Walks and Views

A 50 metre high suspension bridge swaying over a rainforest canyon with waterfalls and deep green pools below, in a free public park run by the District of North Vancouver. Unlike the paid bridge nearby, crossing here costs nothing, and trails continue to Twin Falls and the 30 Foot Pool. There are about 30 steps down to the bridge, so it is not stroller or wheelchair accessible. Park gates open daily 7 AM to 6 PM.

The Coal Harbour stretch of the Seawall runs from the Convention Centre to the entrance of Stanley Park, past marinas, float planes landing and taking off, and views of the North Shore mountains. It is flat, paved and about 2 km, perfect for strollers or a lunchtime walk. Free, open all year.

The Seawall continues all the way around False Creek, past Olympic Village, Science World, Granville Island and Yaletown, with little ferries, boats and the skyline on every side. Pick any stretch for an easy flat walk or do the whole loop. Pedestrians and cyclists have separate paths in most places. Free, open all year.

The highest point in Stanley Park, with a sweeping view over the Lions Gate Bridge, the harbour entrance and the North Shore mountains. Reach it by car or bike on Park Drive, or on foot by the forest trails. The lookout is free and open during park hours (the restaurant and gift shop there are separate businesses).

A 32 million year old sea stack with a lone tree on top, standing just off the Seawall between Third Beach and the Lions Gate Bridge. It is sacred in Squamish tradition, and a plaque tells its legend. See it from the Seawall or from the lookout above, reached by the Siwash Rock Trail. Free, open during park hours.

A calm 17 hectare lake at the downtown entrance of Stanley Park, with a 1.75 km path all the way around, a lit fountain and lots of ducks, swans and herons. It is an easy, flat walk for strollers and kids, with skyline views at sunset. Free, open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.

A section of the NCC's Capital Pathway along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, beside the Rideau Canal Skateway, running from the Laurier Bridge to Dow's Lake. The NCC clears it of snow in winter, while most of the pathway network is not cleared. Free to use.

A section of the NCC's Capital Pathway along Colonel By Drive, beside the Rideau Canal Skateway, running from the Laurier Bridge to Hog's Back. It is one of the few pathway sections the NCC clears of snow in winter, while most of the rest of the network is not cleared. Free to use.

A 6.3 km NCC trail in the Mer Bleue sector of the Greenbelt, reached from parking lot P23 or by linking from Trail 51. Its southern section has a wooden footbridge that is a good spot for seeing turtles and frogs. Leashed dogs are permitted from April 15 to November 30. Parking at P23 is free year round and access to all Mer Bleue trails is free.

A 6.7 km NCC trail in the Mer Bleue sector of the Greenbelt that starts at parking lot P21 and is open year round, including in winter; in summer only its southern portion is open. Leashed dogs are permitted from April 15 to November 30. Parking at P21 is free year round and access to all Mer Bleue trails is free.

A 2.1 km NCC trail in the Stony Swamp sector of the Greenbelt that leads to the ruins of a historic lime kiln. Interpretation panels along the way point out the heritage kiln, beaver ponds and beaver dams. Start from parking lot P10, one of the free year round Stony Swamp lots; leashed dogs are allowed from April 15 to November 30. Free access.

The Centennial Flame burns just inside the Queen's Gate in front of the Peace Tower, on the open lawn of Parliament Hill. The grounds are where Canadians gather for Canada Day, watch the summer Changing of the Guard and stroll among the Hill's statues and monuments. The grounds are public and free to walk.