Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
80.00 m (262.47 ft)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
8.57 km (5.33 mi)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

For many years a long rail line wound through the Vancouver West Side. Originally a critical infrastructure link as the area became increasingly residential and the False Creek Industries moved farther inland, the rail became obsolete. Still, it was valuable land, and the rail company, hoping it could cash in on the land value, refused to let the land go. The city, not wanting the land to be developed and unwilling to pay the market value for this odd narrow stretch, refused to budge. For years, train tracks were a common spot for folks to walk their dogs or ride bikes on narrow gravel paths. Eventually the city was able to take the land for a modest price, and the Arbutus Greenway was born.

The Greenway is an incredibly popular trail now. Because it was built on a rail line, it is not at all steep. Likewise, it is a perfect spot for a gentle walk or a simple bike ride to avoid vehicle traffic. It crosses through so many interesting neighbourhoods, like Shaunessey, that it has become a destination to visit all on its own, not just a way to get around the city.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Private or commercial fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Very Accessible, Great for Biking

Cons

A walk, not a hike, all in Urban

Trailhead Elevation

32.81 ft (10.00 m)

Highest point

229.66 ft (70.00 m)

Features

Flushing toilets
General store
Picnic tables
Wildflowers
Bicycling
Family friendly
ADA accessible

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Permit required

No

Route Characteristics

Man-made features

Location

Nearby Adventures

Vancouver Metro Area, British Columbia
Vancouver Metro Area, British Columbia

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.