~FREE THINGS TO DO AROUND VANCOUVER~
1. ABOUT
Past the very, very busy Capilano Suspension Bridge up a small dirt road, lies a lake so peaceful and tranquil its like peering into natures looking glass. Rice Lake is an idylic spot, the water is so calm its hard to tell where the trees stop and the reflection starts. The lake is stocked with trout, and there is a very easy walking trail through the forest all the way around the outside of the lake. This place is perfect to completely relax in nature. You cannot hear anything but the quiet sound of birds and your footsteps in the forest.
2. OUR VISIT
I got up one morning, and wanted to find somewhere new to explore. I had heard about this little lake from a friend, and wanted to check it out. It’s easy to park, and walking into the lake area is a treat in itself. The mature trees in the forest are huge, the path winds gently to the lake. It’s just a short walk, and then you come through a clearing and see the beautiful quiet water, as still as a looking glass. I was captivated by how completely calm and serene it was, with the only sound being birds and the footsteps of others nearby. This little lake is the perfect place for a quiet walk with a friend.
3. ACTIVITIES
Walking- get into the park for a quiet walk on your own or with your friends and family. The path does go around the whole lake for 3 km. It’s an easy walk, with well maintained trails, that takes 40 minutes to complete. It’s a nice easy, not to strenuous walk in nature making it a very pleasant hike for all abilities.
Fishing- this lake is stocked with 5000 trout a year, and fishing is permitted with a catch limit of 2. Be sure you have your fresh water fishing licence. This is the perfect spot to bring grandkids fishing for the first time as it’s easy to fish off the dock, and there are no boats or swimmers interrupting you.
Bird Watching- this is a popular spot for bird watchers and photographers.
4. ADDRESS
Rice Lake North Vancouver, BC. For GPS put in Seymour-Capilano Water Treatment Facility, as the parking for the lake is right beside it. Rice Lake is part of the LSCR Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve.
5. HOURS
6. COST
The park is free
7. PARKING
At the end of Lilloet Road, Free. 6 am – 9pm in the summer, 5 pm in the winter. Be very mindful of the gate, and closure times.
8. FOOD
Bring your own picnic and drinks. Garbage and washrooms are at the parking lot.
Note- there are no dogs, smoking, swimming or boats permitted at Rice Lake.
9. PHOTOS
11. PLAN YOUR VISIT
Check the weather at WEATHERNETWORK
Check the traffic online at CITYNEWS
Check the tides with TIDEFORCAST
Stock up on snacks at INSTACART
Get your sunscreen at AMAZON
Buy TOUR tickets at VIATOR
Grab a coupon at GROUPON
Find a trail at ALLTRAILS
Grab an RV spot at BC CAMPING
Look for new outdoor gear CANADIAN TIRE