An easy out-and-back walk along the water, mostly through forest. Little climbing, so it suits a slow morning or an evening walk. Most people take 3–4 hours. Usually quiet.
Easy · 10–12 km out-and-back · +50–100 m climb · 3–4 hours · Dogs: on leash
Not yet verified against an official source. Figures are approximate; check the park page before you go. · Sources · Cite this page
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Fraser Valley · ~60 min from downtown
Figures approximate. The suggested start helps you finish in daylight. Check BC Hydro recreation area before you go.
Schematic: an illustrative shape drawn from total distance and gain, not a GPS trace. Real ups and downs will differ.
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| Region | Fraser Valley |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Season | Year-round |
| Trailhead | Ruskin Dam / Hayward Lake, Mission |
| Parking & transit | Little or no transit; plan to drive. |
| Permits & passes | None. |
| Dogs | On leash |
| Kid-friendly | Yes, with supervision |
| Highlights | Lakes & water, Forest |
| Crowds | Usually quiet |
| Managed by | BC Hydro recreation area |
Old rail grade beside the reservoir. Gentle and quiet.
Numbers are approximate. Check BC Hydro recreation area for closures and the AdventureSmart trip plan and Ten Essentials before you go. Tell someone your plan.
About 10–12 km (out-and-back) with roughly 50–100 m of elevation gain. Most people take 3–4 hours. Figures are approximate; check BC Hydro recreation area before you go.
Yes, on leash.
None.
Not easily. Plan to drive or carpool.
See also: Best hikes for beginners · Winter-friendly low-level walks · Dog-friendly hikes · Lake hikes · Hikes for January · Hikes for February · Hikes for March · Hikes for April · Hikes for May · Hikes for June · Hikes for July · Hikes for August · Hikes for September · Hikes for October · Hikes for November · Hikes for December · Fraser Valley hikes · Rainy-day hikes · Kid-friendly hikes · Quieter trails · Beginner hikes · Dog-friendly hikes · Guides
Hike Vancouver. "Hayward Lake Railway Trail." Updated October 24, 2026. https://hikevancouver.ca/trails/hayward-lake/
Hayward Lake Reservoir on the Stave River near Mission. The west-side Railway Trail follows an old rail grade between the BC Hydro recreation area at the north end and a lower lot on Wilson St; the east-side Reservoir Trail runs from Dewdney Trunk Rd near Blind Slough Dam to a floating bridge over Hairsine Inlet. Each can be done as an out-and-back.
Watch for: Beach may close at low water.
Best season: all year
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Hi, I'm Cam Appleton. I love Vancouver and I love getting out on its trails. When I went looking for a simple, easy hiking guide for around here, I couldn't find one I liked. I also really like helping people, so I built this one.
My day job is real estate. I help people buy, sell and lease. I hope you're enjoying the start of Hike Vancouver. If you're thinking about living closer to trails like this one, I'm happy to talk.
Cam Appleton