Hemlock Trail - S.W. Marine Trail - UBC Greenway - Council Trail

Hemlock Trail - S.W. Marine Trail - UBC Greenway - Council Trail is a mellow loop on the south side of Pacific Spirit Regional Park in Vancouver, just above the Fraser River and near Musqueam. At 7.9 km with only about 96 m of gain and a high point around 84 m, it’s an easy cruise that most people finish in under two hours. It’s a good choice if you want a longer walk without any real climbing.

The loop links a mix of wide, groomed paths and softer forest trails, so you get a bit of variety while still feeling relaxed. Tall trees keep most of the route shaded, which makes it comfortable on hot days and less miserable in the rain. You’ll pass through quiet stretches where you mostly hear birds and the wind, even though Hemlock Trail and the UBC Greenway sit surprisingly close to city streets and S.W. Marine Drive.

Right now there’s a partial closure on this loop, so expect a short detour around one section; it’s easy to work around and doesn’t add much distance. The route is open year-round and usually stays manageable in wet weather, though it can be muddy in spots, so waterproof shoes help. Dogs are allowed off-leash on Council Trail but must be leashed on the rest of the Hemlock Trail - S.W. Marine Trail - UBC Greenway - Council Trail loop, so be ready to clip and unclip as you go and watch for shared use with bikes and the occasional horse.