The best running trails around Surrey

Derby Reach stretches along a calm bend of the Fraser River, where open fields, quiet forests, and wide riverside trails make for easy wandering. You'll find a mix of flat shoreline paths and the hillier Houston Trail loop with some multi-use trails open to hikers, joggers, cyclists, and even horseback riders. A large campground sits right at the water’s edge, with picnic shelters, washrooms, drinking water, and plenty of space to settle in for the night. Dogs are welcome on‑leash throughout most of the park, with a large off‑leash zone near Edgewater Bar. In short, you'll find that Derby Reach delivers a peaceful break with all the essentials close at hand.

The Canyon to Coast trail runs for 550 kilometers between Hope and the Salish Sea. This particular section follows the Fraser River through parkland, nature reserve and historic sites as it nears its end at the sea.

This paved, multi-use trail traces thee edges of Tynehead Regional Park in a four kilometer loop. You'll find interpretive signage placed along the loop as you make your way around.

Chickadee Trail winds through the shaded forest of Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest beneath a canopy of Douglas-fir and alder trees. The easy trail is known for its birdlife, especially chickadees, and offers a quiet walk through one of South Surrey’s best-preserved urban forests. Along this part of the trail you can also spot a large moss-covered boulder dotted with licorice ferns. This is a glacial erratic, a rock carried here thousands of years ago by the glacier that once covered the region before dropping it as the ice retreated.

This section of the Chickadee Trail shows how the forest is actively managed to protect its health. In 2004, Douglas-fir trees in this area were removed to contain laminated root rot, a disease that spreads through tree roots and causes them to decay. The clearing allowed more sunlight to reach the forest floor, encouraging plants such as salmonberry to thrive. Today the more open understory attracts a variety of birds, including chickadees, wrens, and dark-eyed juncos.

The Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest protects about 140 hectares of coastal forest in Surrey. Around 4 kilomtres of winding trails run beneath a dense canopy of Douglas fir and other native trees, creating a quiet, shaded place for walking and cycling. Despite being surrounded by residential neighbourhoods, the forest feels surprisingly secluded and supports a variety of wildlife, including birds and black-tailed deer. It’s a peaceful green space and one of South Surrey’s most popular nature walks.

Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest Park is a 140-hectare park known for its towering second-growth trees and tranquil forest setting, offering a peaceful escape within the city. A network of trails winds through the forest, making it a popular destination for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. Sections of boardwalk help protect sensitive habitats while allowing visitors to experience the forest up close.

The Semiahmoo Trail is a 5-kilometer, mostly unpaved multi-use trail that runs from the Nicomekl River to 20th Avenue. The route follows a historic pathway used by Indigenous peoples and early settlers and was once one of the first roads in Surrey.