Rice Lake – North Vancouver
Rice Lake Hike and Fishing in North Vancouver
Rice Lake located within the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve in North Vancouver is a 3 km hike that loops around the lake on a well-marked and well-maintained trail. A very easy hike that takes about 1 hour in full to complete at a leisure pace. Roughly 35 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Rice Lake is a nice little get away location to escape the busy city with the whole family. The wide trail is almost flat the entire way allowing access for strollers and wheelchairs, the trail remains slightly bumpy but manageable.
Distance (Round-Trip): 3 km
Difficulty: Easy
Season: Year-Round
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Scenery: ★★★☆☆
Camping: NoFrom Vancouver: 35 minutes
Public Transit: Yes
Dog Friendly: No
A peaceful area to enjoy nature as the trail leads you around the entire lake offering many beautiful reflective views. There are benches scattered around the scenic sections of the trail that provide lovely places to relax. A dock on the east side of the lake is great for snapping some pictures, dropping in a fishing line or sharing conversations with loved ones. This family friendly location has picnic areas around the lake, washrooms, easy access and all of natures beauty to fulfill everyone. Children can be expected to be running around and doing kid things on these trails for all.
Unfortunately for dog lovers, the lake surrounding is off limit to all dogs in desire to preserve the integrity and cleanliness of this wildlife filled place. If you wish to hike with your dog, there are many options in the neighbouring Lynn Headwaters Regional Park which can be accessed on foot from the same LSCR parking lot. The lake is refilled yearly with over 5,000 trouts and fishing is allowed under fresh water fishing regulations.
Being so accessible and close to the city makes this lake a perfect location when in need of a quick and enjoyable escape from the busy streets.
There are many alternate hikes near Rice Lake, many intermediate hikes such as Norvan Falls, Lynn Peak and other challenging hikes such as Lynn Lake, Coliseum Mountain, Crown Mountain and more.
FAMILY FRIENDLY AT RICE LAKE: YES
The perfect hike for the whole family. The 3 km round-trip loop around the lake is well-maintained and contains barely any elevation gain. The trail is wide and relatively flat enough to push around a stroller or wheelchair around the lake.
PICNICKING AT RICE LAKE: YES
There are a couple picnic areas with tables along the trail. The first being near the gazebo by the parking lot and two more around the north end of the lake; the Rice Lake picnic site and Rice Creek picnic site.
FISHING ALLOWED AT RICE LAKE: YES
Fishing is allowed under fresh water fishing regulations.
WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY AT RICE LAKE: YES
The wide and relatively flat packed gravel trail at Rice Lake is wheelchair accessible throughout the entire loop, although there is slight incline on the east side of the lake that may require assistance. The dock which offers beautiful reflective views of the lake is wheelchair friendly. There are wheelchair accessible washrooms by the parking lot and the picnic area is wheelchair friendly as well.
TOILETS AT RICE LAKE: YES
Flush toilets are located by the parking lot. Then there are pit toilets located in the Rice Lake picnic and day-use area as well as near the dock.
SMOKING AT RICE LAKE: NO
It is prohibited from smoking in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve.
DOG FRIENDLY AT RICE LAKE: NO
Dogs are not allowed at Rice Lake at any time.
PARKING AT RICE LAKE TRAILHEAD: YES
There is a parking lot at the end of Lillooet Road above Capilano University. Take note of the park gate closing hours. Parking here can fill up very fast, you may also access the lake from Lynn Valley and park your vehicle near the end of Lynn Valley Road.
