Council, Salish and Clinton Trail

The Council, Salish and Clinton Trail is a mellow forest loop in Vancouver’s Pacific Spirit Regional Park, just inland from Spanish Banks and UBC. At 7.7 km with only about 105 m of gain and a max elevation under 90 m, it’s more of a long walk than a hike, which makes it a solid choice for an after-work reset or an easy weekend wander.

Once you’re on the Council, Salish and Clinton Trail loop, you’re in classic West Coast forest: tall trees, soft dirt underfoot, and deep shade that keeps things cool even on hot days. The route is almost completely flat with just a couple of gentle inclines, so you can actually look around instead of staring at your feet. It’s quiet for a Vancouver trail, especially on weekdays, and the wide, well-maintained paths make it friendly for casual walkers and runners alike.

Navigation is the only thing that can trip you up here, as there are lots of subtle junctions, so keep a map handy even though the Pacific Spirit Park trails are generally well marked. The loop is dog friendly with plenty of on-leash-optional sections, and you’ll see lots of locals out with their pups; there’s a toilet at the start and garbage bins along the way. The Council, Salish and Clinton Trail works year-round, with a bit more mud and that classic damp rainforest feel in the cooler months and cool shade in summer; it can get busier on holidays like Canada Day, but outside of peak times it still feels calm and relaxed.