Hikes In And Near Vancouver

Vancouver is located in a magnificent corner of the Pacific North West, with a lifetime of short walks and hikes to suit all abilities. From urban strolls and oceanside coffee shops, to the world renowned Stanley Park, the Fraser River and the North Shore Mountains, there are countless spots to enjoy a short stroll or take a serious hike.

Below you’ll find a list of the best hikes near Vancouver. I’ve included a selection including easy strolls, hikes with views and nearby mountain peaks. But what they have in common is that they’re all stunning and they’re all within 1 hour’s drive of Vancouver. There’s a mix of busy and less popular trails, though despite the crowds on some, I would happily do every hike on this list again.

If you want to simply search all hikes in BC, based on a specific criteria or location, check out the Hike Explorer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Trail Map

Short answer. Yes. If you’re hiking in nature, Google Maps probably isn’t going to cut it. I recommend and use All Trails for short and well-traveled hikes. All Trails+ offers functionality to download an offline map, which is helpful as you’ll quickly lose phone signal and data away from the city. All Trails + offers a free 7-day trial which is especially helpful if you’re just visiting for a week.

One benefit of All Trails is that they show trail maps for hikes and trails all over the world, so even when you get home, you can still use it for inspiration.

If you’re hiking in the city, you can probably get away with google maps. It’s possible to download an offline Google Map if you’re just visiting and don’t have cellular data.

Essential Gear for Hiking in Vancouver

Gear for Vancouver Urban Trails

If you’re hiking in an urban area, then gear requirements are fairly minimal. Wear comfortable shoes, take a rain jacket if there’s any risk of rain, and most importantly enjoy the views. I like to take an extra layer and a bottle of water incase I find myself far from a coffee shop.

Gear for Vancouver Hikes in Nature

If you’re hiking in nature, you’ll need to be a little more prepared for your hike. Here are the things I most often see people without, that really put them at risk of the changeable Vancouver conditions:

Footwear – Vancouver North Shore Trails are often steep or involve walking over uneven terrain or branches. Good footwear (absolute minimum is trainers (sneakers)) will give you support and help avoid injuries. You do not want to be spending an unexpected night out in nature.
Warm Layer – The weather can change quickly in Vancouver. Take a warm layer that will keep you warm if you need to stop or look after an injured friend for a long period of time.
Rain Jacket – Vancouver rain isn’t just wet, it’s cold and wet. Be prepared and take a good rain jacket.
Light Source – Don’t get caught out after dark without a light. Don’t rely on your phone light, since you’ll be using your battery for taking photos and checking your map.

For more details on what to pack, including the a full list of essentials, check out this hiking essentials packing list or this camping essentials packing list.

Obviously a high-tech rain jacket or other gear is not within everyone’s reach. Thankfully, there is a thriving second hand gear scene in Vancouver in particular. From thrift stores, to Facebook Marketplace and specialist second hand gear stores there are lots of good options to pick up good gear.

Staying Safe on Vancouver Hikes

Check the trail map in advance, research recent conditions so that you know what to expect.
Leave a plan with someone. Tell them where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
Be prepared to turn around if conditions change. Don’t put your life at risk.

Best Time To Hike in Vancouver

Summer is my favorite time to hike in Vancouver, though there really isn’t a bad time to hike here. With a variety of trails across a range of environments, it’s never hard to find a suitable trail for the time of year and the conditions. Here are the average weather conditions for Vancouver.

Average monthly minimum and maximum temperature in Vancouver, Canada

Average monthly rainfall, snow, precipitation in Vancouver, Canada

Peak Summer Season: June - September

June through September is considered the peak season for hiking, with July and August being the busiest months. Whilst July and August can be a bit hot to tackle the bigger peaks of south western BC, most of the hikes around and near Vancouver are very doable in the summer heat.

Autumn (Fall): October - November

As the summer heat fades and the autumn rains arrive, the weather becomes more changeable and pretty bleak, often for days or weeks on end. Whilst you can still enjoy a good trail, a good waterproof is absolutely essential. Trust me, a cheap waterproof is not going to keep you dry in a BC rain-shower.

