The popularity of hiking in North Vancouver helps makes this one of Canada's fittest communities, and it's no wonder the life expectancy here is an impressive 83 years. There are few better ways to exercise the heart and lungs than hiking the dynamic, mountainous terrain of Vancouver's North Shore, from shadowy forests to bubbling streams. The hiking trails are incredibly accessible: even for those coming from downtown Vancouver, it's only a 20-minute drive.
The Grouse Grind is arguably the North Shore's most famous and challenging hike, winding a steep 2.9km/1.8mi up the side of Grouse Mountain. Open from late spring to early autumn, the Grind attracts more than 100,000 hikers every year. It's been dubbed "Nature's Stairmaster," and first-timers are advised to budget an hour and a half to complete the thigh-burning ascent. (As of 2009, the official course records were 25.24 minutes for men and 31.04 for women.)
Getting To and From the Grouse Grind
Good hiking shoes or runners are essential, as is drinking water, and a first-aid kit is a smart addition. Sweaty hikers can grab food and drink at the Grouse Grind Coffee Bar or Lupins Cafe before heading back down to the bottom of Grouse Mountain via the Skyride gondola tram. Grouse Mountain can be accessed by car or by transit, taking the SeaBus from downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay and transferring to a public bus.
Lynn Canyon Park
Lynn Canyon Park (3663 Park Rd) attracts hikers with its famous suspension bridge 50m/164ft above the forest floor, but there's much more to see on the rugged trails of this 250ha/617ac park.
Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre
Wander through dense rainforest with Douglas firs and red cedars, admire the Twin Falls, stop in at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, or chat with park rangers about the indigenous wildlife, which includes squirrels, chickadees, and woodpeckers. The east side of the suspension bridge offers trail access to the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve and Lynn Headwaters Park.
Baden-Powell Trail
The Baden-Powell Trail extends right across the North Shore, covering 48km/30mi from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. It can be hiked in sections, and has many access points: for instance, the Lynn Canyon Park section typically takes a bit over an hour to cover. Expect lots of elevation changes and terrain that ranges from mild to rugged.
More Great Hikes
At the intersection of Fell Avenue and West 17th Street, Mosquito Creek Trail offers a gradual 4km/2.5mi climb alongside the forested creek up to William Griffin Park on West Queens. The paved Seymour Valley Trailway stretches 10km/6.2mi through the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, and is great for walks with the whole family, as well as biking and roller-blading.
Don't miss the 45-minute ascent to Quarry Rock Lookout in Deep Cove, or the hiking trails that criss-cross Cypress Mountain or Capilano Canyon. North Vancouver is also home to a section of the famous Trans-Canada Trail, plus the emerging Spirit Trail, which will ultimately offer an easier hike across the North Shore than the Baden-Powell Trail.
Guided Hikes
Prefer to hike with a guide? One reputable company is Natural Trekking, operated by Lois Tomlinson, which specializes in day-long or overnight hiking and snowshoeing getaways on the North Shore.
Practical Points
Due to the numerous black bears on the North Shore, it is wise to exercise caution when hiking, particularly between May and December. Bear safety tips include hiking in groups, not feeding the bears, giving them plenty of space, and remaining calm and speaking firmly if a chance encounter should occur.
For those seeking free maps and guidebooks, the City of North Vancouver publishes a fold-out map entitled Parks of North Vancouver, and the North Vancouver Recreation Commission offers a 28-page brochure called North Vancouver Guide to Great Walks & Trails. Pick both up at the Visitor Centre (#102-124 West 1st St).
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