Heron Trail - Lily of the Valley Trail - Salal Trail

Heron Trail – Lily of the Valley Trail – Salal Trail is a mellow 2.9 km forest loop on Vancouver’s west side, just off West 16th. With only 22 m of elevation gain and a high point around 97 m, it’s more of a relaxed forest stroll than a hike, and usually takes about 35 minutes at a casual pace. Locals use it as an easy walking route, a beginner-friendly intro to trails, or a flat jog under the trees.

The loop weaves through second-growth forest with a soft dirt path covered in needles, so it’s gentle on knees and runners. You’ll get that classic Vancouver green, plenty of shade, and occasional traffic noise when the trail comes close to the road. It’s not about big viewpoints here; the appeal is the calm, the birdlife, and being able to step off the pavement into the woods without leaving the city.

Recent hikers say the Heron – Lily of the Valley – Salal loop is flat, well covered, and surprisingly decent even in the rain, with only light mud and very little rock. Some spur sections are currently blocked off, and the AllTrails map doesn’t fully match what’s open, so expect a few small detours and keep an eye on junction signs to avoid getting turned around at the end. The trail is open year-round, works in almost any weather, and dogs are allowed on leash, making it a reliable go-to for an easy forest walk in Vancouver.