Winter: December - February

Full winter in Vancouver itself is not the snowy onslaught you might expect by looking at the rest of Canada. The coastal location means that the city itself remains relatively snow free, with maybe a couple of snow dumps each winter lasting a few days. For hiking, this means Vancouver’s urban trails are accessible all year round. For trails in mountain areas, it really depends on the trail. Check the trail map and description before you go.

Spring: March - May

The spring starts to bring warmer temperatures, a welcome break from the cold and damp coastal winter air. With the warmer temperatures comes more rain, so always take a rain jacket. There may still be snow on some trails, so check individual trail descriptions to work out when each trail can be done.

Forecast for Vancouver

Useful Links

Hike Explorer – Search and filter all hikes in BC.

BC Parks – BC’s official outdoors website.

BC Parks Camping Bookings – Book a campsite at any campground.

Translink – For public transport links around Metro Vancouver.

EVO Car Pooling – A car share network that allows you to pick up and drop off a rental car at the click of a button on your app.

Vancouver Hiking – Facebook group for hiking in Vancouver.

Vancouver Hiking Reddit – Reddit thread for hiking in Vancouver.

Google Map of Hikes Near Vancouver – Explore hikes in your familiar mapping tool.

Highlights of Hiking in Vancouver

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, second only to Central Park in New York. In my humble opinion, however, its infinitely better as its almost entirely surrounded by the ocean. With the city of Vancouver conveniently located to one side, accessibility and chill morning walks with coffee are common.

With big old growth trees to one side and the ocean breeze and countless views to the other, the trails really never get old. Whether you live in BC or are just visiting Vancouver for a short period, the trails around Stanley Park are an absolute must.

Explore the Stanley Park Seawall trail.

Explore the Stanley Park Forest trails (coming soon).

The North Shore

The North Shore Mountains of Vancouver are some of the most accessible mountain terrain in the world. With such close proximity to the city, and three developed resorts giving you quick access to the higher altitudes, it’s exceptionally easy to get up into the mountains and find an incredible view.

With accessibility comes crowds of unprepared hikers. Don’t be one of those hikers turning up with flip flops or unsuitable footwear. Sturdy footwear is more comfortable, and will help you stay injury free and enjoy this incredible place.

Search for hikes on Vancouver’s North Shore.

Featured Hikes Near Vancouver

View Table of Hikes by Stats Only

Pacific Spirit North

2.5km

70m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

Pacific Spirit South

6.5km

70m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

UBC Foreshore

9.0km

200m elevation

Dogs: No

Grouse Grind

2.0km

850m elevation

Dogs: No

Lighthouse Park

4.0km

200m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

Lynn Valley Bridges

5.0km

200m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

Quarry Rock at Deep Cove

4.0km

200m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

St Mark’s Summit

11.0km

450m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

Stanley Park Seawall

10.0km

20m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

Lighthouse Park

4km
+200m Elevation
2.5hrs
Exploration

0.5hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Beach, Forest, Ocean, Swim Spot, Views

Lighthouse Park

4km
+200m Elevation
2.5hrs
Exploration

0.5hrs from Vancouver

Lighthouse Park is a great viewing point to look back over English Bay and the city of Vancouver. The network of trails make it easy to walk for as little or as much as you’d like. From a 1km walk to a bigger 6km hike, make it your own. With plenty of little side paths […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

St Mark’s Summit

11km
+450m Elevation
5hrs
Out & Back

0.75hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Alpine, Forest, Ocean, Views

St Mark’s Summit

11km
+450m Elevation
5hrs
Out & Back

0.75hrs from Vancouver

St Mark’s Summit offers unbroken views of the Howe Sound from two spectacular viewpoints. These viewpoints are some of the best along the Sea to Sky, with the mountains of the North Shore plunging down into the waters of the Howe Sound below. St Mark’s Summit forms part of the longer Howe Sound Crest trail. […]

