An easy loop through old-growth forest, with water along the way. Little climbing, so it suits a slow morning or an evening walk. Most people take 1.5–2.5 hours.
Easy · 4–7 km loop · +100–200 m climb · 1.5–2.5 hours · Dogs: on leash
Not yet verified against an official source. Figures are approximate; check the park page before you go. · Sources · Cite this page
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North Shore · ~20 min from downtown · reachable by transit
Figures approximate. The suggested start helps you finish in daylight. Check Metro Vancouver Regional Parks (Capilano River) before you go.
From the gravel lot north of the Capilano River crossing, follow the powerline grade north, then the signed Capilano Pacific Trail into hemlock and cedar forest to a canyon viewing platform. Stairs and bridges cross Houlgate Creek; at the mapped junction turn right on Upper Shinglebolt Trail, descend and cross the river on Pipeline Bridge.
Watch for: Stay behind railings at canyon viewpoints; river levels change quickly below the dam.
Best season: all year
Schematic: an illustrative shape drawn from total distance and gain, not a GPS trace. Real ups and downs will differ.
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| Region | North Shore |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Season | Year-round |
| Trailhead | Cleveland Dam, Capilano Rd |
| Parking & transit | Transit reaches the trailhead or close to it (check TransLink). |
| Permits & passes | None. |
| Dogs | On leash |
| Kid-friendly | Yes, with supervision |
| Highlights | Forest, Lakes & water, Old growth |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Managed by | Metro Vancouver Regional Parks (Capilano River) |
Several connected loops past big Douglas-fir. River levels change fast below the dam; stay off the banks.
Numbers are approximate. Check Metro Vancouver Regional Parks (Capilano River) for closures and the AdventureSmart trip plan and Ten Essentials before you go. Tell someone your plan.
About 4–7 km (loop) with roughly 100–200 m of elevation gain. Most people take 1.5–2.5 hours. Figures are approximate; check Metro Vancouver Regional Parks (Capilano River) before you go.
Yes, on leash.
None.
Yes, transit reaches this trailhead or very close to it. Check TransLink for current routes.
See also: Best hikes for beginners · Hikes you can reach by transit · Winter-friendly low-level walks · Dog-friendly hikes · Old-growth forest walks · Lake hikes · Hikes for January · Hikes for February · Hikes for March · Hikes for April · Hikes for May · Hikes for June · Hikes for July · Hikes for August · Hikes for September · Hikes for October · Hikes for November · Hikes for December · North Shore hikes · Rainy-day hikes · Kid-friendly hikes · Beginner hikes · Dog-friendly hikes · Hikes you can reach by transit · Guides
Hike Vancouver. "Capilano Canyon & Cleveland Dam." Updated October 24, 2026. https://hikevancouver.ca/trails/capilano-canyon/
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Hi, I'm Cam Appleton. I love Vancouver and I love getting out on its trails. When I went looking for a simple, easy hiking guide for around here, I couldn't find one I liked. I also really like helping people, so I built this one.
My day job is real estate. I help people buy, sell and lease. I hope you're enjoying the start of Hike Vancouver. If you're thinking about living closer to trails like this one, I'm happy to talk.
Cam Appleton