Last Updated on May 14, 2022
About Belcarra Regional Park
Belcarra Regional Park is a 1,100-hectare regional park located in Belcarra, Greater Vancouver, British Columbia. Bordered by water, Port Moody, and the Village of Anmore, Belcarra Regional Park is a highly popular day-use park. Belcarra lies on the shore of Indian Arm, a side inlet of Burrard Inlet, and is part of Metro Vancouver. It lies northwest of Port Moody and immediately east of the Deep Cove area of North Vancouver, across the waters of Indian Arm.
Nestled in the heart of the scenic Coastal Mountains, Belcarra Regional Park is a nature lover’s paradise. The park features a network of hiking and biking trails that wind through forests of Douglas firs, cedars, and hemlocks, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In addition, Belcarra Regional Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, ospreys, and even the occasional bear. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking in one of the park’s many picnic areas or swimming in its crystal-clear lakes. With its incredible scenery and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, Belcarra Regional Park is an unforgettable destination.
Belcarra is also one of the best places to find starfish near Vancouver. At low tide, there is an insane amount of starfish along the beach off of the picnic area and main parking lot. As we also discovered, the beach where you finish your Jug Island hike is an incredible place to find starfish at low tide.
There are also a couple of popular lakes in the area: White Pine and Buntzen Lake.
Jug Island Trail
One of the most popular trails in the park is the Jug Island hike. The trailhead is located at Belcarra Bay, and the hike takes you through a dense forest of Douglas fir and Western red cedar. The trail then climbs up to a view of Jug Island, where you can enjoy stunning views of Burrard Inlet. The hike is relatively short, but it is quite strenuous, so be sure to wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water.
The hike is 5.5 km (3.4 miles) roundtrip with an elevation gain of 100 m (330 ft).
Jug Island is a gorgeous tiny island. The island itself is not accessible, but you can hike to the beach that faces the island. Or, in the summer, swim or kayak over to it. It is a fun hike to a great secluded beach. The hike itself is fairly easy, but there are quite a few inclines and decline switches.
It is a fun little hike to a relaxing, secluded beach. The trail starts to climb quickly as you continue along the gravel path before leveling out. Eventually, you will reach a junction, where you need to stay to the right. As you reach the top of the mountain (with more of an incline), look to your right for a gorgeous view across Bedwell Bay. Continuing on, the trail will make a final steep descent towards the beach.
Jug Island Trail Directions
To access this hike, you will want to park in the Belcarra Picnic Area parking lot. Arrive early because it can fill up fast. During peak summer months, you also must pay for parking. Walk towards the picnic tables and kids’ play area and you will see the trailhead marker. Follow the trail from the trail marker, cross the road, and continue on the trail to the left.
Jug Island Trail – Kid Friendly!
If you’re looking for a great hiking trail that’s family-friendly, look no further than Jug Island. The trail ends at a secluded beach where you can relax and enjoy the incredible views, so it has a great reward to keep the kids motivated. It is a bit of a rugged trail, so smaller children may need some help over tree routes and rocks, but our kids have fully walked it by age 3. The Jug Island beach trail is one of our favorite family-friendly hikes near Vancouver.
Related Story – Beating The Summer Heat At White Pine Beach
Jug Island Trail Starfish
Researching all the details I could find about this trail, I did not see it mentioned anywhere that it is also another excellent place to find starfish. We were absolutely floored by all the starfish we were surrounded by. It was a nice surprise and a great reward for the hike. We wandered around the beach area for a while before heading back. It was a perfect toasty and sunny day for a hike and some starfish discovery. The Jug Island beach is one of the best places to find starfish near Vancouver!
Directions and Parking
Belcarra Regional Park is located northwest of Port Moody and about an hour from downtown Vancouver, at 2375 Bedwell Bay Road. The only access point to the park by car is through Bedwell Bay Road. Along the way, you can take turnoffs for White Pine Beach (Sasamat Lake). If you continue down Bedwell Bay Road, you’ll eventually reach the picnic area at the “end of the road”. You can view a map of the park here.
As of May 2021, pay parking is in effect.
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