This Loop combines the Shoreline Trail with upper level forest trails on Heritage Mountain and Bert Flynn Park. Â The options offered can make this excursion last from a 2.5 hour hike to more than 4 hours. Â The 4 hour Challenge is well worth the effort especially for those that like rustic trails found in the upper reaches. Â Its best to do this loop counterclockwise.
This wonderful and  more challenging walking loop allows for the discovery of a great forest ecological reserve on the north side of Burnaby Mountain.  It includes Burnaby Mountain Park with its sensational views of Metrotown, the City of Vancouver, and Burrard Inlet with its north shore mountains, manicured gardens and the possibility reaching the foreshore on Burrard Inlet.  There are days when it is possible to see as far as the Gulf Islands.  Then there are the more than 500 steps stairway up the side of the mountain to get your heart rate up, that is if you are doing the loop counterclockwise.  Allow 3 hours to complete this loop even if it is only 9 km. It is 12 km if you take in the whole foreshore of Barnet Marine Park and 13k if you take in the west sub-loop.
The City Center Loop allows taking in every part of the City including Yaletown, Chinatown, Gastown, the Convention Centers, Coal Harbour, Â the West End beaches and more. Â Skytrain to Waterfront Station is likely the best way to access this loop for most people. Â Allow for a good 3 hours.- a little over 1 hour when cycling.
False Creek, actually an arm of the Salish Sea, feels like a small inland sea that can be crossed on 3 bridges.  This great greenway dotted with parks and sleek amenities wants to be walked and run over and over again. Of course, this makes for a great cycle as well. The Granville Island Market and artisan shops are a huge draw.  There is a good chance of seeing a team of dragon boat rowers on the water.  The list of heritage, gardens, buildings and park features is quite endless.  There is something for everyone.  Allow a good 3 hours to take it all in. Skytrain to Science World Station is probably the best way to access this great experience.
Walking the iconic Seawall of Stanley is a must for everyone.  It frames a typical Coastal Forest while allowing viewing along the seashore that allows for beaches, rock cliffs, eagle perches, viewing of sea life, and all kinds of heritage features.  Allow 2 to 3 hours of fairly brisk walking.  Take the time to read the plaque at Siwash Rock, a First Nations transformer monument.  The best way to get there is from the Waterfront Skytrain Station and along Coal Harbour. On a bicycle, it would take about 1 to1.5 hrs.
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