Cleveland Dam – North Vancouver

The Cleveland Dam located in North Vancouver at the head of Capilano River Regional Park is a 91 m high concrete dam that feeds the Capilano River and holds back Capilano Lake, also known as the Capilano reservoir, which is part of the Metro Vancouver watershed and accounts for approximately 40% of the Greater Vancouver’s water supply. The dam, and areas around it, provide many vantage points of the picturesque landscape surrounding the park which beyond the reservoir includes Grouse Mountain, Crown Mountain and the infamous Lions.

Time (Round-Trip): 1 hr
Distance (Round-Trip): 2.6 km
Difficulty: Easy
Season: Year-Round
Elevation Gain: 100 m
Scenery: ★★★☆☆
Camping: No
From Vancouver: 30 minutes
Public Transit: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes

Cleveland Dam provides access to the well groomed and extensive trails that shape the Capilano River Regional Park and are good for walking / hiking, off leash dog walking, and running. The park offers a total of 26 km of trails which makes this location perfect for everyone. Wether you are looking for a short walk or a full day of hiking amongst gorgeous old growth, Cleveland Dam is a location you do not want to miss.

We recommend the Cleveland Dam Loop which takes you on a 2.6 km loop through some of the hiking trails in the Capilano River Regional Park. The trail takes you over the Cleveland Dam wall to the north, with spectacular views of the Capilano Canyon and boulder strewn Capilano River upstream from the salmon hatchery. After following small trails in the forest downstream from the dam, you can cross the Capilano River on a small foot bridge, then head back up the hill through steep forest to the parking lot. This trail is only one loop through a network of trails in the Capilano River Regional Park. Consult the park map to find other options.

[Capilano River Regional Park Map]