Easy hikes and walks around Electoral Area A

This section of the Trans Canada Trail follows the wooded banks of the Coquitlam River through Coquitlam. The mostly gravel path runs through forested river habitat, offering a quiet stretch of trail where the sound of the river accompanies much of the walk. It’s a multi-use route popular with hikers, runners, and cyclists, and several bridges and viewpoints along the way provide good views over the river as it flows through the valley.

From the Eleanor Ward Bridge, you will be suspended high above the flowing waters of the Coquitlam River. The bridge provides a clear view down into the forested river corridor as the river winds through the valley below. It’s a striking vantage point along the route and a great place to pause and watch the river moving through this green stretch of Coquitlam.

The Centennial Seawalk is a year-round waterfront pathway. It connects Ambleside Park to Dundarave Pier. The path is paved, mostly flat, with continuous ocean views and the North Shore Mountains behind Vancouver’s skyline. The Centennial Seawalk is perfect for all ages and fitness levels, and open to activities such as biking, walking, running, and skating.

Dundarave Pier and Beach is home to a small but picturesque beach with fantastic views across Burrard Inlet, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the Vancouver skyline. Head to the end of the pier for the best views and for fishing, crabbing, and great sunsets. During winter, the pier puts on a festive Christmas light display, and within walking distance, you’ll find Dundarave Village with cafés, restaurants, and small shops.

Ambleside Park is a stunning waterfront public space on the shores of Howe Sound across the water from downtown Vancouver. This path is open for walking, jogging, or biking along the park's wide seaside boardwalk, which connects to the Centennial Seawalk. Looking south, freighters and sailboats dot the waters under the Vancouver skyline. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, popular for sunbathing, beachcombing, and swimming. Even dogs can enjoy the park in the designated off-leash zone. The park also has golfing, baseball, and pickleball fields, plenty of activities for everyone.

Built in 1954, this dam holds back Capilano Lake. It has a pretty impressive 91-metre spillway and is responsible for a large portion of the Lower Mainland's drinking water. The dam is part of the Capilano River Regional Park.

Capilano Lake is a 270-hectare, man-made reservoir contained by the Cleveland Dam, which was built in 1954, and accounts for about 40% of Vancouver's water supply. Visitors can get stunning views of the long, narrow lake with the Lions Mountains as a backdrop from the dam.

This 165-acre municipal park features nearly 10 km of forested trails winding through riparian woodlands. Seasonal changes bring dramatic shifts, from high water and swirling currents in winter to calmer flows perfect for wading in during summer. In autumn, the river becomes a vivid stage for returning salmon and the autumn colors illuminate the river corridor. There are trong ties to the traditional lands of the Kwikwetlem Nation, with the river's name coming from their language and meaning "red fish up the river". Coquitlam River Park offers a quiet nature escape just minutes from the city.