13 of the Best Hikes in Vancouver
Struggling to pick a trail in Vancouver’s vast green wonderland? With so many paths winding through rain-soaked forests and along misty mountain ridges, it’s like a giant outdoor maze of adventure!
Whatever your pleasure or poison, Vancouver offers a hike to scratch your every hiking itch.
In this article, we’ll trek through the top hikes in Vancouver.
1. Grouse Grind
Don’t underestimate the challenge of this 3-km one-way trail located at the base of Grouse Mountain Resort ski area.
Why? Maybe its nickname “nature’s stairmaster” will give you a hint.
Over the 3-km route, the Grouse Grind will punish your legs with an elevation gain of 800 meters.
You can walk or run up the trail but you can’t go back down the same way. The only way down is with a gondola which will cost you $20 CAD.
This is one of the best North Shore hikes if you’re trying to test your endurance. You might even run into the Vancouver Canucks hockey team training here!
2. Quarry Rock
The Quarry Rock Trail is one of the easy hikes in Vancouver — with a gentle climb of just 100 meters but still offers amazing views of Quarry Rock’s bay.
This trail is only 3.8 km long and starts from Panorama Drive in Deep Cove. The trailhead is marked with a post and easy to spot.
This trail gets extremely busy with locals since it’s one of the most popular lower mainland hikes. Parking is limited so be sure to arrive early.
3. Lighthouse Park
Lighthouse Park is just 30 minutes from Downtown Vancouver, perfect for beginner hikers.
From start to finish, this 6 km hike takes approximately 2 hours with minimal elevation gain throughout.
This park has a great view of the water stretching as far as Vancouver Island on a clear day. You can also see the iconic Lions Gate Bridge going into Downtown, and of course, a lighthouse!
It’s also a hotspot for beach fun and picnic lunches when the summer sun smiles down.
4. Stanley Park
Stanley Park’s paths offer a gentle escape; it’s more like a leisurely stroll through nature’s playground, nestled between Vancouver Harbour and English Bay.
Surrounded by Vancouver Harbour and English Bay, the park’s 27 km of trails include an 8.8 km loop along the ocean at the famous Stanley Park Seawall.
Although it gets really busy here, paid parking is plentiful and you won’t have to worry about finding a spot.
5. St. Mark’s Summit & Howe Sound Crest Trail
But wow, the views! Only have a day? Try St. Marks’ Summit, a part of the same trail but just 11 km. In about 5 hours, you’ll be gazing out at Bowen Island and the Sound’s splendor.
If you enjoy a good challenge, we suggest attempting The Howe Sound Crest Trail.
This isn’t just a walk in the woods—it’s a 30 km journey skyward, climbing 1830 meters. Most folks need a full day, or even two, to conquer this path.
We highly suggest bringing camping equipment and staying overnight to enjoy the trails at your own pace.
Beware though, even in summer, snow dusts the high peaks, so dress warm.
Glorious views of Howe Sound and jewel-like lakes make every step worth it.
If you don’t have two days to spare, you can hike St. Marks’ Summit instead, an 11 km moderate hike that takes about 5 hours.
It is part of the Howe Sound Crest Trail and also offers amazing views of Bowen Island and Howe Sound.
6. Baden Powell Trail
Searching for a big adventure you can tackle bit by bit? The Baden Powell Trail is your perfect match.
This trail weaves through Vancouver’s North Shore for 48 km, climbing and dipping a total of 4,860 meters.
The Baden Powell Trail can be broken up into four sections:
- Deep Cove to Lynn Valley (including the 50 m high Lynn Canyon suspension bridge)
- Lynn Valley to Grouse Mountain
- Grouse Mountain to Cypress Mountain
- Cypress Mountain to Horseshoe Bay
7. Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
Lynn Headwaters Regional Park has 74 km of trails featuring some of the best local hikes, including backcountry treks, easily walked boardwalks, and flat trails.
One of the best features of Lynn Headwaters is that it can easily be reached by public transit.
For an easy 5.2 km trek, choose the Lynn Loop that offers views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands.
For a stiffer 8 km challenge, opt for the Lynn Peak Trail which some people compare to the legendary Grouse Grind.
8. Stawamus Chief
Nicknamed The Chief by the locals, this is one of the most rewarding and best hikes around Vancouver.
Just an hour from downtown, this 62 km trail is a magnet for adventurers.
If you want to avoid the crowds on the weekend you’ll need to be here at the crack of dawn.
The varying hiking terrain is fun but challenging and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views as you reach the peak.
There are 3 peaks in total and there are some areas where you’ll literally have to use a chain to pull yourself up.
Once you get to the first peak, you’ll have the chance to catch your breath while soaking in the view. The trail up to this point is considered to be moderate in difficulty.
Peaks two and three are tougher, with steep climbs that really test your muscles.
9. Al’s Habrich Ridge
This 7 km roundtrip trail starts once you get off the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish. It has an elevation gain of 440 m over its route.
One thing that stands out about Al’s Habrich Ridge trail is the diversity of walking and hiking experiences.
You’ll walk on a forest road, climb a granite ridge, walk through an alpine meadow, then traverse a rough and rugged trail.
The highlight? The view of Howe Sound from the ridge.
10. Garibaldi Provincial Park
One of the most popular hikes near Vancouver is the Garibaldi Lake Trail — a 21 km, 7-hour marathon full of never-ending uphill switchbacks.
This park has some of the most scenic views in BC with stunning turquoise-hued lakes.
Garibaldi Provincial Park is also home to other trails like Panorama Ridge, Wedgemount Lake, and Black Tusk Trail. They’re tougher, but they promise even more amazing sights.
11. High Note Trail
Starting at the peak of Whistler, the High Note Trail is a 9.5 km trek that offers incredible views of Cheakamus Lake and Black Tusk, among other alpine lakes and meadows.
To get to the start of the trail, you have to take the Whistler Gondola and Peak Chairlift.
The journey from Vancouver to Whistler is 1.5 hours by car. Then, it’s a sky-high ride on the gondola to where your adventure begins.
12. Joffre Lakes
Just past Whistler, near Pemberton, you’ll find Joffre Lakes, a top pick for day hikes around Vancouver.
Tucked away in an old-growth forest, the path stays cool and shaded, perfect for a comfortable hike.
Joffre Lakes consists of 3 stunning blue glacier-fed lakes, the next one more beautiful than the last. This moderate hike has high rewards for anybody who attempts it.
If you come here on a rainy day, the clouds can cast an eerily beautiful mist over the lakes. Just my luck, both times I’ve come here it was raining!
Remember, no pets are allowed on this trail to protect the local wildlife.
13. Three Brothers Mountain
Starting at Blackwall Peak Road off of Highway 3, the longest stretch of this 21.5 km trail is a pleasant walk through wildflower meadows.
The path may start with a gentle downhill stroll, but don’t let it fool you.
The last bit of the trail climbs up Three Brothers Mountain that peaks at an elevation of 2,272 m!
Final Thoughts
As the sun sets on your hiking adventure, the memories will linger like the warm glow of a campfire.
But Vancouver’s wonders extend far beyond its hiking trails. Why not whet your appetite with our guide on the top things to do in Vancouver?
