10 Best Hikes in Vancouver
Vancouver, which sits on Canada’s west coast and is encircled by mountains, forests, and the ocean, is home to many incredible attractions.
The city of Vancouver is highly recognized for its outdoor activities! Many tourists are attracted to the location because of its natural surroundings.
Hiking, among other pastimes, is a popular outdoor activity most frequently done in the backcountry. The hiking season may only last from June through October, depending on snowfall and spring temperatures.
10 Best Hikes in Vancouver:
1. Dog Mountain, Seymour Provincial Park
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-KhRVAHu-I
For those who want to see beautiful scenery without exerting too much energy, Dog Mountain is a fantastic climb.
It is a well-kept and clearly defined trail on Seymoure Peak, another popular hiking, skiing, and snowboarding mountain on the North Shore.
The hike’s spectacular perspective of the Fraser Valley, Stanley Park, and Mount Baker is one of its outstanding features.
It should be a 1.5 to 2-hour hike, and just a 5-kilometre round trek will reward you with vistas of the Vancouver Metro. Even if the city is beautiful at all times of the day, it is most spectacular at night.
You can use snowshoes to climb Dog Mountain in the winter. However, it’s generally terrible just after a downpour or during the spring melt.
If you decide to go on a night trek, make sure to bring your headlamp because the terrain can be muddy, slippery, and rocky. Due to its widespread reputation, Dog Mountain Trail might experience high summer traffic.
Many families trek Dog Mountain’s moderately challenging trail while bringing their children and pets. Also, it would be best to make sure your pets are leashed.
You will travel over gently sloping terrain while enjoying spectacular views of lakes, creeks, and the forest. You’ll get expansive views of Vancouver’s downtown, bay area, and neighbouring mountains from the Peak of Dog Mountain.
The northernmost parking space in the Mount Seymour Ski Resort’s main parking lot is where the trailhead of the Dog Mountain begins. It is a well-liked night climb to obtain some spectacular views of the setting sun over the city.
The hike is definitely worth trying, despite the small elevation climb, and it is considered one of the best hikes in Vancouver.
2. Quarry Rock Hike, Deep Cove
One of the most well-liked hiking routes in Canada, Quarry Rock draws many visitors.
Quarry Rock is situated in the sleepy North Vancouver community of Deep Cove. The Baden Powell Trail includes the Quarry Rock Trail.
The trail takes you through the deep woodland and across secret bridges to a golden flat seaside boulder while providing breathtaking views of Deep Cove and the Indian Arm.
The moderately difficult trip will take you along some spectacular west coast forest paths, across bridges, across rivers, and adjacent to waterfalls.
Despite having a few rocky sections, Quarry Rock Trail is accessible to hikers of all skill levels, which is a huge plus. The terrain is comfortable to walk. The hike usually takes two hours, and it is a 3.8 km round trip.
The trailhead begins at Deep Cove Town. Make sure to reach the spot early as the parking here is easily packed.
The view from the top of Quarry Rock is spectacular. You can relax once you reach the top before heading back.
Make sure to carry your camera to capture the beautiful scenes. You can have fun and enjoy the breathtaking view.
Remember to make a pit stop at Honey’s Doughnuts to replenish your energy with some cinnamon buns and drinks.
3. St. Mark’s Summit, Cypress Provincial Park
St. Mark’s Summit is one of the most popular hikes among hardcore hikers. It offers an unmatched view over Howe Sound, Tantalus Range, and, if the sky is clear, even distant Vancouver Island.
You will need at least 4 to 5 hours to complete this hike. It is an 11km round trip but worth it because of the breathtaking vistas from the 460-meter elevation.
After the Howe Sound Crest Trail, a five-hour hike is St. Mark’s Summit.
Before passing through a lush forest, the Howe Sound Crest Trail starts through the rocky, steep ski runs. You begin to see the hazy St. Mark’s Summit as the trees start to thin out.
You won’t have to worry about missing the peak because a signpost marks it. The trailhead begins at the cypress mountain parking lot.
