Lynn Canyon’s Suspension Bridge is an Easy Hike to This Stunning Natural Pool
Location: Lynn Canyon Park
Public Transport: From Phibbs Exchange at Bay 13, take the 227 Lynn Valley bus until Peters Road at Duval Road. Walk about six minutes to reach the park.
Park Here: There are numerous parking areas. I parked along Peters Road at a two-hour parking area due to limited parking inside the park. Arrive before 10 a.m. for the best parking spots.
Hike Distance: 2.5 km (one-way, however, you can also do this as a loop which will be around the same distance)
Hike Duration: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Elevation Gain/Loss: ~100 m (excluding the stairs)
Difficulty: Moderate
What makes it moderate? Though the trail is mostly stable, it can become bumpy due to roots and rocks.
Park website: Click here.
For amazing views minus the strenuous work, this is your hike. Although it might make you break a sweat, the hike is worth the climb up the long staircase due to its breathtaking views of the falls, the canyon, the suspension bridge and the lush forest that surrounds you. Suitable for children and dogs (can be off-leash at certain areas).
Finding the Trailhead
Begin at the Ecology Centre and Lynn Canyon Café. From there, follow the signage towards the Suspension Bridge. You’ll go down some stairs, surrounded by the lush, towering trees above you. There’s a map near the café that might be helpful to take a look at. Maps will also appear at various times throughout the hike.
The Hike Itself
Once you’ve crossed the Suspension Bridge, an exhilarating experience that showcases Lynn Creek spilling from between rocks and trees like a ribbon, you’ll turn left towards the 30-Foot Pool. Most of the trip from there will be over a stable, slightly worn boardwalk, and it will be a breeze.
You’ll go up and down a few flights of stairs for about 500 metres until you hit solid ground. Now, you’ll scramble over some rocks and a dirt road—nothing too strenuous. Don’t be too distracted by the beautiful greenery enveloping you, though, as the road is bumpy and might be muddy and wet on a rainy day.
Climb down some rocky stairs and back on the dirt road, occasionally over some logs and roots, until you see a downhill path emerge to the left. If you’d like to dip your feet in some cool water and capture some aesthetic photos of yourself admiring nature on a huge rock, take the short ascent down the rocks and logs, follow the narrow path ahead and pull aside a few branches to unveil a calm stream from Lynn Creek. Take a drink, have a snack or even set up a mini picnic.
You’ll have to approach with caution, though, over large, possibly slippery rocks, in order to reach the water. Be advised: cliff jumping in Lynn Canyon is extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged—fatal accidents have occurred here. Always approach the trails and bridges with caution, stay on marked paths and respect all safety signage.
Head back up where you came from and continue forward on the dirt road for about 500 metres. You’ll reach a fork that you can turn right to find the 30-Foot Pool. Here, you can climb down the large rocks and take a dip in the pool, a beautiful, round, turquoise-coloured body of water that makes you want to stay there for as long as possible. Again, approach with caution. The currents and cliffs in Lynn Canyon may look inviting, but they are quite dangerous.
When you do finally take your eyes off of it, you’ll climb up a steep, narrow staircase for about 15 minutes until you reach a boardwalk again. I’ll admit, that climb had me sweating and panting. Keep pushing though, and at the top, enjoy the scenery around you—a world of greenery that beckons you to disconnect and reconnect—as you carry forth on a level path.
Once you cross the Pipeline Bridge, either continue forward to the left, onto the Baden Powell Trail, to loop back to the trailhead or turn around and head back the way you came from. I took the latter route, enjoying some iced tea and muffins I brought with me before heading back. There’s another café towards the Baden Powell trail if you decide to venture that way.
Know Before You Go:
- Dog waste must be scoped and carried as well as any other garbage, there are no garbage bins on the trail.
- Trails are not wheelchair accessible
- Stay safe and cautious on the Suspension Bridge, especially with kids!
- Public restrooms are only located along the café buildings
- Wear sunscreen and bug spray
- Venture carefully and never underestimate the terrain! Listen to the warning signs that appear throughout the hike
