 Diez Vistas Trail, Port Moody, Marlene Ford photo Unlike the residents of most urban centres, Vancouver locals often park a pair of hiking boots by the door so that they can easily answer the call of the trek. There are countless walking and hiking opportunities and trails within the city, or close by.
Let us know your favourite spots, by writing a blog about your Vancouver hiking experience! Learn about hiking trails and trail highlights in Vancouver: Choose a Trail
Easy
Intermediate
Advanced
Hiking Trail Highlights Vancouver's GeographyFor hikers, Vancouver may well be the most ideally situated city in the world. Located on the southwest corner of the mainland of British Columbia, Vancouver is bounded on three sides by water. On its western boundary is the Pacific Ocean's Strait of Georgia. To the south, BC's longest river - the Fraser – spills into the ocean, ending its 1,368km (850mile) journey. Presiding over the city, the North Shore Mountains are the southernmost grouping of the 1,600km (994mi) Coast Mountain Range.
When to Hike VancouverVancouver boasts one of Canada's gentlest climates. While it can be wet during autumn and winter, it won't be excessively cold or snowy, except at elevations above 700m (2,300ft) in the North Shore Mountains. That means that most of its low-elevation forest and shoreline trails are in season any time of year. Hiking season in the upper reaches of the North Shore Mountains usually doesn't begin until July, as routes can be snow-covered or muddy until then.
Getting to Trailheads and Grouse GrindMany of Vancouver's most notable hiking routes are easily accessed by public transportation, including the lush, mossy trails of Capilano River and Pacific Spirit regional parks and the oceanfront rocky bluffs of Lighthouse Park.Locals and visitors alike flock to the North Shore's famous Grouse Grind trail. Just 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver, this continuous uphill battle is often referred to as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster" and serves as the definitive benchmark of physical fitness for many Vancouverites. In late summer, Grouse Mountain hosts the annual Grouse Grind Mountain Run and about 600 hikers typically take part to raise money for charity. The fastest completion time to date is 26 minutes and 19 seconds. North Shore HikesAlso, in the North Shore Mountains, Cypress Provincial Park in West Vancouver and Mount Seymour Provincial Park in North Vancouver, offer challenging day hikes, many with stunning views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. Having your own vehicle is the easiest way to reach these parks.
Hike Preparation, Practical Points and SafetyBroadway (between Main and Cambie streets) is known as the place to shop for outdoor gear, with a clustering of shops including the giant centerpiece - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Many stores here provide rental gear. Local bookstores stock an array of books for the self-guided traveller, while Visitor Centres and park entrances offer trail maps. While Vancouver's wilderness is convenient, it is also rugged. Even trails at the edge of the city should be treated as serious backcountry. Proper planning, preparation, clothing and footwear appropriate to the conditions, and an adequate water and food supply are essential. Remember the following: - Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
- Dress in layers and bring wet-weather gear, no matter what season.
- Even the most popular, well-maintained trails can be rocky, tangled with roots, muddy and slippery. Wear hiking boots with good ankle and arch support and be prepared to get muddy.
- At higher elevations, snow and mud may linger on trails until late June or even early July. Prepare yourself accordingly.
- Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage.
- Cougars, bears and other wildlife inhabit the region. Do not get too close to or attempt to feed wild animals.
Choose a Trail
EasyCypress Provincial Park
Lynn Canyon Park
Capilano River Regional Park
Lighthouse Park
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
IntermediateCypress Provincial Park
Mount Seymour Provincial Park
AdvancedBaden-Powell Trail
Cypress Provincial Park
Grouse Mountain
Mount Seymour Provincial Park >Back to the top Baden-Powell TrailThe 42-km (25mi) Baden-Powell Trail is the main route in the large system of North Shore Mountain trails. It extends all the way from Horseshoe Bay (west) to Deep Cove (east). Because it is not intended as one long hike, but rather as several shorter ones, it can be accessed from several points.
Beginning from the trail's most westerly point, hikers ascend about 1,140m (3,740ft) to the top of Black Mountain in Cypress Provincial Park. From there, the Baden-Powell gradually descends toward the charming village of Deep Cove. Savour breathtaking views of Vancouver through densely forested trails.
For an abridged version, hike from Deep Cove to the high bluff overlooking Indian Arm.
Attributes:- Rated: advanced, with some moderate and easy sections
- Approximate time required: varies by route
- Best time: March - October (lower portion) and June - October (western portion)
>Back to the top Capilano River Regional ParkA 20-minute drive from downtown, North Vancouver's Capilano River Regional Park offers trekkers a 26km (16mi) system of trails along Capilano Canyon. The canyon itself is a deep slice engulfed by granite cliffs and second-growth forest.
Known as the Capilano Pacific Trail, the main route runs 7.5km (4.5mi) each way along the west side of the rushing Capilano River - the entire length of the park. There are a number of shorter trails in the vicinity of the Salmon Hatchery. One of these, Second Canyon Viewpoint Trail leads hikers to incredible views of the canyon and Cleveland Dam spillway. A return trip via Giant Fir Trail will bring you face-to-face with Grandpa Capilano, a massive, old-growth Douglas-fir tree.
Attributes- Rated: easy
- Approximate time required for Capilano Pacific Trail: 4 hours
- Approximate time required for Second Canyon Viewpoint Trail: 45 minutes
- Capilano Suspension Bridge is not accessible from the park trails.
