- Difficulty Intermediate
- Time 2.5 hours
- Round-Trip 5.5km
- Elevation Gain 100 meters
- Season year-round
- Camping No
- From Vancouver 1 hour
- Public Transit Yes
- Dog Friendly On-Leash
View Trail MapJug Island is a tiny gorgeous island located just off the northern tip of Belcarra Regional Park. The island itself is not accessible but you can hike to a beach that faces the island and offers great views of Indian Arm.
From the parking lot, walk towards the covered picnic table area and look for a trail that enters into the forest and a sign pointing to Jug Island. Follow the trail a short distance and cross the road, being careful of oncoming traffic. Immediately after crossing the road, take the trail on the left.
The trail begins to climb quite quickly as you work your way up the gravel path. The trail eventually levels out giving you a chance to catch your breath before continuing through the moss covered forest. The trail begins to widen as you cover quite a bit of distance quickly on the slight downward slope.
Eventually, the trail reaches a junction. Go right and follow the trail as it, again, begins to ascend to the high point of the hike. As you reach the top of the mountain, look to your right at the view across Bedwell Bay and the water down below. Continue for a short flat section before the trail makes its final, steep descent down towards the beach area.
There in front of you stands Jug Island, just off the shore. Walk along the beach to find a good place to sit and enjoy the views of Indian Arm and watch for eagles and seals that frequent the area.
After enjoying the beach area, start the climb back up the steep hill and over the mountain, returning left via the junction and heading back to the picnic area of Belcarra Regional Park.
The trail to Admiralty Point is another hiking option that starts from the same location. The Admiralty Point trail is easier and both trails can be completed in one day.
How to get to Jug Island Beach
Estimated Driving Time from Vancouver
1 hour
The trail to Jug Island Beach is located in Belcarra Regional Park in the quiet town of Belcarra. To get to Belcarra Regional Park from Vancouver, drive east along Hastings Street, continuing through Burnaby and merge with the Barnett Highway. Continue until you reach the traffic lights and turn left onto St. Johns Street. Drive east along St. Johns St. and turn left at the lights onto Ioco Road. Drive past the mall on the right and turn left at the 3rd set of traffic lights, onto Ioco Road. It seems strange being on Ioco and then turning left onto the same street name. At this light, going straight up the hill turns into a different street name, therefore you want to turn left and continue on Ioco Road.
Follow the road as it weaves along the shore passing many houses on both sides of the road. Turn right onto 1st Avenue and a short distance later when the road forks, go left onto Bedwell Bay Road. After passing Sasamat Lake on your right, you reach a stop sign. Turn left at the stop sign and follow the winding road up hill, passing the yellow metal gate. Continue following this route until you finally descend into Bedwell Bay and arrive at the parking lot of Belcarra Regional Park.
Note: If you miss turning left at the stop sign near Sasamat Lake, you will end up driving into the town of Belcarra. You will end up at Belcarra Regional Park, however, due to the limited space, there is no public parking available. You must drive all the way back to Sasamat Lake and turn right, following the route up and over the hill towards the Belcarra Regional Park parking lot.
View a map of Driving directions to Jug Island Beach
Transit Access to Jug Island Beach
Bus service is provided from Port Moody to Belcarra on bus C26. There is a bus stop next to Belcarra Regional Park. From Vancouver, you will have to take bus 160 to Port Moody and then transfer onto bus C26 to Belcarra. Please check with Translink for exact times and schedules for this bus.
Although we try to keep information as current as possible, www.vancouvertrails.com makes no warranty or representation as to the availability, quality, fitness for purpose, conditions or accuracy of the information provided with respect to this trail or trails. The information provided herein is further subject to our Terms of Use.
Comments
Add Comment View All Comments