Ocean to the Left of Us, Mountains to the Right

Welcome to the first posting for Beautiful Running Routes in Canada (and Beyond). This blog will showcase running routes that are special for their stunning views, amazing locales and just because they are a great run. Runs will be nominated and tested for their awesomeness by yours truly and my running soul mates across the country. Run statistics and apres run refreshment recommendations follow each posting.

The first route will naturally be from my home town, West Vancouver, British Columbia. West Vancouver is just across the Lions Gate Bridge on the north shore of greater Vancouver.

For an east to west run on this route, park behind the Park Royal shopping centre off Marine Drive in West Van. The asphalt trail starts along the Capilano River and curves through the woods, under the train bridge and along the doggie walk section of the seawall of Ambleside Beach. On the left is English Bay, the Lions Gate Bridge and across the water, Stanley Park.

After passing the beach, the seawall turns into a pedestrian friendly one-way road for a kilometre and then goes back on a trail and seawall at John Lawson Park. Here, the Dundarave seawall gives you a drop dead view out to the Gulf Islands interrupted only by the anchored freighters in the Bay. The west side of Vancouver and the University of B.C. will now be on the left and the north shore mountains and Lighthouse Park are on the right.

The seawall ends at the Dundarave Pier so run out to the end and this will be your turn around to head back to Ambleside Beach. The way back has incredible views of the Bridge and into Vancouver Harbour.

Run Stats

Distance: 10 km

Elevation: Negligible, in other words pretty flat

Surface: Paved seawall and part trail

Apres Run Refreshments

East End: Cafe Artigiano, 5J-925 Main St., Park Royal South, West Van. [for the fanciest lattes]

West End: The Bakehouse, 2500 Marine Drive, West Van. [try the Health Nut]

Copyright 2010 Kelly W. all rights reserved