This list of the most Instagrammed hikes in Vancouver was first published in February 2017. I update the numbers each year. I’ve run the numbers fresh for 2024… (drumroll please)… and this year the hikes on the list haven’t changed – but their order has a bit. (You’ll still have to read the whole post to see which hike is number 1!)

Tons of people location tag their photos when they go hiking and post them to Instagram. (I know I do!)  So it’s a great way to figure out which Vancouver hikes are the most popular. I scrolled through a lot of hashtags before coming up with this list of the most Instagrammed hikes in Vancouver.

If you’re looking to up your ‘gram game this is the list you need. And if you like solitude, here are the top 10 hikes you should avoid! 

Before you scroll down and read the list, can you guess which hikes made the top 10?

Of course Vancouver isn’t the only city with Instagram-worthy trails. If you’re in San Diego, you have to hike to Potato Chip Rock. Looking for some Instagram inspiration? Check out this huge list of adventure quotes that make great Instagram captions.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

10. Black Tusk

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Trail Info: Black Tusk is an iconic Sea to Sky landmark. (It’s one of the best hikes in Whistler too.) As of 2024, there are 40.6k photos hashtagged #BlackTusk on Instagram (up from 39.4 k in 2023, 38k in 2022, 35.8k in 2021, and 33.7k in 2020).

The trailhead for Black Tusk is the same as for Garibaldi Lake. But instead of going right to the lake, you go left through Taylor Meadows campground and then ascend on loose volcanic rocks above treeline. (Climbing to the top of Black Tusk is technically a scramble or a rock climb, so most people should stop at the base. Get directions and more info in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Stats: Black Tusk is a long, hard hike. It is 29km round trip with 1750m of elevation gain. It takes most people 11 or 12 hours (or you can camp overnight at the Taylor Meadows or Garibaldi Lake campgrounds.)

Where to Get the Shot: As you get close to the base of the Tusk there is a BC Parks sign indicating that you have reached the end of the marked trail. It is not crazy steep in that area so its a popular place to sit down for a snack and take some photos of the incredible view.

9. Stawamus Chief

Trail Info: Between #StawamusChief and #SquamishChief, the Chief (as it is sometimes known) has 46k hashtagged photos on Instagram (up from 44.2 k in 2023, 41.8k in 2022, 37.4k in 2021, and 34.1k in 2020).

Located next door to the Sea to Sky Gondola, it is one of the best hikes in Squamish even though it’s super steep. (It’s the steepest hike on my list of Grouse Grind Alternatives.) You’ll climb up stairs, ladders and even use chains to reach the top where you can look down the sheer cliff face. Get directions and more info on the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park website.

Stats: This steep hike has three peaks to choose from: First Peak 3km round trip with 540m elevation gain; Second Peak 3.4km round trip with 590m elevation gain; Third Peak 1.8km 3.6km round trip with 630m elevation gain. It takes about 2.5 hours to do the first peak, and 5 or 6 hours if you want to do all three.

Where to Get the Shot: You’ll find great locations for photos at the tops of each of the peaks. For the most dramatic shots head to third peak where you can get shots of the other two peaks (and all the tiny hikers on them).

8. Garibaldi Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Trail Info: #GaribaldiLake is one of the best hikes in Whistler and has been drawing Vancouver hikers for years, so it’s no surprise it has 51k hashtagged photos on Instagram (up from 48.7k in 2023, 46.6k in 2022, 42.7k in 2021, and 39.8k in 2020).

The first half of the trail switchback steadily uphill through the forest, then passes by the Barrier and two smaller lakes before finally emerging on the shores of the massive Garibaldi Lake. Get directions and more info in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Stats: It’s an 18km round trip hike with about 900m of elevation gain so allow 6 or 7 hours for the trip.

Where to Get the Shot: Many people take shots on the beach where the trail first enters the campground. However, you can get some more spectacular photos by continuing along the shore past the campground to the ranger’s boat dock.

7. Golden Ears

Heads up: Day passes are required at Golden Ears Provincial Park in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Trail Info: There are tons of short hikes in Golden Ears Provincial Park and the 60k photos on the #GoldenEars hashtag reflects that. (Up from 57.7k in 2023, 54.8k in 2022, 49.8k in 2021, and 44k in 2020.) Golden Ears and Lighthouse Park keep leapfrogging each other in the rankings. Last year Golden Ears was #6, but Lighthouse Park took that spot this year.

But if you want the pinnacle hiking experience, you need to summit Golden Ears. It’s a long hike with a steep climb towards the peak. You’ll pass the emergency shelter on Panorama Ridge before crossing a snowfield to the true summit. Get directions and more info in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Stats: It’s a 24km round trip with 1700m of elevation gain. Allow 12 hours (or consider staying overnight at Alder Flats or Panorama Ridge campgrounds).

