Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest Park Travel Forum Reviews

Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest Park

Description

There’s a certain raw magic you can only get by walking among giants—and Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest Park, right on the edge of Surrey, brings just that. The first time I wandered the park’s endless leafy corridors, I couldn’t help but slow down. Even if you’re not a “forest person,” I dare you not to feel the hush that sinks into your bones as soon as you step off the pavement and under those stately Douglas firs and cedars.

You’re not going to find fancy cafes or loud playgrounds here—it’s you, a chorus of birds (robins, woodpeckers if you’re lucky), a winding 2.5-mile trail, and maybe the flick of a black-tailed deer’s tail in the ferns just off the path. I remember pausing one misty morning thinking about how a city forest this big (over 300 acres!) could feel so untouched, a genuine time capsule of what this part of BC must’ve looked like before all the condos shot up.

What I really dig about Sunnyside Acres is the mix: one moment, sunlight pierces through mossy branches, next you’re standing in utter green gloom, and then—wow—a coyote darts out, gives you a stare, bolts away. It’s got this wildcard flavor, so even though it’s well-loved, it never feels manufactured. Plus, the gently looping footpaths mean you’ll rarely get lost, even if your sense of direction is notoriously questionable (guilty as charged).

Accessibility is decent here—there’s parking right up close and several well-packed gravelly spots where you could navigate a stroller or even a wheelchair. It’s big, but not intimidatingly so. Kids can roam, dogs can sniff and wag to their heart’s content (on-leash though, for the critters’ sake), and anyone needing a break from city grind will feel a little lighter after a wander here. Is it perfect? Well, not exactly—don’t expect perfectly manicured lawns, and you might catch the odd muddy patch after rain. But that’s forest life, right? Honest, humble, a bit wild—exactly what I think more city parks should aim for.

Key Features

  • Expansive 321-acre Urban Forest: Roomy enough to lose track of time—but never your way. You really do feel small walking here, in a good way.
  • 2.5-Mile Main Walking Path: Easy-going, mostly flat, and circles through the best bits of the forest. Multiple side trails for those feeling adventurous.
  • Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: Black-tailed deer are regulars, and if you keep your eyes open (and make very little noise), coyote sightings aren’t rare.
  • Dog-Friendly: Leashed pups are a familiar sight. My border collie is practically on first-name terms with a few local squirrels (and yes, many dogs pull on the leash in sheer excitement).
  • Kid-Friendly Hikes: Nothing too tough, no steep scrambles, plus enough funny shapes in tree roots to spark some good old imagination games.
  • Well-Maintained Trails: Locals take pride in keeping the main paths clear, though don’t put on your fanciest sneakers if it’s rained recently.
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entry and Parking: Big plus for inclusivity—grab a spot in the lot, roll on in, and you’re set.
  • Seasonal Wildflowers and Mushrooms: If you know where to look and visit at the right time of year, the forest floor explodes in color. I once stumbled across a whole fairy ring of mushrooms that looked straight out of a storybook—wish I’d taken a photo!
  • Quiet and Secluded Ambiance: Even on weekends, you can usually find your own pocket of peace, away from the city bustle.
  • Interpretive Signs on Local Ecology: Sprinkled along the main loop, these offer fun tidbits about the old-growth trees, the critters you might spot, or the park’s efforts to keep things wild.

Best Time to Visit

Honestly, Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest Park is never a bad idea—unless you’re allergic to the smell of pine needles (is anyone, though?). But if I had to play favorites, spring and autumn do it for me. In spring, the woods are bursting with new greens and wildflowers, and the air just buzzes with that “wake up after winter” energy. Bring a camera—trust me, you’ll use it.

Autumn comes close behind, with the maples and oaks showing off a tangle of orange, gold, and deep red. On a crisp October morning, there’s something a bit magical about kicking up leaves along those trails (channel your inner five-year-old, I say).

Summer has its perks—lush, shady, and never too hot thanks to all that canopy cover. If you’re like me and not a fan of blazingly bright days, it’s the perfect antidote. Oh, and quick tip: early mornings are for songbirds and the occasional deer, while late afternoons mean softer light for photos.

Winter? Still lovely. The forest gets this hushed, almost secretive mood. But do layer up and expect a bit of mud. No showy snowscapes, just a deep, green quiet—something unique to the Pacific Northwest.

How to Get There

First, don’t overthink it. If you’re driving, direction apps are reliable—just punch in the park’s name. Parking is easy, which, if you ask me, is a gold star for any city attraction. The main lot’s right off the main drag, and there are a handful of street parking spots if the lot fills on sunny weekends.

If you’re taking transit (bless you—saving gas, saving the world!), grab a bus headed toward Surrey’s southern edge. There’s a stop within a brisk walk of the main gates, but double-check your route since service can be spotty at odd hours.

Cyclists—oh, I envy your cardio. The surrounding bike lanes make it pretty straightforward. Lock up at one of the racks near the main entrance so you don’t have to lug your wheels into the woods (spoiler alert: bikes aren’t allowed on the actual trails, and that’s a good thing for keeping the peace underfoot).

For the extra-adventurous, try a forest-linked hike from adjoining neighborhoods. When I lived nearby, I’d grab coffee from a local shop, wander in, and suddenly find myself two hours deep before realizing it. This park veers between “walk-around-the-block” and “forget-where-you-are escape” better than most.

Tips for Visiting