Fresh air is powerful stuff. Stepping outside on a sunny day can be mood-boosting and energizing. But since the cold weather set in and socially-distanced picnics in the park were put on pause, what’s one to to? The short answer: hit the trails — even if you live in the city.
We set out to discover the best spots in some Canadian cities for a winter walk in the woods. These walking and hiking trails are within an hour’s drive of major cities, accessible by public transit and some are even dog-friendly.
You may have visited one of these spots in the summer, but as the cold weather disperses the crowds, the experience is entirely different.
Surrey is in no way starved for green space, in fact, it’s known as the City of Parks. Redwood Park, home to the largest stand of its namesake trees north of the 49th parallel, is particularly enchanting. The area features five kilometres of trails to explore under a canopy of Sierra redwoods, one of the tallest tree species in the world, plus a “fairy village” where clusters of tiny, brightly-coloured houses can be spotted perched atop fallen logs.
How to get there: The park is located roughly 50 kilometres from Vancouver. If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking just off 20 Avenue. For those taking transit, the closest bus stop is at 24 Avenue and 180 Street, and then the park is a one-kilometre walk away.
