Joshua ReyEstablished in 1989, Pacific Spirit Park was actually created as a natural forest preserve adjacent to Vancouver and the University of British Columbia. In this article, we’ll explore the different trails in Pacific Spirit Park.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Pacific Spirit Park offers a variety of trails suitable for all levels of hikers. Keep reading as we highlight some of the most popular routes and provide tips on where to stay and dine.
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Pacific Spirit Park
- Where is the entrance to Pacific Spirit Park?
- Where to Stay near Pacific Spirit Park
- Where to Eat near Pacific Spirit Park
- Trails to Explore in Pacific Spirit Park
- Explore the Wonders of Huckleberry – Hemlock – Salish – Imperial
- Traverse the Terrain of Spanish Trail – Salish Trail – Admiralty Trail
- Trek through Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach
- Roam the Serene Pathways of Top – Nature – Salish – Sasamat
- Hike Amidst the Majestic Beauty of Council – Sword Fern – Imperial
- Stroll Leisurely along Admiralty – East Canyon – West Canyon
- Ramble through Heron – Lily of the Valley – Salal
- Wander through Camosun – Huckleberry – Sasamat
- Embark on an Adventure along Pacific Spirit North and South Loop
- Saunter along Council – Sword Fern – Marine – Clinton
- Apps to Download for a Trip to Pacific Spirit Park
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Pacific Spirit Park is during the weekdays right before the crack of dawn when the crowds are minimal. However, if you prefer some company, weekends are the way to go, especially around 10:30 am when the trails are bustling with activity.
Things to Know
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Language: English
Calling Code: +1
How to Get to Pacific Spirit Park
By car: from downtown Vancouver, drive south along Granville Street to 16th Avenue. Turn right on 16th Avenue and continue until you see Camosun Park on your left or reach the cross street called Discovery Street.
By public transit: from downtown Vancouver, hop on the 98 Bus to King Edward Street and transfer to 25 Bus heading westbound. This bus will take you to 16th Avenue, before turning onto 16th Avenue, keep your eyes peeled as the park will be on your left.
Where is the entrance to Pacific Spirit Park?
Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a 50-kilometer sanctuary with forests, creeks, beaches, cliffs, and bog. It’s an expansive natural area in Vancouver, offering serene trails and diverse ecosystems.
The park provides locals and tourists with a peaceful retreat for hiking, birdwatching, and connecting with nature, promoting health and well-being.
The park offers various entry points, but the main ones leading to the forest trails are located on 16th Avenue between Westbrook Mall and Blanca Street, as well as at the intersection of 16th Avenue and Sasamat Street.
Where to Stay near Pacific Spirit Park
HI Vancouver
Address: 1515 Discovery St, Vancouver, BC V6R 4K5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-3208
Pricing: $
The hostel sits merely a 3-minute drive away from Pacific Spirit Park, nestled amidst parkland and within proximity to Jericho Beach. While the rooms boast simple décor, considering the price, it’s reasonable.
The only drawback is the lack of walkability due to the hilly terrain leading to the main roads. Nevertheless, this inconvenience is mitigated by the provision of bikes if necessary.
Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre
Address: 711 W. Broadway, Heather St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Y2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-879-0511
Pricing: $$
The Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre along Broadway puts you on a central location. It’s near the Olympic Village Underground Station and a 10-minute drive to Pacific Spirit Park.
The vicinity is brimming with a plethora of coffee shops and restaurants catering to diverse tastes. Additionally, Whole Foods Market is just a few minutes away, adding to the convenience of amenities in the area.
Granville Island Hotel
Address: 1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-683-7373
Pricing: $$
The Granville Island Hotel is a waterfront boutique hotel with stunning views of False Creek and the mesmerizing city skyline. Inside, the rooms are nicely decorated with elegant decor and neutral color linen and drapes.
Amenities include a high-end restaurant, fitness center, a hot tub, sauna, and a business center.
Best Western Plus
Address: 1041 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6P 6L6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-263-1555
Pricing: $$
Best Western Plus, located along SW Marine Drive, offers cozy and down-to-earth rooms equipped with Wi-Fi, TVs, and minifridges; some even include microwaves.
The hotel boasts an array of amenities including a restaurant, lounge, gym, and a business center. Moreover, guests can indulge in the impressive breakfast buffet offering a wide selection of options to kick-start their day.
YWCA Hotel
Address: 733 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-895-5830
Pricing: $$
Situated in the vibrant heart of downtown’s art and entertainment district, YWCA Hotel is conveniently located steps away from transit and in close proximity to shops, restaurants, and attractions.
The presence of a kitchen facility enhances the appeal of the YWCA Hotel, a rarity in downtown Vancouver. Additionally, guests appreciate the clean and thoughtfully designed rooms, making for a comfortable stay.
Where to Eat near Pacific Spirit Park
Poke by Ryuu Japanese Kitchen
Address: 3358 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6S 0A5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-423-3688
Pricing: $$
Poke by Ryuu Japanese Kitchen is your go-to spot for delicious and fresh poke bowls. The customizable options here are endless.
We suggest trying out a custom regular bowl with tuna and salmon; the fish quality is top-notch, ensuring a non-stringy texture. Moreover, for vegan options, they offer mushroom and tofu.
Westward Ho!
Address: 5185 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1X5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-225-2316
Pricing: $$
Westward Ho! offers picturesque views overlooking a charming garden complete with a bridge and stream.
While the casual menu items such as the clubhouse or burger are standard fare, the standout dishes like the lamb and fish are expertly presented, elevating the dining experience.
Togo Sushi UBC
Address: 3380 Shrum Lane, Vancouver, BC V6S 0B9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-222-9288
Pricing: $
Since 2019, Togo Sushi has been delighting customers with its wide selection of items. While they may not be considered world-class, they excel in offering classic sushi options and a small yet satisfying menu of special rolls.
