The Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats
Since 1993, on these lands and flats, the WBT has been managing the North Shore's only wild bird sanctuary with 5km of trails, nursery, and nature house. Access to the site is free.
Herons and ducks in Pond
OPEN
24
HOURS
The North Shore's only wild bird sanctuary
We acknowledge that The Conservation Area at 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.
COVID-19 Response at Maplewood Flats
Entering The Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats requires reading this notice!
Guidelines for Trail Use
How to respect the site and each other while the COVID pandemic is going on.
It is essential to recognize the impact of human activities on Maplewood Flats ecosystems, especially considering the increase in site visitation each year.
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.
02.
DOGS must be kept on a leash
Dogs are only on the East side of the Conservation Area (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.
BRIDGE - 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.
Park your bike
There is a bike rack located adjacent to the greeter hut near the trail entrance.
11.
Resist picking flowers or berries
These provide vital food sources for wildlife. Practice a “no trace” visit by taking away only photographs (and garbage).
12.
Plan your visit
Visit our website, or tag and follow us on social media for updates: @MaplewoodFlats.
The Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats invites exploration and discovery
You will find a wonderful diversity of life, from the simplest organisms to the most complex.
All living things at Maplewood Flats are linked together in food webs built upon a foundation of plants that capture the sun’s energy, turning it into the fuel that supports animal life. We all share the precious resources of space, air, food, and water with these organisms.
Stop frequently, listen, and look! Take the time to enjoy the magic of the area’s many treasures. Let nature reveal itself to you.
All Seasons Self-Guided Tour
Download your very own copy of the All Seasons Self-Guided Tour map for use whenever you visit the 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
The Conservation Area at 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 Greeter Hut and Corrigan Nature House during volunteer hours (typically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays).
Parking
Vehicle parking is free. Please do not park in Environment Canada´s Staff Parking Area 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.
Tag @maplewoodflats on Social Media
Remember to tag @maplewoodflats and use the hashtags #maplewoodflats, #wildbirdtrustbc when posting photographs. of your visit.
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.