Pacific Spirit Regional Park Vancouver
Vast urban forest with 75km of trails through old-growth trees, bogs, and near beaches. Perfect for nature lovers and dog walkers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Busiest time for safety
Pacific Spirit Regional Park Vancouver
Best Time
Busiest time for safety

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast urban forest with 75km of trails through old-growth trees, bogs, and near beaches. Perfect for nature lovers and dog walkers.
"An amazing urban forest escape, perfect for daily walks and a peaceful retreat from city life."
🗺️ Grab a Park Map
Essential for navigating the 75km of trails. Maps are available online and at park entrances.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from wide paths to more rugged sections. Good footwear is key for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Camosun Bog Boardwalk
Central Pacific Spirit Park
Wander through a unique bog ecosystem on an interpretive boardwalk, a serene escape.

Old-Growth Forest Trails
Throughout the park
Immerse yourself in towering evergreen trees and lush undergrowth on miles of scenic walking paths.

Foreshore Trail to Wreck Beach
Northwestern edge of the park
A scenic route combining trails and beach walking, leading to the famous Wreck Beach.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Safety First, Especially Solo
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Grab a Park Map
Essential for navigating the 75km of trails. Maps are available online and at park entrances.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from wide paths to more rugged sections. Good footwear is key for exploring.
🐕 Dog-Friendly Fun
Many trails are leash-optional, making it a paradise for pups!
☀️ Seek Shade
Most trails are shaded by dense trees, perfect for escaping the summer heat.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Grab a Park Map
Essential for navigating the 75km of trails. Maps are available online and at park entrances.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from wide paths to more rugged sections. Good footwear is key for exploring.
🐕 Dog-Friendly Fun
Many trails are leash-optional, making it a paradise for pups!
☀️ Seek Shade
Most trails are shaded by dense trees, perfect for escaping the summer heat.
📱 Stay Connected (or Not)
Cell service can be spotty. Download offline maps if you plan to venture deep.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Pacific Spirit Regional Park as an amazing urban forest escape, perfect for daily walks with dogs and a peaceful retreat from city life. The extensive, well-maintained trails and towering old-growth trees are consistently praised, offering a vast space to explore for any duration. While generally safe, some advise caution for solo visitors, especially after dark.
"Amazing urban forest/park in the heart of Vancouver. I take my dog through these trails daily - great mix of leashed and off-leash trails. Nice way to escape from the hustle and bustle of a city for an hour."
Alroy Chan
"A really beautiful park just a few minutes by walk from campus. I love the vegetation and the fact it is full of blackberry bushes you can just pick and eat.
The trails are easy to follow. I wish I would have more time to explore the full area."
Alberto Casas Ortiz
"I recently had the pleasure of visiting Pacific Spirit Regional Park, located in UBC, and I must say it is a truly stunning park. It's the perfect place to take your furry friend for a walk and enjoy the serene surroundings. The park offers a variety of trails suitable for walking, jogging, and even running, catering to different preferences and fitness levels. As you explore the park, you'll come across majestic old trees that add to the park's charm. If you prefer a change of scenery from the lush greenery, you can head towards the seaside, which provides an ideal spot for a delightful picnic. With the current weather, it's the perfect time to indulge in some barbecuing or even sunbathing. Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a vast and beautiful park that offers a tranquil environment to relax and appreciate the breathtaking nature of Vancouver."
Negin Rahimi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Pacific Spirit Regional Park via public transport or car. Several bus routes from downtown Vancouver stop near the park entrances, particularly along Chancellor Boulevard or West 16th Avenue. If driving, there are parking lots available, with some located off Chancellor Boulevard and Old Marine Drive.
Yes, there are several parking lots within and around Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Popular access points include those off Chancellor Boulevard and Old Marine Drive. Parking can fill up on busy weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Several TransLink bus routes service the areas around Pacific Spirit Regional Park, making it accessible via public transit from various parts of Vancouver. Check the TransLink website for the most current routes and schedules.
Yes, Pacific Spirit Regional Park is adjacent to the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus. Many trails are easily accessible from the UBC Endowment Lands, and it's a popular spot for students and faculty.