During our visit, we sampled the Inari, Tamago, and prawn sushi. The standout feature was the soft and warm rice, which we found to be particularly enjoyable.
Nicli Pizzeria + Bar – Wesbrook
Address: 3339 Shrum Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1W5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-563-0012
Pricing: $
This Italian restaurant is renowned for its authentic flavors straight from Italy. Specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza, they offer a diverse range of options including truffle, pepperoni, pesto, margherita, marinara, and Iberica!
What sets them apart is their extensive selection of vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. They go the extra mile by offering substitutions for any ingredient to accommodate vegan preferences.
Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle
Address: 3313 Shrum Lane #102, Vancouver, BC V6S 0C8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-228-8765
Pricing: $
Led by Chef Hung, this cozy Chinese eatery has made a name for itself with its award-winning beef noodle recipe, boasting glorious cuts of beef and a slow-cooked, additive-free broth known for its complexity.
What patrons love most about this restaurant is undoubtedly their noodles! The go-to choice is the flat noodles that typically accompany the beef noodle dish.
Trails to Explore in Pacific Spirit Park
Explore the Wonders of Huckleberry – Hemlock – Salish – Imperial
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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-5739
This 9.5-kilometer loop is great for folks just starting out. It’s more like a stroll than a serious hike, and there’s plenty of shade, so it’s awesome even when the sun’s beating down.
You’ll encounter some gentle slopes to keep you moving, but nothing too strenuous. During rainy spells, you might run into some muddy spots, so it’s a good idea to wear the right shoes if the weather’s been wet.
Traverse the Terrain of Spanish Trail – Salish Trail – Admiralty Trail
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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-5739
This little loop hooks up with a bunch of other peaceful trails that are mostly flat and surrounded by trees. You kick off on University Blvd and head north on the Lily of the Valley trail.
It’s a sweet trail that takes you through different types of nature! You do gotta cross a couple of roads, but catching sight of the sea at the finish line makes it all worthwhile!
Keep in mind, there are spots with zero shade when it’s sunny, so bringing along some sun protection is a smart move.
Trek through Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach
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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-5739
The Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach trail runs alongside the water. The only tricky part here is the rocky stretch at the very end by Spanish Banks. But all in all, the hike here is a breeze.
The trail’s entirety is pretty much open, so there’s not much shade. The views here though, are quite stunning. You get a scenic panorama over the sea, downtown Vancouver, and parts of the North and West.
Roam the Serene Pathways of Top – Nature – Salish – Sasamat
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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-5739
If you’re after a jog or an afternoon hike with vistas of mountains and beaches, this trail might just hit the spot. It’s perfect if you’re in the mood for a mix of relaxation and a bit of a climb up some steep hills.
Getting parking at the trailhead is a piece of cake, but keep in mind it’s a hotspot, so getting there early is a smart move if you can swing it. It’s mostly flat, so it’s not too tough for the distance.
Hike Amidst the Majestic Beauty of Council – Sword Fern – Imperial
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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-5739
This trail treats you to a mix of moss, mushrooms, and ferns. With so many intersecting trails, you can easily customize your hike to be as long or as short as you like.
You can park for free on the roadside and there are washrooms right by the trailhead. The majority of the trail is shaded by trees, which is great for keeping cool on sunny days and making the hike enjoyable even when it’s rainy.
Stroll Leisurely along Admiralty – East Canyon – West Canyon
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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-5739
A diverse forest with a few stairs and hills here and there is what it’s at in this trail. The views in this trail are quite awesome, where you get a glimpse of Admiralty Inlet, Burrard Inlet, and those massive container ships.
Just a heads up, it gets pretty bustling on weekends and evenings, so if you can swing it, aim for a weekday daytime visit for a more serene experience.
Ramble through Heron – Lily of the Valley – Salal
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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-5739
The Heron, Lily of the Valley, and Salal trails with a mix of rocky dirt and pine needles, and it’s usually about 1.5 meters wide. It’s a trail suited for everyone as the inclines are mostly gentle.
The trails are nicely kept, and the trees offer shade, keeping things cooler in the sun and drier when it rains. Just a heads-up, parts of the trail lead near the road, so you might hear some traffic and construction noise.
Wander through Camosun – Huckleberry – Sasamat
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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-5739
The majority of the Camosun, Huckleberry, and Sasamat trails are clearly marked, and covered by big trees, offering plenty of shade, except for the gravel paths.
Keep in mind that some parts of the trail might be redirected because of ongoing restoration work. Nevertheless, if you’re into mushroom hunting, this hike is perfect for you!
Embark on an Adventure along Pacific Spirit North and South Loop
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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-5739
The Pacific Spirit North and South loop has paths for walking, biking, and horseback riders. It’s mostly flat, so seasoned hikers might see it more as a leisurely walk, but it’s still a fantastic nature escape.
Even on a drizzly winter day, the thick tree cover offers some shelter from the rain, and in summer, it’s a shady oasis.
Saunter along Council – Sword Fern – Marine – Clinton
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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-224-5739
While this trail may be a little close to the city, it still has that secluded atmosphere. It has minimal elevation shifts and plenty of tree cover. The trail’s pretty straightforward.
You’ll most likely see plenty of off-leash dogs this morning and a few cyclists, too. But man, it’s a stunning route.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Pacific Spirit Park
AllTrails: custom route planning app with fitness activity tracker and reviews from fellow hikers to help you plan your outdoor adventures.
Gaia GPS: paid hiking navigation app, road trip planner, and backcountry navigator
GasBuddy: locates gas stations near you and displays prices, sends price hike alerts, and notifies you of deals.
Waze: online navigation app that provides turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and user-generated reports on accidents, hazards, and road closures.
