I’ve lived in the Vancouver area my whole life and have been hiking here since I was a child. These days I’m a hiking guidebook author and a full-time outdoor writer so I know lots about Vancouver’s trails. I’m also a four-season and all-weather hiker so I get out on the trails regularly in the winter.

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.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

8 Best Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver

This post has dozens of options for Vancouver area hikes that are snow-free all year. Many of the hikes are short and easy nature walks, but there are a few gems.

Here are my picks for the 8 best snow-free hikes in Vancouver:

• Lynn Loop/Cedar Mills Trail
• Whyte Lake
• Lighthouse Park
• Jug Island
• Buntzen Lake
• East and West Canyon Loop
• Steelhead Falls
• Mount Crumpit

Vancouver Winter Hiking Safety Tips

Winter hiking requires more preparation than summer hiking: the weather is cold, the trails are often in poor condition and there are less people on the trails to help you if you get into trouble.

• Make sure you leave a trip plan with a friend or family member before you go.
• Always bring the 10 essentials and check out my tips for winter hiking to make sure you keep warm and stay safe.
• Check the weather before you go and bring appropriate clothing and gear. Use my picks for the Best Weather Apps for Hiking.
• Some of these trails might get a dusting of snow a few times of year (especially if it snows down at sea level), but none of them will get enough snow to require snowshoes. They can still be icy though, so microspikes are a good idea. (Read my guide to the difference between microspikes and snowshoes.) Check trail conditions ahead of time so you know what to expect. 

Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is an urban park that has a beautiful forested interior with one of the best short and easy hikes in Vancouver. I recommend using the park map to plan a route. My personal highlights include Beaver Lake, the Siwash Rock Trail, and the big trees along Tatlow Walk.

Distance: 1 to 15 km

Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Pacific Spirit Park

Pacific Spirit Park is a great patch of wilderness almost right in the city with tons of trail options. I used to trail run here a lot when I lived closer. My favourite trails are Lily of the Valley and Sword Fern because they feel a bit more wild than the multi-use trails.

Distance: 1 to 20 km

Time: 30 minutes to 6 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Point Grey Foreshore Trail

This beautiful walk goes along the coast past several out-of-the-way beaches in Pacific Spirit Regional Park. You’ll need a low tide to complete this trail. Check the tide table before you go.

Note: This trail passes through Wreck Beach, a nudist beach. While there are far fewer nude sunbathers in the winter than the summer, be prepared to see naked people any day of the year.

Distance: Up to 12 km round-trip

Time: 3 to 4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Snow-Free Hikes in North Vancouver

Quarry Rock

A short forest walk to a beautiful viewpoint on Quarry Rock over Deep Cove. This is a great hike to do in the winter. In the summer the trail is REALLY busy since Quarry Rock is pretty Instagram-famous.

Distance: 4 km round-trip

Time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Rice Lake

The easy walk around tiny Rice Lake in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve is popular with families and fishers. I love it on a calm day since you get great reflections in the lake’s surface. Keep your eye out for side trails that take you to hidden viewpoints along the shoreline.

Distance: 3 km loop

Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Fisherman’s Trail

The Fisherman’s Trail is easy walk on a gravel trail along the banks of the Seymour River. Start the hike from the Rice Lake parking lot. Watch for the hidden tunnel part way along.

Distance: 16 km round-trip

Time: 3 to 4 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Homestead/Twin Bridges Loop

The Homestead/Twin Bridges Loop is a short hike to the Seymour River from the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve parking lot near Rice Lake. Start downhill on the Twin Bridges Trail to the river and a suspension bridge, then turn left to follow Fisherman’s Trail upstream. Head back uphill to the parking lot on the Homestead Trail.

Distance: 4.7 km

Time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Seymour and Lynn Canyons

The hike around the best parts of the Seymour and Lynn Canyons is one of my favourite winter hikes. It’s low enough to avoid snow but it has lots of waterfalls, bridges, rainforest, and canyon viewpoints. You can start from a few different places, but it’s easiest to get parking at the Rice Lake Parking Lot.

Distance: 8 km loop

Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Baden Powell Trail from Deep Cove To Lynn Valley

The Baden Powell Trail stretches across the width of the North Shore. In the winter, I think the section between Deep Cove and Lynn Valley makes a great hike. You can do it as an out-and-back or use the bus or an Uber to do it one way. Or extend it all the way to the base of Grouse Mountain (see below).

Distance: 12 km round-trip

Time: 4 to 5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Baden Powell from Lynn Valley to Grouse Mountain

I think the section of the Baden Powell between Deep Cove and Lynn Valley is a little nicer than the one between Lynn Valley and the base of Grouse Mountain. But it’s still worth doing if you want a snow-free winter hike in Vancouver.

The trail stays in the trees and has tons of small ups and downs. It also crosses countless mountain bike trails – watch for signs and use an app like AllTrails or Gaia GPS to stay on track. You can do it as an out-and back from either end. Or take the bus, a taxi, or an Uber to do it as a one-way.

Distance: 15.1 km round-trip

Time: 6 hours

Difficulty: Challenging

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and Twin Falls

The hike to Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and Twin Falls is a tourist hot-spot in the summer (it’s one o the best easy hikes in Vancouver), but in the winter it’s much less crowded and usually snow-free. This short loop includes the suspension bridge, Twin Falls and Twin Falls bridge, and 30 foot pool – all the highlights in the area.

Distance: 2.3 km loop

Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Lynn Loop

This short Lynn Loop in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is usually snow-free in the winter. It heads through the forest and the loops back along Lynn Creek. You can also extend the hike along the Headwaters Trail towards Norvan Falls, but you will likely encounter snow as you head upstream.

Distance: 5.5 km

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Snow-Free Hikes in West Vancouver

Capilano Canyon Trails

The Capilano Canyon Trails are fun to explore in the winter since they don’t get snow. The huge network of trails leads to views from the top of the Cleveland Dam, bridges over the Capilano River, views of the canyon, and lots of rainforest.

Distance: 6 km (but you can add on more trails)

Time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Mountain Path and Cypress Trestle Bridge

The Mountain Path and Cypress Trestle Bridge trail is a new trail on the lower slopes of Cypress Mountain. It starts at Cypress Village, which is a great viewpoint and has a coffee shop and pizza truck. (It’s actually a real estate sales office, but it’s worth a visit for the views.) From there, it heads uphill through the forest to a beautiful trestle bridge with great views of Vancouver.

Distance: 6.5 km round-trip

Time: 2 to 2.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Cypress Falls

The short hike to Cypress Falls is perfect in the winter since the waterfalls really get flowing when it rains. But stay back from the edge – there have been accidents here! The trail heads uphill through the canyon to visit several waterfall viewpoints.

Distance: 3 km round-trip

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Whyte Lake

I’ve done the hike to Whyte Lake at least a dozen times. It’s beautiful in all seasons and it doesn’t have snow in the winter. It’s an easy hike uphill through the forest next to a beautiful little canyon. It ends at a picturesque lake that often has good reflections and is home to Vancouver’s nicest outhouse.

Distance: 5 km round-trip

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Lighthouse Park

The trails in Lighthouse Park are so scenic: rainforest, bluffs with ocean views, a tiny beach, and great views of Vancouver. It’s on my list of Vancouver best easy hikes.

With tons of trails, you can make your own route. However, the loop around the park’s perimeter takes you to all the best viewpoints.

Distance: 5.3 km loop

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Snow-Free Hikes in Burnaby

Velodrome Trail

There are lots of snow-free hiking options on Burnaby Mountain. One of my favourites is the Velodrome Trail, which climbs steeply up the north side. Some people call it the Burnaby Grind. You can extend your hike by incorporating some of the other trails on the west side of the mountain.

Distance: 3 km round-trip

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Burnaby Lake

Even though this trail is in the middle of an urban area, it feels wild enough to call it a hike. The Burnaby Lake Trail makes a big loop around Burnaby Lake through forests and along well-built trails through the bog. You can barely tell you are close to Metrotown!

Distance: 10.5 km loop

Time: 2 to 2.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Snow-Free Hikes in Richmond and Delta

Iona Beach

Most people heading to Iona Beach stick to the paved and gravel walkway on top of the Iona Jetty. It’s a nice walk, but I wouldn’t describe it as hike. Instead, head further along the road to Iona Beach. You can follow a trail behind the beach and then come back along the sand (as long as it is low tide). It has good views of the river and you might spot seals on the log booms.

Distance: 4.5 km loop

Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Deas Island

The hike on Deas Island is another gem of a trail hidden in the middle of the city. The trail actually goes right over to top of the Highway 99 tunnel. But for most of the hike, you’ll just enjoy a sandy trail and views of the Fraser River.

Distance: 4.7 km loop

Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Delta Watershed Park

The Delta Watershed Park has a maze of trails sandwiched between Highway 91 and residential neighbourhoods. Many of the trails are mountain bike trails, so expect to share the trail. It’s a fun place to explore, but it’s easy to get turned around. The best option is a loop around the perimeter.

Distance: 6.3 km loop

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Snow-Free Hikes in Belcarra

Jug Island Beach

I love the quiet Jug Island Beach trail through the forest in təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park. Along the way it has some good views of Bedwell Bay It ends at tiny Jug Island Beach on Indian Arm.

Distance: 5.5 km round-trip

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Admiralty Point

The Admiralty Point trail is another great hike in təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park – it starts from the same parking lot as the Jug Island Beach Trail so you can do them back to back if you want more distance. The hike to Admiralty Point follows the coast to lots of little pocket beaches and viewpoints of Indian Arm.

Distance: 5.5 km

Time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Sasamat Lake

In the summer Sasamat Lake is so popular that the parking lot is usually totally full, but you won’t have to fight crowds in the winter. It’s a short and easy walk around the lake, including walking over a floating bridge. If you want to extend your hike, you can add on a trip to Woodhaven Swamp or Sugar Mountain.

Distance: 3.2 km loop

Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Buntzen Lake

The loop around Buntzen Lake is a Vancouver classic. It goes through rolling forest with lots of viewpoints of the lake. It has both a suspension bridge and a floating brige, which is why its one of my favourite snow-free hikes. You can add on some of the other trails in the area, but many of them will have snow in the winter.

Distance: 10 km

Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Snow-Free Hikes in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam

Coquitlam Crunch

The Coquitlam Crunch is Coquitlam’s answer to the Grouse Grind, this steep trail is great for a workout and stays snow-free all year. It heads steadily uphill under the powerlines with lots of stairs.

Distance: 5.8 km round-trip

Time: 2 to 2.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Coquitlam River Trails

The Coquitlam River Trails are hidden behind houses in Coquitlam. The network of trails stretches along both sides of the river. In the fall, you can spot salmon in the river and the side channels. My sister lives nearby and this is one of her favourite winter hikes in Vancouver.

If you want to extend your hike, this trail is part of the 23.5 km Taboulay Poco Trail that makes a loop around Port Coquitlam.

Distance: 5.8 km loop

Time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Minnekhada Regional Park

Minnekhada Regional Park has a wonderful network of trails that goes through forest and past marshes. The highlight is the climb up to a viewpoint over the Pitt River.

Distance: 6.8 km loop

Time: 2 to 2.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Snow-Free Hikes in Maple Ridge

UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest

The UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest near Golden Ears Provincial Park has a huge network of trails in a working forest. The most popular option is an 8 km loop that includes a lookout and a little log cabin shelter.

