The attractive metropolis of Vancouver is stuffed with an enormous number of alternatives for outside journey actions. Mountains, peaks, the ocean, and spectacular lakes create implausible trails for climbing within the Vancouver space.
On this publish, I’ll talk about some nice Vancouver hikes, all the paths mentioned are potential to do as day hikes from Downtown Vancouver. A number of the climbing trails are proper inside town and will be reached by fast, low-cost public transport. Some hikes are within the surrounding mountains, nearer to the well-known ski city Whistler in Garibaldi Park. Additionally included are day hikes within the outside paradise Squamish outdoors Vancouver. Town is stuffed with alternatives to get your adrenaline pumping, see right here for the greatest issues to do in Vancouver.
Take a look at Vancouver on this 6.5-hour Bike and Hike Tour, together with lunch.
Vancouver is a superb place to be primarily based to do some unbelievable day hikes with loads of straightforward trails. It’s also among the best locations in British Columbia to entry unbelievable multi-day hikes and tenting spots from. Not having a automobile whereas staying right here, I reached most of those hikes by public transport or shuttles. Utilizing town as a base, I did some superb weekend journeys from Vancouver.
Although many of those hikes round Vancouver will be reached by public transport, all of the hikes are a lot simpler to succeed in by automobile. For automobile rental, I like to recommend utilizing Uncover Vehicles to seek out one of the best deal.
Hikes are rated for his or her problem as follows:
Simple – anyone of affordable well being ought to be capable to stroll a straightforward path with out coaching. Largely fairly flat and good to hike for households.
Reasonable – more difficult longer and steep climbing trails, however you don’t want to be an athlete to finish these hikes. If you’re fairly match you must be capable to hike these trails with some effort, perhaps be a bit stiff within the morning. Learn rigorously to see for those who assume you must try these.
Troublesome – lengthy, steep hikes solely beneficial for knowledgeable, match hikers.
Greatest time for Climbing Round Vancouver
Climbing round Vancouver is feasible all yr spherical. One of the best season for climbing round Vancouver is the summer time months from July to October. Throughout spring and fall, you possibly can nonetheless discover snow and ice at a few of the larger elevations and lots of the trails turn into extra harmful.
Vancouver Hikes within the Metropolis
Even when staying within the coronary heart of Vancouver you’re solely a few minutes away from the superb backcountry wilderness. These hikes are all situated on the sting of town, straightforward to succeed in with the metro and bus native public transport system.
The next climbing trails inside Vancouver are straightforward to succeed in with native public transport.
Lynn Headwater Regional Park
Lynn Headwaters is the most important of Vancouver’s regional parks, it’s a stunning park with many climbing trails and a fantastic choice to probe for all ability ranges. The park has 74 km of trails. Routes within the park vary from pretty flat trails with easy-to-walk boardwalks to backcountry trails with troublesome sections that contain not solely climbing but in addition some scrambling. Lynne Park was the primary place that I went climbing in Vancouver and I used to be very impressed to seek out such stunning forest hikes to do proper within the metropolis!
Public Transport to The Lynn Headwater Park
The Lynn Headwater Park is well reached by public transport, there are numerous routes to take relying in your location. From Downtown Vancouver take the ocean bus throughout to the Lonsdale Quay bus loop and take both bus #228, or #229. Bus #228 will take you to Lynn Valley Heart, which is a few 15-minute stroll from Lynn Canyon Park’s most important entrance.
Lynn Loop
Problem -Simple
Distance 5.2km
Elevation Achieve 160m
Lynn Loop is a comparatively quick and simple stroll passing by way of the forest, going up earlier than turning again alongside the operating water of Lynn Creek. The route wanders by way of a forest stuffed with Cedar and Hemlock bushes with some views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands. The trail is broad, well-marked, and simple to comply with. The path will be walked all yr spherical however will be icy and slippery in winter, so make certain to put on crampons this time of the yr. It’s a dog-friendly hike, simply hold your good friend on a leash.
