If you’ve lived in Vancouver for any amount of time, you’ll know that it rains, a lot! Especially in the winter, the cold and wet days can seem to last forever, but that doesn’t mean that we should just sit at home. Here are some of the best rainy day trails and parks to explore in and around Vancouver.
All of these include a cat friendly rating for how suitable they are, if you are bringing your cat!
Rainy Day Parks
1. Barnet Marine Park, Burnaby
Barnet Marine Park is one of my favourite gloomy day parks, especially when the low clouds partially cover the surrounding trees and mountains. The park itself has an off-leash dog area on the east end, so make sure to stay on the west side of the park if you are bringing your cat. From the parking area, you will have to walk down a short trail that takes you on the water’s edge, where there are some beach areas. You will often see people fishing and crabbing here.
Cat friendly rating: 4/5
2. Stanley Park, Vancouver
Stanley Park has a nice trail on the perimeter with views of the city and ocean, as well as inner park trails which are more of a forest experience. When its gloomy and rainy, forested trails are a great idea, as there usually won’t be much of a view anywhere you go. Stanley Park is a popular tourist destination so it does get more busy, but you can also find quiet areas along the trails. Parking here is unfortunately not free, but it is park wide, meaning if you drive to another parking lot within the park, you won’t have to pay again.
Cat friendly rating: 3/5
3. Capilano River Regional Park, North Vancouver
The Capilano area includes the paid Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, and the free Capilano River Regional Park. Both are pet friendly, however I would recommend to visit the free Capilano River Regional Park, located at Cleveland Park on Google Maps. From here, you can walk down to the trails near the canyons. The mossy rocks and trees look extra moody in the rainy days and the trails are a nice short hike that include a variety of scenery to enjoy.
Note that there are a few off leash trails in this park so make sure to consult a trail map before heading out, if you are bringing your cat. North Vancouver is also generally known for having a lot of off leash dogs, so please be cautious here!
Cat friendly rating: 3/5
4. Belcarra Regional Park, Anmore
The Belcarra area includes a large area with many hiking trails, with the most popular two being Buntzen Lake and Sasamat Lake. For a easy rainy day adventure, I would suggest the smaller Sasamat Lake and the trail that loops around the lake. There are some board walk areas which are particularly suitable for cats. When its rainy and you can’t see much of a view, the low fog over the lake looks beautiful in a mysterious way.
Parking in this area is a seasonal parking rate of $2 per hour between April 1 and September 30, and free during the winter months. Please also note that dogs (and likely cats) are not allowed in the White Pine Beach area.
Pet friendly rating: 4/5
5. Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, North Vancouver
Also known as Lynn Valley, my last suggestion for a rainy forest walk is the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve in North Vancouver. Trails here lead to the popular spots of the Twin Falls Bridge, 30 Foot Pool, and Rice Lake. Dogs are not permitted in the loop around Rice Lake, and this is a great place to bring your cat.
Please note that Rice Lake has no dog warnings due to bear activity. Please exercise caution in this area. North Vancouver is also known for having a lot of off leash dogs, which you should expect to run into in the trails leading to the valley.
Cat friendly rating: 4/5
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