Distance: 7.9 km

Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Lower Falls/Gold Creek Falls

The walk to Lower Falls (also called Gold Creek Falls) is probably the most popular hike in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Thankfully, it is at low elevation so it is usually snow-free all year. It’s an easy hike beside Gold Creek to a great waterfall viewpoint.

Distance: 5.3 km

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

East and West Canyon Loop

This loop heads up the east side of Gold Creek, crosses a bridge, then heads back down the west side. Parts of the trail are old logging roads, but you can barely tell since the mossy forest and grown so much over the decades.

These East and West Canyon Trails didn’t used to connect, but BC Parks built a bridge here about 10 years ago, making a loop possible. If you want to extend your hike, you can take a rough side trail to Upper Gold Creek Falls. (This trip is also in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.)

Distance: 10.3 km

Time: 3 to 3.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Kanaka Creek Cliff Falls

The highlight of the short hike to Kanaka Creek Cliff Falls is the waterfall. It cascades over a set of sandstone ledges that form curved pools. If possible, visit during cold and dry weather to see the pools at low water.

Distance: 2.3 km

Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Kanaka Creek/Cliff Falls: A short walk to a picturesque waterfall with curved pools.

Snow-Free Hikes in Langley

Campbell Valley Regional Park

There are lots of trails to explore in Campbell Valley Regional Park. The best ones are on boardwalks next to the tiny river. It’s a great spot for bird watching.

Distance: 7.6 km loop

Time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Brae Island Regional Park

The Tavistock Trail at Brae Island Regional Park is a great short hike in Fort Langley. The trail heads through the forest alongside the Bedford Channel. There are a few side trails leading down to the water and a great view of the Fraser River at Tavistock Point.

Distance: 4.7 km

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Aldergrove Regional Park

Aldergrove Regional Park has a huge network of trails through wetlands beside Pepin Brook. There are also great views of Mount Baker.

Distance: 10.8 km loop

Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Snow-Free Hikes in Mission and Harrison

Rolley Lake and Rolley Falls

There is a popular campground at Rolley Lake, but it’s closed in winter so you might have the area to yourself. (And you’ll have to walk an extra kilometre into the park from the gate. But your reward is a lovely easy hike around the lake along with a steeper hike to a waterfall.

Distance: 4.8 km loop

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Hayward Lake and Steelhead Falls

This trail follows the shoreline of Hayward Lake, which is actually a hydro power reservoir. You can continue along the entire eastern shoreline. But don’t miss the side trip to Steelhead Falls, just a one kilometre from the parking lot.

Distance: 9.7 km round-trip

Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Cascade Falls

The hike to Cascade Falls is very short, but the scenery is worth it. The steep trail leads to a suspension bridge in front of a spectacular waterfall.

Distance: 0.6 km round trip

Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Whippoorwill Point

The hike to Whippoorwill Point starts in Harrison Hot Springs and follows the shoreline of Harrison Lake. It then heads up over a ridge before descending to a tiny sandy beach.

Distance: 3.7 km round-trip

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Spirit Trail

If you’re in Harrison Hot Springs in winter, don’t miss the Spirit Trail. It’s a shot hike, but it features dozens of hand carved masks mounted on trees. It’s kinda creepy and kinda cool at the same time.

Distance: 1 km loop

Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Snow-Free Hikes in Abbotsford

Abby Grind

The steep Abby Grind is also known as the Glen Ryder Trail. It climbs up to Taggart Peak and is a well-known alternative to the Grouse Grind.

Distance: 3.4 km round-trip

Time: 2 to 2.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

Downes Bowl

Downes Bowl in Abbotsford has a great trail system through a marsh with lots of boardwalks. It is a bit of a maze, but you can make a loop that uses most of the trails.

Distance: 4.3 km loop

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Snow-Free Hikes in Chilliwack and Hope

Tea Pot Hill

The hike up Tea Pot Hill in Cultus Lake Provincial Park is one of the most unique hikes in Vancouver thanks to the literal teapots along the sides of the trail. Even though the trail goes up a small hill, it’s low enough to be snow-free most winters.

Distance: 4.8 km round-trip

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Seven Sisters Trail

The Seven Sisters Trail is another great short hike in Cultus Lake Provincial Park. It goes to a beautiful grove of old growth trees known as the Seven Sisters.

Distance: 3.2 km

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Chilliwack Community Forest

The new volunteer-created trail network in the Chilliwack Community Forest includes several short loops through the forest. You can string a few of them together to make various loops.

Distance: 4 km loop

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Cheam Lake Wetlands

Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park is hidden in farm land in between Chilliwack and Hope. It’s a great place to go birding. The trails along the lake and through the marsh are my favourite – some of them feature floating walkways.

Distance: 4.5 km round-trip

Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Bridal Veil Falls

The gate to Bridal Veil Falls is closed in winter, but you can still hike it if you park outside the gate and walk a few minutes along the road. It’s a short hike, but the falls are incredible. Be sure to stay away from the base – in the past visitors have been seriously injured when rocks fell on them.

Distance: 1.3 km loop

Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Flood Falls

The hike to Flood Falls is a good leg-stretcher if you’re driving along Highway 1. The falls is really spectacular after heavy rains.

Distance: 1 km round-trip

Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Snow-Free Hikes in Squamish

Mount Crumpit

The hike to Mount Crumpit is one of my favourite local hikes in Squamish. It’s low enough to avoid snow but it’s high enough to have incredible views of the Stawamus Chief and downtown Squamish. The hike is steep in places!

Distance: 7.9 km round-trip

Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate.

Four Lakes Trail at Alice Lake

As a Squamish local, the Four Lakes Trail at Alice Lake Provincial Park is one of my go-to winter hikes. It’s relatively easy, but the forest is gorgeous and there are four lakes to check out along the way.

Distance: 6.3 km loop

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Brohm Lake

I love the trails at Brohm Lake. You can do the easy 4 km loop around the lake or add on a great viewpoint. I also love the off-the-beaten path trails in the southern part of park. My recommended loop takes in the best spots in the park.

Distance: 8 km loop

Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Starvation Lake on the Sea to Sky Trail

The Sea to Sky Trail stretches from Squamish to Whistler. Most of it is too snowy in the winter. But you can hike the short section from the end of Paradise Valley Road to Starvation Lake.

Distance: 6.4 km round-trip

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Snow-Free Backpacking Trips Near Vancouver

With snow in the mountains between November and June, you’ll have to look to low elevation trails to go backpacking in Vancouver in the off-season. See my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia for recommendations on where to for a snow-free backpacking trip in March, April, and May.

Final Thoughts

How many of these snow-free hikes in Vancouver have you done? Do you have even more to add to my list? Let me know in the comments?

MORE VANCOUVER HIKES:

• 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver
• Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver
• Alternatives to the Grouse Grind: Steep Workout Hikes Near Vancouver
• 35+ Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit
• 40+ Waterfall Hikes Near Vancouver

WINTER TIPS:

• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• 9 Tips for Winter Hiking (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Vancouver

The post Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: 50+ Year-round Trails appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

These hikes are definitely not ordinary. They visit abandoned places, take in a bit of history, let you see some wildlife and visit some enormous trees. I can guarantee you that each of them has an interesting destination.

If you’re sick of the same old hikes you’ve seen on social media, try one of these off-the-beaten-path hikes near Vancouver instead.

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.

Explore World War II Military Gun Emplacements

Did you know that during World War II the Canadian military prepared to defend Vancouver from Japanese submarines? Thankfully the subs never showed up. There’s still some interesting left-over war infrastructure out at UBC.

Take trails 3 or 4 down to Tower Beach to see two abandoned search light towers, now heavily covered in graffiti. Or walk the trails behind the Museum of Anthropology to see the remains of some gun emplacements, complete with locked doors to underground bunkers.

Bring a copy of the Pacific Spirit Park map so you can make a 2.5km loop to see both the towers and the gun emplacements. You can find more info about the military history of the area on Scout Vancouver. I’ve got more info about this hike in my guide to coastal hiking in Vancouver.

Walk Amongst Migrating Birds

The Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta has nearly 5km of trails that pass by numerous ponds and wetlands. If you visit in the spring or fall you can see many different types of migrating birds including the huge (and slightly intimidating Sandhill Cranes).

You can also climb up the viewing tower or hide in one of the bird blinds to get an alternative perspective.

It costs $5 to visit the sanctuary and they also sell bird seed if you want to feed the ducks. Since it can get crowded, you need to book a time slot in advance on the Reifel Bird Sanctuary website.

The quiet roads on Westham Island leading up to the sanctuary also make a great bike ride. See my recommended bike route.

Visit a Thousand Year Old Fir Tree

Did you know that just a few hundred meters above the fancy houses in West Vancouver’s British Properties neighbourhood there’s an absolutely huge tree? The Hollyburn Fir is over 10 meters around, measures 44 meters tall and is estimated to be about 1000 years old!

You can find it at the intersection of the Brewis and Crossover Trails on Lower Hollyburn. If you only want to see the fir it’s just over a kilometre from the Millstream Road trailhead via the Millstream and Brewis trails.

But a way better idea is to follow the route for West Vancouver’s Lawson Creek Heritage Walk that passes by a number of historic sites. It’s one of my picks for the best winter hikes in Vancouver that are usually snow-free all year.

Hike Amongst the Cutest Cabins

Up near the cross country ski area at Cypress Mountain there are nearly 100 private cabins nestled in the forest. These off-the-grid cabins have no running water or electricity and have to be accessed on foot. Most were built in the 1920s and 1930s.

You can read more about the cabins (and see some awesome historical photos) on the Hollyburn Heritage website.

To find the cabins, park at the cross country ski area, then take the Hollyburn trail to the Hollyburn Lodge. Turn right onto any of the trails leading downhill from the lodge and you’ll soon spot lots of cabins.

There are tons of trails in the area and it’s easy to get turned around so make sure you bring a map or GPS. The Cypress Provincial Park map has some of the trails but it’s much easier to navigate with a GPS. I use the Gaia GPS app for my phone.

Note: All of these cabins are private property so please stay on the trails and respect the cabin owner’s privacy.

Visit a Cold War Plane Crash

If you’ve ever skied at Cypress Mountain, you might know that there’s a run called T-33. But did you know it’s named after the Royal Canadian Navy T-33 jet that crashed there during a training run in 1963?

It was the height of the Cold War so until the plane was found, there was a lot of speculation about whether the Russians were involved. (Spoiler: they weren’t.)

Remains of the jet are still on the mountain, along with a plaque commemorating the two crew members who perished. 

If you just want to visit the crash site you can do it as part of a hike up Mount Strachan. Vancouver Trails has a good route description for a loop hike that takes in some of the lesser travelled trails in the area and passes by the crash.

Poop in Vancouver’s Most Beautiful Outhouse

There are a lot of outhouses on the trails around Vancouver, and most of them are… not awesome. However, the outhouse at West Vancouver’s Whyte Lake is actually quite beautiful. Constructed out of sturdy cedar, it has a metal roof and even a small window to let in natural light.

The best part is the dutch door that lets you close the bottom half while leaving the top half open to enjoy the view of the surrounding forest. The outhouse usually not stocked, so BYO toilet paper.

It’s a short 5km round trip hike to Whyte Lake. You can find directions on Vancouver Trails.

Crawl Through a Hidden Tunnel

History is all over the place on the North Shore. One such relic of the past is a short, cramped tunnel alongside the Fisherman’s Trail.

