Rice Lake hiking trail, The North Shore

Rice Lake is a calm, quiet lake located on the edge of the Lynn Headwaters Regional Park in North Vancouver. Just a short walk takes you around this lake that is full of life and natural beauty.

From the gravel parking lot north of Capilano College, walk past the park ranger buildings towards the grassy picnic area. Just on the other side of the grass clearing is a gravel trail that enters into the forest. Follow this wide dirt road a short distance until you reach a wooden fence marking the entrance to the Rice Lake area.

Continue along the path towards Rice Lake admiring the trees and moss covered forest floor that surrounds you. Just a few more steps and the forest opens to a view of Rice Lake. Turn right and walk along the trail that weaves alongside the lake.

There are several viewpoints around the lake with benches to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area. Long legged Herins and a wide variety of colorful ducks are active around the lake and occasionally an eagle can be spotted circling high above. The Rice Lake area is a great area for bird watches and those who just enjoy the relaxing sounds.

Only a short distance later brings you back to the wooden information board where you started walking around the lake. Go right back towards the wooden gate and turn left onto the gravel road to make your way back towards the ranger station and parking lot where you began.

How to get to Rice Lake

Estimated Driving Time from Vancouver: 40 minutes

To reach the trailhead for Rice Lake in North Vancouver, take Highway #1 east bound and take the third exit (Exit #19) after the Second Narrows bridge. Immediately, merge with one of the lanes to your left and continue straight through the traffic lights and up the hill towards Capilano College. Get into the left lane as you’re heading up the hill and continue straight through the next traffic light. The road will veer to the right and then left again as it passes a cemetery. A short distance later, the paved road becomes gavel. Continue until you eventually reach a park ranger station and a gavel parking lot on the right.

Once you have parked in the lot, start your hike near the park ranger building.

Bus Route
If you are taking the bus, the bus ends up at the top of Lynn Valley Road. Near the corner store, head a short distance beyond the stop sign and a gavel road appears on the ride side that enters into the trees. Follow this gravel road downhill where it reaches a wooden bridge that crosses over Lynn Creek. Across the creek and a short distance uphill brings you to the grassy clearing and park ranger station. Follow the gavel trail to your left towards the entrance to Rice Lake.

View a map of Driving directions to Rice Lake.