Cedars Mill and Headwater Trails
Cedar Mill Path – 8km
Headwater Path – 14km
Problem – Simple
The Cedar Mill path is pretty flat, simply an extension of the Lynn Loop with an elevation achieve of solely 100m. For an extended hike simply hold going straight on the Headwater Path, don’t flip off on the Massive Boulders, however proceed on the Headwaters Path for an additional 2.0km to the Third Particles Chute, flip off onto the Cedar Mill Path right here coming again alongside Lynn Creek from right here. The path turns into a bit extra steep, climbing a complete of 380 m over the 14 km path. To increase the stroll even additional, proceed for an extra 3 km to the Norvan Falls lookout previous the Third Particles Chute earlier than turning round and following again the path. The headwater path climbs above the valley and the Cedar Mill path
Lynn Peak path
Distance – 9 km
Problem – Reasonable to Difficult
The Lynn Peak path is a steep climb, ascending surrounded by bushes with some good views from the highest. Begin on the park entrance following the Lynn Loop. On the path is an indication pointing you to the appropriate onto the Lynn Peak path. This can be a steep climb with an elevation change of 720m over 4km and is commonly in comparison with the Grouse Grind. The hike takes 3 to five hours to return with some views of Vancouver and Mount Seymore.
Quarry Rock
The Quarry Rock path reopened in March 2023 after being closed for about 3 years. The path was initially closed throughout the Covid pandemic however remained closed attributable to development and repairs following flood harm. Discovering parking can nonetheless be troublesome within the space and taking public transportation is beneficial.
Problem – Simple
Distance 3.8 km
Elevation Achieve 100m
The Quarry Rock hike is without doubt one of the hottest hikes in Vancouver. Quarry Rock is a rocky hill with panoramic views of the gorgeous shores of the scenic Deep Cove Bay in North Vancouver. The Quarry Rock climbing path is a straightforward out-and-back hike that overlaps with the primary a part of the well-known Baden Powell Path. The trailhead the place the route begins in Deepcove is situated on Panorama Drive in Deep Cove, simply north of the parking zone, and is marked by a publish. The path passes by way of a forest with dense development of Hemlock and Douglas Fir bushes. The path will not be too steep with solely a 100m elevation achieve and opens as much as stunning views of the bay at Quarry Rock.
To succeed in the hike by public transport take bus 211 from downtown Vancouver to Deep Cove or by taking bus 212 from Phibbs Trade.
Baden Powell Path
The Baden Powell path is a 48km path stretching from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay throughout Vancouver’s North Shore.
Only a few folks stroll the whole path without delay, it’s a lengthy distance for someday and it’s not flat, some huge climbs with a complete ascent of 4860m. Each ends of the Baden Powell path are near sea degree, with a excessive level of 4,016 ft (1224 m) on the peak of Black Mountain. The path is the situation for a extremely popular annual ultra-marathon path run, The Kneeknacker, that has been accomplished in a file time of 4h 30 min! There’s nowhere to camp alongside the best way, however the path has a few entry factors and it’s not too troublesome to hike the path in sections. The 4 sections of the path generally hiked is Deep Cove to Lynn Valley, Lynn Valley to Grouse Mountain, Grouse Mountain to Cypress Mountain, and Cypress Mountain to Horseshoe Bay. We walked one part of the path from Lynn Valley to Deep Cove.
The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge. This bridge is a free different to the favored Capilano suspension bridge, however very busy over weekends.
Deep Cove to Lynn Valley – Mix Quarry Rock and Lyn Valley on the Baden Powel Path
Distance – variable
Problem – variable
On the Baden Powell path hike from Lynn Valley Park to Deep Cove, crossing the Seymor Rivier, this path is 12 km. Arriving at Deep Cove you could have good views of Deep Cove, Indian Arm, and Port Moody throughout the water. Climbing time is round 4 hours.
We began at Lynn Valley first finishing the Cedar Mill path after which we continued on the Baden Powell path through the Quarry Rock path to Deep Cove, based on our GPS our complete distance was 28 km, taking 7 hours, doing this entire route combining trails was a protracted exhausting day.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge – At the beginning of the path from Lynn Valley to Deep Cove we crossed this 50m excessive suspension bridge, a well-liked free different to going over the rather more well-known, widespread, and expensive Capilano suspension bridge.
Grouse Grind
Distance – 3.0 km (take the gondola again down for $15)
Elevation achieve – 800m
Problem – Reasonable to Difficult
The Grouse Grind Path is a 3.0-kilometer, very steep, one-way path situated in North Vancouver, on the base of the Grouse Mountain Resort ski space. After I began doing analysis on hikes round Vancouver, The Grouse Grind, popped up all over the place. This path is known in Vancouver with native hikers calling it ‘nature’s stairmaster’. It deserves this popularity for climbing an unbelievable 800 m over 3 km! The path is primarily used for climbing and operating. The Grouse Grind is tremendous crowded with about 100 000 folks climbing it in a season. The Grouse Grind path solely goes one path, UP. Descending will not be allowed on the path, hikers take the gondola down, a $15 trip. See our full article on the Grouse Grind and actions on Grouse Mountain.
Climbing the 2830 stairs of The Grind is a difficult hour or two
I charge the path as a average hike, though it is vitally steep, it’s a quick stroll that took us 1h 10min to finish with hikers taking 1.5 to 2 hours on common to stroll the path. It’s a must to be in good condition to do that hike, it’s mainly climbing a 3 km set of stairs.
Many locals run/stroll the path commonly for train, it solely takes an hour or so and is superb train. You should buy a Grind Timer card permitting you to scan your card on the backside, and once more on the high and test your stats on-line, see your time for the day, season occasions, different’s occasions, and all data. The file for probably the most grinds in a day is climbing this beast 14 occasions in someday!
It’s potential to hike down after climbing the Grouse Grind Path, you should first rate with an alternate path. The BCMC path winding down the jap facet of the mountain will be hiked up or down Grouse Mountain. Enable about an additional 2 hours for the descent.
There’s a lot to do on the high of Grouse Mountain you’ll undoubtedly not anticipate on the finish of a hike; fantastic eating, a high-definition cinema, a lumberjack present, and two grizzly bears in a mountain sanctuary. These facilities are largely utilized by the 1000’s of individuals attending to the highest of the mountain with the Skyride since most individuals don’t really feel like eating or a film after a strenuous 1 or 2-hour hike!
Stanley Park
Distance – variable
Problem – straightforward
Stanley Park is a 405-hectare public park that borders downtown Vancouver and is sort of fully surrounded by Vancouver Harbour and English Bay. The park has a complete of about 27km (17 miles) of trails winding by way of the forest. Stanley Park could be very widespread with hikers, runners, bikers, households, rollerbladers, and even to go for a swim. Discover Stanley Park with this widespread bicycle tour!
The Stanley Park Seawall that loops round Stanley Park is a extremely popular attraction in Vancouver looping 8.8 km across the park subsequent to the ocean! Along with the Seaside Greenway, the seawall kinds a 28 km uninterrupted pathway extending from the Vancouver Conference Centre to Spanish Banks Park. The Stanley Park Seawall is a part of the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. All the paths in Stanley Park will be discovered on Google Maps.
Burnaby Mountain
Distance – variable
Problem – straightforward to average
Burnaby Mountain situated east of downtown Vancouver has a community of widespread climbing trails of various problem. These trails are well-marked and will be discovered throughout SFU (Simon Fraser College) Campus.
A number of trails will be mixed to kind loops of various distances for instance trails referred to as Gear Jammer, Mel’s, Lifeless Moped, Energy Line, Pipeline, Nicole’s, and Poplar Trails collectively kind a pleasant 5 km loop and for a more difficult 12km loop mix Mountain Air, Barnet, Cougar, Cardiac, Summit, Velodrome, and Drummit.