Apparently there used to be a water pipe along this trail and instead of going around a rocky headland, they decided to blast right through it. Today the pipe is gone but a wet and muddy tunnel still goes through the rocks. The tunnel is about 20 meters long and you’ll have to crouch to go through it.

To find it, park in the main lot at the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve and take the Twin Bridges trail downhill to the site of the former bridge. Turn left and follow the Fisherman’s trail up river for a few hundred meters. Look for the entrance to the tunnel on your left about 2.5km after the parking lot.

Either retrace your steps back to your car or continue following the Fisherman’s Trail to the Homestead Trail to make a loop. Other routes are possible too – make your own using the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve Trail Map.

Walk Through an Ancient Cedar

I don’t mean walk among ancient cedars… I actually do mean walk through one. Like, right through the middle. There’s an old, dead cedar snag in North Vancouver’s Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve that has been incorporated into a mountain bike trail… by routing the trail right through the hollow centre of the tree.

To find the tree, head for the northwestern loop on the Circuit 8 mountain bike trail. Keep in mind that this is a mountain bike primary trail so watch closely for bikers and be prepared to step off the trail to let them pass. Bring a copy of the LSCR map to help you find your way.

Explore A Graffiti-Covered Train Wreck

In the 1950s several train cars tumbled off the tracks just outside Whistler. They lay forgotten it the forest for years before Whistler locals found them and built a trail to the area. Today you can take an easy hike to see the seven abandoned boxcars, which serve as an informal gallery space for local graffiti artists.

While the train cars are the highlight of the hike, the views of the Cheakamus River canyon and the new suspension bridge you get to walk over are reason enough to visit.

Get directions for this short hike in my Whistler Train Wreck Trail hiking guide. (This trail is also on my list of the best hikes in Whistler and best places to snowshoe in Whistler.)

Visit a Ghost Town

Did you know there is a ghost town near Whistler? On the northern shore of Green Lake lies Parkhurst, a logging town that was abandoned in the 1960s. The town once had a few dozen residents, a mill, a store and a school, but very few buildings are still standing today.

You can still find tons of “historical garbage”, house ruins and abandoned cars around the site, with the forest growing up all around them.

The hike to Parkhurst is a a 6km loop. Check out my complete guide to hiking to Parkhurst Ghost Town for directions. (This is another gem that made my list of the best hikes in Whistler.)

Hike a Trail Covered in Teapots

Yes you read that right… teapots. The hike up to the top of Teapot Hill near Chilliwack is a popular one with locals. It’s a short 5km hike to the top of a hill where there is a view of Cultus Lake.

Over the years hikers have left actual teapots along the trail so try to see how many you can spot as you hike. (I’ve heard there can be as many as 80!)

The number of teapots varies since the park rangers clean them up periodically: the broken pots are a hazard to people and pets.

As well, many people prefer to see the wilderness in its natural state, rather than have it altered with teapots.  Leaving teapots or other objects in the forest is not in line with Leave No Trace principles so please don’t add your own teapots.

You can find more info about this hike on the Cultus Lake Provincial Park website.

Hike Through Abandoned Train Tunnels

Heads up: This trail was heavily damaged in the November 2021 floods and is currently closed with no expected opening date.

The Othello Tunnels near Hope were an engineering marvel when they first opened to railway traffic in 1914. And even though they aren’t used for trains anymore, they’re still pretty damn cool.

The tunnels are part of the old Kettle Valley Railway. In order to pass through the twisty canyon of the Coquihalla River, five tunnels and two bridges were built to keep the train heading straight.

Today you can walk right through since they are part of Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. It’s a 3.5km round trip hike to hike through the tunnels and back again. The flat railway grade makes for an easy hike, but you might want flashlights for the tunnel portions.

And heads up (literally): the tunnels are closed in the winter to protect hikers from falling rock and ice. Check out the provincial park website before you go to make sure it’s open.

Check Out an Abandoned Train Trestle

You might have heard about the abandoned train tunnels at Othello Tunnels, but did you know that further up the Coquihalla Canyon you can find another relic of the old Kettle Valley Railway? It’s called the Ladner Creek Trestle and it’s a huge steel train bridge that curves high above the river canyon.

The wooden decking is all rotted out, so it’s not safe to walk on, but there is a great viewpoint nearby. This 2km hike is short but challenging since it has some steep and unstable sections. For details check out Outdoor Vancouver.

Peer Into a Mine Shaft

Heads up: The bridge at the beginning of this trail is currently washed out thanks to the November 2021 floods and the trail is currently inaccessible at times of high water. In late summer, it is an easy ford.

You can find evidence of old mines in many places around BC. One of the more accessible sites is on the Skagit River Trail in Manning Provincial Park. This flat trail follows the Skagit River downstream for 16km but you only have to hike 1.5km to find the site of a small abandoned mine from the 1960s.

On the short side trail to the mine you’ll pass the remains of the miner’s camp: a flattened cabin (it collapsed under snow in the winter of 2008), and an old 1940s truck that is still in remarkably good shape.

You can peer into the boarded up mine shaft next to a waterfall, but please don’t go inside as it isn’t safe. The shaft is unsupported and could collapse at any time. For directions, see the Manning Provincial Park website.

Watch for Wildfires from a Historical Fire Lookout

Back in the days before airplanes and cell service were everywhere, the best way to watch out for wildfires was to station a guy in a tower on top of a mountain all summer and have him look for smoke.

There are still old fire lookouts around BC, but the closest one to Vancouver is on the top of Windy Joe Mountain in Manning Provincial Park. The Windy Joe lookout hasn’t been staffed since 1965 but it’s still in great shape thanks to BC Parks. 

It’s a 16km round trip hike with 800m of elevation gain, but the view from the top is worth the hike. You can climb up into the loft of the fire lookout and get a 360 degree view of the surrounding area. You can get more info about the trail on the Manning Provincial Park website.

So there’s my favourite weird yet wonderful and unusual hikes near Vancouver. Are there any off the beaten path hikes or hidden gems that I missed? Tell me about them in the comments.

More Vancouver Area Hikes:

• 35 Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit
• Waterfalls Near Vancouver You Can Hike To
• Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver
• The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver
• The Worst Hikes in Vancouver (And Where to Hike Instead)
• 100+ Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: Trails You Can Hike Year Round
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Vancouver
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails

The post 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book. However, all opinions are my own.

Basic Stats:

Author: Roy Jantzen

Format: Paperback with lots of full colour photos and maps

Publication Date: 2015

Publisher: Rocky Mountain Books

List Price: Paperback $25CAD

Where to Buy: Amazon.ca (where it’s often on sale)

What’s in the Book?

One of the things that I liked best about the book is the fact that the majority of the activities are within Metro Vancouver. Too often books claim things are in Vancouver when in reality they are several hours drive away. It’s nice to be able to pick an activity, head out the door, and be outside in the fresh air quickly. There are also public transit directions so you aren’t tied to your car.

Another thing I really liked about Active Vancouver is that most of the activities are very beginner-friendly. As well, Jantzen included an index at the back of the book. It has specific recommendations for trips that are good for dogs, kids, teens, seniors, and out of town visitors. 

Active Vancouver is broken up into sections for a variety of active outdoor pursuits. There are sections for trail running, hiking, snowshoeing, cycling, paddling and picnicking. There’s also a bonus section at the back called “Other Adventures” that includes swimming, inline skating and rock climbing.  There are 48 adventures in all, with a handful in each section. Each adventure includes a map, directions and beautiful photos.

However, for me the best part of each adventure was the “Eco-Insight” section with interesting ecological info. I’ve done the Quarry Rock Hike in Deep Cover countless times. But I’ve never stopped to think about the close relationship between the tree roots I’m stepping over and fungus. The author is a professor of natural history at Capilano University and it’s obvious that he’s put a lot of thought into the ecological info in this book. After reading the Eco-Insight for Quarry Rock, I know next time I do that hike I’ll spend some more time looking carefully at the forest floor! (Psst: Did you know that Quarry Rock is one of the most Instagrammed hikes in Vancouver?)

Who Will Like This Book?

Active Vancouver includes adventures in all four seasons, so it’s something locals can use year round. I think this is a great book for any outdoor adventurer in Vancouver. It’s especially good for those new to town, new to the outdoors or new to getting outside with their growing family. Even if you’re a seasoned Vancouver outdoors-person, I think the Eco-Insights alone are reason enough to own a copy.

More Book Reviews:

• The Glorious Mountains of Vancouver’s North Shore: A Review
• 103 Hikes and 105 Hikes: The History of Hiking Guidebooks in BC
• 20 Women’s Adventure Books That Will Inspire You
• The Best Canadian Adventure Books
• The Best Vancouver Hiking Books

More Vancouver-Area Outdoor Adventure Ideas:

• The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver: A Local’s Guide
• Waterfalls Near Vancouver You Can Hike To
• 35 Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit
• 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver
• 100+ Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: Trails You Can Hike Year Round
• The Ultimate Guide to Snowshoeing in Vancouver: 10 Places to Go
• 6 Easy Hikes in Vancouver for Beginners and Tourists

The post Active Vancouver: Book Review appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

So here’s my big list of Vancouver hikes you can get to on transit. While I put over 35 hikes on the list, there are even more transit-accessible hikes near Vancouver. Grab a map and a transit schedule and see what you can find!

PSST! Want to go overnight or multi-day hiking? Check out my list of the best car-free backpacking trips in BC.

But first… Be prepared

Just because you can take a bus right to the trail doesn’t mean you aren’t going to the wilderness. Many of the hikes on this list are very snowy and dangerous in winter or can have other hazards the rest of the year. Make sure you research trail conditions before you go. 

Check the weather forecast too so that you know what to wear to keep you warm and dry. Bring a backpack that contains the 10 essentials – gear you should have on every hike. And leave a trip plan with a friend or family member so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back. Read more about the things you should do before every hike.

Lastly, these trails are located in sensitive wilderness areas. Learn how to Leave No Trace before you go so we can all keep the wilderness wild.

Taking Public Transit in Vancouver

Unfortunately, bus schedules change. I’ve done my best to include the most up-to-date transit info in this post, but please double check with Translink before you take transit to your hike.

Vancouver’s transit system uses a reloadable fare card called the Compass Card. You can buy one at a Skytrain station on online. Tap your card when you get on a bus. (You don’t have to tap out.) Tap in and out of the gates at Skytrain and Sea Bus stations.

If you don’t want to buy a Compass Card you can use a contactless (tap) credit cards or debit cards. You can also use mobile wallets (e.g. Apple Wallet, Samsung Pay. On the bus, you also have the option of paying with exact change.

Vancouver’s Skytrain and Sea Buses work on a zone system with fares increases the more zones you travel through. However, buses are all in the same zone. Look up info on your trip before you purchase your fare.

Bowen Island and Sunshine Coast Hikes You Can Get to on Transit

Mount Gardner 

Mount Garner is the highest point on Bowen Island so it has great views. But since it’s only 719m tall, it’s rarely snowy and can be hiked almost all year. 

Trail Stats: 17km round trip, 719m elevation gain, 7 hours, moderate. Getting There: From downtown Vancouver, take bus 257 or 250 to Horseshoe Bay, then walk on to the Bowen Island ferry. Parking at the ferry is difficult and expensive so taking the bus is much easier. More Info: Vancouver Trails

Killarney Lake

The easy and flat hike around Killarney Lake makes a great day trip to Bowen Island. 

