Discover the treasures of the watersheds, where ancient trees tower in steep mountain valleys, wildlife abounds and water flows through natural landscapes to our drinking waters supply system.
Metro Vancouver manages three protected watersheds to provide over three million residents with a clean, reliable, and affordable supply of drinking water. These watersheds cover an area of land 150 times the size of Stanley Park and are closed to protect our water supply from human disturbance. As a result, approximately 60,000 hectares of forested land provides a significant amount of space for numerous species to exist in their natural habitat. The health of these ecosystems is an important natural asset to our region; one that contributes greatly to the health and vitality of the place we call home.
Summer watershed tours
2026 Summer Watershed Tour dates will be posted in May.
| Capilano watershed tour | Capilano watershed tour | <div class="ExternalClassD7C3661632D64355914AB3A0E2C0B188"><p>Start your day overlooking the majestic Capilano Reservoir complimented by the Lions, two of Vancouver’s most iconic peaks. Join our tour guide for a journey into this protected watershed to explore unique landscapes that tell the story of your tap water from past to present. On this tour you will visit the Cleveland Dam, the historic Settling Ponds and Rodgers Lake (an alpine reservoir that feeds into the Capilano River). Through short presentations, you’ll learn about the history of the region’s water supply, water quality, treatment, how it gets to your home and the role of a healthy ecosystem in maintaining exceptional water quality. Please be aware that this tour includes a significant amount of driving on gravel roads and some short walks on uneven ground.</p><p>Please note these are technical tours geared towards youth and adults. For children 6-12 and their caregivers please register for the Family Tours.</p><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-circle-dollar"></i></span> Free<br></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-circle-info"></i></span> Ages 13+. While these are bus tours, the tour stops involve some light hiking and walking on sloped trails, with a short set of stairs in both the Capilano and Coquitlam watersheds.</li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-sharp fa-light fa-calendar-pen"></i></span> Registration required –
<strong>Registration opens 30 days prior to the tour date at 9:00 am</strong></li></ul><p>Tour dates:<br></p><ul><li>Thursday June 25, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li><li>Saturday June 27, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm<br></li><li>Thursday July 2, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li><li>Thursday July 9, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li><li>Saturday July 11, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li><li>Thursday July 16, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li><li>Thursday July 23, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li><li>Saturday July 25, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li><li>Thursday July 30, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li><li>Thursday August 6, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li><li>Saturday August 8, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li><li>Thursday August 13, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li><li>Thursday August 20, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li><li>Saturday August 22, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm<br></li><li>Thursday August 27, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm</li></ul><p>
<a class="uk-button mv-button" href="https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/mvregionalparks/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=Watershed%20Tours&viewMode=list" target="_blank">Book now</a><br></p></div> |
| Coquitlam watershed tour | Coquitlam watershed tour | <div class="ExternalClass915A0CCF50CE49EBAA7652AD504BF47F"><p>Towering old growth trees, a historic water intake tower, the dam and breathtaking views of our largest reservoir are sure to inspire awe on this tour of the Coquitlam Watershed. After a visit to 4-5 locations, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for these protected lands and the source of your tap water. Through short presentations, you’ll learn about the history of the region’s water supply, water quality, treatment, how it gets to your home and the role of a healthy ecosystem in maintaining exceptional water quality. Please be aware that this tour includes a significant amount of driving on gravel roads and some short walks on uneven ground.</p><p>Please note these are technical tours geared towards youth and adults. For children 6-12 and their caregivers please register for the family tours.</p><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-circle-dollar"></i></span> Free</li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-circle-info"></i></span> Ages 13+. While these are bus tours, the tour stops involve some light hiking and walking on sloped trails, with a short set of stairs in both the Capilano and Coquitlam watersheds.<br></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-sharp fa-light fa-calendar-pen"></i></span> Registration required –
<strong>Registration opens 30 days prior to the tour date at 9:00 am</strong><br></li></ul><p>Tour dates:</p><ul><li>Friday July 3, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li><li>Sunday July 5, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li><li>Friday July 10, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li><li>Friday July 17, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li><li>Sunday July 19, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li><li>Friday July 24, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li><li>Friday July 31, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li><li>Sunday August 2, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li><li>Friday August 7, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li><li>Friday August 14, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li><li>Sunday August 16, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li><li>Friday August 21, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li><li>Friday August 28, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm</li></ul><p>
