East Canyon Trail

East Canyon Trail in Golden Ears Provincial Park near Maple Ridge is the “easy” way to get big scenery without a brutal climb. This 8.7 km out-and-back follows the east side of Gold Creek with about 231 m of gentle gain, topping out around 325 m. Most people finish it in about 2 to 3 hours, and it feels more like a solid walk in the woods than a grind, with enough uphill to make you feel like you actually did something.

The trail starts wide and almost sidewalk-smooth, then slowly narrows into classic West Coast forest with big trees, small creeks, and constant glimpses of the canyon. You’ll pass viewpoint spots along Gold Creek, reach Viewpoint Beach, and, if you time it right, you can cool off with a dip in the river. East Canyon is also the better route for checking out Upper Falls, but the turnoff is easy to blow past, so keep an eye on your map instead of just cruising on autopilot.

Recent hikers say East Canyon Trail is well marked, safe, and feels comfortable for solo hikers, but it’s not a casual seawall stroll; it’s still a few kilometres out and back. Expect mud and standing water after rain, plus multiple little stream crossings, so waterproof boots are a smart move. Free BC Parks day-use passes are now required for Golden Ears, parking fills early on nice days, and roads can be seasonally affected, so book ahead, start early, and treat this one as a relaxed half-day escape from Maple Ridge with a swim and lunch at the beach if you plan it right.