The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Kanaka Creek Regional Park

Shoesmith Trail is part of Maple Ridge’s Silver Valley network, following a broad gravel trail through the forest with very little technical terrain. The east and west sections are each about a kilometre long and are shared by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, so keep an ear out for other users. It’s a useful connector through the network, especially if you’re linking into nearby trails towards Golden Ears Provincial Park.

Established in 1926, Maple Ridge Park is the city’s oldest public recreation area and is a lovely mix of mature forest, open green space, and riverside scenery. There are picnic shelters, a playground, a seasonal spray park, washrooms, and easy access to the South Alouette River, making it a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

This is an easy walking trail that winds through towering cedars and Douglas firs, following a wide gravel path under a shady forest canopy. It’s mostly flat, and the beautiful views of the river along the way make it the perfect route for a relaxing stroll.

The Alouette River flows for around 21 kilometres from Alouette Lake to the Pitt River, and is an important waterway that supports annual runs of pink and chum salmon. This peaceful stretch borders the park, with clear water and moss-covered trees lining its banks, and is a great spot to pause and enjoy the sounds of the river.

Tent Trail is a peaceful singletrack through beautiful forest, with a few streamside sections that can turn muddy after rain. Mountain bikers use this trail often, so stay alert on bends and enjoy the quieter moments between the trees.

Derby Reach stretches along a calm bend of the Fraser River, where open fields, quiet forests, and wide riverside trails make for easy wandering. You'll find a mix of flat shoreline paths and the hillier Houston Trail loop with some multi-use trails open to hikers, joggers, cyclists, and even horseback riders. A large campground sits right at the water’s edge, with picnic shelters, washrooms, drinking water, and plenty of space to settle in for the night. Dogs are welcome on‑leash throughout most of the park, with a large off‑leash zone near Edgewater Bar. In short, you'll find that Derby Reach delivers a peaceful break with all the essentials close at hand.

Set along a quiet bend of the Fraser River, Fort Langley offers a window into the history of British Columbia. The wooden palisades, blacksmith shop, and heritage buildings trace the Hudson’s Bay Company era, while the parks live demonstrations bring the daily bustle of traders and voyageurs to life. For those interested in the Indigenous Stó꞉lō history you'll find traditional foods as the Ancestor Cafe, native artworks at Spirit Bear Designs, and storytelling from local Elders. It’s an easy place to wander and imagine yourself in a different time, soaking up river views, hands‑on demos, and the layered history that shaped the region.

The Canyon to Coast trail runs for 550 kilometers between Hope and the Salish Sea. This particular section follows the Fraser River through parkland, nature reserve and historic sites as it nears its end at the sea.