Where to Get the Shot: On a clear day the summit and the area around the emergency shelter have great views.

6. Lighthouse Park

Trail Info: There are lots of trails at Lighthouse park, from a simple 10 minute walk on an old road to the lighthouse to longer routes. It’s a popular place, with 60.3k photos hashtagged #LighthousePark. (It had 57.7k photos in 2023, 55.8k in 2022, 49.8k photos in 2021, and 44k in 2020.)

My favourite route involves a loop around the perimeter of the park that visits lots of bluffs with ocean views. You can find a map and directions for this route on my Coastal Hiking in Vancouver post.

Stats: The loop around the park is only 6km but there are plenty of side trails to viewpoints to distract you. And even though there is no real elevation gain, there are many short, steep hills. Allow 3 hours for this hike.

Where to Get the Shot: It depends what you want shots of, as you are spoiled for choice here. For iconic shots of the Lighthouse take the West Beach Trail. For beautiful city shots, go to East Beach. And for views of Howe Sound and Bowen Island go to Juniper Point or Shorepine Point.

5. Quarry Rock

Trail Info: The hike to Quarry Rock is relatively short but has a huge payoff, so it’s no surprise that is fairly popular on Instagram with 64.5k photos hashtagged #QuarryRock. (It had 62k in 2023, 61.4k in 2022, 59.7k in 2021, and 57.9k in 2020.)

The trail heads through the forest and crosses several bridges over fern festooned streams. At the end it emerges on to a big granite bluff with great views of Deep Cove and Belcarra. Get directions and more info on Vancouver Trails and Outdoor Vancouver.

Stats: It’s a short 4km round trip hike with just 100m of elevation gain (although it feels like more). It only takes about 1.5 hours to do the hike.

Where to Get the Shot: The money shot is of course on the granite bluffs of Quarry Rock at the end of the hike. However, there are lots of beautiful forest scenes on the mossy wooden bridges throughout the hike.

4. Panorama Ridge

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Trail Info: At 68.5k hashtagged photos, the success of #PanoramaRidge on Instagram can probably be explained by its particularly epic view. (It had 65.9k in 2023, 62.6k in 2022, 55.1k in 2021, and 45.9k in 2020.)

It’s a long and difficult hike to get there but I think everyone who’s been would agree it’s worth the slog.  Try to time your visit for late July or early August to see the wildflower meadows in bloom along the way.

If the trail is too much for you to tackle in one day, stay overnight at Taylor Meadows or Garibaldi Lake campgrounds. Get directions and more info in my book Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. (Panorama Ridge is one of my favourite trails, and my pick for the top 10 hikes near Vancouver.)

Stats: The 30km round trip to the viewpoint gains about 1520m. Most people hike it in 11-12 hours.

Where to Get the Shot: For views of the lake, head to the very top. If you take the trail to the left along the ridge, you’ll have fewer people trying to get the same shot. For pics of Black Tusk, take them on the way up or at the top.

3. Grouse Grind

Note: The Grouse Grind is closed in winter and during periods of bad weather. See the Grouse Mountain Regional Park website for opening info.

Trail Info: For three years running, the #GrouseGrind was the most Instagrammed hike in Vancouver. But in 2020 it was finally unseated and it’s been dropping in the stats since then – it was second in 2023, but has dropped to third this year. In 2024 it has 78.7k hashtagged photos (compared to 78k in 2023, 76k in 2022, 73.8k in 2021, and 72.2k in 2020).

Many people hike it weekly to stay in shape. It climbs steeply up through the forest on stairs and rocks. (In fact it is often called Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.) There are no views until you emerge from the trees just below the Grouse Mountain Lodge.

You are not permitted to hike down the Grind. Instead you can pay $20 to take the gondola down (and save your knees!) You can find more information on the Grouse Mountain Regional Park website.

Stats: It’s a brutally steep 2.9km hike with over 800m of elevation gain. It takes most people 1.5 to 2 hours to hike. The fittest people run it in under an hour and the all-time record is just 25 minutes!

Where to Get the Shot: The viewpoint just below the lodge is a popular place for sweaty and triumphant selfies. There are also some cheeky motivational signs along the way that make cute photos. (The one that says “Legs, you got this!” is my fave.)

2. Lynn Canyon

Trail Info: If you just want to see the famous Lynn Canyon suspension bridge, it’s only about 100m from the parking lot. Most of the 79.3k photos with the hashtag #LynnCanyon are of the bridge (up from 77k in 2023, 74k in 2022, 71.3k in 2021, and 69.5k in 2020).