You can access trails leading into Pacific Spirit Regional Park from Spanish Banks. Look for trailheads near the beach access points, or follow the foreshore trail which connects to the park's network.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a public regional park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to explore its extensive trail system.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. However, specific access points or facilities might have slightly different hours. It's always a good idea to check the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks website for any updates.
There is no admission fee to enter Pacific Spirit Regional Park. It is a free public park for everyone to enjoy.
While the park is generally open from dawn to dusk, some Reddit users have reported cycling or running through it at night. However, it gets very dark, and caution is advised due to limited visibility and potential wildlife.
While not as common as in some other parks, keep an eye on the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks website for any potential guided walks or nature programs that might be offered.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
For a diverse experience in about an hour, head to the north part of the park and take the Spanish Trail towards West Canyon Trail. This route showcases marshlands, large conifers, and leads to Spanish Banks.
Yes, many of the wider, well-maintained trails are suitable for families with young children. The Camosun Bog boardwalk is particularly engaging for kids.
Restroom facilities are available at some of the main access points and parking areas within Pacific Spirit Regional Park. It's advisable to check a park map for their exact locations.
You might encounter various bird species, squirrels, and occasionally coyotes or even black bears, especially in quieter areas or at dawn/dusk. Always maintain a safe distance and do not feed wildlife.
Yes, Pacific Spirit Regional Park has numerous multi-use trails suitable for cycling. Some are wide and paved, while others are more natural. Be mindful of other users, especially on shared paths.
📸 📸 Photography
The Camosun Bog boardwalk offers unique perspectives, especially with morning mist. The old-growth forests provide dramatic light filtering through the trees. The trails leading to Spanish Banks also offer coastal views.
Absolutely! Pacific Spirit Regional Park is renowned for its majestic old-growth conifers, offering incredible opportunities for capturing the scale and beauty of these ancient trees.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light for photography, with soft, warm tones and dramatic shadows. The dense canopy can create low-light conditions, so a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial.
Drone usage in regional parks is generally restricted or prohibited to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
The bluffs overlooking English Bay from the Admiralty Trail or East Canyon Trail offer fabulous views north towards the mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Solo Walkers & Runners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
It's easy to get disoriented if you're not familiar with the park, as it's quite extensive. Fortunately, signposts and maps are strategically placed at major intersections, making it difficult to get truly lost. However, for first-time visitors or those planning longer excursions, downloading an offline map or carrying a physical park map is highly recommended. The park is also known for its dense tree cover, which can create low-light conditions even on sunny days, so be prepared for varying visibility.
Popular routes include the Camosun Bog boardwalk, offering a unique ecological experience, and the foreshore trail that connects to Wreck Beach. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a multi-hour hike, Pacific Spirit Regional Park offers a trail for every preference.
Safety and Solo Exploration
Reddit discussions suggest that weekend daytime hours are generally the busiest, offering more company and a sense of security. Some users recommend sticking to more frequented routes, such as the Imperial Trail off 16th Avenue or the Spanish Banks trail running above the road, especially for initial visits. If you choose to listen to music, it's advised to keep one ear free to remain aware of your surroundings.
While there have been past incidents that have given the park a reputation for being potentially dangerous, the consensus among frequent visitors is that it is largely safe, especially during the day. The biggest 'danger' often cited humorously is an overly friendly off-leash dog. For those venturing out after dark, extra caution is advised, and some suggest avoiding it altogether if you are afraid of the dark.
Exploring the Camosun Bog
This area is a haven for specific flora and fauna adapted to bog conditions. It's a fantastic spot for nature observation, bird watching, and appreciating a different facet of the park's biodiversity. The boardwalk provides an accessible way to experience this unique landscape, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit