Vancouver sits in one of those rare spots where you can literally go from city sidewalks to mountain trails in under an hour. The Pacific Northwest has this incredible way of cramming jaw-dropping scenery into surprisingly accessible packages, and Vancouver’s hiking scene is no exception. Whether you’re the type who needs your morning coffee before tackling anything steeper than a curb, or you’re already planning your next backcountry adventure, this city has something that’ll get your heart pumping.
The beauty of Vancouver’s location means you’ve got options that most cities can only dream about. You can be standing on a downtown street corner and see snow-capped peaks that are less than 30 minutes away by car. Here’s a list of 20 incredible hikes that showcase exactly why Vancouver is considered one of the world’s best cities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Grouse Grind
This one’s earned the nickname ‘Mother Nature’s Stairmaster’ for good reason. The Grouse Grind climbs about 2,800 feet over just 1.8 miles, making it one of the steepest sustained climbs you’ll find anywhere. Think of it like climbing the stairs in a 100-story building, except you’re surrounded by towering cedars and Douglas firs instead of concrete walls. The trail is basically a never-ending series of wooden steps and rocky scrambles that’ll have your legs screaming by the halfway point, but the views of Vancouver’s skyline from the top make every burning muscle worth it.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
While the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge gets all the tourist attention, Lynn Canyon offers the same heart-stopping experience without the hefty price tag. The bridge spans 160 feet across a dramatic canyon, swaying gently as you cross 165 feet above the rushing Lynn Creek below. The surrounding trails wind through old-growth forests where some trees predate European settlement in the region. After crossing the bridge, you can explore a network of trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes that locals have been enjoying for generations.
Quarry Rock
This hike feels like Vancouver’s best-kept secret, even though it’s anything but secret among locals. The trail to Quarry Rock is relatively gentle, winding through dense forest for about 2 miles before opening up to a massive granite bluff. From this vantage point, you get an unobstructed view of Deep Cove, the surrounding mountains, and the intricate waterways that make this region so special. The rock itself is perfect for sitting and soaking in the scenery, and on clear days, you can see all the way to the distant peaks of the Coast Mountains.
Joffre Lakes
These three alpine lakes are like nature’s own version of a turquoise jewelry collection. The hike starts easy, leading you to the first lake within about 20 minutes, but the real magic happens when you push on to the upper lakes. Each lake gets progressively more stunning, with the final one sitting in a dramatic cirque surrounded by glaciated peaks. The water gets its incredible blue-green color from glacial flour, which is basically rock dust so fine it stays suspended in the water and creates this otherworldly glow that changes throughout the day.
Garibaldi Lake
This is the kind of hike that’ll have you questioning whether you’re still in Canada or somehow ended up in the Swiss Alps. The trail gains about 2,600 feet over 5.5 miles, but the steady grade means you’re never gasping for air like you might be on steeper climbs. Garibaldi Lake sits like a massive blue jewel surrounded by dramatic peaks, including the distinctive Panorama Ridge that looks like it was carved by giants. The lake is fed by glacial melt, so even in summer, the water is cold enough to make your teeth chatter, but the scenery is so spectacular that you’ll want to sit by the shore for hours.
Panorama Ridge
If Garibaldi Lake is the appetizer, Panorama Ridge is the main course. This extension adds another 1,000 feet of climbing and about 2 miles to your day, but the payoff is one of the most spectacular 360-degree views in all of British Columbia. From the ridge, you can see the Garibaldi Lake far below, the massive Garibaldi Glacier stretching across the mountainside, and on clear days, peaks stretching all the way to the horizon. The ridge itself is like walking along the spine of the world, with dramatic drop-offs on both sides and alpine meadows that explode with wildflowers in late summer.
Elfin Lakes
This hike offers a perfect taste of alpine adventure without requiring technical climbing skills. The trail starts in dense forest but gradually opens up as you climb higher, eventually leading to two pristine alpine lakes surrounded by jagged peaks. The area around Elfin Lakes feels like you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel, with the lakes reflecting the surrounding mountains so perfectly that it’s hard to tell where reality ends and the reflection begins. The trail is popular with backpackers who camp overnight, but it makes for an excellent day hike if you start early and don’t mind a longer day in the mountains.
Tunnel Bluffs
This relatively new trail has quickly become a favorite among Vancouver hikers, and one look at the views will tell you why. The trail climbs steadily through forest before breaking out onto a series of dramatic bluffs that offer incredible views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. The perspective from Tunnel Bluffs is unique because you’re looking down at the Sea-to-Sky Highway as it winds along the coastline, offering a bird’s-eye view of one of the world’s most scenic drives. The trail is well-maintained and marked, making it accessible to hikers of various skill levels.
Cheakamus Lake
Sometimes the best hikes are the ones that don’t try to kill you with elevation gain. Cheakamus Lake is a gentle 2-mile walk through beautiful forest that leads to a stunning glacial lake. The trail is actually built on an old railroad grade, so the grade is so gentle that you’ll barely notice you’re climbing. The lake itself is fed by the Cheakamus Glacier, and the milky turquoise water creates a striking contrast against the dark forest and granite peaks. This is the perfect hike for families or anyone who wants to experience the beauty of the Coast Mountains without the brutal climbs.
Lighthouse Park
Located right in West Vancouver, this park offers some of the most accessible wilderness hiking in the metro area. The trails wind through old-growth forest where some of the Douglas firs are over 500 years old and more than 200 feet tall. The park’s crown jewel is Point Atkinson Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships safely into Vancouver’s harbor since 1912. The rocky shores around the lighthouse offer incredible views of the city skyline across English Bay, and the granite outcrops are perfect for picnicking while watching a steady parade of ships, seaplanes, and sailboats.
