Ok so we all know we live in the one of the best cities in the world. And one of the best things about this great city is all the beautiful places to go running! Whether it’s an easy 5km or a long 20km run, there are plenty of places to get your run on. I have compiled a list of some of my favorite places in Vancouver (and one just outside the city) for running in no particular order:
Pacific Spirit Park (UBC trails)
I run here more than any other place in the city. With an abundance of beautiful, soft tails, the dense forest keeps you sheltered from the elements (whether it be sun or rain). You can run for hours in here and never run the same trails twice. Just be sure to go with a friend the first few times, cause its easy to get lost!
Stanley Park trails
Most people only run the Seawall, however the trails winding through the park are amazing. Like Pacific Spirit Park, there are many trails and it is confusing at times- but well worth it, if you want some peace and quiet on those cushy trails. If you want to do some interval training, Beaver Lake is located inside the park and its almost exactly 1k around. It’s a great, flat, dirt loop that I do a lot of faster training (without having to pound the pavement- it is a nice break for the body).
Seawall
The Seawall goes from Kits Beach to Granville Island, past Science World, back around through Yaletown and English Bay, around Stanley Park and finishing in Coal Harbour. It’s flat, fast and scenic. If you don’t mind the crowds of people it is a great place to go for runs with friends. I tend to run in the bike lane to avoid all the crowds, but I also get yelled at a lot. (I like the thrill! Hahaha) I don’t advise doing this, but if you do, be careful! I like to do some of my longer tempo runs along the Seawall- but often early morning to avoid the crowds.
Jericho Beach/Spanish Banks
Love the path from Jericho to Spanish Banks. It is about 4km from end to end and a great place to go for a run if you’re only doing 30 mins or so. It is a flat, dirt/gravel trail- again nice on the body to stay off the pavement. Also the path runs along the water, so it’s really beautiful on a nice day. Can be pretty busy on sunny days, but it’s not as bad as the Seawall.
Burnaby Lake
If you head about 20 mins outside of downtown Vancouver, you will find this amazing 10km loop around Burnaby Lake. It’s one of my favorite places to do longer runs- just do a couple of loops. The loop is very simple (pretty hard to get lost), its mainly flat, and it is all dirt/gravel or bark mulch. A definite must do trail for all runners.
Enjoy the summer sunshine and happy running!
Natasha Wodak
Sponsored Athlete
Innovative Fitness Kitsilano
