- Difficulty Easy
- Time 2.5 hours
- Round-Trip 9km
- Elevation Gain 60 meters
- Season year-round
- Camping No
- From Vancouver 20 minutes
- Public Transit Yes
- Dog Friendly On-Leash
The Lower Lynn Creek area connects several North Vancouver parks with a route that goes to a viewing platform at the mouth of Lynn Creek looking out towards Burrard Inlet. The walk is more urban than most as it makes its way through Inter River Park, Bridgman Park, and out to Harbourview Park. There are several dog off-leash areas along the route which makes these parks popular with dog walkers.
The route can begin from various points but this description starts from Inter River Park and follows Lynn Creek in a downstream direction. From the end of the parking lot at Inter River Park, walk past the metal gate and down the steep hill, going right onto the wide dirt path at the bottom. Follow the path until it reaches the Inter River Trail next to Lynn Creek.
Go left and begin walking in a downstream direction along the wide gravel path. The trail follows Lynn Creek, with occasional views of the creek. You can explore some of the small paths that go down to the rocky creekside along the way.
When the trail reaches a bridge, cross the bridge over Lynn Creek and immediately go left, continuing in a downstream direction. The forest path continues before reaching an open gravel area, which is a popular dog off-leash area. Stay to the side and continue walking downstream as you pass under the Highway overpass. Go left at the junction and pass under the Keith Road overpass as you enter Bridgman Park.
The trail continues through Bridgman Park as the park narrows with nearby business closeby. The trail will eventually arrive at the busy Main Street, and perhaps the unpleasant part of the route. With no way to get to the other side along a trail, go left and walk along the sidewalk to the traffic lights at Lynn Avenue. There is no direct crosswalk across Main Street, so you will have to cross three times, going across Lynn Avenue, then Main Street, then across the driveway for the small mall, before walking back towards Lynn Creek. Now that you are on the other side of Mains Street, watch for some stairs to your left as you approach Lynn Creek but do not cross over Lynn Creek.
Walk down the stairs and follow the trail through the short forested area. The trail will reach a set of metal stairs. Walk down these stairs and follow the metal, raised platform underneath the train tracks but above Lynn Creek. Once you reach the end of the platform, you have arrived at Harbourview Park.
Continue to follow the trail through Harbourview Park as the narrow park is wedged between Lynn Creek and the busy port area. There are several views along the way that look over Lynn Creek and up towards the North Shore's scenic mountains.
At the end of Harbourview Park, there is a metal view platform with stairs to a viewpoint overlooking Burrard Inlet. This is a great view of the harbour, looking across to Vancouver and also back up the lower Lynn Creek section.
After enjoying the harbour views, return the same direction that you arrived and follow the trails along Lynn Creek. Walk along the platform under the train tracks and then cross Main Street at the lights. Walk to the west side of Bridgman Park and follow the trail back up, passing under the highway overpass and entering Inter River Park. Cross the bridge over Lynn Creek and continue further back up to where the wide trail is on the right, walking back up the steep hill to the parking lot where you began.
How to get to Lower Lynn Creek
Estimated Driving Time from Vancouver
20 minutes
There are several places where you can begin your hike along Lower Lynn Creek, however this route description starts from the parking lot at Inter River Park.
Driving from downtown Vancouver, drive towards the Second Narrows Bridge and cross the bridge heading to North Vancouver. After crossing the bridge, take Exit 22 to Capilano University. After existing, change lanes an go straight through the lights at the intersection, driving up the hill towards Capilano University. Stay in the left lane and drive straight at the traffic light where the road becomes one-lane. Within 100-metres, turn left onto Inter River Park Road and drive down the hill. Veer to the right and drive to the far end of the parking lot. The trail begins at the metal gate.
View a map of Driving directions to Lower Lynn Creek.
Transit Access to Lower Lynn Creek
There are several options for taking public transit to the Lower Lynn Creek area, depending on where you begin your walk. You could even take transit to one end and walk to the other end and get transit near there. The two bus stops to access this area are:
- Bus #245 - to Purcell Way and Lillooet Road, just before Capilano University. You will have to exit the bus near Lillooet Road, walk up Lillooet Road about 100-metres and go left, walking down Inter River Park Road. Go right and walk through the parking lot areas to the end where the trailhead for this route description begins.
- Bus #232 - to Cotton Road and Brooksbank Avenue (near Park and Tilford). When you exit the bus, you will have to walk east for less than one block along Cotton Road / Main Street to Lynn Creek. Depending which way you would like to go, you should cross the street at Brooksbank so you can walk upstream on the north side of Main Street or downstream on the south side.
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.
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