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.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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)

Lynn Canyon is one of my favourite places to take guests visiting Vancouver. For those not wanting to tackle alpine walks with significant elevation, Lynn Valley has some great trails that allow you to get out in nature and explore the coastal rainforests of BC. There are many different trails in the area, though this […]

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 […]

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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 […]

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The Grouse Grind is a popular tourist attraction, affectionalty known as Nature’s Stairmaster. It is a grueling 2km hike up through a very steep forest. At the top you are rewarded with a spectacular view over the city, English Bay and Vancouver Island. Many people arrive completely unprepared for this hike. Make sure you bring […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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