Good trails in the Lower Mainland for Newbie trail runner

An easier trail than the Baden-Powell to begin your North Shore trail running experience on is the Richard Juryk Trail in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve near Capilano College.

It is a good mix of easy somewhat technical singletrack and gravel double track.

Bridal Path is good in the same area too.

Actually in that particular area the Baden-Powell is pretty tame too, especially westbound south of Hyannis Drive to Mountain Highway.

 

 

 

 

I recently started trail running and spent my first few months on the trails of Stanley Park and Pacific Spirit Regional Park (UBC). The non-technical trails of both of those venues were the ideal intro to trail running for me, and taught me how much I love dirt. Running the North Shore after months of easy trails was a graduation of sorts, both physical and mental, as the jump in difficulty and steepness of elevation changes was significant. Cheers.

Goodness, Stan, where does one start answering a question like that?  You're about as lucky as a kid in a candy store!

The Baden Powell Trail is the backbone of NS trails.  It would be a good idea to become familiar with it, as most trails on the north shore connect with it at one point or another.

If I were you, I'd try to run from where I work so I could get a decent run in at lunch or beat the traffic after work.   To get a handle on what's in the 'hood, I recommend you go to the MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-Op) on Marine Drive near the Second Narrows Bridge and buy a copy of "Vancouver's NorthShore Hiking Trails" from International Travel Maps for about $10.  Get the waterproof one so you can stuff it in your fanny pack and not worry about it coming to pieces on you.

'Hope this helps!