Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Vancouver

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The low impact gravel pathways in Pacific Spirit Regional Park wind naturally through the trees supporting biking, hiking and horseback riding.

Comprising over seven hundred acres of land, the Pacific Spirit Regional Park located in Point Grey, Vancouver - sandwiched between the University of British Columbia Campus to the west and the residential area to the east - is a ecological paradise encompassing hundreds of plants and animals and truly, the spirit of the West Coast in its towering trees and rain scented aroma. Historically tied to the Musqueam nation that still lives south of the area, the Park was designated as such in 1975 to protect the area for encroachment and development as well to provide a place protecting some of the region's most interesting natural phenomena such as Camosun Bog, a twelve thousand year old relic from the last glacial period. This beautiful temperate rain forest park offers fifty-four kilometres of low impact trails and vast tracts of oceanside cliff edges, an unforgettable West Coast experience.

Established in 1975 on the University of British Columbia Endowment Lands, Pacific Spirit Regional Park in Point Grey offers quiet hiking trails and forest surroundings, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

Comprising of over 763 hectares of forest, shoreline and ecologically sensitive areas, it includes dozens of hiking trails - totalling 54 kilometres - crisscrossing the space 38 kilometres of which are designated multi-use, supporting biking, walking and horseback riding.

A variety of flora and fauna can be found within the park's boundaries, a draw for many nature enthusiasts. The area is considered an ecological reserve. The concept of an urban forest is not unique to Vancouver which also encompasses Stanley Park, the Pacific Spirit Regional Park however is less travelled but is considerably denser as it weathered the vicious 2006 Wind Storm better than its counterpart.

Acting as a buffer between the widespread University of British Columbia campus and the suburban residential areas, the Park is a welcome place for students, residents and visitors to the city.

The staff and students at the UBC campus have taken an active role in the Park's preservation and public awareness. Tours and educational walks are regularly offered throughout the year.

The establishment, preservation and low impact use of Pacific Spirit Regional Park has ensured the park lands will be enjoyed for generations. The quiet beauty, wilderness, diversity of plants and animals as well as ecosystems offers an in depth West Coast experience only a few kilometres outside of the city.