The paths are of average problem, if you’d like extra of a problem right here deal with the Velodrome path, additionally referred to as Burnaby’s Grind. The trailhead is situated on the northeast nook of the Velodrome. The Velodrome path climbs steeply from the Barnet on the north facet of Burnaby Mountain and arrives on the Japanese totem poles at Horizons Restaurant.
The Trans Canada Path runs by way of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation space connecting lots of the trails within the space. The Trans Canada Path, additionally named The Nice Path is a cross-Canada system of greenways, and waterways, and is the longest leisure path on this planet. Within the Metropolis of Vancouver, the Trans Canada Path contains 42km of trails connecting a lot of communities and parks of which 24 km is shoreline pathways or on seawall. Climbing the entire 42 km could possibly be a fantastic mission!
I began climbing at SFU which is simple to succeed in with the Vancouver public bus system and explored a number of well-marked trails.
Transport to Burnaby Mountain – #95B Line bus connects downtown Vancouver and Simon Fraser College through Hastings St
Lodging in Vancouver
Extremely rated lodging in Vancouver with location.
Hikes close to Whistler
Garibaldi Provincial Park is a wilderness park situated on the coastal mainland between Whistler and Vancouver. It’s straightforward to succeed in and do lengthy one-day hikes from Vancouver, being situated 70 kilometers, a few 1.5-hour drive, north of town. The park is called after the glacier-ringed Mount Garibaldi (2,678 meters) and is a hiker’s paradise providing over 90 km of well-marked trails together with a number of of the highest trails in Canada akin to Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk, Panorama Ridge, and Elfin Lakes. Garibaldi Park is without doubt one of the most stunning areas close to Vancouver. Tenting is feasible with ten campgrounds along with quite a few wilderness tenting alternatives. The trailhead for the hikes to Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk, and Panorama Ridge is on the Rubble Creek parking space of Garibaldi Provincial Park.
Transport from Vancouver to Garibaldi Nationwide Park
It’s straightforward to succeed in the trailhead by automobile from both Vancouver (70 km away), Whistler (35 km), or Squamish (38 km). To get to Garibaldi Provincial Park from Vancouver, take Freeway 99 generally known as the Sea-to-Sky Freeway. For automobile rental choices I like to recommend utilizing Uncover Vehicles.
From Vancouver, the paths in Garibaldi will be reached by public transport utilizing the Parkbus. The bus service is presently $53 for a return ticket to Rubble Creek. The bus leaves early within the morning and provides you about 10 hours earlier than the return bus picks you up, this must be sufficient time to do any of the paths. If you’re alone and don’t need to hike alone you possibly can at all times attempt to hook up with somebody on the bus since everyone seems to be on the identical itinerary, most individuals go to hike to Garibaldi Lake.
Garibaldi Lake
Distance – 19.0 km
Elevation achieve – 900m
Problem – Reasonable to Difficult
The attractive Garibaldi Lake with turquoise glacial waters sits at 1450m above sea degree surrounded by snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and volcanic constructions. The broad and well-maintained path ascends by way of old-growth forest, passing creeks in a collection of steep uphill switchbacks. The Garibaldi Lake Hike is a implausible hike, however it’s difficult, you climb constantly for 9km to succeed in the lake the spherical journey takes the typical hiker 5-7 hours, and is 18km with a 900m (2953 ft) ascent to the lake. I walked across the lake so far as the path allowed and anticipated the glacial lake to be freezing, however it was really very good for a dip, and check the water earlier than leaping in! My complete hike was 20 km taking 5 hours and 10 minutes.
Black Tusk
Distance – 26.0 km
Elevation achieve -1620m
Problem – Troublesome
The hike to the Black Tusk is a difficult hike to certainly one of Whistler’s most iconic mountains. The hike presents some spectacular scenic views. Hike the Garibaldi Lake path alongside previous the Taylor Meadows, and proceed up the path to the point of view of Black Tusk with an indication saying “Finish of maintained path”. Many individuals solely hike to this shoulder, 7 km previous Garibaldi Lake. From right here, the hike turns into considerably harder going up a steep slope of unfastened and uncovered rock. It’s potential to ascend additional with a troublesome scramble referred to as the chimney. Climbing the chimney is beneficial just for rock climbers or skilled mountaineers.
