The Trout Lake Walking Trail offers a scenic escape from its surrounding metropolis.

John Hendry Park is best known for its aquatic jewel: Trout Lake. One of only a few lakes within the city of , Trout Lake is a popular destination for walkers. A walk around Trout Lake is only 1.23 km, 0.77 miles or about 2,453 steps, and will take 15-25 minutes to complete.

John Hendry Park is quite large with 27.21 hectares of recreation space. It is located at East 15th Avenue and Victoria Drive in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood (Community Web Pages ).

Trout Lake is a popular swimming location and nesting ground for many species of birds. It is stocked with both rainbow and cutthroat trout making it an active site for wildlife. Though Trout Lake is located in the middle of an urban area, the park it is centered in offers a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Peering through the bulrush reeds across the glassy water, it is easy to forget you are in the middle of a thriving metropolis.

John Hendry Park helped Vancouver develop into what it is in present day. At one time a prosperous peat bog, Trout Lake became the essential water source of the first lumber operation in Vancouver: Hastings Sawmill. The mill had to post a man at the lake to stop the resident beavers from building their dams on the water flume, as they would block its flow to the mill. The Lake’s plentiful trout would also disrupt operations and block the flow of water through the flume.

The mill was co-owned by John Hendry, a prominent figure in his day due to his influence in developing the lumber industry in our region. In his lifetime, John Hendry earned many notable titles including: President of the Vancouver Board of Trade, President of the Canadian Forestry Association and Mayor of New Westminster. Hendry’s daughter married Eric W. Hamber, one of the previous Lt. Governor’s of . In 1926, the Hambers donated part of their land on the site to the under the condition that it be called “John Hendry

Park” to honour one of Vancouver’s pioneering families.

The summer is a great time to visit John Hendry Park as the popular Farmers' Market occupies the parking lot, and an annual lantern festival illuminates the Lake to celebrate the summer solstice. Additionally, Trout Lake is safe for swimming, with lifeguards on patrol from Victoria Day (late May) to Labour Day (early September). Several other sport facilities are available including: ball hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer and tennis. The park also has picnic sites, playgrounds, dog off leash areas, and washrooms. Adjacent to the Lake is a community centre, and ice rink. The Trout Lake Community Centre will be closed for an extended period of time while it is deconstructed and a new community centre is built in its place. The Trout Lake Rink / Arena will remain open during this time.