<a class="uk-button mv-button" href="https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/mvregionalparks/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=Watershed%20Tours&viewMode=list" target="_blank">Book now</a><br></p></div> |
| Children’s watershed tour-LSCR | Children’s watershed tour-LSCR | <div class="ExternalClass26E1CABF265D45D9B93D0F1747157E02"><p>Attention kids, bring your favorite adults along to learn about where your waters comes from. Through a number of games and activities, our tour guides will help you explore big concepts in some of the most beautiful parts of the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. We’ll take a bus trip all the way up to the Seymour Falls Dam and walk along the lower river through a section of forest that feels 10,000 kilometers away from the city (but it’s not). We’ll explore the plants and animals that call this place home and learn how we’re all sharing one very precious resource. It’s a trip you’ll remember every time you turn on the tap! Please note there are no baby changing facilities and strollers cannot be accommodated on the bus. This trip includes a walk along a flat, but uneven trail for up to 1 hour. For ages 6-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult.<br></p><p>Please note that this tour is for children and their family members. For adult tours please register for the Capilano or Coquitlam Watershed tour.</p><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-circle-dollar"></i></span> Free</li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-sharp fa-light fa-calendar-pen"></i></span> Registration required –
<strong>Registration opens 30 days prior to the tour date at 9:00 am</strong><br></li></ul>
<p>Tour dates:</p><ul><li>Sunday June 28, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm</li><li>Sunday June 28, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm</li><li>Saturday July 4, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm</li><li>Saturday July 4, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm</li><li>Sunday July 12, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm</li><li>Sunday July 12, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm</li><li>Saturday July 18, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm</li><li>Saturday July 18, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm</li><li>Sunday July 26, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm</li><li>Sunday July 26, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm</li><li>Saturday August 1, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm</li><li>Saturday August 1, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm</li><li>Sunday August 9, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm</li><li>Sunday August 9, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm</li><li>Saturday August 15, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm</li><li>Saturday August 15, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm</li><li>Sunday August 23, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm</li><li>Sunday August 23, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm </li><li>Saturday August 29, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm</li>
<li>Saturday August 29, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
</li></ul><p>
<a class="uk-button mv-button" href="https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/mvregionalparks/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=Watershed%20Tours&viewMode=list" target="_blank">Book now</a></p></div> |
| Dam | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/BriggyThomasdam_JPG.jpg | Dam |
| Capilano River | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/CapilanoRiver1_jpg.jpg | Capilano River |
| Children's Tour Picture | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/ChildrensPic1_JPG.jpg | Children's Tour Picture |
| Children's Tour Picture | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/ChildrensPic2_JPG.jpg | Children's Tour Picture |
| Children's Tour Picture | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/ChildrensPic3_JPG.jpg | Children's Tour Picture |
| Watershed Tour | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/IMG_4799_jpg.jpg | Watershed Tour |
| Watershed Tour | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/IMG_5477_jpg.jpg | Watershed Tour |
| Watershed Tour | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/IMG_5482_jpg.jpg | Watershed Tour |
| Watershed Tour | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/IMG_5504_jpg.jpg | Watershed Tour |
| Watershed Tour | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/IMG_6376_jpg.jpg | Watershed Tour |
| Summer Watershed Tours | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/WaterShedTour1_jpg.jpg | Summer Watershed Tours |
| Summer Watershed Tours | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/WaterShedTour2_jpg.jpg | Summer Watershed Tours |
| Summer Watershed Tours | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/WaterShedTour3_jpg.jpg | Summer Watershed Tours |
| Summer Watershed Tours | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/WaterShedTour4_jpg.jpg | Summer Watershed Tours |
| Summer Watershed Tours | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/WaterShedTour5_jpg.jpg | Summer Watershed Tours |
| Snowshoe Tours | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/WatershedTours_jpg.jpg | Snowshoe Tours |
| Summer Watershed Tours | | https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/PublishingImages/_t/cap2_jpg.jpg | Summer Watershed Tours |
Learn about Metro Vancouver’s snowpack