Trail Stats: 9km round trip, no elevation gain, 2 hours, easy. Getting There: From downtown Vancouver, take bus 257 or 250 to Horseshoe Bay, then walk on to the Bowen Island ferry. More Info: Crippen Regional Park

Langdale Falls

The hike to this waterfall passes through gorgeous mossy forest. It’s at a low elevation so you can hike it year-round. It’s one of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast.

Trails Stats: 8km round trip, 280m elevation gain, 3 hours, easy. Getting There: From downtown Vancouver, take bus 257 or 250 to Horseshoe Bay, then walk on to the Sunshine Coast ferry. More Info: My Langdale Falls trail guide.

Lions Bay Hikes You Can Get to on Transit

Tunnel Bluffs

The hike to Tunnel Bluffs leads to an incredible view of Howe Sound. The first half of the hike is brutally steep, but the second half is easy. And of course, the view is worth it.

Trail stats: 11 km round trip, 450 m elevation gain, 3.5-4.5 hours, moderate. Getting there: Take bus 262 to Lions Bay from Horseshoe Bay. In Lions Bay, walk up Bayview Drive, then Mountain Drive to the trailhead on Sunset Drive. More Info: My Tunnel Bluffs trail guide

The Lions

This is a tough trail, best left for experienced hikers. But it goes to a viewpoint near the summit of Vancouver’s iconic Lions – peaks that can dominate the city’s skyline. (The route to the summit is for mountaineers only.)

Trail Stats: 16 km round trip, 1280 m elevation gain, 8 hours, very challenging. Getting there: Take bus 262 to Lions Bay from Horseshoe Bay. In Lions Bay, walk up Bayview Drive, then Mountain Drive to the trailhead on Sunset Drive. More Info: Vancouver Trails

Brunswick Mountain

At 1788 m, Brunswick Mountain is the tallest mountain on Vancouver’s North Shore. The steep and challenging trail to the summit (for experienced hikers only) leads to an incredible view.

Trail stats: 14 km round trip, 1543 m elevation gain, 7-9 hours, very challenging. Getting there: Take bus 262 to Lions Bay from Horseshoe Bay. In Lions Bay, walk up Bayview Drive, then Mountain Drive to the trailhead on Sunset Drive. More Info: Outdoor Vancouver

West Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit

Cypress Falls

If you’re looking for a shorter hike on a cloudy day, Cypress Falls is a great choice. It’s an easy walk to lots of waterfalls. (It’s also one of the best waterfall hikes near Vancouver.)

Trail Stats: 3km round trip, 130m elevation gain, 1.5 hours, easy. Getting there: Take bus 253 from Park Royal. Get off on Woodgreen Drive at Woodgreen Place, then walk 1 block down Woodgreen Place to the park. More Info: Vancouver Trails

Lighthouse Park

Even though it’s close to the city, the trails of Lighthouse Park are surprisingly wild. Explore the forested interior or head to the coast for great views of Howe Sound or Burrard Inlet.

Trail Stats: 6km loop, minimal elevation gain, 2 hours, easy. Getting there: Take bus 250 from downtown Vancouver. Get off at the Beacon Lane stop on Marine Drive in West Vancouver, then walk down Beacon Lane into the park. The parking lot fills up on summer weekends, so take transit instead. More Info: My favourite route in the park.

Did you you know? Lighthouse Park is actually one of the best easy hikes in Vancouver AND one of the most Instagrammed hikes in Vancouver.

Brothers Creek

There are some great trails just above the mansions of the British Properties. The Brothers Creek trail follows the creek uphill past some waterfalls and old growth trees.

Trail Stats: 7km loop, 350m elevation gain, 4 hours, moderate. Getting there: Take bus 254 from Park Royal to the stop at Eyremount Drive and Crestline Road. Walk up Crestline Road, then turn left on Henlow Road. Turn right on Millstream Road, then continue on Millstream for 100m. Turn left at the fork to reach the trailhead. Total walking distance from the bus stop: 500m. More Info: Vancouver Trails

Bonus: From the Brothers Creek trail you can detour to the Hollyburn Fir. It’s over 1000 years old and is on my list of Vancouver’s most unusual hikes.

Capilano Pacific Trail

Note: There is a significant washout on this trail but there is a signed detour.

Although this trail is never far from neighbourhoods, the rushing of the Capilano River makes it sound like you are out in the wilderness. The trail follows the river upstream from the ocean to Capilano Canyon below Cleveland Dam. 

Trail Stats: 15km return, 230m elevation gain, 4 hours, easy. Getting there: More Info: Capilano River Regional Park Getting there: Take bus 250 or 257 to Park Royal, then walk behind the mall to the trail near the mouth of the river. If you don’t feel up to walking back the way you came, take bus 232 then 246 to Vancouver or take bus 236 to the Seabus. More info: Capilano River Regional Park

North Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit

Capilano Canyon

There is lots to see on the trails around the Cleveland Dam in Capliano Canyon. Be sure to check out the dam spillway, fish hatchery, and deep canyon walls. Watch for whitewater kayakers too.

Trail stats: 2.5km loop, 100m elevation gain, 1 hour, easy. Getting there: Take bus 236 from the Sea Bus. Get off on Nancy Green Way at Prospect Avenue. More info: Capilano River Regional Park

Grouse Grind

“The Grind”, as locals call it, is a Vancouver workout classic. It climbs relentlessly uphill to the top of the Grouse Gondola. There are lots of stairs (and sweat) along the way, and no views until the top.

Trail Stats: 3km, 850m elevation gain, 2 hours, difficult. Getting there: Take bus 236 from the Sea Bus to the base of Grouse Mountain. Or take bus 232 from Phibbs Exchange. More info: Grouse Mountain Regional Park

DID YOU KNOW? The Grouse Grind is one of the Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver?

BCMC Trail

If the manicured stairs and personal-best-seeking runners aren’t your thing, skip the Grouse Grind and take the BCMC trail up to the top of Grouse instead. The BCMC is just east of the Grind and has a much wilder feel.

Trail stats: 3km, 850m elevation gain, 2 hours, difficult. Getting there: Take bus 236 from the Sea Bus to the base of Grouse Mountain. Or take bus 232 from Phibbs Exchange. More info: Grouse Mountain Regional Park

Thunderbird Ridge

This short hike ends at a spectacular viewpoint high above Lynn Creek. Even though you’re right next to Grouse Mountain Resort, you’ll cover some rugged terrain to get here. Of the trails on my best easy hikes in Vancouver list, Thunderbird Ridge definitely has the most wilderness feel.

Trail stats: 6km return, 190m elevation gain, 2.5 hours, easy/moderate. Getting there: Take bus 236 from the Sea Bus to the base of Grouse Mountain. Or take bus 232 from Phibbs Exchange. Take the Grouse Gondola up to the resort or hike up the Grouse Grind or BCMC. More info: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Little Goat Mountain and Dam Mountain

This short loop hike behind Grouse Mountain takes you to the summit of two peaks along the top of a ridge. There are peek-a-boo views of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains.

Trail stats: 5.5km loop, 250m elevation gain, 2 hours, easy/moderate. Getting there: Take bus 236 from the Sea Bus to the base of Grouse Mountain. Or take bus 232 from Phibbs Exchange. Take the Grouse Gondola up to the resort or hike up the Grouse Grind or BCMC. More info: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Goat Mountain

If you’re looking for a hike at Grouse Mountain that is a bit more challenging without being too extreme, head to Goat Mountain. The final section up to the summit includes a short scramble on granite rocks.

Trail stats: 8km return, 300m elevation gain, 4 hours, moderate. Getting there: Take bus 236 from the Sea Bus to the base of Grouse Mountain. Or take bus 232 from Phibbs Exchange. Take the Grouse Gondola up to the resort or hike up the Grouse Grind or BCMC. More info: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Crown Mountain

Crown Mountain is the most difficult trail on the North Shore. It features a brutal descent into Crown Pass, then a slabby rock scramble to the summit. Use caution and don’t go in bad weather as hikers have fallen to their death here.

Trail Stats: 10km return, 385m elevation gain, 7 hours, difficult. Getting there: Take bus 236 from the Sea Bus to the base of Grouse Mountain. Or take bus 232 from Phibbs Exchange. Take the Grouse Gondola up to the resort or hike up the Grouse Grind or BCMC. More info: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Mount Fromme

Next-door to Grouse Mountain is its forgotten sister, Mount Fromme. The route to the summit weaves together a patchwork of mountain bike and multi-use trails and is much quieter than its slightly taller sibling.

Trail info: 10km return, 880m elevation gain, 5 hours, moderate. Getting there: From Lonsdale Quay take bus 230 to Braemar Road at St. George’s Avenue. Walk up St. George’s for 600m to the trailhead. More info: Vancouver Trails

Kennedy Falls and the Big Cedar

This rugged trail follows an old logging road bed to  a huge old cedar tree and beautiful Kennedy Falls.

Trail info: 10km return, 150m elevation gain, 5 hours, moderate. Getting there: Take bus 210 from downtown Vancouver to the top of Mountain Highway at Coleman Street. Walk 900m up Mountain highway to the trailhead and parking lot. The lot is always full and parking on the surrounding streets is very difficult, so transit is the best choice here. More info: My Kennedy Falls trail guide

Lynn Loop

This short forested trail is a great choice for a cloudy day since it stays in the trees along the banks of Lynn Creek.

Trail stats: 5km, 160m elevation gain, 2 hours, easy. Getting there: Take bus 228 from Lonsdale Quay. Get off on Lynn Valley Road at Dempsey and follow Lynn Valley road or the Varley Trail into the park. More info: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Norvan Falls

This waterfall hike is great in the spring when the snow is melting and the falls are gushing. It’s also nice in the summer when you can cool off under the chilly falls.

Trail stats: 14km return, 195m elevation gain, 6 hours, moderate. Getting there: Take bus 228 from Lonsdale Quay. Get off on Lynn Valley Road at Dempsey and follow Lynn Valley road or the Varley Trail into the park. More info: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Lynn Peak

The hike up to Lynn Peak is steep in places, but there’s a viewpoint at the top to make it worth the climb.

Trail stats: 9km return, 720m elevation gain, 4.5 hours, moderate/difficult. Getting there: Getting there: Take bus 228 from Lonsdale Quay. Get off on Lynn Valley Road at Dempsey and follow Lynn Valley road or the Varley Trail into the park. More info: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

WANT MORE STEEP WORKOUT HIKES? Check out these Alternatives to the Grouse Grind

Coliseum Mountain

The hike to Coliseum Mountain is long and difficult, but few venture this far so you’ll escape the crowds. The views from the top are some of the best on the North Shore.

Trail stats: 22km return, 1245m elevation gain, 10+ hours, difficult. Getting there: Take bus 228 from Lonsdale Quay. Get off on Lynn Valley Road at Dempsey and follow Lynn Valley road or the Varley Trail into the park. More info: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Hanes Valley

The difficult Hanes Valley trail is unique since it is usually done as a one-way hike. That makes it a great one to do via public transit. You start at Lynn Headwaters parking lot and finish at Grouse Mountain. Along the way you ascend the scree slopes of rugged Hanes Valley.

Trail Stats: 15km one way, 1320m elevation gain, 8.5 hours, difficult. Getting there: To start take bus 228 from Lonsdale Quay. Get off on Lynn Valley Road at Dempsey and follow Lynn Valley road or the Varley Trail into the park. To finish take the gondola down to the base of Grouse Mountain, then take bus 236 to the Sea Bus or bus 232 to Phibbs Exchange. More info: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Lynn Canyon

The picturesque suspension bridge and trails in Lynn Canyon are popular with tourists and locals alike. The loop through the canyon to Twin Falls is a popular route.

