Trail Use Guidelines
Photo: Herons and ducks in Pond by Diane Heal
OPEN
HOURS
24
The North Shore's only wild bird sanctuary
Since 1993, on these lands and flats, the WBT of BC has been managing Maplewood Flats with 5km of trails, plant nursery, and nature house. Access to the site is free.
We acknowledge that the Maplewood Flats is on the unceded lands and waters of the Tsleil-Waututh and Coast Salish People.
The site includes a 96-hectare intertidal area composed of mudflats and salt marsh. A 30-hectare upland area features deciduous and mixed forest, rough grassland, and freshwater marsh habitats. More than two hundred and fifty species of birds have been observed here to date.
Trail Use Guidelines
It is essential to recognize the impact of human activities on Maplewood Flats ecosystems, especially considering the increase in site visitation yearly.
01.
No jogging, no bicycles on site.
Joggers appear more intense in the birds’ field of view than walkers, are louder, and cause escape responses at greater distances. The effect of bicycles would likely have an even greater effect on bird behaviour. There is a bike rack located adjacent to the greeter hut near the trail entrance.
02.
Dogs must be kept on a leash.
Dogs are only on the East side of the Maplewood Flats (i.e. no dogs on/beyond the bridge).
03.
Keep off the beach.
No foot access to the beach and mudflats. Trampling mudflats disturbs intricate processes and biological interactions for microalgae, seagrasses, etc.
04.
Correct physical distancing.
Maintain a minimum of
two metres distance
from other people.
05.
No stopping on the bridge.
Wait for oncoming people to pass before proceeding.
06.
Benches are closed.
They are not maintained as
clean surfaces.
07.
Keep off the beaches and mudflats.
These areas are particularly sensitive to disturbance, and existing sinkholes can be very dangerous, if not deadly.
08.
Do not touch or disturb wildlife.
When taking a photo or making an observation, give wildlife a wide berth. Do not make loud noises or try to move the wildlife in order to stage photographs. Spring & summer are a sensitive nesting period
for the birds.
09.
Travel trails in a clockwise direction to aim for one way pedestrian traffic.
Some trails are narrower than two metres wide. When encountering other trail users, walk in single file to allow others to pass as you both walk
outside of the trail edge. Be aware of tripping hazards.
10.
Resist picking flowers or berries.
These provide vital food sources for wildlife. Practice a “no trace” visit by taking away only photographs (and garbage).
11.
Plan your visit.
Visit our website, or follow us on social media for updates: @MaplewoodFlats.
All Seasons Self-Guided Tour Map
Download your very own copy of the All Seasons Self-Guided Tour map for use whenever you visit Maplewood Flats. A laminated map is also available for use while on site and is available at the Greeter Hut (please note, the Greeter Hut is closed at this time as part of our Covid-19 social distancing response).
Additional Information
Hours
Maplewood Flats is open 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
Accessibility
The entire trail network is wheelchair accessible, as are the washrooms.
Washrooms
Washrooms are available at the Corrigan Nature House during volunteer hours (typically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays)
Parking
Vehicle parking is free. Please do not park in Environment Canada´s Staff Parking Area (to the left when you enter) Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm. You may use their parking area after 5:30 pm, on weekends, and on Statutory Holidays.
Transit
A Translink Bus stop is located on Dollarton Hwy just past the entrance to the site. Visit the Translink webpage for transit schedules. Our address is 2649 Dollarton Highway, North Vancouver, BC, V7H 1B1.
- From the east: From Phibbs Exchange near the intersection of Dollarton Highway and the Trans Canada Highway, take 212 Deep Cove bus (Bay 8) or 215 Indian River (Bay 6) to EASTBOUND DOLLARTON HWY AT 2600 BLOCK stop.
- From the west: get off the bus at WESTBOUND DOLLARTON HWY AT 2500 BLOCK stop.
Report any emergencies by dialling 911.
Wild Bird Trust is a non-profit society that manages the Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats – please consider becoming a member and supporting Wild Bird Trust to help us maintain the trails and facilities.