Jug Island Beach Trail

Jug Island Beach Trail is one of those short but punchy hikes that locals keep going back to. This 5.6 km out-and-back route in Belcarra Regional Park (near Belcarra, not Coquitlam) rolls through classic coastal forest and drops you at a small rocky beach facing Jug Island and the calm waters of Indian Arm. With about 226 m of gain and a top elevation around 90 m, it’s rated easy but feels more like easy-moderate thanks to the steady ups and downs.

The walk itself is a mix of dirt, roots, stairs, and a few rocky sections, with plenty of shade from thick forest most of the way. There aren’t big viewpoints en route, so most of the reward comes at the end: a compact beach with views across the water, spots to sit and eat, and on warm days, people wading in or swimming out toward Jug Island. Expect dogs on leash, families, and trail runners, and a generally social but laid-back vibe, especially on weekends.

Recent hikers say the Jug Island Beach Trail is well maintained but could use better markers, so it’s smart to have the route downloaded on AllTrails. The “steep parts” are short but real, so bring decent footwear and enough water, especially on hot days. For parking, punch “Belcarra Picnic Area” into Google Maps to avoid the closed access by the obvious trailhead; pay parking can be pricey and fills fast midday, so aim for earlier starts. The trail runs year-round, handles rain fairly well, and the beach can shrink a lot at high tide, so don’t expect a huge stretch of sand.