Nature Walks Without the Fuss (or the Tourists)
While spots like Grouse Grind and Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge are well-known, this list dives deeper into lesser-traveled paths where you can breathe, explore, and connect with nature—at your family’s pace.
Whether you're pushing a stroller, walking with toddlers, or trying to keep up with energetic tweens, these quiet trails deliver peaceful scenery, manageable routes, and that satisfying feeling of discovering something new. Expect forest tunnels, creekside strolls, boardwalks through marshland, and wide gravel paths ideal for mini adventurers.
Many of these trails are close to urban centres, with free parking and facilities nearby—because a successful family hike usually includes snacks, bathrooms, and a short drive home. Some are even transit-accessible for car-free families looking for green escapes within city limits.
So grab your water bottles, pack a few granola bars, and hit the trail. You’ll find that you don’t have to go far to feel worlds away.
Top 10 Hidden Nature Trails for Families in Metro Vancouver
- Maplewood Flats Conservation Area (North Vancouver)
Easy trails through salt marshes and forest with lots of birdwatching opportunities and quiet waterfront views. - Iona Beach Regional Park (Richmond)
Located where the Fraser River meets the ocean, this flat, stroller-friendly walk along the jetty with ocean breezes, migratory birds, and epic airport views is a perfect way to keep kids entertained. - Burns Bog Boardwalk (Delta Nature Reserve)
A looped wooden boardwalk trail with interpretive signs and rare ecosystems. Short, educational, and very kid-friendly. - Deer Lake Park Trails (Burnaby)
A forested lake loop with boardwalks, docks, and mini beaches to explore. Great for nature scavenger hunts. - Musqueam Park Trails (South Vancouver)
A peaceful, lesser-known trail system that weaves through forest, streams, and grassy meadows in South Vancouver. - Minnekhada Regional Park (Coquitlam)
Beautiful wetlands, lookouts, and a relatively flat loop around the marsh make this spot a family favourite without big crowds. - Tynehead Regional Park (Surrey)
Wide trails perfect for strollers and bikes. Look for salmon in the stream during spawning season! - Campbell Valley Regional Park (Langley)
Mix of forest, meadows, and equestrian trails with picnic spots and short loops for young hikers. - Blakeburn Lagoons Park (Port Coquitlam)
A newer nature park with paved paths around restored wetlands. Wheelchair and stroller accessible with interpretive signs. - Green Timbers Urban Forest (Surrey)
Serene walking trails, a stocked fishing lake, and wide paths make this a great intro to forest walks for little ones.
Skip the crowds and discover Metro Vancouver’s more peaceful, family-friendly side—one trail at a time.
Wondering what to do with the kids in Metro Vancouver this weekend, or what to make for dinner? You can find it at HealthyFamilyLiving.com! From the Sunshine Coast to the Fraser Valley, we’re the best online resource for busy parents looking for practical tips for healthy, active, sustainable living. For the latest on family events, outdoor adventures, birthday parties, camps & classes and kid-approved recipes, follow us on Facebook and sign-up for our parent-approved e-newsletter!
