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 2.8 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
2023 summer watershed tour dates are now available. Registration for each date will open 30 days prior.
Book a tour
| Capilano watershed tour | Capilano watershed tour | <div class="ExternalClass34B78D78599447DA97FC7C2F14ED4A0B"><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 3-12 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.</li><li><span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-sharp fa-light fa-calendar-pen"></i></span> Registration required.</li></ul></div> |
| Coquitlam watershed tour | Coquitlam watershed tour | <div class="ExternalClassA92D265CE7E94E93851A7A1A5D9BF179"><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 3-12 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.</li></ul></div> |
| Children’s watershed tour-LSCR | Children’s watershed tour-LSCR | <div class="ExternalClass5324D0E076E1499D8C261AB2F9056B7F"><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 3-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult.</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.</li></ul><br></div> |
Winter watershed tours
The 2023 snowshoe season has now ended. Thank you to all who joined us! Check back next year for more available dates.
| Mount Seymour | Mount Seymour | <div class="ExternalClass7B969A549CEA40EF9D467BFF527E5D76"><p>Explore the connection between snow and your drinking water. Learn about your water supply in a fun and active way while discovering alpine plants and animals. After a moderately strenuous snowshoe, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa.</p><ul class="fa-ul"><li><span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-circle-dollar"></i></span> $18 with own snowshoes; $25 includes snowshoes rental</li><li><span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-circle-info"></i></span> Ages 16+. Must be physically capable of hiking up and down moderately challenging and steep sections with snowshoe. Cancellations made 7 days or more before your activity will receive a full refund. Call us at 604-432-6430 Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm to cancel.</li>
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Learn about Metro Vancouver’s snowpack