>Capilano River Park website
>Back to the top Cypress Provincial ParkCypress Provincial Park has been one of the Lower Mainland's most popular hiking destinations for over 100 years. The 3,000ha (7,413ac) park is thick with western red cedars and yellow cedars, while wildlife such as coyotes, deer, black bears and squirrels plus a wide variety of birds call it home. Sparkling mountain lakes are found below the park's peaks of Mount Strachan, Black Mountain and Hollyburn Mountain. Cypress offers stunning vistas of Vancouver.
Cypress Provincial Park is located in the North Shore Mountains, a 40-minute drive from Vancouver. The ski-area parking lot is accessible by a road that winds its way up to a 900m (2,953ft) elevation.
Attributes:- Rated: easy to advanced
- Best Time: While the park is open year round, the most ideal times for hiking are from late-April to mid-October
- Approximate time required: varies by route
>Back to the top Grouse Mountain (Grind and Mountain)Just a 25-minute drive from downtown, Grouse Mountain presides majestically over North Vancouver. The Grouse Grind™, a trek up the face of the mountain, is such a popular hike in Vancouver that it's even been trademarked. Locals often refer to the 2.9km (1.8mi) slog up 853m (2,800 ft) as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster."
Something of a cult classic among fitness buffs, the trek is more aerobic than scenic until you get to the top. The prize for huffing and puffing your way up is a glorious, panoramic view of downtown Vancouver, Washington's Mt. Baker, the Pacific Ocean and - off in the distance - Vancouver Island.
If your energy level hasn't completely crashed, consider an easy stroll along the trails starting in and around the mountaintop.
Attributes:- Rated: advanced
- Approximate time required: 1.5-2 hours
- Best time: late spring - October
- Proper footwear is a must
- The trail is free (many pay the fee to ride the aerial tram down)
>Grouse Mountain website
>Back to the top Lighthouse ParkThe entire family will enjoy this wilderness escape at the mouth of Burrard Inlet. Hidden on the outskirts of West Vancouver and a mere 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver, the well-developed trail system includes the option of completing an invigorating 5km (3mi) circuit through centuries-old Douglas-fir and cedar forest.
To the east, enjoy fabulous views of English Bay, Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver's iconic skyline. To the west, you'll see Bowen Island and, further on, Vancouver Island. The park itself boasts a multitude of large, smooth rocks, ideal for relaxing in the sun or enjoying a picnic. Of course, no trip to the park is complete without a look at its namesake, 1912's Point Atkinson Lighthouse.
Attributes:- Rated: easy
- Approximate time required: 2 hours
>Lighthouse Park website
>Back to the top Lynn Canyon ParkLynn Canyon Park 250ha (164ac) is a municipal park located at the foot of the North Shore Mountains, about a 35-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. It features pockets of second-growth coastal rainforest; sheer canyons; creeks; natural pools; a suspension bridge and a café. Vegetation includes Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western redcedar and 40 types of moss. Visit the Lynn Creek Ecology Centre, near the parking lot, for more information about flora and fauna in the park.
The first thing most people do when they enter the park is cross the Lynn Creek suspension bridge adjacent to the parking lot. The bridge hangs 50 m (164 ft) above the creek and sways and springs underfoot. Once across, you can walk upstream 10 minutes to 30 Foot Pool or downstream to Twin Falls, a 15-minute walk. You can also link to trail networks in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve and Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. The reserve features a short loop around Rice Lake and Fisherman's Trail, which runs alongside the Seymour River. The regional park has trails that extend deep into the mountains.
Many trails have steep stairways, roots and rocks, so exercise caution in slippery conditions.
Attributes- Rated: easy–moderate
- Time required: varies by route
>Back to the top Pacific Spirit Regional ParkLocated within the University of British Columbia's Endowment Lands, Pacific Spirit Regional Park offers walkers an easily accessible, forested retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
With over 50 km (30 mi) of walking trails, the park traverses rainforest, deep ravines and marshlands en route to the Pacific Ocean and Fraser River.
Nature enthusiasts will wonder at the assortment of trees - including maple and alder and wildlife buffs are sure to spot bald eagles, harbour seals or sea ducks.
Visitors can also explore the 12,000 year-old Camosun Bog. A walk across its boardwalk reveals a rich array of vegetation, including sphagnum moss, cloudberry and sundew.
Many of the trails are multi-use, so be prepared to share the trail with cyclists and equestrians. Please note that pedestrians are required to yield to horseback riders. Some of the routes are pedestrian-use only and some permit dogs off-leash. There is heavier trail use on weekends.
First-time visitors are recommended to start their journey at the Pacific Spirit Regional Park Centre on 16th Avenue near the university.
Attributes:- Rated: easy
- Approximate time required: varies by route
>Pacific Spirit Park website
>Back to the top Mount Seymour Provincial ParkMount Seymour Provincial Park has been a popular hiking destination since the 1920s. Trails in the 3,508ha (1,420ac) park lead hikers through awe-inspiring old-growth and second-growth firs, cedar and hemlock; past meadows and small lakes; as well as by towering rock faces en route to panoramic views of Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Indian Arm and the Coast Mountains.
Mount Seymour Provincial Park is located in the North Shore Mountains, a 40-minute drive from Vancouver. The park is accessed by a paved, winding road that ends at the downhill ski area parking lot at an elevation of 1,020m (3,346ft).
Attributes- Rated: intermediate to advanced
- While the park is open year round, the most ideal times for hiking are from late-April to mid-October
- Lower mountain trails are shared with mountain bikers; upper mountain trails are restricted to hiking
- Routes vary in length and difficulty
>Back to the top Had a Great BC Hiking Experience? We want to know about it! Let other visitors in on the secrets of the best hiking experiences in BC – be they leisurely or challenging off-the-beaten path trails or nice walks in the forest or along the coastline. Write a short blog about it and share your stories!
|