But there is lots to see in the area so it’s worth heading out on a short hike. A popular loop route crosses the suspension bridge then heads downstream to the bridge at Twin Falls. Get more info and directions on Vancouver Trails. There are lots of trail options: bring a copy of the trail map and choose your own adventure.

Stats: The short Twin Falls loop is just 1.5km long with less than 100m of elevation gain. It takes about an hour to hike.

Where to Get the Shot: The classic shot is of the suspension bridge, of course. But you can also get great shots at Twin Falls and 30 Foot Pool.

1. Joffre Lakes

Heads up: Day passes are required at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Trail Info: It’s no surprise that Joffre Lakes has topped the most Instagrammed hikes in Vancouver rankings since 2020 as it seems like most of Vancouver is up there on long weekends. There are now 98.5k photos hashtagged #JoffreLakes. (In 2023 there were 93.3k. There were 86.7k in 2022. In 2021, there were 79.7k. In 2020, there were 78.4k. There were 63.3k in 2019. In 2018, there were 43.7k photos. And in 2017, there were 25.6k photos. Those are some huge jumps.)

Joffre Lakes is actually just outside of Pemberton, a good 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver. But the three incredible turquoise lakes and glacier views are extremely popular with hikers. The first lake is just 10 minutes from the parking lot. The second lake is a steep uphill hike, and the hike finishes at the third lake where there is a campground.

In the summer, you may need a free BC Parks parking pass. Get more directions and more information in my Joffre Lakes hiking guide.

Stats: It’s a moderate 10km round trip hike to the Upper Lake with about 400m of elevation gain. Allow 4 hours for the hike (but lots more for photos).

Where to Get the Shot: The best views of the glaciers are a short spur trail across the rocks where the main trail first reaches Upper Joffre Lake. Another popular location for photos is the floating log along the shore of the Middle Lake. On sunny weekends there is often a line up of people waiting to walk out on to the log to take photos. (Many people up the difficulty factor by striking a yoga pose).

So there’s the list of the Top 10 Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver as of early 2024. Were there any surprises on the list for you? Which ones did you guess right? Personally I’m surprised St. Mark’s Summit (still!) didn’t make the top 10.

More Awesome Hikes Near Vancouver:

• BC Parks Day Passes 2024 – Everything You Need to Know
• The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver: A Local’s Guide
• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver
• Alternatives to the Grouse Grind
• 35 Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit
• Waterfalls Near Vancouver You Can Hike To
• 100+ Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: Trails You Can Hike Year Round

The post Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver for 2024 appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve hiked all of these trails (masochistically some of them many times), plus tons of other trails that didn’t make the list.  You’ve probably seen some of these hikes on other people’s best hikes lists! But I’d argue there are so many alternative trails that are a better use of your time. In fact, I’ll even give you suggestions for which trails you should hike instead of each of the hikes on my Worst Hikes in Vancouver list. And believe me, I know not everyone will agree with my picks… but that’s ok since Vancouver has so many trails to choose from. So here’s my list of the worst hikes in Vancouver (in my opinion only of course!)

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Grouse Grind

Somehow, the Grouse Grind seems to be synonymous with hiking in Vancouver. Lots of casual hikers (or non-hikers!) tackle the Grind on sunny summer days. And on weekday mornings you’ll see North Shore fitness buffs elbowing each other out of the way as they try to get a new PR before work. Despite its popularity, the Grouse Grind is probably the worst hike in Vancouver. It has no views. It travels through ugly second growth forest. It’s brutally steep. It’s waaaay too manicured – all the trail work to add stairs has completely obliterated any wilderness feel. And its insanely crowded. Most days you’ll have one sweaty person a few inches in front of you and another behind you… aaaaaall the way up to the top. It’s so crowded that it’s kind of like being at the mall on Boxing Day.

Where to Hike Instead: If you’re just looking to get a workout, there are plenty of other hikes near Vancouver that make great alternatives to the Grouse Grind. The easiest pick is BCMC trail, right next to the Grouse Grind. It has a fraction of the crowds and is a much more technical trail with a true wilderness feel.

READ NEXT: Alternatives to the Grouse Grind: Steep Workout Hikes Near Vancouver

Mount Seymour in June and July

The hike to Mount Seymour is one of my picks for the best hikes in Vancouver. It’s my personal favourite hike on the North Shore. But unless you enjoy slathering on enough DEET to melt your synthetic clothing (yes, that can happen), avoid Mount Seymour in June and July. The bugs up there are apocalyptic. I’m talking flying into your eyes and ears, up your shorts, etc.  Seymour seems to be worse than some of the other North Shore peaks since it has lots of little ponds and lakes that make perfect mosquito nurseries. The bugs are at their thickest with the snow melt, then slowly lessen as the summer goes on. Typically, that means you’ll need to avoid Mount Seymour in June and for some of July.

