Pine Point Rapids in Winter

Pine Point Rapids - everyone’s favourite hike!

Here’s a new tradition: First hike of the season on the first day of the year, January 1st, 2024.

Pine Point Rapids is a popular hike for many reasons; the primary allure being the captivating rapids.

The trail has two loops, similar to a figure 8. The first loop goes to the first set of rapids, while the second loop guides you to two additional rapids, Acorn Falls and Viburnum Falls.

Which way to go? Left or right? Both are awesome! Go right on the rocky path to the rapids and get the flat path on the way back.

The first loop: a few minutes down the trail, there’s a sign at the fork in the trail. Going left you will follow a flat, wide, and gravel path. This is a more accessible path for individuals with mobility issues and families with off-road strollers.

The flat, wide and gravel path

Opting for the right, the path will be a more rugged, rocky, and hilly trail, offering a scenic view of the surroundings.

We followed the path on the right and hiked up to the scenic views

Scenic View and Snack Time

Both routes lead to the pine point rapids, featuring gentle rolling rapids perfect for summer splashing (please be careful and supervise your little ones) and in winter what a treat it is to hear rushing water.

At the rapids there are two picnic benches, a small warming hut, a fire pit, a shed that sometimes has wood in it, and an outhouse.

The warming hut

The second loop: we did not do. But I have done it before. It’s another beautiful loop and two more falls to see.

Distance and Times Hiking with Kids:
We left the trailhead at 12:20 pm. At the fork in the path we followed the rocky, hilly path. We found ourselves at Pine Point Rapids at 1:40 pm (2.7 km). We spent 30 minutes exploring, eating snacks and taking photos. We started walking back at 2:10pm. We continued on our loop and went the easy/flat path all the way back (this part of the loop is shorter, 2.4 km). We got back to the trailhead by 3:00 pm. Total time: 2 hours and 40 minutes. Total distance: 5.6 km.