Ross A. Laird

This from the list of subjects for which I really should write an article but seem never to get around to it. So, here are the bullet points:

Boundary Bay
(between Centennial Beach and the Delta Heritage Air Park)

This stretch of beach, dike, and bog offers great views of the mountains, ocean, and local wildlife. It’s uncommon to see more than a couple of other walkers or runners during the most isolated stretches, near the Air Park (which provides free parking). At low tide you can run a mile or more offshore, right at the edge of the world (don’t drown when the tide comes back in).

Burns Bog

The largest urban wilderness in North America. The wildlife viewing and the quiet (especially along the 2K boardwalk) are mesmerizing. Burns Bog has the cleanest air in the Lower Mainland (due to the ecology of the bog). Running beneath the canopy is like passing through some primordial landscape. Enchanting in many ways.

Campbell Valley Regional Park

Exemplary trails, varied terrain, some horses. A great place to run, so long as you don’t mind the horse droppings. (A few trails are horse-free.) The most well-maintained trails I have ever seen.

Delta Watershed Park

A small slice of mountain terrain on the flood plain. Some steep and challenging trails, others with more of a meander. A varied and interesting forest environment. Make sure to stop at the Gravity Bowl. Also, see if you can find the outlet of the aquifer (which offers pristine drinking water).