Vancouver 
Many natural gems are hidden within the mountains north of Vancouver. From rivers and waterfalls, to lakes, creeks, forests, and stunning peaks, the north Coastal area has a diverse range of scenery to offer. And one of the simplest ways to access these great views any time of year is with a visit to the Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.
This hiking destination offers back- and front-country hiking, with excellent trails for the snowier winter months. Among those is the hike to Norvan Falls. While a bit longer and more time-consuming, this simple and relatively level trail provides the perfect escape from the city with at least three hours on the trail.
The combination of the snow-covered trees, the frozen and icy waters of the falls, and the surrounding peaks, all make the 14km out-and-back on the trail worth the time and effort!
The Norvan Falls Trail & More
The Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is made up of easy trails, as well as intermediate and more challenging backcountry trails (which are currently closed). The Norvan Falls trail is considered intermediate and offers at least four or five hours of peaceful escape.
The park sits near the base of Grouse Mountain on the west side and the Seymour River Valley and Lynn Peak on the east side. The park and trails follow Lynn Creek, which winds its way between the two mountains.
- Explore this valley for 7km on the Headwaters Trail to get to Norvan Falls which provides icy, winter wonderland scenery for the halfway point of the 14km hike. It will be a steady climb to Norvan Falls but the final reward is certainly worth the effort.
- Use the Headwaters Trail to connect to the Cedar Mills Trail, a simple path along the Lynn Creek.
- The Varley Trail provides a simple 1.5km between the park’s two parking lots and provides connection to the adjacent Seymour Conservation Reserve trails.
- The front-country trails of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park permit pets on leashes.
More Winter Hiking near North Vancouver
Next to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve is one of the closest parks and hiking areas to North Vancouver. The park is open year-round, with over 65km of hiking trails. These trails also connect with the Lynn Headwaters area to the south.
- There are several easy and intermediate trails which wind around the creeks created by the Seymour River. Rice Lake is a great place to start for access to both easier and longer or more challenging trails.
- Find more great and easier trails around the north end of the park and near the Seymour Reservoir. There are scenic lookout areas near the dam and Seymour Lake and the mountains around the lake.
Grouse Mountain for more Winter Adventures
The winter adventures available at Grouse Mountain might be the original reason for making a trip north of Vancouver this winter. The nearby attraction offers tons of activity options for all sorts of interests with downhill skiing and snowboarding as Grouse Mountain’s top reason for a winter visit.
- The more relaxing of activities available on Grouse Mountain include winter rides up the Skyride gondola, a skating pond, or the Sliding Zone for tobogganing.
- Some of Grouse Mountain’s more thrilling activities include downhill skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, and guided snowshoe tours.
- The Kids Tree Canopy Adventure is also open year-round and is suited to kids ages 3-8 years.
Pre-Adventure Dining in North Vancouver
Whether you’re travelling from the north or the south to reach the Lynn Headwaters region, a stop in North Vancouver for tasty local eats makes for a convenient pit stop.
- Lynn Valley Road alone has several options, such as cafes, pizza, sushi, pubs, and family restaurants, as well as casual dining. This road will bring you straight to the park’s trailheads to the north.
- The area around the Capilano River and Suspension Bridge Park has excellent fine and casual dining to offer through Loggers Grill, Cliff House Restaurant & Bar, or Beary Waffles.
- Dine harbourside in North Vancouver with options like Sharky’s Chophouse & Eatery
- Anatoli Souvlaki, Seaside Donair, Carpe Grill & Diner, or Tap & Barrell.
Planning Your Trip – Norvan Falls
What: A longer but easier hike on the north side of North Vancouver within the Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. The trail to Norvan Falls is 7km one-way and connects hikers to the park’s backcountry. At the 7km point, hikers are greeted by views of the tall and narrow Norvan Falls. The hiking trails in the park are well-marked with maps to help along the trails.
Location and how to get there: 4900 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver
Best time to go: open year-round
Cost: free
For more information:
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