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10 Beautiful Vancouver Running Paths That Will Get You Off The Couch

Ah, there is something so comforting about a bottle of wine and binge watching hours of That 70’s Show on Netflix, don’t you agree?

It’s absolutely thrilling to be a couch potato.

People like us need a little extra motivation, though (especially when it comes to burning off all those cheeseburgers I love to eat).

RELATED: Top Places To Go For A Bike Ride In Metro Vancouver

Here’s a list of peaceful paths across metro Vancouver that will make you want to lace up your runners and live a healthy lifestyle:

Vancouver Seawall

i Tripped/Flickr
i Tripped/Flickr

This one’s a bit cliche, but the seawall is nearly 10 km of beauty nestled along the waterfront and tucked between Stanley Park. Just be careful of the speedy bikers passing by! The views are perfect for a morning sprint or an evening jog.

Port Coquitlam Dyke

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Being an honorary PoCo girl, I love running along the Traboulay trail, which includes the picturesque views along the dyke. You can choose your starting point and run however many kilometers your legs can handle. The trail is 25 km long.

Shoreline Trail at Rocky Point

Deb Hultgren/Flickr
Deb Hultgren/Flickr

I actually LOVE running this trail. It’s 6 km round trip and has a gorgeous waterfront. Not to mention, after your run you can stop for some Rocky Point Ice Cream or have a beer flight at one of the four local breweries. It’s the perfect run for those who love to eat and drink.

Buntzen Lake Trail

GoToVan/Flickr
GoToVan/Flickr

The round trip is about 8 km – sometimes more, sometimes less depending who you ask. The area is home to an abundance of lush green forest, beautiful birds and an awesome dog park, too. Bring your pooch along for the run and take a dip in the lake at the end. It’s the perfect path for runners who like a bit of an incline.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park

F B/Flickr
F B/Flickr

This is the perfect place to tie your hair up and run away your school stresses. Situated at UBC, the Pacific Park trail is ideal for those who like a longer path. The loop is about 10 km and has easy terrain to skip along. If you like trees, this is the trail for you.

Capilano Pacific Trail

Marc van der Chijs/Flickr
Marc van der Chijs/Flickr

This 15 km trail follows the Capilano River, along the border of North and West Vancouver, and goes up to the Cleveland Dam. My favourite part about this run is the path along Ambleside Beach. The views of the city are spectacular from this hidden gem. And if you’re feeling lazy, just cut the run in half and spend the rest of your day lounging on the sand.

Blue Heron Loop

Ryan Neufeld/Flickr
Ryan Neufeld/Flickr

Maple Ridge is home to some spectacular trails and wildlife. This loop is my favourite because it’s a tad on the longer side (at nearly 18 km) and runs along the Aloutte River. You may even see a Llama or two!

Whippoorwill Point Trail

Vancouver Trails/Website
Vancouver Trails/Website

It’s a doozy of a name, but the trail is breathtaking. If you ever find yourself out near Harrison Hot Springs, this trail is the perfect place to run away your worries. It’s a bit further than the beaches and typical shops that people like crowd. The trek is steep at times, but completely worth the burn.

False Creek Loop

artjouer street art/Flickr
artjouer street art/Flickr

False Creek is such a romantic little area in Vancouver. The Loop is perfect for a run with your sweetheart and showcases all the beauty Vancouver has to offer in a quick 9 km jaunt. After your run, why not stop at one of the many restaurants in the area?

Cates Park

Deep Cove/Website
Photo: Deep Cove

If you hail from the Deep Cove area, you need to check out this cute, easy run. It’s about a 6 km loop and boasts stunning waterfront views along sandy beaches and through green forests. If you’re feeling frisky, run on over to the Quarry Rock Trail and make your way to the top. It’s typically a hike, but I like to freak my legs out and run that sucker every so often.

 

What are your favorite running paths in metro Vancouver? Let us know in the comments below!

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