Transit-Friendly Hikes from the Evergreen Skytrain Line
With the Evergreen Skytrain Extension completed, there are much easier public transit access routes to some spectacular hikes in the Tri-Cities Area of Metro Vancouver. This includes hikes in Coquitlam, Port Moody, Belcarra, and Anmore areas, some of which are so close to the city.
Here are some of the hiking trails that can be accessed by transit near the Evergreen Skytrain Line:
The Shoreline Trail
An excellent choice for an easy hike is the Shoreline Trail full of beautiful sites starting off with the pier at Rocky Point before following along the shore of Burrard Inlet.
Coming from downtown Vancouver, the estimated travel time to the start of your adventure is approximately 53 minutes. From the Granville Skytrain station, take the Expo Line towards King George but get off at Broadway Station. Walk to the Commercial – Broadway Station and take the skytrain towards Lafarge Lake-Douglas. Get off this skytrain at the Moody Centre Station. From here there is an approximately 15 minute walk. Walk south on Williams St, turn right onto Spring St., turn right onto Moody St., turn left onto Murray St and the Shoreline Trail beginning will be on your left. This 6km trail is a great way to spend your afternoon off.
Buntzen Lake Area
Just north of Port Moody, Buntzen Lake is a popular hiking spot with scenic beaches and a multitude of forest trails. There are several hikes in the area including the Buntzen Lake Trail, Diez Vistas, and the Swan Falls Viewpoint hike.
From the downtown Granville Skytrain station, take the Expo Line Skytrain towards King George and exit at Broadway Station. Walk to the Commercial – Broadway Station and transfer onto the Millennium Line to Lafarge Lake-Douglas. Get off this skytrain at the Moody Centre Station. From here, walk to Port Moody Station Bay 5 and take the #182 bus towards Belcarra and get off this bus at the Anmore Grocery Store and start your trek northeast on Sunnyside Rd. for approximately 30 minutes which brings you to the start of the Buntzen Lake Trail.
Sasamat Lake
An easy, year-round hiking trail and a popular beach area for a nice summer swim is Sasamat Lake. This is a very common destination in the summer but with public transit, you don’t have to worry about parking.
Starting at Granville Skytrain Station, take the Expo Line towards King George, getting off and changing at the Commercial Broadway Station and taking the Millennium Line to Lafarge Lake-Douglas. Exit the skytrain at Moody Centre Station. Take a quick walk over to Port Moody Station Bay 5 taking the #182 bus towards 182 Belcarra getting off at Flagstop WB Bedwell Bay Rd. at 2000 Block. From here, walk west towards and along White Pine Beach Rd and look for a path down to the trail that wraps around Sasamat Lake. You will join the trail near the floating bridge, instead of starting from the parking lot area.
Jug Island
The trail out to Jug Island is an intermediate climb due to the quick elevation gain but leads to the gorgeous view of this tiny island along Indian Arm. This trail is also a popular hike for a good workout!
From the Granville Skytrain station, take the Expo Line towards King George and exit at Broadway Station. Walk to the Commercial – Broadway Station and take the Millennium Line Skytrain to Lafarge Lake-Douglas. Get off this skytrain at the Moody Centre Station. Down towards the buses you can catch the #182 bus towards 182 Belcarra getting off at NB Belcarra Bay Rd FS Midden Rd, walking the rest of the way. Head south on Belcarra Bay Rd, turning left onto Midden Rd., then right onto Bedwell Bay Rd. which joins up with the beginning of the the Jug Island Trail.
Crystal Falls
Put on your favourite hiking shoes and head out to Crystal Falls, a beautiful waterfall in the Tri-Cities area. Get ready to get your feet wet as these trails get muddy throughout much of the year.
From the Granville Skytrain station, take the Expo Line towards King George and transfer at Broadway Station. Walk to the Commercial – Broadway Station and take the Millennium Line to Lafarge Lake-Douglas. Get off this skytrain at the Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station and walk down to the buses at Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station Bay 1, taking the #188 bus towards 188 Port Coq Station. You will get off this bus at EB David Ave FS Shaughnessy St. Cross David Avenue and walk north along Shaughnessy Street for 1-block to where the trail begins.
Don’t forget to plan ahead and double check the route and schedules with Translink’s website.
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