Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a large forest park beside the University of British Columbia on Vancouver’s west side. More than 50 km of trails wind through cedar, hemlock and Douglas fir, with routes for walking, running, cycling and horseback riding. Choose a short woodland walk or link trails for a longer outing; some paths reach the coastline and nearby beaches. Marked off-leash areas suit dogs with good recall, while leashed routes offer a quieter option for families and anyone who prefers to avoid off-leash dogs.

Forest trails near UBC

Pacific Spirit Regional Park lies beside the University of British Columbia on Vancouver’s west side. Its forest covers hundreds of hectares, with trails passing through cedar, hemlock and Douglas fir. The network is suited to short walks as well as longer outings, and is used for hiking, running, cycling and horseback riding.

There is no single route that covers the park. One described circuit starts at the gate on West 16th Avenue and follows the Imperial, Hemlock, Clinton and Salish trails. It is about 10 km long. If you choose a longer walk, plan the route in advance so you can allow enough time for the distance.

Choose a route that suits your visit

Some trails head toward the coastline and nearby beaches, while others stay beneath the forest canopy. The park also has marked off-leash areas for dogs. If you are walking with children who are not used to dogs, or would rather not encounter them, use a leashed path. Dog owners should choose off-leash trails only if their pet responds reliably to recall.

Cycling trails are shared with people on foot and with dogs, so keep your speed moderate. Powerline Trail is suggested for visitors with mobility concerns. Free parking is available nearby; check the park’s current information before setting out for details on access and trail conditions.