So many options for trail running in iconic Stanley Park!

Statistics

1 - 2

hrs

201

m

201

m

4

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Easy

Description

Stanley Park is the one park that I visit if I only have an hour or two to spare to run while in Vancouver.

It is situated between downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver is home to mature old-growth forest, including massive cedar trees, a lake and lagoon, paved paths, singletrack, and seaside paths to run.

Apart from mountains, it has everything! There are also cafes and even the Vancouver Aquarium within this large park. Highway 99 runs through Stanley Park, linking Vancouver and North Vancouver.

The iconic Lions Gate bridge spans between Stanley Park and North Vancouver and offers a great out-and-back scenic option for those wanting to add some miles on their run.

There is a multitude of singletrack trails to run within the park, as well as the paved Seawall that courses on the edge of the park alongside English Bay.

Runners can also choose to run around Beaver Lake and the Lost Lagoon, both situated within the central and southern portion of the park. The majority of the trails in the park offer minimal elevation change and are non-technical, making the trails perfect for those just getting into trail running, those wanting to do speed work, or those wanting a relatively easy cruise without having to run on paved pathways or sidewalks.

That said, the trails on the west and northernmost edge of the park do offer short yet steep climbs (~50m+).

Many of the trails are wide enough to run two abreast.

Therefore, those wanting to share running socially will find great kilometres in Stanley Park.

The trails are fairly peaceful and quiet, making this a treasured natural space for many Vancouverites and tourists alike.

The park is accessible year-round.