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In March 2020 I moved from downtown Vancouver to Ladner, in the city of Delta. Delta is a largely suburban and farmland region in the greater Vancouver area. House prices are cheaper here than the absurdly expensive Vancouver. But was I going to miss all the fun activities in and around downtown Vancouver? When I moved to Ladner I started walking. Walking around the neighborhood, finding coastal paths and regional parks to visit. And one day I discovered the Ladner Spirit Trails, around the South Arm Marsh. The trail was way more interesting than I had initially expected due to some unique wood carving art along the quiet forested trails.
Where is the Ladner Spirit Trails
From downtown Vancouver on a good day with minimal traffic, Ladner is about half an hour drive. The village of Ladner is rather small, but is such a nice area right on the water. The Fraser river surrounds most of the town and as such the area is abundant with wildlife from river otters, beavers, eagles and marsh birds. We even have our own migratory bird sanctuary. But the Ladner Spirit Trails is near Captain Cove’s Marina along Ferry Road.
To get to the trail take exit 29 on the BC-99 highway from Oak Street, Vancouver. The exit is marked as River Road and you’ll follow for a few minutes before turning right on Ferry road. Then drive all the way to the end and park on Ferry Road before you get to the marina. The Ladner Spirit Trail can be found on the left side of Ferry Road. There are two entrances in the fence. Enter either one as it is a circular loop (with a few off shoots).
Practical Information
Time needed – 30 minutes to one hour. The many trails are very easy and you can spend as little or as much time as you want.
Opening times – 8am until 8pm in the summer/5pm October to April. Although typically the trail is not locked.
Parking – Free street parking along Ferry Road and towards the marina. You won’t have issues finding parking.
Footwear – The trail, being in a marshland area, can get muddy so don’t wear your nicest shoes. I recommend sturdy walking shoes or rain boots if it’s been raining.
Essentials – You’re not far from town so no need to bring anything more than the odd snack and some water.
Wildlife – The biggest animal you’re likely to see is a squirrel or a beaver at a distance but the trail is overrun with bald eagles so don’t forget to look up.
Dogs – Dogs are allowed on leashes. The marshes are prime hunting territory in the winter months so watch your dogs don’t run off.
Don’t forget – A camera. You’ll want to take some nice pics. Google Maps on your phone can help you plan the different trails once you’re in there too.
The wood carvings on the Ladner Spirit Trails
A local artist who has remained anonymous has filled this perfectly secluded trail with beautifully carved artwork. A whimsical theme of mythical creatures, woodland animals, wizards and more line the many paths around the South Arm Marsh trails. There are even some fun riddles carved into signs. Look high and low for the many interesting pieces of art that are often added. There’s even a “take one leave one” post where kids can leave a toy or pick a new one that might be there.
I think one of my favorite pieces is the Beware of the troll sign near a bridge for anyone who’s familiar with children’s fairy stories. And of course the Tim Burton inspired Jack Skellington carving.
Watchtower viewing platform
At the furthest point of the trail, as you near the river, there is a boardwalk leading to a viewing platform. In the summer the green leaves create a kind of arching walkway and you can’t even see the viewing platform. In the winter the area looks a lot more bare but either time of year, don’t fall off the walkway or you’ll get rather muddy.
The rickety steps lead up to a high vantage point to look out over the marsh, down the river and to the mountains and big city in the distance. From September to early spring is hunting season for birds and ducks in the area so you might seem gun-toting camouflaged hunters in the marsh area. Don’t be alarmed if you hear a shot or two.
Bonus: fairy door trail
As well as looking all around for the unique wooden carvings dotted around the woods, remember to look up (and down). Why? Because there are fairies in the woods and you might be lucky enough to spot a fairy door or two along the trail. Colorful tiny doors can be found on the trees and are the perfect thing to keep little ones happy and engaged in a walk through the woods.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Which of these unique wood carvings would you want to check out? Have you been to the Ladner Spirit Trails area or somewhere else that has locally made artwork like this?
I LOVE these carvings! What a great way to make a beautiful place even more interesting! It’s just such a fabulous combination of art and nature. Perfect!
I love going on trail walks and hikes and LOVE that this one has the unique touch of the art details and carvings. Such a unique, different experience!
I love this trail and those carvings. This is exactly the type of thing we love to do- explore our nearby surroundings and find fun places to be outside!
Wow check those carving guys out! Some of them are very spooky! Looks like a great hike and something a little bit different
What a unique way to see art! I love that it’s outside – it makes it a perfect place to visit right now (or maybe when it warms up!).
This looks like a place I would love! New Zealand also has places with the fairy doors which are so fun. That artist is amazing, too bad they remain anonymous. Those carvings are gorgeous, and hiking just to see them must be wonderful.
What an incredibly fun-looking trail! I love all the carvings!
This trail is so cool! I never heard of these spirit trails before. I’ll have to check it out when I eventually get to the Vancouver area. 🙂
I miss Van so bad – I grew up in the area : Surrey . Trying to get back up to see my mum in Alta – so much red tape now :(( this walk looks so kewl – never been
Val
I’d never heard of Ladner before this post. What a cool collection of trails to visit. I wish the artist wasn’t annonymous, their wood carvings are so beautiful!
This looks like such a fun and beautiful place to visit! I didn’t even know this existed. Thanks for sharing!
I love those signs soooo much! It is a bit of a shame that the artist remains anonymous as I would love to give them extra love! Still, this is such a beautiful trail! I will try to visit when I can! <3
This looks like such a fun trail! How cute are those fairy doors and the carvings are amazing!
I love these little trails and adorable carvings! I’ve been to Vancouver lots of times before but I’ve never seen these. I’ll check them out for sure when I’m in the area again.
This is amazing! I live in the Seattle area, and I am definitely going to visit this place when the border is open. Thank you so much for sharing this, and providing so much detail about the surrounding area as well.
Love all the tree carvings! And so cool that you saw some bald eagles.
I love it. We are supposed to visit the Vancouver area in the spring or summer, I will definitely go there with my boys.
Amazing carvings and pictures are taking with so much thought. Definitely, a place to visit with my daughter.
Must be such a pleasant surprise to see that whimsical art as you are hiking through the woods. I’m sure it will be a popular place, especially for children. It might even spark how fun hiking can be.
I can’t believe I’ve been in Vancouver about 10 years and had no idea this existed. So cool! I’ve never been to Ladner but this walk looks amazing. I love the little fairy doors. When we lived in Surrey, there was a park we used to go to that had tons of those.
I think I want to do this trip just for the fairy door trail! The art trees look so crazy though cannot believe those are just carved into it. Do love how such a cool area is so close to Vancouver though!
Did that trail several years back and I don’t believe there were any carvings. It was pretty mucky even in the summer. Perhaps they have shouldered it up with extra gravel and sand. The carvings look amazing. Wonderful Idea! This is for sure on my to do list once again but I think I’ll wait until it stops raining!
It definitely gets very muddy in there but it’s still a fun little trail. Best to wait until less rain, and even then prepare to get a little mucky