Boundary Bay Dyke Trail
Bountiful birds and beautiful views of Mount Baker
Quick Facts:
Location: Surrey and Delta, BC
Distance: 16.9 km (10.5 miles) one way
Elevation Gain: minimal
Contact: Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, Surrey Parks and Recreation
Recommended Guidebook: Urban Trails Vancouver, BC (Mountaineers Books)
Notes: Dogs permitted on leash; but dogs not allowed on shoreline trail in Mud Bay Park from Oct 15-Apr 15; Be aware of seasonal bird hunting. Trail crosses active agricultural zone. Expect farm machinery on the trail.
Trailheads: Mud Bay Park on Railway Rd, Surrey; Delta Heritage Air Park on 104 St, Delta: 72 St in Delta; 64 St in Delta
Good to Know: kid-friendly, dog-friendly, exceptional birdwatching, open to bikes
Amble on a wide level path along Boundary Bay’s glistening mud flats and extensive intertidal marshes beholding hundreds of thousands of shore and wading birds! Boundary Bay bursts with migratory and wintering birds. But there’s more than birds in the bay. Bald eagles, owls and other raptors are also prolific here. And nearly two-thirds of the Fraser River Estuary’s harbor seal population lives here. And when you are not busy watching wildlife, enjoy stunning views across the bay to Washington’s San Juan Islands and snowy volcano Mount Baker.
Any section of this nearly 17 km (10.5 mile) long trail will satisfy. Strong hikers and runners will have no problem doing it in its entirety. The trail starts in Surrey’s Mud Bay Park to skirt the 11,470-hectare (28,342-acre) Boundary Bay Wildlife Management Area, a critical IBA (Important Bird Area). From November through March you’ll encounter scads of folks set up with scopes. This is one of the best bird watching areas in Canada. This area also supports plenty of non-feathered species too.
The trail leaves Surrey for Delta and continues to run alongside Mud Bay, a smaller bay within Boundary Bay. Enjoy good views across it to Blackie Spit and Crescent Beach in South Surrey; and during the migration thousands of waders in its mud flats. The trail continues along a dyke separating salt and mud flats from agricultural lands. Farm vehicles frequently use the Dyke Trail. Be sure to yield to them and always keep your dog under control as to not interfere with farming operation as well as the sensitive bird areas.
Near Delta’s Heritage Airpark Trailhead look out into bay for a large array of pilings; the remnants of large oyster farming operations discontinued in the 1960s. The trail continues through a rural landscape along the bay. At the 72 Street trailhead appreciate wildlife art sculptures and check out interpretive panels. After passing the 64 Street trailhead the trail bends south along the bay. Enjoy good views of Mount Baker to the east, San Juan Islands to the south, and the North Shore Mountains to the north At 16.9 km (10.5 miles) the trail ends at Beach Grove Road in Tsawwassen.
For more details on this hike and 54 others in the Metro Vancouver Regional District, pick up a copy of my NEW Urban Trails Vancouver, BC (Mountaineers Books).