Trail Stats: 1.5km loop, 65m elevation gain, 1 hour, easy. Getting there: Take bus 228 to Lynn Valley Road at Peters Road. Follow Peters road into the park. More info: Lynn Canyon Park

NEED AN EASY HIKE? Lynn Canyon is one of the best Easy Hikes in Vancouver for Beginners and Tourists

Baden Powell: Lynn Canyon to Grouse

The Baden Powell trail stretches all the way across the North Shore. This section traverses the lower slopes of Fromme and Grouse Mountain, intersecting lots of mountain bike trails.

Trail stats: 10km one way, 200m elevation gain, 5 hours, moderate. Getting there: To start, take bus 228 to Lynn Valley Road at Peters Road. Follow Peters road into Lynn Canyon Park. To finish, take bus 236 to the Sea Bus or bus 232 to Phibbs Exchange from the base of Grouse Mountain. More info: Vancouver Trails

Quarry Rock

The hike to Quarry Rock is one of the most popular ones in Vancouver. (It’s one of Vancouver’s best easy hikes and it’s kind of a big deal on Instagram!) It’s not difficult, there’s a great viewpoint, and afterwards you can go to Honey’s Doughnuts in Deep Cove. 

Trail stats: 4km return, 100m elevation gain, 1.5 hours, easy. Getting there: Take bus 212 from Phibbs Exchange or bus 211 from downtown Vancouver to Deep Cove. More info: Vancouver Trails

Baden Powell: Deep Cove to Lynn Canyon

This section of the Baden Powell goes through the trail network at the base of Mount Seymour. You’ll cross the Seymour River before finishing your hike at Lynn Canyon.

Trail stats: 12km one way, 420m elevation gain, 5 hours, moderate. Getting there: To start, take bus 212 from Phibbs Exchange or bus 211 from downtown Vancouver to Deep Cove. To finish, walk out of the park on Peters road. Take bus 228 from Lynn Valley Road at Peters Road. More info: Vancouver Trails

Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit

Pacific Spirit Park

Although it’s right next to the city, Pacific Spirit Park has tons of forested trails. It’s easy to look at the park map and then put together your own loop route.

Trail Stats: Up to 15km loop, up to 100m elevation gain, up to 5 hours, easy. Getting there: There are numerous trailheads for the park and tons of options for getting there. Any UBC-bound bus will work. More info: Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Stanley Park

Although most people head to Stanley Park to walk the seawall, there are actually lots of beautiful forested trails in the interior of the park. You can string a bunch of them together to form a loop. I think it’s one of the best easy hikes in Vancouver for tourists.

Trail Stats: 6km+ loop, no elevation gain, 2+ hours, easy. Getting there: Take bus 19 from downtown Vancouver. More info: Stanley Park map

Burnaby Hikes You Can Get to on Transit

Burnaby Lake

The easy hike around Burnaby Lake is an oasis of nature in the middle of the urban jungle. Keep your eyes peeled to spot lots of birds and other wildlife.

Trail stats: 10km loop, no elevation gain, 2.5 hours, easy. Getting there: Take the Skytrain to the Sperling-Burnaby Lake station on the Millenium Line. Then take the pedestrian overpass over the railway tracks into the park. More info: Burnaby Lake Regional Park

Velodrome Trail

This short, steep trail is a great choice for a workout hike. It’s so steep that it’s been nicknamed the “Burnaby Grind”. (There are actually lots of other Grouse Grind-like hikes.) And while there’s no gondola, you can catch the bus at the top so you don’t have to hike back down!

Trail stats: 3km one way, 240m elevation gain, 1 hour, moderate. Getting there: To start take bus 160 from Kootenay Loop to the Velodrome stop on Barnett Highway. To finish take the Trans Canada Trail up to the SFU bus loop, then take the 135 back to Vancouver. More info: City of Burnaby Map

Coquitlam and Tri-Cities Hikes You Can Get to on Transit

Jug Island Beach

This short hike ends at a small beach on Indian Arm. Along the way it goes through mossy, green forest.

Trail stats: 5.5km return, 100m elevation gain, 2.5 hours, moderate. Getting there: Take bus 182 from Port Moody Skytrain Station to the Belcarra Regional Park stop. More info: Belcarra Regional Park

Admiralty Point

This trail winds along the coast of Burrard Inlet, with detours to several scenic viewpoints. It ends at Admiralty Point across the water from Burnaby Mountain.

Trail stats: 5km return, no elevation gain, 1.5 hours, easy. Getting there:Take bus 182 from Port Moody Skytrain Station to the Belcarra Regional Park stop. More info: Belcarra Regional Park

Sasamat Lake

On a hot day, combine a trip the short hike around Sasamat Lake with a trip to the beach at the northern end of the lake. Note: Public transit only runs to Sasamat Lake in the summer and may only run on weekends. Check Translink schedules before you go.

Trail stats: 3km loop, no elevation gain, 1 hour, easy. Getting there: Take bus 150 from Coquitlam Skytrain Station to the White Pine Beach stop on Sasamat Lake. More info: Belcarra Regional Park

Buntzen Lake

The popular hike around Buntzen Lake has a few spots to drop down to lake level for a swim, including a great grassy picnic area at the north end. Note: Public transit only runs to Buntzen Lake in the summer and may only run on weekends. Check Translink schedules before you go.

Trail stats: 10km loop, 100m elevation gain, 3 hours, easy. Getting there: Take bus 179 from Coquitlam Skytrain Station or Inlet Skytrain Station to the Buntzen Lake stop. (Important: This bus only runs May to September.) More info: BC Hydro Buntzen Lake Trail Info

Diez Vistas

The Diez Vistas trail climbs a ridge between Buntzen Lake and Indian Arm for great views of Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm. Originally there were 10 views (“diez vistas” in Spanish), but a few of them have grown in. Note: Public transit only runs to Buntzen Lake in the summer and may only run on weekends. Check Translink schedules before you go.

Trail stats: 15km loop, 460m elevation gain, 7 hours, moderate. Getting there: Take bus 179 from Coquitlam Skytrain Station or Inlet Skytrain Station to the Buntzen Lake stop. (Important: This bus only runs May to September.) More info: BC Hydro Buntzen Lake Trail Info

Coquitlam Crunch

This steep trail climbs up underneath the powerlines in Coquitlam. Since it climbs relentlessly uphill, it’s a great workout hike. In fact, some people say it’s Coquitlam’s version of the Grouse Grind.

Trail stats: 4.5km round trip, 240m elevation gain, 1.5 hours, moderate. Getting there. From Moody Centre Skytrain station take bus 184 or 160 to Guilford Way at Falcon Drive. Walk up Falcon Drive to the elementary school. The trail starts behind the school. More info: Vancouver Trails

I hope this list has convinced you that you really don’t need a car to go hiking. There are so many Vancouver hikes you can get to on transit that you won’t even miss having a vehicle!

MORE VANCOUVER AREA HIKES:

• 30+ Places to Go Backpacking in BC Without A Car
• The Best Vancouver Hiking Books
• Waterfalls Near Vancouver You Can Hike To
• Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver (Updated for 2019)
• The Worst Hikes in Vancouver (And Where to Hike Instead)
• The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver: A Local’s Guide
• 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver
• 100+ Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: Trails You Can Hike Year Round
• 6 Easy Hikes in Vancouver for Beginners and Tourists
• Coastal Hiking in Vancouver
• Alternatives to the Grouse Grind

The post 35+ Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support! -Taryn

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.

Waterfall Safety

A quick note on safety before we start. As with any other hike, you’ll need to carry the 10 essentials and leave a trip plan. Read more about the things you should do before every hike. But it’s also worth noting that waterfall hikes tend to be more dangerous than other hikes since they usually involve steep drop offs and slippery surfaces. Rocks, logs and ice can crash down without warning, so be careful when exploring the bottom of waterfalls. Several of the hikes on this list have claimed lives or seriously injured hikers. It can be really tempting to jump over railings, clamber down cliff faces or walk across wet rocks trying to get a better view of the falls. But please don’t. Stay on the trail. Your life could depend on it.

North Shore Waterfalls

Cypress Falls in West Vancouver

This loop hike travels around the canyon of Cypress Creek in West Vancouver, passing several spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints over the steep canyon walls.

Stats: 3km loop, 130m elevation gain, 1.5 hours, easy/moderate

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Twin Falls in Lynn Canyon

Many people head to Lynn Canyon to see the suspension bridge. But if you head downstream you can check out Twin Falls as well as several smaller falls in the canyon. The hike to Twin Falls is one of the best easy hikes in Vancouver for beginners and tourists.

Stats: 1.5km loop, 65m elevation gain, 1 hour, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails; Park Map

Cleveland Dam in Capilano Canyon

Ok, so the spillway from Cleveland Dam is a man-made waterfall, not a natural one. But it’s still pretty spectacular. Be sure to take in the views from both the top of the dam and the bottom.

Stats: 2.6km loop, 100m elevation gain, 1 hour, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails; Park Map

Norvan Falls in Lynn Headwaters

The hike to Norvan Falls follows Lynn Creek upstream along a long-abandoned logging road. After a few hours, the trail turns uphill along Norvan Creek to the falls.

Stats: 14km return, 200m elevation gain, 5 hours, moderate

More Info: 105 Hikes; Vancouver Trails; Lynn Headwaters Regional Park Map

Kennedy Falls in Lynn Headwaters

You can hike to Kennedy Falls via a rugged trail on the less-travelled west bank of Lynn Creek. Along the way you’ll pass by a massive old cedar tree.

Stats: 10km return, 150m elevation gain, 5 hours, moderate

More Info: My trail guide to Kennedy Falls

Crystal Falls in Lions Bay

Did you know there’s a hidden little trail network in Lions Bay? The low elevation trails have great views of Howe Sound. The highlight is pretty Crystal Falls.

Stats: 4.5km loop, 175m elevation gain, 2 hours, easy/moderate

More Info: Vancouver Trails; Community Trail Map

Phi Alpha Falls and Hannover Falls on the Howe Sound Crest Trail

If you complete the challenging Howe Sound Crest Trail that runs from Cypress Mountain to Porteau Cove, you’ll be treated to two waterfalls along the way. Both falls are in the northern section of the trail. You can find Phi Alpha Falls on the descent from Deeks Lake towards Porteau Cove. Hannover Falls is located between Brunswick and Hannover Lakes.

Stats: 29km one way, 1-2 days, 610m elevation gain, very difficult

More Info: Outdoor Vancouver

READ NEXT: Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver

Coquitlam Waterfalls

Crystal Falls in Coquitlam

Note: The trail to this waterfall is currently closed since it crosses private property.

Yes, there are two waterfalls near Vancouver called Crystal Falls! The Crystal Falls in Coquitlam is located along the Coquitlam River and is an easy and flattish hike.

Stats: 7km return, no elevation gain, 2 hours, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Sawblade and Woodland Falls on Burke Mountain

The Woodland Walk trail on Burke Mountain heads to two waterfalls: Sawblade Falls and Woodland Falls.  Woodland Falls is nice, but Sawblade Falls is definitely more spectacular. (It’s worth noting that this trail actually makes my list of the worst hikes in Vancouver. The falls are nice, but in my opinion, the trail is not.)

