Top 10 Hikes in the Vancouver and Greater Vancouver Area

Vancouver
Posted on | Posted on Daniela Hunter

Yes! It’s finally that time of year again.  Time to enjoy the beauty that our stunning Province, Beautiful British Columbia has to offer.  What better way to get some exercise than to explore our province, meditate in nature, and challenge your fitness level.  I absolutely love hiking, especially because I live in the most beautiful city in the world, and am reminded of that every time I hike.   If you haven’t had a chance to explore BC, I highly recommend tackling this list.  Listed from easy to difficult, these are my favourite local hikes.

QUARRY ROCK (DEEP COVE, NORTH VAN)

  • Easy
  • 1-1.5 hours
  • Beautiful, scenic view at the top of Indian Arm and mountains around Belcarra
  • Can sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery at the top

LYNN CANYON LOOP (NORTH SHORE)

  • Easy
  • 1-1.5 hours
  • Short trail that takes you up through the forest and back around along Lynn Creek
  • Lynn Headwaters Regional Park offers a variety hikes, both shorter and longer in distance

DOG MOUNTAIN (MOUNT SEYMOUR)

  • Easy
  • 1-2 hours
  • Offers a spectacular view of Vancouver (Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, & Downtown)
  • Path can be a bit technical (may be more challenging for some hikers)
Vancouver

LINDEMAN LAKE (CHILLIWACK LAKE AREA)

  • Moderate-Intermediate
  • 2 hours
  • Beach area of Lindeman Lake offers a great location to swim or have lunch at the end of your hike

JOFFRE LAKES (NEAR PEMBERTON, BC)

  • Intermediate
  • 3-4 hours
  • One of BC’s most beautiful hikes
  • Includes 3 lakes- with turquoise-colored glacier water surrounded by mountains

ELK MOUNTAIN (CHILLIWACK, BC)

  • Intermediate
  • 3-4 hours
  • Top of the mountain offers a spectacular view of Chilliwack, Cultus Lake, and the Fraser Valley area
  • Beautiful forest area
  • Wide and easy trail to navigate
  • Steep at the top and trail may contain loose dirt (be cautious)

STAWAMUS CHIEF (THE CHIEF) (NEAR SQUAMISH, BC)

  • Intermediate
  • 3-5 hours
  • Offers scenic views of Howe Sound, mountains, and the town of Squamish
  • Can hike to three different summits
  • Opportunities for camping

GARIBALDI LAKE/ TAYLOR MEADOWS (WHISTLER, BC)

  • Intermediate
  • 4-5 hours
  • Beautifully scenic hike- forest, mountains, meadow, and turquoise-colored glacier water
  • Can go past the lake and continue to Taylor Meadows, which is absolutely stunning
  • Contains camp sites

GROUSE GRIND (GROUSE MOUNTAIN)

  • Challenging/Difficult
  • 1-1.5 hours
  • Trail up the face of Grouse Mountain to the Mountain’s peak
  • Contains mostly stairs
  • Includes distance markings (half-way mark, etc.)
  • Offers a very scenic view at the top
  • Able to get lunch at the café/restaurant at the top
  • Can take the Gondola back down the mountain

BLACK TUSK (WHISTLER- GARIBALDI PROVINCIAL PARK)

  • Difficult
  • 8-10 hours
  • A very scenic and unique hike
  • Be prepared for a long day of hiking
  • Takes you to Taylor Meadows then you continue past up to the Black Tusk
  • Camp sites