Cleveland Dam Vancouver
A serene dam and reservoir offering stunning lake views, hiking trails, and a peaceful escape in North Vancouver's natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximized spillway flow
Cleveland Dam Vancouver
Best Time
Maximized spillway flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene dam and reservoir offering stunning lake views, hiking trails, and a peaceful escape in North Vancouver's natural beauty.
"Such an amazing place! The vibe is peaceful and relaxing, surrounded by a beautiful forest with fresh, earthy scents."
Check Reservoir Levels
See water flow before you go! Check Metro Vancouver's site for reservoir levels. :iphone:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are plentiful! Good walking shoes are a must for exploring the park and dam area. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dam Itself
Cleveland Dam
Walk onto the impressive concrete structure for stunning views of Capilano Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Capilano Lake Views
Overlook points near the dam
Marvel at the serene, often strikingly blue waters of Capilano Lake, framed by lush green forests.
Nature Trails
Capilano River Regional Park
Explore well-maintained trails offering easy walks or more challenging hikes through verdant Pacific Northwest forests.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Spillway
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Reservoir Levels
See water flow before you go! Check Metro Vancouver's site for reservoir levels. :iphone:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are plentiful! Good walking shoes are a must for exploring the park and dam area. :athletic_shoe:
Picnic Perfect Spot
Bring a lunch! There are picnic tables and grassy areas with beautiful views.
Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leash up your furry friend! It's a great spot for dogs to enjoy nature. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Reservoir Levels
See water flow before you go! Check Metro Vancouver's site for reservoir levels. :iphone:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are plentiful! Good walking shoes are a must for exploring the park and dam area. :athletic_shoe:
Picnic Perfect Spot
Bring a lunch! There are picnic tables and grassy areas with beautiful views.
Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leash up your furry friend! It's a great spot for dogs to enjoy nature. :dog:
Photography Opportunities
Capture stunning dam and lake vistas. Early morning or late afternoon light is magical. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cleveland Dam for its peaceful atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and accessibility. It's a highly recommended spot for walking, hiking, picnics, and enjoying the outdoors with family and pets. The convenience of free parking and clean facilities further enhances the positive experience.
"Cleveland Dam is a peaceful spot in North Vancouver, offering pleasant views of the Capilano River and surrounding forest. The area has several well-marked trails nearby, suitable for an easy walk or a longer hike through the woods. great for stretching your legs in nature.
It’s also a good place to bring your dog for a calm, off-leash walk, as many of the trails are dog-friendly and provide plenty of space to explore. There’s free parking available close to the dam, which is convenient. The picnic area is a nice spot to take a break or have lunch, with tables and some shaded spots.
Overall, Cleveland Dam is a solid choice for a quiet walk, a hike, or a relaxed afternoon outdoors with your pup."
Mahdad Nour
"This place is an excellent outdoor spot, especially for those who enjoy hiking, walking, or spending quality time with family and pets.
1. Hiking & Walking: The area is perfect for hiking and walking enthusiasts. Trails are scenic and well-maintained, offering a peaceful natural environment.
2. Cycling: Cycling is definitely possible here. The paths are suitable for bikes, making it a pleasant ride for casual cyclists and families alike.
3. Dog-Friendliness: A great place to bring your dog! It’s pet-friendly, with lots of open space for dogs to walk and explore.
4. Parking: Plenty of free car parking available, which makes visiting hassle-free even during busier times.
5. Washroom Facilities: Washrooms are available and in good condition – clean, well-kept, and accessible.
6. Child-Friendliness: Safe and open environment makes it ideal for kids to play and explore nature.
7. BBQ & Picnic Areas: BBQ options are available, and there are spots where families or groups can sit together and enjoy meals.
8. Family-Friendliness: Highly suitable for families. Whether you're planning a picnic, hike, or just a day out, this location offers something for everyone.
Summary: Highly recommended for nature lovers, families, cyclists, and pet owners. A great combination of natural beauty and visitor-friendly amenities."