Make sure to have snacks once you reach the top. Remember to carry your cameras for beautiful pictures.
At the top of the mountain, you will always feel like the king of the world, whether in the shadow of the clouds or the direct light of the sun, making it one of the best hikes in Vancouver.
4. Grouse Grind, Grouse Mountain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DZJ8_IKsAk
At Grouse Mountain, one of Vancouver’s must-visit locations, the Grouse Grind Trail is the finest.
The local hiking community refers to Grouse Grind as “Mother Nature’s Stair Master” since it is so well-liked and an excellent choice to enhance your hiking game.
Even while Grouse Grind only takes around 2 hours to finish, that doesn’t mean the trail is simple. The hike is around 2.9 kilometres long with an elevation gain of about 853 meters.
It’s a hike for those who love challenges and are fit enough to climb. You roughly have to walk 2800 steps before you finally reach the top.
You can attend wildlife talks throughout the summer, visit the local bears, or stop by the cafe and restaurant for food or a cup of coffee.
The Grind is a heavily used one-way track; to return to the bottom, take the gondola or the close-by BCMC, both of which welcome dogs. A nominal fee is charged to ride in a gondola.
The top of the mountain has an amazing view, and you can visit the place to step up your fitness game.
5. Lynn Canyon Park, North Vancouver
Lynn Canyon Park, located in North Vancouver, offers a range of short treks and blends hiking paths with several attractions.
The 50-meter-high Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, which swings over a canyon and the raging river that cut it, is the main attraction for most hikers. Despite not being inside Lynn Headwaters, this walk is extremely nearby.
There are pathways all around the Headwaters Regional Park known as Lynn Canyon. You can stroll about and take in the surroundings’ natural beauty.
The short trail leading to the 30-foot pool makes it a popular spot for swimming and picnics on the climb to Twin Falls, where you can enjoy a stunning view of a waterfall and a big pool below from the Twin Falls Bridge.
You can explore Rice Lake’s whole circuit or take an easy riverbank trail to Lynn Headwaters. The Baden Powell Trail stretch traverses the park and can be hiked in less than two hours.
Different from Quarry Rock Hike, there is nothing specific for you here to reach at. You can make new friends here and enjoy the hike with them.
6. Eagle Bluffs, Cypress Provincial Park
It is considered one of the best hikes in Vancouver because of the unimpeded views of Vancouver, Georgia Straight, West Vancouver, Howe Sound, Bowen Island, and Gibsons offered at the mountain.
The duration of this 8-kilometre roundtrip climb is between 3 and 4 hours. This hike starts with a strenuous climb to Cabin Lake, where you can cool yourself by jumping in.
For this Vancouver trail, which begins with a little scrambling, it is recommended that you wear suitable hiking attire and shoes. Before the path begins to level out, the rise is rather steep.
The scrambling continues as you cross the bluffs a little further on. You should have no trouble locating and following the path because it is clearly marked.
You will encounter various amazing views while hiking. The hike has a 350-meter elevation gain and gives you an opportunity to spend some time in the woods.
The public facilities are fewer here, so make sure to carry all your essentials.
The best time to go here would be between July and August. You can enjoy the beautiful views, and this hike will be a cakewalk for you if you have good cardiovascular health.
7. Mount Seymour, Seymour Provincial Park
Mount Seymour Provincial Park, which is only 30 minutes from Downtown Vancouver, has been a favourite destination for generations living in the Lower Mainland.
Viewpoints in the park provide views of Vancouver, Mount Baker, and Indian Arm Provincial Park to the east.
A 9-kilometre roundtrip hike on the Mount Seymour path passes three separate peaks. Each one offers you breathtaking vistas that are a little different.
Numerous routes of varying lengths and challenges are available to visitors. The hike lasts 4 to 5 hours and has 450 meters of elevation gain.
Mountain bikers and hikers frequently utilize lower mountain paths, although only hikers are permitted on upper mountain trails.
This well-travelled, dog-friendly trail might get crowded on weekends and bright days, but the breathtaking view at the finish is worth it. You can visit the place on weekdays to avoid the crowd.
