Hiking Cleveland Dam - panoramic view
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Hiking in Cleveland Dam: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Coast Mountains • British Columbia

4.7 Appreciated by 22 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 19/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
3 km
Elevation
91 m
Duration
1h

Explore 2.5 km of easy trails from this iconic 1954 concrete dam in North Vancouver, where upstream lake views meet dramatic river gorge scenery. 1 hour to experience the dam itself, or extend via the Capilano Pacific Trail through old-growth coastal forest toward Ambleside Park.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Cleveland Dam? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

3 community photos

Trail description

{
"remove_year": "Remove '1954' from 'completed in 1954' - no web source confirms construction year",
"clarify_dam_height": "The paragraph 'Rising 91 meters above the Capilano River' is CORRECT per web sources. Keep as-is.",
"fix_trail_distance": "Change 'a well-maintained 7-kilometer path' to 'the Capilano Pacific Trail' without specifying unverified distance, OR add qualifier 'approximately'. Web sources do not confirm exact 7km distance."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
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Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
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Daylite Plus 20L
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
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Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
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Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
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Actik Core 625
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Cleveland Dam, North Vancouver, BC V7R, Canada
GPS coordinates
49.3602818, -123.1108202
Phone
(604) 432-6200

Starting Point

The cleveland dam is located in North Vancouver, British Columbia. To get to the start of the trails, take the exit for Capilano Road from Highway 1. Head east on Capilano Road and take the first left onto cleveland dam Road. The trailhead will be on your right.

When?

Opening hours
Open 24 hours every day
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
49.3602818, -123.1108202
Center
(604) 432-6200

Hikers' opinions

4.7
5 Reviews
D
David
Jan 30, 2026
Spent about an hour exploring the various trails and could have easily stayed longer. There are several lookout points offering great views and picnic areas at the top viewpoint. The trail system has some sections with lots of stairs, so you can make it as challenging or leisurely as you prefer. Restrooms are available which is convenient for families.
J
Jennifer
Dec 8, 2025
Absolutely loved the Coho Loop trail - it's my favorite in the area! The trails are exceptionally well-maintained and the mountain views are breathtaking. The salmon hatchery is fascinating and really helps you understand the local ecosystem. This location is perfect for nature lovers and families looking for an educational outdoor experience.
S
Sarah
Nov 15, 2025
What a wonderful family destination! The dam structure itself is quite impressive and makes for great photos. We walked down to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery which was incredibly educational for the kids - they learned so much about salmon lifecycles. The trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful mountain views throughout. If you're lucky, you might spot some wild river otters near the water areas.
E
Emma
Oct 14, 2025
Great hiking spot with beautiful scenery and well-marked trails. The dam has an interesting history and has been featured in various TV shows and movies, including 'The Man in the High Castle'. The combination of the dam views and the educational salmon hatchery makes this a unique outdoor experience that's both recreational and informative.
M
Mike
Sep 22, 2025
This park offers multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels. The dam can be viewed from both the top and bottom viewpoints, which gives different perspectives. Be prepared for some steep sections that require decent fitness levels. Pro tip: if you want to avoid the steepest climbs, start from the hatchery parking area instead of the main dam lot.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
91.00 M
1h
No
No
Yes, the Cleveland Dam trail is rated as Easy, making it suitable for beginners and those new to hiking. The 2.5 km distance and 1h duration make it an accessible option for most fitness levels.
The Cleveland Dam trail takes approximately 1h to complete. This timing is based on the 2.5 km distance and 91 m elevation gain.
The Cleveland Dam trail has an elevation gain of 91 m, which is modest and contributes to its Easy difficulty rating.
No, dogs are not permitted on the Cleveland Dam trail.
Yes, parking at the Cleveland Dam trailhead is not free. There is a parking fee required to access the trail.
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Update : June 2026