1001 Steps Trail

1001 Steps Trail in South Surrey, BC is one of those quick little outings that feels way bigger than it looks on a map. It’s only about 0.6 km out and back with roughly 20 m of elevation, and most people are done in around 13 minutes, but the combo of steep stairs, ocean air, and beach access makes it a local favourite.

The “1001” is an exaggeration, but you’ll still feel the climb on the way back up. You start in a shady forest, head down a long wooden stairway, then follow a short path beside the train tracks to a tunnel that pops you out onto a rocky beach on Boundary Bay. At low tide you get wide-open views across the water, passing trains, seabirds, and, every so often, a very casual nude sunbather, so just be ready if you’re bringing kids or grandparents.

Right now, the 1001 Steps Trail is open again after earlier closure notices, but the city has flagged a full closure from October 2024 to spring 2025, so always double check current info before you go. The route itself is very easy as long as you’re comfortable with stairs; the main “workout” is climbing back up from the beach. It’s often windy down by the water, even when it’s warm in the city, so pack a layer, wear shoes you don’t mind on rocks and wet seaweed, and time your visit for daylight and lower tides if you want more beach to explore.