Jug Island
Jug Island

Jug Island hike

East of Vancouver
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Jug island beach near Vancouver British ColumbiaSunny forest along Jug Island Hiking trail east of VancouverRocky beach on Jug Island near Vancouver British ColumbiaView of Bedwell Bay during the Jug Island hike near VancouverHiking through teh forest along the Jug Island hiking trail near VancouverStaires in the forest along Jug Island hiking trail near VancouverJug Island hike trailhead near VancouverCanada Geese on the shores of Jug Island near Vancouver BCThe beach at Belcarra Park Jug Island near Vancouver BCFoggy day on Jug Island hiking trail near Vancouver British Columbia

Jug Island hike

Distance: 3.3mi
Elevation: 712ft
Time: 1.5-2h

Difficulty Rating:

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The Jug Island hike is an easy walk for the whole family through fresh-smelling cedar forests, up the spine of the peninsula. Pass by both Belcarra and Bedwell Bays, where clear, glistening water entices hikers in for a refreshing dip.  

Jug Island Hike Map

Getting there

From Downtown Vancouver, follow East Hastings St to Highway 7A to Port Moody. Turn left on Ioco Rd and follow it to Ioco, where you go right on 1st Ave. This turns into Bedwell Bay Road, which you follow to the parking lot, which is on your left.

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About

When to do

Any season

Backcountry Campsites

No

Family friendly

Older Children only

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

High

Route Type

Out and back


Jug Island
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Jug Island

Grab the kids and kick off the Jug Island Beach Trail hike at the Belcarra Park picnic area, where you’ll notice a trail marker. If you want to take a look at Belcarra Bay beforehand, head down to the dock where you can see right across. the Indian Arm

The trail starts off on a wide, gravel path. Continue until you hit Bedwell Bay Road, cross the road and reach a split in the path, head left toward Jug Island.

The path gently climbs, but nothing too steep. The trail was built off an old road, which has now been overgrown by nature. Next, you’ll come across a few sets of stairs, but nothing too tricky.

About 1.1mi into the hike, a view of Bedwell Bay opens up on your right. From here, there is only 1.0km until you reach Jug Island Beach, though the trail marker will state 1.2mi, which is actually the round-trip distance.

Press onwards as the trail drops shortly, just as you arrive at beautiful Jug Island Beach. To your left, you can pick out Quarry Rock perched above Deep Cove. To the right, in the distance behind Jug Island, you can spot Racoon and Twin Islands.

Once at the beach, kick-back and relax. Enjoy an afternoon picnic, sunbath or even go for a swim. Kids will delight in the small crabs and sea stars that can be found along the cove.

Once you’re ready to head back, simply retrace your steps.

Insider Hints

  • Pack your swimsuit for the Jug Island hike, you’ll definitely want to swim once you reach the beach!

  • It should be of note that the beach is not sandy, expect a pebbled, rocky shore where water shoes are recommended.

Comments

Jessie Illumin 4 years ago

Great views! Everything looks great on a clear day. We love it a lot!

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Stella Winster 4 years ago

Stunning! Already seen so much during the first kilometers. Views just kept on getting better and better, so I easily got motivated! Nice hike.

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Fur Dates 4 years ago

A refreshing dip is always great during warm seasons. The dazzling water and the smell of cedar while walking through the forest was an unforgettable sensory experience.

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Emma Stanley 5 years ago

It is nice to relax and chill a little once in a while, some hikes are tough but rewarding, while some easy hikes can be rewarding too..like this one

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Molly Pineda 5 years ago

Very enticing surroundings and it only takes a couple of hours to do it.

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Kat Colada 5 years ago

Stunning! It is the perfect hike for families or beginner to intermediate hikers looking to get outside and explore!

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Rixy H. 5 years ago

so far this is my clout's favorite hiking destination. it has a nice mix of flat and steep... finishing off at the beautiful jug island.

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Macky O. 5 years ago

We really enjoyed this trail. This is a decent trail that is mostly covered to protect you from the sun and rain. Also, there are lots of people bringing their dogs here. So be wary of those who are off-leash.

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Jude L. 5 years ago

Great trail with a nice beach at the end. It goes uphill, then flat, and once it starts to go downhill you know you're almost there. Family-friendly and easy hike.

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9 Comments

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