Hiking is a great activity to partake in all year round and we are so lucky to have some amazing family-friendly Fraser Valley hikes right in our backyard. Exercise boosts endorphins and spending time outdoors is proven to make you mentally and physically healthier. Hiking is the perfect way to enjoy the sun, fresh air, the wonders of mother nature and is a great family bonding adventure.
We are often asked what age is appropriate for hiking with kids and our answer is simple: all ages… with a few caveats, the most important being to start slow and keep it safe and fun. Check out our in-depth article Hiking with Kids: A Guide for Families for fabulous family hiking tips.
To get started, here are 9 family-friendly Fraser Valley hikes:
ABBOTSFORD HIKES
1. Clearbrook Park & Downes Bowl Trail
Photo Credit: Mona Lucas for Tourism Abbotsford
Level: Easy
Time: 1+ hour
Distance: 3 km
Situated in Abbotsford, this trail contains plenty of green space and areas for hiking, biking, and walking. The trails are easy enough for beginners and children. The area contains benches, picnic tables, and sheltered rest spaces. A variety of bird species visit the area, including songbirds and waterfowl, so it will make for a fun sightseeing trip. A 4.4 km loop is also available for those up for a more challenging but still one of the family-friendly Fraser Valley hikes. There is even an off-leash dog park if Fido wants to come along.
2. Discovery Trail
Photo Credit: Betty Johnston
Level: Intermediate
Time: 2+ hours
Distance: 14 km
Discovery Trail is a wonderful, very long trail system throughout Abbotsford, which connects you to tons of parks. This family-friendly Fraser Valley trail is good for hiking, bird watching, horse riding, picnicking, jogging, and rollerblading. The long hiking paths connect marshes, greenlands, farmlands, and wetlands Large sections are wheelchair and baby stroller accessible.
3. Abby Grind
Level: Intermediate
Time: 1+ hours
Distance: 3.5 km
This hike has an ascent of 390.26 m, so is best suited for families with some hiking experience under their belts. Your hard work on this short but steep trail will be well rewarded with aA stellar view, perfect for photography and sightseeing. Be aware there is a shooting range within earshot of the parking lot but is really only noticeable near the bottom.
4. Aldergrove Lake
Level: Easy
Time: 2+ hours
Distance: 5 km
Aldergrove Lake used to be a man-made lake but it was filled in; now it is a series of loop trails making it a perfect one for the family-friendly Fraser Valley hikes list. The trail is dog-friendly (on leash) and sports easy with picnic sites, wild play areas for the kids to explore, and scenic views that just can’t be beaten. These trails are popular for horseback riding as well.
CHILLIWACK HIKES
5. Great Blue Heron Reserve
Level: Easy
Time: Different trails range from 15 minutes – 1 hour+
Distance: Different trails range from 0.5 km – 3.6 km
Located between Abbotsford and Chilliwack, the Great Blue Heron Reserve offers a variety of hiking and walking trails for any outdoor enthusiast with even a moderate amount of experience. A gorgeous assortment of water, vegetation, and wildlife await you on these different and equally exciting easy hikes in the Fraser Valley.
MAPLE RIDGE HIKES / MISSION HIKES
6. Mike Lake
Level: Easy
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 2.0 km
Located in Golden Ears Provincial Park, Mike Lake is one of the quintessential family-friendly Fraser Valley hikes. Only a few minutes from Maple Ridge, this hike feels like true wilderness. The mostly flat but always muddy and tree-rooted trail offers just enough challenge for younger children. Stop at the Mike Lake dock after for a snack or even some fishing!
7. Rolley Lake
Level: Easy
Time: 2 hours
Distance: 5 km
Rolley Lake offers free parking, a scenic walk, and smoothed gravel trails. It’s an easy hike and great for families with younger children. It is located just northwest of Mission and contains camping areas, picnic tables, a children’s playground, and a small beach area. It’s a very diverse space with something for everyone, whether you want a long, meandering walk amidst nature or lunch and games outdoors.
LANGLEY HIKES
8. Houston Trail
Level: Easy – Intermediate
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Distance: 4 km
Only five minutes from historic Fort Langley, the Houston Trail in Derby Reach Regional Park is a forested walk on a well-maintained wide gravel trail. Though it has a couple of steep sections, it is mostly flat and suitable for younger children if they can handle the 4 km length… or if you are willing to piggyback them! There is a fantastic raised lookout over a wetland for wildlife viewing.
9. Little River Loop Trail
Level: Easy
Time: 30 – 45 minutes
Distance: 2.3 km
The Little River Loop Trail in Campbell Valley Regional Park is a short, wheelchair-accessible trail that crosses the Little Campbell River twice. Raised boardwalks keep this trail in good shape even during our rainy winters. This short hike is suitable for very young children and pairs well with an after-hike wiener roast at the nearby Old Orchard Picnic Area.
These are just a few of the best kid-friendly Fraser Valley hikes, each one appealing and valuable in its own way. Any one of these trails is a great day trip for healthy, outdoorsy family fun on any weekend or holiday.
What’s your favourite family-friendly Fraser Valley hike from the list – and why?
If you are looking for another great park with lots of trails to explore, visit Sasquatch Provincial Park! And don’t forget that while outdoors and hiking, there are some Bear and Wildlife Safety Tips you’ll want to remember!