Season:
7
-
10

GPX

Pacific Spirit North

2.5km
+70m Elevation
1.5hrs
Exploration

0.25hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Forest

Pacific Spirit North

2.5km
+70m Elevation
1.5hrs
Exploration

0.25hrs from Vancouver

Pacific Spirit Park is a coastal rainforest typical of the Pacific North West. As you wander through these trails, you’ll see countless huge trees and be amazed by the variety of mosses and lichen you find hanging from the branches. If you’re lucky, you might even see a garter snake (small and harmless). In the […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

Quarry Rock at Deep Cove

4km
+200m Elevation
2hrs
Out & Back

0.75hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Forest, Ocean, Swim Spot, Views

Quarry Rock at Deep Cove

4km
+200m Elevation
2hrs
Out & Back

0.75hrs from Vancouver

The Quarry Rock hiking trail in Deep Cove is a great way to explore the forests and views of BC, without venturing too far from Vancouver. Combined with its proximity to Vancouver, and great views, it’s often incredibly busy. I would recommend starting early to avoid the crowds. That said, it’s still a great hike regardless […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

Rice Lake Loop

3km
+50m Elevation
1hrs
Loop

0.5hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Forest, Lake, Views

Rice Lake Loop

3km
+50m Elevation
1hrs
Loop

0.5hrs from Vancouver

Rice Lake is an easy stroll that takes in the impressive Pacific Northwest forests and meanders to a pleasant viewpoint at Rice Lake. At Rice Lake you’ll find the odd bench, as well as a floating walkway from which you’ll have a great vantage point to take photos.

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

Pacific Spirit South

6.5km
+70m Elevation
2.5hrs
Exploration

0.25hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Forest

Pacific Spirit South

6.5km
+70m Elevation
2.5hrs
Exploration

0.25hrs from Vancouver

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

Mount Gardner

17km
+730m Elevation
7hrs
Out & Back

GPX

Highlights: Alpine, Forest, Lake, Mountain Peak, Views

Mount Gardner

17km
+730m Elevation
7hrs
Out & Back

Mount Gardner on Bowen Island offers a trail that winds through evergreen forests, opening up to stunning views as you reach higher elevations. The path is well-signed, guiding hikers through the dense growth of the Pacific Northwest to the summit’s rewarding vistas. For the keeners among you, you can following the marked trail (on this […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

Stanley Park Seawall

10km
+20m Elevation
2.5hrs
Loop

0hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Beach, City, Forest, Ocean, Swim Spot, Views

Stanley Park Seawall

10km
+20m Elevation
2.5hrs
Loop

0hrs from Vancouver

The Stanley Park Seawall forms the outer edge of Vancouver’s Stanley Park, and has become synonymous with Vancouver’s reputation for outdoor living. The park is visited by cyclists, walkers and skaters alike and is easily accessible for an afternoon stroll of all abilities. There are countless natural wonders to admire from a casual stroll around […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

UBC Foreshore

9km
+200m Elevation
4hrs
Out & Back

0.25hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Beach, Forest, Ocean, Swim Spot, Views

UBC Foreshore

9km
+200m Elevation
4hrs
Out & Back

0.25hrs from Vancouver

Nestled on the edge of the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus, the UBC Foreshore Trail is a hidden gem that offers a moderate hiking experience with the serenity of coastal views and forests. Along the 9km out and back route, you’ll be treated to the refreshing ocean breeze and the occasional seabird overhead. The […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

Hikes In And Near Vancouver

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Highlights of Hiking in Vancouver

Stanley Park

The North Shore

Featured Hikes Near Vancouver

Lighthouse Park

Lighthouse Park

St Mark’s Summit

St Mark’s Summit

Pacific Spirit North

Pacific Spirit North

Quarry Rock at Deep Cove

Quarry Rock at Deep Cove

Rice Lake Loop

Rice Lake Loop

Pacific Spirit South

Pacific Spirit South

Mount Gardner

Mount Gardner

Stanley Park Seawall

Stanley Park Seawall

UBC Foreshore

UBC Foreshore

Planning an adventure?

Hikes In And Near Vancouver

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Highlights of Hiking in Vancouver

Stanley Park

The North Shore

Featured Hikes Near Vancouver

Planning an adventure?

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