Stats: 8km return, 180m elevation gain, 3 hours, easy/moderate

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Swan Falls at Buntzen Lake

If you’ve hiked around Buntzen Lake, you might have spotted a waterfall tumbling down from the mountains on the east side of the lake. That’s Swan Falls and you can hike there via the powerline trail.

Stats: 10km return, 200m elevation gain, 3.5 hours, easy/moderate

More Info: Vancouver Trails; Trail Map

Maple Ridge Waterfalls

Kanaka Creek Cliff Falls in Maple Ridge

The easy trails in Maple Ridge’s Cliff Park are perfect for families or days when you want a shorter walk. There are a few places to view the falls and canyon, plus a big picnic area for snack breaks.

Stats: 4km return, no elevation gain, 2 hours, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Gold Creek Falls in Golden Ears

Heads up: Day passes are required at Golden Ears Provincial Park in summer 2023. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Also known as Lower Falls, the hike to Gold Creek Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Golden Ears Provincial Park. The well-travelled trail ends up at two viewpoints: one at the bottom of the falls and one at the top. The top viewpoint can have lots of spray in the spring, so bring a rain jacket, even on a sunny day.

Stats: 5.5km return, no elevation gain, 2 hours, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails, Golden Ears Park Map

Widgeon Falls at Pitt Lake

This hike is a bit different than the others on the list: To get to the trailhead, you have to paddle a canoe! Widgeon Falls are thunderously powerful in the spring. In the summer they dry up a bit, exposing some cool rock pools you can cool off in.

Stats: 6km return, no elevation gain, 5 hours, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails

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

Mission Waterfalls

Rolley Falls at Rolley Lake Provincial Park

Many visitors to Rolley Lake don’t realize that there are actually two waterfalls at the lake. The official park trail goes to the smaller, upper falls. But if you continue downhill on a fainter trail, you’ll discover an even taller falls.

Stats: 5km loop, no elevation gain, 2 hours, easy/moderate

More Info: My trail guide to Fraser Valley waterfalls; Rolley Lake Provincial Park Map

Steelhead Falls at Hayward Lake

The trail to Steelhead Falls branches off the much longer trail around Hayward Lake in Mission. You could spend a full day walking around Hayward Lake, but the trip to Steelhead Falls takes less than hour. You’ll descend down wooden steps to a viewing platform.

Stats: 2km return, 75m elevation gain, 45 min, easy

More Info: My trail guide to Fraser Valley waterfalls

Cascade Falls in Mission

This easy trail is a worthwhile destination since it has an epic suspension bridge in front of the falls. The hike itself is really short, but you’ll definitely want to spend a while taking photos. (And maybe also getting blasted by the mist!)

Stats: 0.75km return, 40m elevation gain, 30 min, easy

More Info: My trail guide to Fraser Valley waterfalls; Trail Map

Davis Lake Falls in Mission

The Davis Lake area around Mission is popular with 4-wheel drive people, which means many hikers might not have heard of it. There’s a great little waterfall near the lake outlet that makes a great place to cool off on a hot day.

Stats: ~2km return, 75m elevation gain, 45 min, moderate

More Info: There’s not a lot of info online about these falls. Pick up the Backroad Mapbook: Vancouver, Coast and Mountains for help finding them.

Statlu Falls and Brotherhood Falls in the Chehalis Valley

It’s a long drive on logging roads to reach this off-the-beaten-track trail, but there are two huge waterfalls to enjoy. Statlu Falls is the first one, just below the outlet for beautiful Statlu Lake. Partway along the lake you’ll find Brotherhood falls, cascading through a canyon. Stay well back from the edge when exploring Statlu Falls as it has claimed several lives.

Stats: 13km return, 350m elevation gain, 6-8 hours, difficult

More Info: Hikes Near Vancouver

Chilliwack Waterfalls

Bridal Veil Falls in Bridal Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most well known waterfalls near Vancouver. It’s located right next to highway 1 and is a short and easy walk. That makes it a great place to stop and stretch your legs on a road trip.

Stats: 800m loop, 50m elevation gain, 15 min, easy

More Info: My trail guide to Fraser Valley waterfalls

Pierce Creek Falls in the Chillwack River Valley

If you take on the steep and tough hike to Mount MacFarlane in the Fraser Valley, you’ll pass by two sets of waterfalls along the way. If you don’t want to push all the way to the peak, stop at Upper Pierce Lake.

Stats: 21km return, 1765m elevation gain, 10 hours, very difficult

More Info: Pick up a copy of 103 Hikes in Southwestern BC for the best directions.

Bosumarne Falls in the Chilliwack River Valley

This waterfall along Chilliwack Lake Road is a bit hidden, but if you find the trailhead, you’re in for a treat. There are two viewpoints, but the upper falls are more spectacular. Be sure to scramble up the steep and slippery trail to see them.

Stats: 2.5km return, 75m elevation gain, 1 hour, easy/moderate

More Info: Vancouver Trails

READ NEXT: 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver

Hope and Manning Park Waterfalls

Flood Falls in Hope

These spectacular falls are over 300m tall as they tumble down the cliff towards the valley. The short hike to Flood Falls is just off highway 1 outside of Hope, so it makes a great stop-over.

Stats: 1km return, 40m elevation gain, 45 min, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Nepopekum Falls, Shadow Falls and Derek Falls in Manning Park

These three waterfalls are located along the Three Falls trail in Manning Park. Shadow Falls is a bit difficult to see from the trail, but 70m Nepopekum Falls is spectacular. The trail ends at Derek Falls, deep in a rocky canyon. It’s pretty in the summer, but it’s also gorgeous in the winter as a snowshoe hike.

Stats: 9km return, 3 hours, 180m elevation gain, moderate

More Info: Manning Provincial Park; Trail Map

Sunshine Coast Waterfalls

Langdale Falls in Gibsons

This 40-foot waterfall is nestled deep in a moss and fern-covered canyon. It’s an easy hike to get there, and it’s one of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast. There are two trails to get there: a shorter one that requires a car and a longer one that you can hike as a walk-on passenger from the ferry.

Stats: 3-8km return, 150-280m elevation gain, 1-3 hours, easy

More Info: My trail guide to Langdale Falls

Clack Creek Waterfalls, Roberts Creek

Clack Creek runs through Cliff Gilker Park in Roberts Creek. There are two waterfalls along the creek, along with numerous pretty cascades. Trails run on both sides of the creek, so you can see the falls from several vantage points. This one is also on my list of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast.

Stats: 3km loop, 50m elevatin gain, 1 hour, easy

More Info: My trail guide to Cliff Gilker Park

Squamish Waterfalls

Shannon Falls in Squamish

At 335m tall, Shannon Falls is the 3rd highest waterfall in BC and one of the most well known waterfalls near Vancouver. It’s a really short walk to view the falls, so its a popular stop on the drive between Vancouver and Whistler.

Stats: 1km loop, 50m elevation gain, 30 minutes, easy

More Info: Shannon Falls Provincial Park

Shannon Falls is one of the best stops between Vancouver and Whistler. Read my complete guide to driving the Sea to Sky Highway for more info on this gorgeous road trip.

Upper Shannon Falls on the Sea to Summit Trail

There’s more to Shannon Falls than what you can see from near the parking lot. High up the slope you’ll find Upper Shannon Falls. This waterfall is located along the Sea to Summit Trail that heads up to the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola.

Stats: 8km return, 850m elevation gain, 4 hours, moderate

More Info: 105 Hikes; Sea to Sky Gondola

Neverland Falls at the Sea to Sky Gondola

The trail network above the Sea to Sky Gondola has some real gems, but my favourite is Al’s Habrich Trail. You’ll find the Neverland Loop branching off from that trail, which leads to gorgeous Neverland Falls.

Stats: 10km return, 500m elevation gain, 6 hours, moderate/difficult

More Info: Outdoor Vancouver; Sea to Sky Gondola

Monmouth Falls in Squamish

These falls along Monmouth Creek are sometimes called Echo Falls since the creek flows out of Echo Lake. This hike is right next to downtown Squamish, but since its across the Squamish River, you’ll need to boat across to get to the trailhead. The trail climbs VERY steeply next to the creek to Echo Lake. Along the way, you’ll get spectacular views of strange rock formations and waterfalls.

Stats: 7km return, 950m elevation gain, 5 hours, difficult

More Info: Squamish Hiking

Crooked Falls in the Squamish River Valley

This unique waterfall consists of two tiers offset from each other. That’s why it’s “crooked”. Try to visit in the spring at the height of the snowmelt to see the falls at full flow.

Stats: 7km return, 400m elevation gain, 3 hours, moderate

More Info: My trail guide to Crooked Falls

High Falls in the Squamish River Valley

This steep trail climbs along the side of a steep gorge with views to High Falls below. Be careful near the edge as people have slipped and died here. On the way back you get great views of the Squamish River Valley

Stats: 12km loop, 650m elevation gain, 5 hours, moderate

More Info: My High Falls Creek trail guide

READ NEXT: Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: 100+ Year-round Trails

Whistler Waterfalls

Brandywine Falls on the Sea to Sky Highway

This 70 meter tall waterfall is one of BC’s most popular falls and one of the best hikes in Whistler. It’s an easy and flat walk from a parking lot next to the Sea to Sky Highway, so it’s a popular stop for tourists and roadtrippers. In the winter, you can snowshoe the trail.

Stats: 1km return, no elevation gain, 30 min, easy

More Info: My Brandywine Falls trail guide

Alexander Falls at Whistler Olympic Park

This gorgeous waterfalls requires next to no walking. You can pretty much see it from the parking lot. But it’s definitely worth getting out of the car and heading over to the viewing platform for a better look. In the winter, you can snowshoe to the base of Alexander Falls and see it covered in ice.

Stats: 0km, no elevation gain, 10 min, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Rainbow Falls in Whistler

Pretty little Rainbow Falls is located along the trail to Rainbow Lake in Whistler. It’s one of Whistler’s best easy hikes. You can just make the short trip to the falls if a full day outing to the lake is not your thing. It also makes a good winter snowshoe destination.

Stats: 2.3 km return, 130m elevation gain, 1-1.5 hours, easy

More Info: My Rainbow Falls Loop Trail guide

Pemberton Waterfalls

Nairn Falls in Pemberton

These short falls tumble through a granite gorge, carving out interesting curves in the rocks. There are two viewing platforms so you can see the falls from a few different angles. Nairn Falls is one of Whistler’s best hikes and also makes a great winter snowshoe hike.

Stats: 3km return, no elevation gain, 1.5 hours, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Cool Creek Canyon Falls in Mount Currie

This off-the-beaten-track hike climbs up one side of Cool Creek canyon, then down the other. Along the way you’ll pass by rushing white water and several waterfalls.

Stats: 2km loop, 320m elevation gain, 2 hours, moderate

More Info: 105 Hikes

Bridal Veil Cascade on the Place Glacier Trail in Birken

This remote trail climbs very steeply up to the Place Glacier. The trail follows Place Creek which tumbles downhill, forming Bridal Veil Cascade in a deep chasm.

Stats: 12km return, 1335m elevation gain, 10 hours, very difficult

More Info: Pick up a copy of 103 Hikes in Southwestern BC for the best directions.

Holloway Falls at Joffre Lakes

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

The trail to Joffre Lakes was re-routed a few years ago. The old trail between the 2nd and 3rd lakes was nothing too special. But the new trail passes by beautiful Holloway Falls that cascades downhill on a set of rock steps.