Cypress Falls
This short but sweet hike proves that you don’t need to venture deep into the wilderness to find spectacular waterfalls. The trail is only about a mile long, but it packs in old-growth forest, creek crossings, and two beautiful waterfalls that are particularly impressive during spring snowmelt. The lower falls cascade about 100 feet down a rocky cliff face, while the upper falls are more intimate but equally beautiful. The trail is well-maintained and relatively easy, making it perfect for families or anyone looking for a quick nature fix without spending the whole day hiking.
Mount Seymour
This is Vancouver’s most accessible mountain summit, and the views from the top encompass the entire Lower Mainland. The trail starts right from the parking lot at the end of Mount Seymour Road and climbs steadily through subalpine forest. The final push to the summit involves some scrambling over granite slabs, but nothing too technical for anyone with basic hiking experience. From the top, you can see downtown Vancouver, the North Shore mountains, and on clear days, even Mount Baker in Washington State. The mountain is also famous for its winter sports, but the summer hiking is equally spectacular.
Eagle Bluffs
This hike offers one of the most dramatic cliff-top experiences near Vancouver. The trail climbs steadily through forest before emerging onto a series of granite bluffs that drop dramatically into Howe Sound. The views from Eagle Bluffs are absolutely breathtaking, with the sound stretching out below you and mountains rising on all sides. The trail is well-marked but involves some steep sections and a bit of scrambling near the bluffs, so it’s best suited for hikers with some experience. The contrast between the dense forest and the open, windswept bluffs creates a hiking experience that feels much more remote than it actually is.
Sasamat Lake
This hidden gem offers a perfect combination of hiking and swimming opportunities. The trail around Sasamat Lake is relatively flat and easy, making it perfect for families or anyone looking for a leisurely day in nature. The lake itself is one of the warmest in the region, thanks to its relatively shallow depth and southern exposure. During summer, the lake becomes a popular swimming destination, with several beaches and picnic areas scattered around the shoreline. The surrounding forest is beautiful year-round, with towering Douglas firs and a lush understory that stays green even in winter.
Widgeon Falls
Getting to Widgeon Falls is half the adventure, as it requires a short canoe or kayak trip across Pitt Lake before you can even start hiking. The trail itself is relatively short and easy, winding through dense forest along Widgeon Creek. The falls are tucked into a narrow canyon and cascade about 100 feet down a series of rocky steps. The combination of the water approach and the forest hike creates a unique adventure that feels much more remote than it actually is. The falls are particularly spectacular in spring when snowmelt swells the creek, but they’re beautiful year-round.
Mount Pilchuck
Though technically across the border in Washington State, Mount Pilchuck is close enough to Vancouver to make it a popular day trip destination. The trail climbs steadily for about 3 miles to reach a historic fire lookout that offers 360-degree views of the Cascade Range. The lookout building itself is a piece of history, built in the 1920s and recently restored by volunteers. From the lookout, you can see Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and dozens of other peaks stretching to the horizon. The trail involves some scrambling over granite slabs near the summit, but the views are worth every step.
Burnaby Mountain
This urban mountain offers surprisingly good hiking right in the heart of the metro area. The trail network on Burnaby Mountain includes everything from easy walks to more challenging climbs, all within a beautiful forested setting. The mountain’s summit offers panoramic views of the city, the North Shore mountains, and the Fraser River valley. The highlight is the Kamui Mintara sculpture, a collection of Ainu totems that were gifted to Burnaby by its sister city in Japan. The mountain is accessible by public transit, making it perfect for anyone who wants to hike without needing a car.
Mount Strachan
This peak offers one of the best views of the Howe Sound region, with a trail that’s challenging enough to feel like a real mountain adventure. The hike starts from the Cypress Mountain ski area and climbs steadily through subalpine forest and meadows. The final approach to the summit involves some scrambling over rocky terrain, but nothing too technical for experienced hikers. From the top, you get incredible views of the sound, the surrounding mountains, and the city of Vancouver spread out in the distance. The peak is also accessible in winter for snowshoe hiking, making it a year-round destination.
Lindeman Lake
This trail offers a gentler introduction to the Coast Mountains, with a relatively easy hike that leads to a beautiful alpine lake. The trail follows an old logging road for the first section, then becomes a proper hiking trail as it climbs through the forest toward the lake. Lindeman Lake sits in a dramatic cirque surrounded by steep mountain walls, and the water is so clear that you can see the bottom even in the deeper sections. The lake is a popular destination for backcountry camping, but it makes for an excellent day hike if you start early and don’t mind a longer day in the mountains.
Golden Ears
This is the big kahuna of Vancouver-area hikes, a serious mountain adventure that requires proper preparation and experience. The trail climbs over 5,000 feet in about 7 miles, leading to the base of the dramatic Golden Ears peaks. The hike passes through multiple ecosystems, from dense coastal forests to alpine meadows to bare granite near the summit. The views from the top are absolutely spectacular, with the Fraser Valley spread out below and mountains stretching to the horizon in every direction. This is definitely not a beginner hike, but for experienced hikers looking for a serious challenge, it’s one of the most rewarding climbs in the region.
Where Vancouver’s Trails Lead Us
These 19 hikes showcase exactly why Vancouver has earned its reputation as one of the world’s great outdoor cities. From gentle lake walks that anyone can enjoy to serious mountain challenges that’ll test your limits, the diversity of hiking opportunities here is simply incredible. The fact that you can experience everything from old-growth forests to alpine lakes to dramatic cliff-top views, all within an hour’s drive of downtown, makes this region truly special.
Whether you’re a local looking to explore your backyard or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Pacific Northwest hiking, these trails offer a lifetime of adventure. The mountains around Vancouver aren’t going anywhere, and neither is the sense of wonder you’ll feel every time you step onto these trails and remember just how amazing this corner of the world really is.
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