It’s rigorous but not complicated. It will not be difficult if you have good stamina. It’s also important to note that the trail can still have compact snow in July.
You can find the trailhead at the end of the Mount Seymour Ski Resort parking lot. You might find difficulty in finding the trailhead as the signs need to be more proper.
Overall, it will be a great experience, and you will enjoy your visit there.
8. Jug Island Trail, Belcarra Regional Park
The Jug Island Trail is straightforward, clearly defined, and simple to finish.
It is a 5.5-kilometre roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of 100 meters. Depending on how quickly you go, it will likely take you two hours to finish, plus some time to unwind and enjoy the beach.
One of the nicest features is that it is situated in Belcarra Park Regional Park, a great outdoor space that is well-liked for barbecues and picnics. After your hike, this is a fantastic area to hang out and unwind.
The Jug Island route runs straight through this lovely park before coming to an isolated tiny beach on the Indian Arm.
The Jug Island trailhead is at the far end of the parking lot, which is the end that is farthest from the restrooms. To get clear directions to the Jug Island path, cross the street, turn left, and you’ll find trail markers for this trek.
Public transportation is a terrific way to get to the path, and bus 182 from Belcarra will drop you off right near the Jug Island trailhead.
This path can be done at any time of the year and is one of the best hikes in Vancouver due to its proximity to sea level.
Due to the Jug Island Hike’s short distance from Vancouver and relatively simple walk, it can get crowded on weekends and holidays.
However, don’t let that deter you from going; the route is pleasant and spacious, so you can still enjoy it even on busy weekends.
9. Mount Cheam, Chilliwack
The strenuous Mount Cheam Trek in Chilliwack offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Fraser River, Mount Baker in the USA, and the surrounding mountain peaks.
After exhausting some of the most well-known North Vancouver treks on your bucket list, this hike is perfect for individuals seeking a challenge and a new mountain range.
You will need to drive to this place as it is not a part of the Metro Vancouver region and covers the region of Fraser Valley.
A 4-wheel drive vehicle is necessary because a forest service road leads to the mount Cheam Trailhead. The track features a number of switchbacks and difficult ascents, along with some lovely meadows.
The 10 kilometres hike is moderately difficult, with an elevation gain of 700 meters. The trailhead begins at the parking area at the top of Chipmunk Creek Forest Service Road.
The hike can only be done during summer or fall as the place would be filled with snow in winter. You will get to see some amazing views during your hike and after you have reached the top.
Being a little away from the city of Vancouver, Mount Cheam is not overcrowded, and you can enjoy some peaceful and alone time there, making it one of the best hikes in Vancouver.
You might need to drive a few kilometres, but the place is worth your time. You can definitely add this place to your bucket list.
10. First Peak, Stawamus Chief
Three summits make up Stawamus Chief, all of which have a view of Howe Sound and the other mountain ranges.
First Peak is the busiest and has the greatest views of Howe Sound because it is the closest of the three to the parking lot. It’s a beautiful vantage point from which to eat lunch or a snack because it has sheer cliffs on three sides.
Although the climb is a 4 km roundtrip from the parking lot, it will take about 2-3 hours, owing to the steepness of the terrain. This short trip outside Squamish is extremely difficult because of the roots, rocks, and arduous uphill ascent.
The playground is made of granite, and the 360-degree views of the Azure Ocean at the top make the climb worthwhile. At the beginning of the hike, take a break from the stairway to explore lower Shannon Falls.
Follow the signs for the Third Peak for a longer, less congested adventure.
However, if you are a fast runner, you can complete the hike in about 90 minutes. The Chief parking lot serves as the trailhead.
The parking lot can quickly fill up on sunny weekends and during any summer day. Leave early to find a suitable parking slot.
The view at the top makes all the efforts worthwhile. If you are a challenge lover, you must visit this place and enjoy the view from the top.
In the End
One of the nicest things to do when exploring a new city or region is hiking, and Vancouver has a ton of fantastic possibilities.
These were some of the best hikes in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. You can visit these places and fulfill your wishes on your bucket list.
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