Stats: 10km return, 370m elevation gain, 4 hours, moderate

More Info: My Joffre Lakes hiking guide

How many of these waterfalls near Vancouver have you hiked to? Which was your favourite? Tell me in the comments.

MORE VANCOUVER HIKES:

• The Best Vancouver Hiking Books
• 35 Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit
• Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver (Updated for 2020)
• The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver
• The Worst Hikes in Vancouver (And Where to Hike Instead)
• 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver
• 100+ Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: Trails You Can Hike Year Round
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails

The post 40+ Waterfall Hikes Near Vancouver appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Basically, The Glorious Mountains of Vancouver’s North Shore provides directions for summiting 67 peaks on Vancouver’s North Shore – all without the use of rock climbing gear. Some of the routes are hikes, some are an easy walk, some are scrambles and some are hideous off-track, bushwhacking, route-finding missions. And the book doesn’t just have route descriptions in it. It also has probably the most detailed history of outdoor activity in the North Shore mountains ever printed. Oh and did I mention it’s a beast? This thing clocks in at 503 pages! I’ve been poring over this book since I got, so here’s my honest review.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

I received a complimentary review copy of this book. However, all opinions are my own, and honestly I would have purchased this book with my own funds if I hadn’t been given a copy. 

Basic Stats:

Authors: David Crerar, Harry Crerar and Bill Maurer

Format: Paperback with lots of full colour photos and maps . Also available as an eBook

Publication Date: 2018

Publisher: Rocky Mountain Books

List price: Paperback: $40CAD

Where to Buy: Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, Indigo

More Info: BaggerBook.ca

READ NEXT: The Best Vancouver Hiking Books

What’s in the Book?

The Glorious Mountains of Vancouver’s North Shore includes info and route descriptions for 67 peaks. Most peaks include multiple route options. Each peak also includes a topo map, a brief section on name origins, First Nations history, geology, first ascents and other historical trivia. Many of the peaks will be familiar to casual hikers (e.g. Mount Seymour, Hollyburn), but others were new even to me (e.g. Zinc Peak, Mount Jarrett).

The peaks are separated into 7 mountain ranges or groups stretching from Howe Sound and Furry Creek in the West to the Fannin Range around Mount Seymour in the East. There are also some great suggestions for trips that combine multiple peaks. The section on the Howe Sound Crest Trail is particularly detailed. I actually carried photocopies of some of that section on my trip on the HSCT this August and found them really helpful.

At the end of the book there are a staggering 24 separate appendices covering all manner of interesting topics including:

• Various rankings of peaks from easiest to hardest, etc. and connoisseur’s lists of best peaks for rainy days, camping, mushrooms, etc.
• A glossary of terms (Find out what “waterbag” and “veggie belay” mean.)
• History of local mountain clubs, aboriginal peoples, and the people and events some of the peaks are named after
• Info on flora and fauna, geology, creeks and other natural features
• A list of local peaks with hidden whiskey caches. A friend and I actually went on a mission to find one these recently… and were so excited to find it. Nevermind that we both hate the taste of whiskey, we drank some anyway!

What is the “Bagger Challenge”?

Vancouver’s trail runners and hikers have been forging their own routes to the North Shore peaks for years. In 2009 David Crerar organized the first formal “Bagger Challenge” – an annual contest to summit as many North Shore Peaks as possible in a calendar year. Since then, the Bagger Challenge has grown from a small group of friends to a Facebook group with hundreds of members. Each challenger reports their peaks bagged on the honour system and at the end of the year trophies are awarded for the champions of each gender, a kids division, a canine division and a spirit award. I haven’t formally participated in the Bagger Challenge yet, but I have been keeping up with the fun discussion in the FB group. (And I’ve also privately noted my own peaks bagged. I’m at 22 in my lifetime and 10 in 2018. Curiously, the book doesn’t have a tick list page where readers can keep track of all the peaks they’ve bagged.) Maybe next year you’ll see my name on the official baggers list though?

Who Will Like This Book?

You don’t have to be a dedicated member of the Bagger Challenge to enjoy the book. (Although, like me you might be planning some future peak bagging trips based on the books instructions!) I think the following types of people will love this book: those that like off-the-beaten-path hikes, people interested in local history, hikers looking to make the jump to scrambling, and anyone who wants to take their North Shore hikes to the next level but isn’t ready to learn roped climbing. This book is sure to spark some trip-planning ideas for many Vancouver-area hikers! I’m already dreaming of an overnight trip deep into the Fannin range behind Mount Seymour next year!

Have you got your copy yet? Which peak from the book is now on your must-hike list? Tell me in the comments.

Read Next:

• The Best Vancouver Hiking Books
• 20 Women’s Adventure Books That Will Inspire You
• The Best Canadian Adventure Books
• Active Vancouver: Book Review
• 103 Hikes and 105 Hikes: The History of Hiking Guidebooks in BC

The post The Glorious Mountains of Vancouver’s North Shore: A Review 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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The post The Worst Hikes in Vancouver (And Where to Hike Instead) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

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.

Al’s Habrich Ridge

This Vancouver area hike is one of my favourites since it’s a bit of a hidden gem. You have to take the Sea to Sky gondola to get to the trailhead, so the trail is never busy. It starts off with a little bit of road walking in the forest, but before too long you are ascending a gorgeous granite ridge with great views of Howe Sound. After leaving the ridge you’ll explore a little bit of alpine meadow, then follow a rough loop trail to rugged Neverland Falls. It’s a beautiful area with a great variety of terrain.

Distance: 7km round trip, Elevation gain: 440m, Time Needed: 5 hours, Difficulty: Moderate, Best Time to Go: July-October, Trail Info: See my Al’s Habrich Ridget Trail guide. How to get there: From Vancouver drive 45 minutes north to the Sea to Sky gondola in Squamish. Buy a ticket to take the gondola up. (You can also walk up via the Sea to Summit Trail but that adds another 3.5 hours and 900m of elevation gain to your day.)

Heather Trail to Three Brothers

This alpine trail in Manning park is a bit of a drive from Vancouver, but it’s well worth it, especially when the wildflowers are blooming. The hike starts at the end of Blackwall Peak road, high in the alpine. You’ll walk through seemingly endless meadows before climbing gradually up towards Three Brothers Mountain. The last kilometer to the peak is a steep and rocky scramble, but the summit at an elevation of 2272m is well worth it. The hike is doable in a day, but if you have more time, consider backcountry camping at one of the sites along the way and extending your trip to beautiful Nicomen Lake.

Distance: 21.5km round trip, Elevation gain: 480m, Time Needed: 7-8 hours, Difficulty: Difficult, Best Time to Go: July-September, Trail Info: See Manning Provincial Park, hike #79 in Stephen Hui’s 105 Hikes book, and Vancouver Trails. How to get there: Drive 2.5 hours from Vancouver to Manning Park via highway 1, then highway 3. Take Blackwall Peak Road to the parking lot.

READ NEXT: Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver

High Note Trail

This trail has one of the best effort to reward ratios amongst hikes near Vancouver: the trail is never too steep or too technical and there are spectacular views the entire time. The only catch is the price. You’ll have to pay to take the Whistler gondola up to the peak to hike it. The trail drops down off Whistler peak and contours along the side of ridge with great views of Cheakamus Lake and Black Tusk. At a junction, it turns downhill to go past a couple of pretty alpine lakes and meadows to finish at the gondola roundhouse. If you have the energy, add a few extra kilometers to your trip by going right at the junction and doing an out and back section to Flute Summit or Oboe Summit on the Musical Bumps trail. The views are incredible and you’ll far fewer hikers up there. (This trail is so good it also made my list of the best hikes in Whistler.)

Distance: 9.5+km loop, Elevation gain: 300+m, Time Needed: 4+ hours, Difficulty: Moderate, Best Time to Go: July-September, Trail Info: See my High Note Trail hiking guide.  How to get there: Drive 1.5 hours from Vancouver to Whistler. In Whistler, purchase an alpine pass then take the Whistler gondola and the peak chair to the summit.

Psst! If you’re driving to Whistler from Vancouver, check out my complete guide to the Sea to Sky Highway. It includes all the best places to stop along the way.

Mount Seymour

Mount Seymour is my favourite hike on Vancouver’s North Shore. The trail to the summit starts out alongside the gravel ski runs before climbing up a rooty and rocky trail. Seymour has three different peaks, each with their own charms. In particular I love the slabby granite playground around First Peak. You can spend hours exploring the various outcrops, finding different viewpoints of the city and the surrounding mountains. After you’ve finished poking around First Peak (also called Pump Peak) be sure to hike the extra couple hundred meters to Tim Jones Peak (a.k.a. Second Peak) and the true summit (Third Peak) since the views from there are also great.

Distance: 9km round trip, Elevation gain: 450m, Time Needed: 5 hours, Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult, Best Time to Go: July-October, Trail Info: See Mount Seymour Provincial Park map, hike #1 in Stephen Hui’s 105 Hikes book, Vancouver Trails, and Outdoor Vancouver. How to get there: It’s a 45 minute drive from Vancouver.

READ NEXT: 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver

Panorama Ridge and Garibaldi Lake

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

This is one of Vancouver’s most popular and well known hikes. And it deserves the reputation – it’s spectacular. The first 6km of the trail consists of long switchbacks in the forest. Eventually you top out in the alpine at Taylor Meadows. The trail follows the meadows gradually uphill until the base of Panorama Ridge. From the junction, it’s a steep and rocky climb up to the top of the ridge. The views up here are insane: you can see Garibaldi Lake in front of you and Black Tusk behind you. Be sure to walk along the ridge a little bit to escape the crowds. On the way back, take the trail from the outhouse junction down to Garibaldi Lake. Go for a quick (and cold!) swim before descending the switchbacks to your car. This is a really long and difficult day hike with a lot of elevation gain. Most hikers will need to build up to this one. If you aren’t ready to tackle it in a day, consider booking a backcountry campsite at Taylor Meadows or Garibaldi Lake so you can tackle the trip over a couple of days.

Distance: 30km round trip, Elevation gain: 1500m, Time Needed: 11-12 hours, Difficulty: Very Difficult, Best Time to Go: July-October, Trail Info: See hike #30 in Stephen Hui’s 105 Hikes book, Vancouver Trails,  and Outdoor Vancouver How to get there: From Vancouver, drive 1 hour, 15 minutes to the trailhead just off highway 99 north of Squamish.

Eagle Bluff

I think this is one of the best hikes in Vancouver because I think it has everything you need in a North Shore hike: great viewpoints and beautiful little alpine lakes. The trail starts with a steep climb up towards Black Mountain plateau. At the top of the climb you can go left for a loop through the lakes or right to summit Black Mountain. The two trails meet up again and head slightly down hill to Eagle Bluff. It’s an open rocky area with killer views of West Vancouver. On the way back, stop by Cabin Lake for a quick dip.

Distance: 8km round trip, Elevation Gain: 350m, Time Needed: 4 Hours, Difficulty: Moderate, Best Time to Go: July-October, Trail Info: See Cypress Provincial Park map, hike #15 in Stephen Hui’s 105 Hikes book, Vancouver Trails, and Outdoor Vancouver How to get there: The trail starts at the Cypress Mountain ski hill parking lot. It’s a 30 minute drive from Vancouver.

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

Lighthouse Park

Not every hike needs to be an epic trek up a mountain. I love the trails in Lighthouse Park for a more relaxed hike. (It’s a great one for out of town visitors too.) While most people make a bee-line for the lighthouse, there are actually lots of quiet trails leading to viewpoints, giant trees and hidden beaches. My favourite hike combines a bunch of trails into a loop around the park.

