Upper Capilano Pacific Trail

Upper Capilano Pacific Trail in North Vancouver is one of those easy, low-commitment walks that still feels like you’ve escaped the city. At 5.6 km with about 211 m of gain, it’s more of a relaxed forest ramble than a grind, usually done in under two hours. Locals use it as a regular walk, and it’s a great way to show visitors big coastal trees and classic Capilano scenery without paying for the suspension bridge.

The Upper Capilano Pacific Trail runs as an out-and-back route through lush second-growth forest with some impressive old giants mixed in. You’re mostly on a wide, well-groomed gravel path with rolling ups and downs, shaded by thick tree cover that keeps things cooler on hot days. There are neat little bridges, views toward the Capilano River and Cleveland Dam area, and on clear days you get those mountain backdrops over Capilano Lake that remind you how close the backcountry really is.

Right now, the big thing to know is closures. The original lower trailhead and first section are closed due to landslide damage and slope reinforcement, and a portion is now permanently closed with a street detour that some hikers don’t enjoy. Most people are starting from Rabbit Lane near Moyne Drive, where you can still access the Upper Capilano Pacific Trail without much hassle, though signage can be confusing, so follow a GPS map. Expect construction zones, possible out-and-back reroutes instead of a full loop, and lighter crowds if you go before 10 am. The trail is dog-friendly with some off-leash stretches, but pack out all waste, as bagged poop left on the side of the trail is a recurring issue.