Where to Hike Instead: Head to Mount Seymour in September for a gorgeous fall hike after the bugs start to die off. If you want a summer hike to a granite peak, try the Stawamus Chief in Squamish. There’s often a breeze to chase the bugs away.

Lynn Peak

The hike to Lynn Peak doesn’t have much going for it: It’s steep. There are no views on the way up. It passes through tight (and ugly) sections of second growth forest. Part of the ascent is on loose cobbled rocks the size of baby’s heads. Oh and they’re slippery too! To top it off, once you get to the peak, there is only a partial view. The only positives to this hike are that it’s transit accessible and close to Vancouver.

Where to Hike Instead: You could hike pretty much any other North Shore mountain and have a better hike. I’d recommend Eagle Bluffs. (It’s one of my picks for the best hikes near Vancouver!)

READ NEXT: The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver – A Local’s Guide

Deeks Lake

The trail to Deeks Lake features lots of road walking and an insanely steep trail. You’ll gain nearly 1000m! It finishes with a visit to a small lake hemmed in by trees. It’s hard to even get to the lakeshore. And once you’re there, you’re surrounded by mountains… but you can’t see any of them! Then, to top it off, you have to go down, down, DOWN that steep trail back to the car. My knees hurt just thinking about it.

Where to Hike Instead: If you want to do a steep hike to a beautiful mountain lake, head to Wedgemount Lake instead. (It’s one of the best hikes in Whistler.) The hike is just as steep in places, but the lake and views at the top are far superior. (Your knees will still hurt on the way down though!)

Joffre Lakes on the Weekend

Heads up: Day passes are required at Joffre Lakes in summer 2023. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Joffre Lakes is a beautiful hike to three gorgeous glacier lakes. But you know what’s not beautiful? Having to park several kilometers away then risk your life walking down the highway because the parking lot is full. Once you hit the trail you’ll be trudging uphill nose to tail with thousands of other hikers and tourists. Then waiting in line (yes, there literally is a line) to take photos at the key spots everyone has seen on Instagram. Honestly in my opinion, the insane levels of crowds at Joffre Lakes have turned it one of the worst hikes in Vancouver.

Where to Hike Instead: If you still want to hike Joffre Lakes, go on a weekday. It will still be crowded, but not insane. If you want to hike to a gorgeous blue glacial lake surrounded by peaks, head to Watersprite Lake. The hike will require more effort than Joffre, but the views are just as nice and the crowds are much smaller.

READ NEXT: Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver

Woodland Walk to Sawblade Falls

For me, a hike should be a peaceful experience, a time to appreciate nature. And I certainly can’t get that on the Woodland Walk trail. You see, there’s a gun club and firing range just downslope. You can hear the sound of gunfire almost the entire hike. At times it seems frighteningly close! If that doesn’t deter you from hiking this trail, maybe the endless road walking through ragged second growth forest will? Sawblade Falls is pretty enough, but it’s nothing special. It’s definitely not worth the effort it takes to get there in my opinion.

Where to Hike Instead: If you’re looking for a nice walk in the woods that leads to a waterfall, check out Crooked Falls in Squamish or Kennedy Falls on the North Shore.

READ NEXT: Hike to Crooked Falls in Squamish

Quarry Rock

The trail to Quarry Rock is a pleasant walk through the forest to a rock outcropping with a view of Deep Cove. It’s an easy hike with a transit accessible trailhead, and proximity to famous Honey’s Doughnuts. And it’s crazy busy. In fact it’s so busy that the District of North Vancouver recently deployed rangers to make sure the crowds at the viewpoint weren’t large enough to put people in danger of falling! Quarry Rock is a nice hike, but I don’t think it lives up to the hype. There are lots of other easy trails with better views. (But no doughnuts though – you’ll have to bring your own.)

Where to Hike Instead: Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver has lots of easy trails that head through the forest to viewpoints on rock outcroppings. (It’s actually one of my favourite easy hikes in Vancouver.) And none of the viewpoints are ever exceptionally crowded. You can get views of Howe Sound, Burrard Inlet with downtown Vancouver in the background, the lighthouse or a pocket beach.

READ NEXT: 6 Easy Hikes in Vancouver for Beginners and Tourists

So there’s my list for the 10 worst hikes in Vancouver. Which ones do you agree with? Which Vancouver hikes would be on your worst list? Tell me in the comments.

More Vancouver Hikes (That DON’T Suck!)

• The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver: A Local’s Guide
• The Best Vancouver Hiking Books
• Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver
• Alternatives to the Grouse Grind: Steep Workout Hikes Near Vancouver
• 35 Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit
• Waterfalls Near Vancouver You Can Hike To
• 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver
• 6 Easy Hikes in Vancouver for Beginners and Tourists
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails

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