Maple Beach via Admiralty Point Trail

Maple Beach via Admiralty Point Trail is one of those classic Lower Mainland walks that feels way more “coastal escape” than “quick outing.” This 5.1 km out-and-back route in Belcarra, near Coquitlam, stays low and mellow with only about 129 m of gain and a max elevation around 113 m, so most people can handle it in roughly an hour and a half. It’s an easy-rated hike, but still gives you that satisfying sense of going somewhere, with a rocky beach reward at the end.

The Admiralty Point Trail winds through thick coastal forest, with roots underfoot and glimpses of Burrard Inlet peeking through the trees as you go. As you get closer to Maple Beach, the path gets a bit more playful, with small climbs over rocks and roots that are still manageable if you’ve got decent footwear. Out at the water, expect a rocky shoreline rather than sand, views across the inlet, and the sound of gulls and ducks carrying over the waves, especially on those moody, misty days.

Current reports say to plan for crowds and tricky parking; lots fill fast, and some hikers are parking about 10 minutes away from the trailhead, which adds a bit of extra walking time. Dogs are allowed on Maple Beach via Admiralty Point Trail, but they must stay on leash. Roots can be slick in the wet, and the shoreline is best explored at lower tide if you’re hoping to spot more intertidal life, so check the forecast and tides, aim for early mornings, and treat this as a laid-back coastal walk you can enjoy most of the year.