Part of what makes Vancouver such an awesome city is that within minutes, you can be in the middle of some of the most beautiful wilderness in the world. Even though everyone’s mind is on the snow at this time of year, there is still plenty of exploring to be done at lower elevations. So, if you feel the need to stretch your legs, Lynn Canyon is waiting for you for hiking or trail running.
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There are plenty of trails to choose from in the Lynn Headwaters park, but if you want a longer hike, take the Norvan Falls trail. You can get specific information about the route from Vancouver Trails. This is a loop route with the first half winding its way through the forest up a spectacularly beautiful trail to Norvan Falls. On your way back down, you can branch off at Third Degree Chute and take the Cedar Mills trail back to your car. The Cedar Mills trail is an easy hike alongside the river with plenty of scenic river and valley views.
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On cold mornings, frost creates some incredible effects on the landscape that you’ll never see in summer.
For those of you missing the Grouse Grind, Lynn Headwaters offers a cardio intensive alternative in the Lynn Peak Trail. It’s only 8.8 kilometres round trip, but it’s a pretty intense 4.4 km to the top. Once there, you’ll have gorgeous southern views of the city, Burrard Inlet, and if you’re lucky, eastern views of Mt. Baker.
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The trail is clearly marked all the way to the top but sometimes resembles a dry riverbed with exposed boulders and stones to scramble over. If the climb doesn’t wear you out, the descent will punish your quads. Sorry, no gondola, but it is free.
After your hike, check out the End of the Line General Store at 4193 Lynn Valley Road for some coffee, food, and souvenirs. End of the Line has been a general store since 1910 and used to serve all the loggers who worked up in the headwaters area. It was near the last stop on the line of a trolley that came all the way there from Lonsdale Quay. That’s why the current owners, Connie and Jamie Fay, a mother and son who took over and renovated the store in 2005, named it The End Of The Line.
In 2006 they were awarded Best Restoration of an Historic Site from the district of North Vancouver. Connie and Jamie were both raised in Lynn Valley and focus on staying local whenever they can. They sell JJ bean coffee, lots of local art and their signature homemade treat is called a trail puck - a vegan, gluten-free indulgence that you totally deserve after hiking.
1910 Store with the trolley stop
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Hiking Warm Up: Make a quick visit to the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge. It’s free and if you go during the week, you might have it all to yourself.
Only 20 - 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver’s east or west side, Lynn Headwaters hiking is perfect in any season but it’s pretty spectacular in the winter when you want to get outdoors without your snow gear.
