We’re known as being “beautiful, British Columbia” for a reason. Our province is filled with an abundance of lush greenery, pristine parks, and vibrant gardens.
Metro Vancouver is celebrating 50 years of regional parks by encouraging people to visit more forests, rivers, beaches—basically, anything outdoors. They’re challenging explorers to collect stamps in a parks passport as they visit each regional park included in the program. By doing so, you can earn rewards (stickers, crests, commemorative pins) which could lead to winning some prizes (headlamps, sun shelters).
All you have to do is pick up a passport or download the app and collect a stamp after visiting each of the participating regional parks. Then just chill out in nature and earn rewards.
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Metro Vancouver’s Passport Challenge Parks
Boundary Bay Regional Park
Discover this hidden gem in Delta that blends sandy beaches with tidal flats. It’s open year-round and boasts a plethora of hiking areas including near Centennial Beach and the Dyke Trail. Avid birdwatchers can find peace here as it’s located within the Pacific Flyway. It’s also a great park to explore by horseback if you go along the Dyke Trail or visit Mud Bay.
Surrey Bend Regional Park
A haven for wildlife with its forests, marshes and a water channel. Set up a picnic, go for a bike ride, or take a hike to enjoy the incredible views along Parsons Channel. The popular Surrey park has 5 kilometres of hiking trails and 3 kilometres of biking trails.
Belcarra Regional Park
Visit Port Moody to explore all this park has to offer. Belcarra features 1,100-hectares of natural area and the stunning Sasamat Lake. One of the region’s most popular hikes is Admiralty Point, which has amazing views of Deep Cove, Mount Seymour and Burnaby Mountain.
Burnaby Lake Regional Park
The nature reserve is a favourite for locals with its many walking trails, picnic areas, and a rowing pavilion. Go for a leisurely stroll around Burnaby Lake or cruise in a kayak along the water to immerse yourself in wildlife.
Minnekhada Regional Park
A quiet and serene spot in Coquitlam with lush forestry, wildlife and the Minnekhada Lodge—a 1930s country estate you can tour or book out for special events.
Iona Beach Regional Park
This park also sits along the Pacific Flyaway, making it a mecca for birds. The sandy beach in Richmond is where the Fraser River meets the Strait of Georgia. There’s 13 kilometres of walking trails and 4 kilometres of biking trails. Check out the Iona Jetty to wander out along the water while watching planes flying overhead.
Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
Escape into the wilderness and let the exploration begin at this North Shore park with lots of backcountry trails and waterfalls. There’s endless photo opportunities and 54 kilometres of hiking trails to discover.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
An easy and flat walking trail surrounded by lush trees and wildlife. There are creeks, beaches, and a wide variety of wildlife and plants living here. Plus, over 70 kilometres of forest, trails, and beach area to explore.
Crippen Regional Park
Hop on a ferry over to Bowen Island and check out all Crippen Regional Park has to offer. There’s a short trail through the forest, a longer trek around Killarney Lake and a more intense hike at Dorman Point.
For a full list of participating parks and to learn more about the passport challenge, visit the Metro Vancouver website.
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