Running and Trail Running in Vancouver: From Urban Parks, The Seawall to Wilderness Trails...

I often get emails asking about where to run in Vancouver and thought of putting the answers down as a reference for locals and tourists alike.  Thanks to Troy and Dom for some of the ideas. Please add your thoughts below.

1. Where are the best places to run in and around Vancouver?

• The Beaches:  Starting in Granville Island or anywhere west along the Kitsilano waterfront, one can run for kilometers along the ocean, feeling the salty sea breeze, watching eagles dive for fish and seagulls greedily try to get their share...The trail/path is a mix of paved and gravel bike path with a few road stretches (Point Grey Road) to connect Kitsilano/Granville Island with Jericho Beach, Lorcano Beach and Spanish Banks.  As the course follows the ocean there are very few hills to deal with 
• Pacific Spirit Park:  This is a gem connecting the Point Grey/Dunbar neighborhoods in the east with the University of British Columbia in the west.  There are countless trails, some wide and easy, some rocky and rooty with some ups and downs.  My favorite route starts on NW Marine Drive just west of the last concession. Look for a trail head, then take Admirality Trail contouring along a ridge above Marine Drive parallel to the Ocean. Eventually you'll come to East Canyon Trail.  Follow it south away from the ocean.  This trail follows a canyon rim.  At the first possible intersection, turn right hooking up with the West Canyon Trail. Follow this trail until meeting up with Admirality again.  Admirality Trail t-bones into Salish Trail. Turn left uphill.  You eventually will come to Chancellor Boulevard.  Cross this street at the lights and pick up Salish going south on the other side.  You eventually will come to a trail intersection, hang a left here and follow this trail (Spanish) back to where you started.
• Stanley Park:  Enjoy the ever changing scenery along the paved seawall or inside the trails and around the lake.
• Brothers Creek: magical rainforest with ancient trees, rushing creeks and waterfall. Assess from Mill Stream Road in West Vancouver
• Any part of Baden Powell trail, but mostly the last half of Kneeknacker from Grouse east in North Vancouver
• Diez Vistas trail in Port Coquitlam
• Cypress, Seymour, or Grouse on snowshoes on a clear night with a petzl headlamp (or even better, with moonlight).

2. What are the best local ultra races and why?

• Kneeknacker for the great community of people who are involved in running this event
• The New Years Fat Ass 50, which is a great way to start a new year - going for a run on great trails and then jumping into the ocean. Really clears the New Years Party cobwebs!
• Diez Vista in Port Coquitlam
• STORMY in Squamish.  Great atmosphere. Non-profit!
  

3. Why is Vancouver a great place to run?

• You can run all year long: you can run on the seawall and on the trails all year long, as long as you bundle up a bit. And you can run in the snow too if you bundle up a bit more!
• You can run any distance you want: Vancouver has lots of opportunities for people to run. Whether you want to run 5k, 10k, 20k, 40k, or 80k, we have a race that will fit you.
• Terrain: We have some of the most demanding, accessible and mentally stimulating trails in the world. Some people only ever run on paved trails. Others prefer the adrenaline rush of dodging traffic, dogs, and pedestrians. Still others prefer the peace and quiet of the trails. And then there are those who prefer to cough up a lung while running straight UP a trail, and still others who enjoy testing their ankle and knee strength by running straight DOWN rooty, rocky, wet, slippery trails. In Vancouver, we have all of this. No matter what you're into, we have it here somewhere.
• Communities: One of the great things about Vancouver is its diversity and it certainly extends to the sport community. There are running clubs for first time runners, for sprinters, for triathletes, women only, dudes only, for gays & lesbians, or for ultramarathoners. No matter who you are, there is a club (or clubs) for you in Vancouver.
• Great socializing: For many running clubs, there is a large social component. And that usually means heading to the coffee shop or the pub after a run depending upon the time of day (and/or the club!) 
• Running in a temperate rainforest is soul saving especially in the rain!