Hiking in British Columbia has endless opportunities. Everywhere you turn there is a trail, a mountain, a river to explore. I would like to share with you some of the benefits of hiking, as well as some of my favourite spots in the greater Vancouver area.
The physical and emotional benefits of hiking: Hiking not only gets your heart pumping and legs moving, but it also brings tranquillity and peace to your mind and soul. My family chooses to hike in the early mornings when we rarely see any other life. We feel stillness and hear birds chirping, allowing our minds to leave behind all of life’s distractions. We find nature heals us, soothing and restoring us to motion. And scientists agree. The University of Minnesota conducted a study on spending time in nature to discover it affects a positive outcome on our overall well-being, reduces anxiety and tension, as well reduces blood pressure.
Favourite family hikes in the greater Vancouver area:
● Jug Island Trail: Just off the Indian Arm, just outside of Belcarra and Port Moody, in the Belcarra Regional Park, lies a rugged trail that takes you up 300 feet in elevation giving you some beautiful viewpoints. But the beauty doesn’t stop there. The 5.5-kilometre out-and-back trail takes you right to the ocean, giving you a taste of the pebbled beach filled with mussels and crabs, and a straight view of Deep Cove. The trail opens at 7 AM. I suggest going early to avoid the crowds.
● Kanaka Regional Park: Kanaka is located on the far east side of Maple Ridge. A great hike for families with small children, this park can be entered via a few entry points, depending on what you want to see. I recommend that you begin at the hatchery just off 256 Street where you can see spawning Coho salmon, a great spot for the children before you begin your trek. Cliff Falls is beautiful, a must-see in the park. You can reach the falls by beginning at the 252 Street entrance. Kanaka is where it all began for my three young children. As a parent, I recommend this spot to introduce your young ones to the joy of hiking.
● Woodlot: Not sure if many people know this hike. It is located close to 272 and Dewdney Streets on the far east side of Maple Ridge. This hike is like walking into an enchanted forest. With the trees soaring high overhead and the lush, bright green ferns below. you can only hear the soft sound of your own footsteps. This hike has a few loops and, depending on how eager and energetic you are feeling, you can continue for quite a few kilometres. I highly recommend this hike for children as there are no steep climbs and the terrain remains mostly flat. A word of caution, however: watch for tree roots on the trail; there are plenty. A great hike to log walk.
MaryAnna xo
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MaryAnna Robbins CSEP-CPT, OFC RHEP – Group Exercise, Resistance Trainer, Yoga Fitness, Pilates Mat Fitness