Rabeya Hosne Zannat
"Such an amazing place! The vibe is peaceful and relaxing, surrounded by a beautiful forest with fresh, earthy scents.. The views of the dam are absolutely breathtaking ,the whole area is just stunning!"
somayeh aghajani
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Cleveland Dam from downtown Vancouver, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. Public transport is possible via bus routes, though it may involve transfers and a longer travel time.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at Cleveland Dam, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, you can reach Cleveland Dam using public transportation, typically involving bus routes from downtown Vancouver. It's advisable to check transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The main dam area and some surrounding paths are generally accessible, but some of the hiking trails may have uneven terrain. It's best to check specific trail conditions if accessibility is a concern.
Many visitors enjoy walking across the dam, exploring the nearby trails, and having a picnic. Checking the reservoir levels beforehand can enhance the experience if you want to see the spillway in action.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Cleveland Dam and the surrounding park areas is free. There are no admission fees required to visit.
Cleveland Dam and Capilano River Regional Park are generally open year-round during daylight hours. Specific park hours can vary, so it's good to check local park authority information.
No, Capilano River Regional Park, which includes Cleveland Dam, is a public park and does not have an entrance fee.
While the park is generally accessible during daylight hours, it's not recommended to visit after dark due to safety and lighting conditions. Always check local park regulations for specific hours.
No, unlike some other BC Parks, Cleveland Dam does not require a day pass reservation. Entry is free and open to all.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk across the dam, enjoy scenic views of Capilano Lake, explore hiking trails in Capilano River Regional Park, have a picnic, and take photos.
Yes, there are several well-maintained hiking trails in Capilano River Regional Park, ranging from easy walks to more moderate hikes with scenic viewpoints.
For the best views, consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer for photography. The water level's impact on the spillway is more dependent on rainfall than time of day.
Yes, Cleveland Dam and Capilano River Regional Park are dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome, but should be kept on a leash in most areas.
Yes, clean washroom facilities are available near the parking lot and picnic areas at Cleveland Dam.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the dam offers panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The surrounding trails also provide beautiful forest and water perspectives.
Absolutely! The combination of the massive dam structure, the serene lake, and the surrounding evergreen forests makes it a prime location for landscape photography.
While beautiful year-round, autumn offers vibrant foliage, and spring brings lush greenery. Winter can provide dramatic, moody shots if there's snow.
Drone usage is typically restricted in regional parks and near critical infrastructure like dams. It's best to check Metro Vancouver's park regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the dam and the expansive lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the mountains or forest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The surrounding park offers gentle trails suitable for little legs, and the open spaces are perfect for running around. Pack a picnic and enjoy the stunning natural scenery together. Washrooms are conveniently located, adding to the ease of a family visit.
🐶 Dog Owners
Most trails allow dogs on a leash, and the open grassy areas are great for a game of fetch. It's a wonderful place to get some fresh air and exercise with your furry friend in a beautiful natural setting.
🚶 Hikers & Nature Walkers
You can enjoy a peaceful walk along the lake, explore deeper into the forest, or simply take a leisurely stroll across the dam itself, all while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of British Columbia.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Dam's Function
While its main purpose is water supply, the dam also plays a role in flood control. The controlled release of water from the dam can be observed, especially after periods of significant rainfall. This controlled flow is what creates the 'waterfall' effect that many visitors seek.
For those interested in the engineering behind it, there are also 'inspection portals' or 'galleries' within the dam structure, though access is typically restricted. These elements highlight the dam's dual role as a functional utility and an impressive feat of engineering.
Exploring Capilano River Regional Park
+1Popular activities within the park include hiking, walking, and nature photography. The park's diverse ecosystem supports a variety of flora and fauna, making it a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts. Many trails offer glimpses of the Capilano River and its surrounding watershed, providing a tranquil escape from the city.
Visitors often combine a visit to the dam with a hike in the park, creating a full day of outdoor exploration. The park's accessibility and the variety of its trails make it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike seeking to connect with nature.
Best Times for Photography
+1For the most dramatic shots, consider visiting during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light can accentuate the textures of the dam and create beautiful reflections on the water. If you're hoping to capture the spillway in action, checking reservoir levels after significant rainfall is key, as this is when the dam's power is most evident.
Seasonal changes also offer unique photographic perspectives. Autumn brings a vibrant palette of fall colors to the trees, while spring showcases the lush, renewed greenery. Even on a misty or rainy day, the dam can possess a dramatic, moody atmosphere, as noted by some visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit