Exploring the Jug Island Trail: Vancouver BC Hiking Guide

There’s one thing magical about mountaineering by the forest and popping out to a surprising seaside that appears like your personal non-public paradise. The Jug Island Path in Belcarra Regional Park is simply that type of hike, and I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing it twice.

It’s one in every of my favorite straightforward walks in Vancouver with minimal elevation, and barely any snow making it an excellent Vancouver winter hike.

The hike itself is comparatively straightforward and takes you alongside the water of the Indian Arm, providing views of the encircling mountains alongside the best way. The path is large and well-maintained, making it accessible to hikers of all ranges.

Because of this, it’s no shock that the Jug Island Path is a well-liked spot for locals and guests alike. On weekends and public holidays, the path can get fairly busy, however don’t let that discourage you. It’s nonetheless nicely well worth the journey!

The primary time I hiked the Jug Island Path was with a buddy on a sunny summer time day. We set out early within the morning, hoping to beat the crowds, and had been rewarded with a peaceable hike by the forest.

As we approached the seaside, we may hear the sound of waves crashing in opposition to the shore, and we knew we had been in for a deal with. We spent a while lounging within the solar, taking a fast dip within the ocean and having fun with the views of the Indian Arm and in the direction of Deep Cove.

The second time I hiked the Jug Island Path was with my now husband on a cold winter day. We bundled up in our warmest garments and set out on the path, excited to see the seaside in a distinct season. As we hiked, we noticed the forest in a complete new gentle, with the timber naked and the bottom coated in a layer of snow.

Once we reached the seaside, it was simply as lovely as we remembered, however with the peacefulness that comes with being one of many few folks there. We sat on a log, sipping sizzling chocolate and watching the waves, earlier than heading again to our van.

Whether or not you’re in search of a peaceable winter hike or a sunny summer time stroll, the Jug Island Path is the right spot. Seize your mountaineering boots and prepare to expertise the magic of the path for your self

AllTrails is my go-to mountaineering app for locating, planning and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+, you could be assured you’re nonetheless heading in the right direction, even with out cellular sign.
Don’t let summer pass you by, save 50% on AllTrails+ until July 6!

Jug Island path overview

If you happen to’re in search of a scenic and accessible path in Higher Vancouver, the Jug Island Path is certainly value testing.

Positioned in Belcarra Regional Park, this path takes you thru the forest and alongside the water of the Indian Arm, finally resulting in a fantastic seaside that overlooks Jug Island with a backdrop of Deep Cove and Indian Arm. 

The path itself is comparatively straightforward, making it an excellent possibility for households, canine walkers, and out of doors fanatics of all ranges.

Whereas most individuals can’t entry the island itself (it’s additionally fairly small so there’s not a lot there) the seaside on the finish of the path is a worthwhile reward for the hassle it takes to get there.

For these feeling notably adventurous, it’s potential to swim over to the island, however for most individuals, merely having fun with the views from the seaside is greater than sufficient.

As with many in style trails within the Vancouver space, the Jug Island Path can get fairly busy, notably on sunny weekends.

Parking within the space is proscribed, so arriving early is beneficial.

Nonetheless, when you’re in search of a nice rainy-day hike in Vancouver, this path is ideal. The vast majority of the hike takes place within the forest, providing loads of shelter from the rain, and the path continues to be fulfilling even in moist circumstances.

How one can get to the Jug Island path head

Attending to the Jug Island Trailhead is comparatively simple, however there are some things to remember to make sure you don’t find yourself within the incorrect place.

If you happen to enter “Jug Island Trailhead” into Google Maps, it would take you to the incorrect facet of the parking zone and also you gained’t have the ability to entry the parking zone since there’s a cement barrier to cease you. The street on this facet is parking solely so you may’t park right here for the Jug Island path.

As an alternative, ensure you go to Belcarra Picnic Area, the place there’s a giant parking zone in addition to washrooms. It’s a fairly scenic drive by the forest and is similar place to begin because the Belcarra Bluffs Lookout path. 

To get to the trailhead, you will have to drive by Port Moody and move the Shoreline Path earlier than turning onto Ioco Highway to get to Belcarra Bay.

Keep on Ioco Rd for 4km earlier than turning proper on 1st Ave, which can later flip into Bedwell Bay Rd.

Shortly after the indicators for Sasamat Lake, about 5 minutes earlier than you attain the parking zone, there’s a fork within the street. Google Maps will let you know to go proper, however ensure you flip left to go to the picnic space.

When you arrive on the park, you will discover a big parking zone. Nonetheless, it does get busy on good days, so be ready to do a number of laps earlier than discovering a spot.

There’s a very nice park space right here with picnic benches and a big grassy space proper by the water, which is ideal for a sunny day. You’ll additionally discover loos within the park, which you need to use earlier than beginning the hike, in addition to a Jug Island path map so you may see the route you’ll take.

If you happen to favor to take public transit, you’re in luck. This is without doubt one of the Vancouver trails accessible by public transit. 

Simply take the Belcarra bus, which is bus 182, from the Moody Centre Skytrain station in Port Moody.

This bus will drop you proper by the Jug Island trailhead, making it a handy possibility for these with no automotive in Vancouver.

• Downtown Vancouver to Belcarra Regional park by automotive: 42 minutes
• Downtown Vancouver to Belcarra Regional park by public transit: 1 hour 22 minutes

​​Know earlier than you go info:

• There is no such thing as a tenting at Jug Island
• At all times follow go away no hint ethics. Unsure what these are? Get a refresher here.
• Carry bear spray with you on all BC mountaineering trails. Get extra bear security suggestions right here!
• Questioning what to pack for Vancouver day hikes? Right here’s a mountaineering packing checklist!
• Refresh your reminiscence about mountaineering security with BC Adventure Smart.
• Don’t go away dwelling with out your 10 necessities. They may save your life

Mountain climbing the Jug Island path, British Columbia

Mountain climbing the Jug Island Path in Vancouver is a simple hike with a complete distance of 5.5 km and an elevation achieve of 100 m. Under is a few steerage relating to Jug Island path instructions.

From the Belcarra Picnic Space parking zone, you may simply spot the path by following the marker pointing in the direction of Jug Island from the east finish of the picnic space.

The primary 10 minutes of the hike will probably be a reasonably steep climb up a large gravel path by the moss coated forest.

Though the steepest a part of the path, it doesn’t final lengthy, and shortly you’ll descend some stairs and alongside the path to a little bit of a valley.

The center part of the hike is comparatively flat and is once more alongside a large well-maintained path. The path will get rockier as you progress, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

After mountaineering for about 1.5 km, you’ll come throughout a fork within the path and must take the trail to the best, which is marked with a signpost.

You’ll quickly attain the highest of a hill and start the descent for the following 500m with some staircases thrown in on steeper components.

A small creek runs alongside the path, making it very picturesque, however it could possibly make the path additional muddy within the spring. The path additionally turns into rugged with a rocky ascent, and the entire path will probably be a mixture of rocks and dust, making it essential to put on pair of mountaineering boots.

As you climb up once more, you’ll begin to see glimpses of Bedwell Bay to your proper by the timber.

The fiscal descent on the Jug Island seaside path is the steepest a part of the hike, however the views of Jug Island will get higher as you strategy. When you attain the seaside, you’ll get an excellent view of Jug Island and the Indian Arm.

It’s a preferred spot for enjoyable and having fun with the views, and you may even see off-leash canines and other people swimming on the seaside and even out to the island. Preserve a watch out for seals and eagles when you’re fortunate.

The waterway is sort of busy, so that you’ll doubtless see boats cruising by, in addition to kayakers and paddleboarders in the summertime.

The seaside is a great spot to take a seat and revel in a packed lunch or a fast snack as you’re taking within the surroundings. It’s an extremely lovely place, and it’s wonderful to have it accessible so near downtown Vancouver and by public transit.

After resting up, it’s time to move again. Though the full elevation achieve is way the identical on the return leg, chances are you’ll discover it somewhat more difficult than the outbound journey. The beginning is sort of steep, however a lot of the elevation will probably be in the beginning, whereas the top will probably be simpler because it’ll largely be downhill.

The complete hike will take roughly 2 hours, relying in your velocity, and the time you spend on the seaside. Whether or not you’re a seasoned hiker or simply in search of a average degree hike to get pleasure from, the Jug Island Path is a must-do when in Vancouver.

​​Jug Island path stats

• Jug Island path issue: straightforward
• Jug Island hike period  about 2 hours return
• Jug Island path distance: 5km
• Elevation achieve: minimal
• Jug Island trail address
• Jug island alltrails map

What to pack to hike Jug Island

What to pack for this hike is determined by what season you’re mountaineering in.

• Take a look at my day hike packing checklist right here.
• If you happen to’re mountaineering in summer time it is best to pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to all the pieces within the 10 necessities for mountaineering checklist.
• Right here is what to put on mountaineering in sizzling climate
• Take a look at this put up on the most effective leggings for mountaineering or what to put on mountaineering in summer time for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
• If you happen to’re mountaineering in winter after the snow has began falling you’ll want microspikes on the very least. If there’s lots of snow you’ll in all probability want snowshoes.
• You must also take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally obligatory in addition to a good backpack to maintain all the pieces in.
• You must also pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the 10 necessities for mountaineering!
• Planning a mountaineering date? Take a look at what to put on on a mountaineering date however nonetheless look cool.

Closing ideas on Jug Island Belcarra

Jug Island Path is a fantastic mountaineering path positioned in Belcarra Regional Park, simply exterior of Vancouver, Canada.

The path is 5km lengthy and takes about 2 hours to finish, together with a cease at Jug Island Seaside.

General, the Jug path is a superb hike for these in search of a average problem with gorgeous views of the water, mountains, and wildlife.

It is best to plan for no less than 2 hours to finish the hike, together with a cease on the seaside, and produce acceptable gear for the climate and terrain.

An amazing close by hike is the admiralty level path in Belcarra Park.

FAQs in regards to the Jug Island path in Vancouver