very icy.