Distance: 6km loop, Elevation Gain: 50m, Time Needed: 2 hours, Difficulty: Easy, Best Time to Go: Year-Round, Trail Info: See my recommended route including a map. Outdoor Vancouver also has a good guide. Bring a copy of the trail map since there are a lot of trail junctions and it can get confusing. How to get there: Drive 40 minutes from Vancouver to the park entrance off Marine Drive in West Vancouver. You can also get there via bus 250 or 253.

St. Mark’s Summit

The hike to St. Mark’s summit has a bit of a split personality. The first half is on a wide gravel trail that makes for easy walking, even on the steep parts. But suddenly, part way up some steep switchbacks, the gravel ends and a true rooty and rocky North Shore trail begins. But it’s the finale that you’re really here for – the panoramic view over Howe Sound up at St. Mark’s Summit. The granite outcroppings seem to hang directly over the Sea to Sky highway far below. Be sure to go on a clear day. If you want to extend your trip, continue along the trail to Unnecessary Mountain. The descent down from St. Mark’s, then the climb back up might seem, umm, unnecessary, but the close-up views of the Lions are pretty incredible.

Distance: 11km round trip, Elevation Gain: 460m, Time Needed: 5 hours, Difficulty: Moderate, Best Time to Go: July-October, Trail Info: See my St. Mark’s Summit hiking guide. How to get there: The trail starts at the Cypress Mountain ski hill parking lot in West Vancouver. It’s a 30 minute drive from Vancouver.

READ NEXT: Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: 100+ Year-round Trails

Elk Mountain

Elk Mountain is probably the most popular trail in Vancouver’s Fraser Valley… but for a good reason. It’s a short and steep hike through the forest up to the summit. (In fact Chilliwack locals hike it instead of the Grouse Grind.) At the top you’ll find incredible views of the Chilliwack area and the mountains to the south. A gorgeous ridge-top trail extends a few kilometers further to the summit Mount Thurston as well. Be sure to head this way in the summer to see the alpine flowers blooming.

Distance: 7+km round trip, Elevation gain: 800m, Time Needed: 4-5 hours, Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult, Best Time To Go: June-October, Trail Info: See hike #64 in Stephen Hui’s 105 Hikes book, Vancouver Trails, and Outdoor Vancouver How to get there: It takes 1.5 hours to drive to the trailhead in Chilliwack.

Lynn Canyon

Lynn Canyon is my pick for the best hike in Vancouver to take visitors from out of town since it’s short and easy. There’s tons to see including a suspension bridge, waterfalls, rainforest, boardwalk, a deep canyon and a gorgeously clear pool. It’s also a great place for a short hike on a rainy day or after work when all the tourists stay away. Be sure to explore upstream of the suspension bridge to see 30 foot pool and downstream to see Twin Falls. Lots of DIY loops are possible.

Distance: 1.5+km round trip Elevation gain: 70m Time needed: 1-1.5 hours Difficulty: easy. Best time to go: All year. Trail Info: See Vancouver Trails, and Outdoor Vancouver. Bring a copy of the trail map so you can plan your route. How to get there: It’s a 30 minute drive from Vancouver or accessible by bus 227 or 228.

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

More Vancouver Hikes:

• Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver
• The Worst Hikes in Vancouver (And Where to Hike Instead)
• The Best Vancouver Hiking Books
• Where to Go Snowshoeing 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
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails

The post The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver – A Local’s Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

But first… Be Prepared

Hiking in BC is no joke. While these hikes may be steps from a bus stop and rated as easy, they are serious wilderness. Make sure you are prepared with the 10 essentials. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Check out the great trip planning tools over at Adventure Smart. And be sure to check trail conditions online before you go, especially in the winter. Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the environment and ensure everyone gets a chance to experience these beautiful places.

Stanley Park

Why you should hike it: The Stanley Park Seawall is a must do for every Vancouver tourist. You can bike it, walk it, run it, and rollerblade it. (Yup, that’s still kinda a thing here.) And it’s a wonderful way to see the ocean and the city. But… you miss out on the trails in the interior of the park. The giant old trees, the moss, the ferns, and the grassy lake where BEAVERS LIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF DOWNTOWN! (Sorry for the shouting. But we have downtown beavers. We’re so Canadian!) By all means, make the seawall your first priority in Stanley Park. But if you’re craving some real nature time, check out the trails in the interior. It’s more mellow walking than hiking, but it’s the best way to get a taste for West Coast rainforest. And it’s only 10 minutes from downtown – can’t beat that convenience.

Distance: 6km (3.7mi) loop (but longer and shorter hikes are possible). Elevation gain: minimal. Time needed: About 2 hours. Trail surface: Well-graded crushed gravel paths that are (mostly) stroller friendly. Rating: Super easy. Best time to go: All year. A great rainy/overcast day option. Guide: Full description and directions here. Bring a copy of the trail map so you can customize your route.

Getting there: 10 minute drive from Vancouver (click for driving directions) or accessible by bus 19 (click for public transit directions).

Lynn Canyon

Why you should hike it: If you’ve heard anything about Vancouver tourist attractions, you’ve heard of the Capilano Suspension bridge – a swaying suspension bridge that crosses a deep rainforest canyon. Sounds awesome, right? But it costs $43. No bueno. But wait! There’s another (slightly smaller, way less commercial) suspension bridge nearby. It’s called the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge and it’s totally FREE! And it’s not just a bridge: there are tons of trails too. After you cross the suspension bridge, trails on either side of the canyon lead to waterfalls and viewpoints. I recommend making the short side trip to the crystal clear 30-foot pool where you can dip a toe into the icy water. This is a great hike to choose on a cloudy or rainy day to really experience the misty rainforest and canyon waterfalls.

Distance: 1.5km (1mi) (or add on another kilometer if you choose to extend your hike to the 30-foot pool). Elevation gain: 70m (230ft). Time needed: 1 hour (add another 30 min for 30-foot pool). Trail surface: Mostly smooth dirt that can be muddy and some stairs. The suspension bridge may be a challenge for people who are afraid of heights. Rating: easy. Best time to go: All year. A great rainy day option. Guide: Full description and directions here. You should also bring a copy of the trail map so you can plan your route once you arrive.

Getting there: 30 minute drive from Vancouver (click for driving directions) or accessible by bus 227 or 228 (click for public transit directions).

Quarry Rock

Why you should hike it: This hike is quintessentially Vancouver because you’ll get to experience the rainforest, the ocean and the top of a mountain. (Well not really the top of the mountain… but it will feel like that.) The majority of the hike is through beautiful coastal rainforest with lots of ferns, moss and wooden bridges. At the very end of the hike you’ll emerge from the forest on to a large granite outcropping (that’s the “mountain top”) with a great view of the ocean. It might feel like you are looking out into the wilderness, but the view is actually of several of Vancouver’s suburbs. And that’s pretty quintessentially Vancouver too: people living right next to nature.

Distance: 4km (2.5mi) round trip. Elevation gain: 100m (330ft). Time needed: 1.5 hours (plus photo breaks). Trail surface: Mostly dirt but there are some rooty and rocky sections as well as some stairs. Rating: Easy. Best time to go: All year. Guide: Full description and directions here.

Getting there: 30 minute drive from Vancouver (click for driving directions) OR accessible by bus 211 or 212 (click for public transit directions).

Lighthouse Park

Why you should hike it: If you want to combine an easy hike in Vancouver with the best view of the city, head to Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver. A network of trails loop their way through Arbutus trees and salal bushes – typical coastal BC vegetation. Side trails head out onto rocky outcroppings with great views across to downtown. (My tip: Take the East Beach trail for the BEST view of the city.)

Distance: 6km loop (3.7mi) (or shorter). Elevation gain: minimal. Time needed: At least 2 hours, not including breaks. Trail surface: Rooty and rocky with some stairs, except on the main smooth gravel trail to the lighthouse. Rating: easy. Best time to go: All year. Guide: See my recommended route including a map here. I also recommend that you bring a copy of the trail map since there are a lot of trail junctions and it can get confusing.

Getting there: 40 minute drive from Vancouver (click for driving directions) or accessible by bus 250 or 253 (click for public transit directions).

Mystery Lake

Why you should hike it: What could be more Canadian than hiking up a mountain to swim in a tiny alpine lake? (Well besides beavers living in downtown Vancouver?) Hike to Mystery Lake and find out. It’s a short uphill climb from the ski hill parking lot to the lake. Along the way you’ll pass through tons of tasty blueberry bushes. (Tip: they ripen in August but the bears like them too. Make noise and read my tips for bear safety.)  After crossing a few ski runs and climbing up some steep rooty slopes, you’ll arrive on granite bluffs next to the lake. Make sure to pack a swimsuit and towel to enjoy the (cold) water. (And don’t forget to bring a fleece jacket to wear afterwards to warm up.)

 Distance: 3km (1.9mi) round trip. Elevation gain: 150m (500ft). Time needed: About 1.5 hours on the trail (and MUCH more at the lake). Trail surface: Rooty, rocky and steep in places. Bring hiking boots. Rating: Easy/moderate. Best time to go: Between July and September. It can be snow free as early as June but the bugs are horrendous. Wait until later in the summer and pick a warm day. Guide: Full description and directions here. Check out the trail map.

Getting there: 45 minute drive from Vancouver (click for driving directions). Unfortunately there is no public transit to this hike in the summertime.

Thunderbird Ridge

Why you should hike it: Another one of Vancouver’s signature tourist attractions is Grouse Mountain. It started as a ski hill, but now it has year-round tourist stuff like restaurants, viewpoints, live shows, and rescued grizzly bears. (Don’t worry: They’re inside an electric fence.) If you’re considering shelling out the big bucks to take the gondola to the top ($45 – ouch!), make a whole day of it and add on a short hike. As soon as you leave the main tourist area and head out on the trails, the crowds melt away and you’ll get to experience true BC wilderness. The Thunderbird Ridge trail heads out onto a ridge top with great views of the surrounding mountains. (As long as you don’t look behind you at the city, you can pretend you are truly in the wilderness.) This is the only hike on this list that puts you up top in the mountains, over 1000m (3300ft) above the city. (But thanks to the gondola it was much easier to get up here!)

Distance: 6km (3.7mi) round trip. Elevation gain: 200m (650ft). Time needed: About 2.5 hours. Trail surface: This is a rugged backcountry trail so expect lots of rocks, roots and awkward footing. Hiking boots required. Rating: easy/moderate. Best time to go: Between July and September (otherwise it’s too snowy). Guide: Full description and directions here. Bring the trail map to avoid confusion at junctions.

Getting there: 30 minute drive from Vancouver (click for driving directions), accessible by public bus 232 or 236 (click for public transit directions) or via the Grouse Mountain Shuttle.

An essential part of visiting Vancouver is exploring nature (and marvelling at real estate prices… but don’t get me started.) Make time in your vacation for one of these beautiful and easy hikes in Vancouver for beginners and tourists. Have questions? Hit me up in the comments.

Want more Vancouver hiking suggestions?

If you’re up for some harder hikes, check out my guide to the most Instagrammed hikes near Vancouver to up your ‘gram game.

Love the ocean? Try a coastal hike.

Want to try a “local’s secret” hike? Check out Kennedy Falls and the Big Cedar.

The post 6 Easy Hikes in Vancouver for Beginners and Tourists appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.