Climbing to the Black Tusk is a difficult hike in Garibaldi Park. Don’t underestimate the hike or the climate as you ascend the Black Tusk, it’s a vital improve in elevation. I hiked it alone within the rain, it was the top of August and I used to be caught without warning by extraordinarily chilly climate and even snow on the shoulder. Many individuals hike Black Tusk as a two-day hike tenting at Taylor Meadows. This manner you may also hike to Panorama Ridge or Garibaldi Lake.
Panorama Ridge
Distance – 30.0 km
Elevation achieve – 1520m
Problem – Troublesome
The hike to Panorama Ridge is one other difficult hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park and plenty of charge the views as one of the best within the park. The hike is a protracted one and takes hikers 9 to 11 hours to finish on common. When you include the Parkbus, you could have 10 hours, be sure you are again in time. From Panorama Ridge you get nice views of Black Tusk, Garibaldi Lake, and Helm Lake.
Whistler Lodging
Hikes Close to Squamish
Squamish is a small city 63 km north of Vancouver, immersed in beautiful nature it’s well-known for journey actions with loads of spots for superior mountain climbing, kite browsing, mountain biking, and climbing. It’s surrounded by mountains of which the Stawamus Chief, an enormous granite monolith is probably the most well-known.
Transport to Squamish
It’s a fast drive from Vancouver to Squamish on the BC-99 S freeway, 63 km taking about 55 minutes. There’s day by day public transport with the Squamish connector for $CAD 40 return or a number of different bus companies.
The Stawamus Chief
Distance – 8.0 km
Elevation achieve – 903m
Problem – Reasonable to Difficult
The Stawamus Chief is without doubt one of the basic hikes within the space. Situated inside strolling distance from the city of Squamish the steep path takes you to a few peaks with unbelievable views of the world surrounding Squamish, together with Howe Sound, and north to Garibaldi Provincial Park. The hike is difficult with 900 meters climbing over 8.0 km with some stairs and climbing over huge rocks with ladders and chains.
The Stawamus Chief has 3 peaks on a route taking about 6-hours on common to finish relying in your degree of health.
From the trailhead off the Sea To Sky Freeway, stroll into the forest and alongside the broad path as you move by the campsite. It isn’t a really lengthy path, however has some difficult sections after you attain the picket stairs from the place it’s uphill all the best way! The views from the three peaks are spectacular!
Lodging Squamish
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a big island with spectacular nature and a great deal of alternatives for superb outside actions. The island has a number of spectacular climbing alternatives starting from implausible day hikes to world-renowned multi-day backpacking and tenting journeys. The difficult West Coast path is certainly one of my favourite backpacking journeys and the Juan de Fuca marine path was one other implausible hike on the island. The island is a bit far to make the ferry journey for a day hike. Don’t miss our information to the Greatest Issues to do on Vancouver Island, hikes, ocean actions, and quaint cities.
Packing Listing for Climbing Round Vancouver
Garmin Fenix 5 GPS Watch is a superb climbing device for navigation, mapping, and measuring all climbing parameters.
Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof are nice climbing sneakers in many various situations.
For longer hikes and in snow, climbing boots are higher. My Salomon X Extremely Prime gortex boots are a tremendous pair of shoes, for winter, summer time, mud, snow, and rain comfy, gentle, and fully waterproof. (Girls Salomon X Extremely boots).
At all times carry a lightweight rain jacket when climbing, the North Face for women or North Face Resolve for males
Fast dry trekking pants are nice for climbing Columbia climbing pants for males and Columbia climbing pants or yoga stretch pants for women.
I at all times pack a BUFF Multifunctional Headwear – for solar and wind safety (doubles as a face masks).
Trekking Poles – nice you probably have knee or ankle issues, additionally useful within the mud or if it slippery on the path, TrailBuddy Climbing Sticks are very well-rated, good worth for cash, aluminum trekking poles.
Planning on doing a multi-day backpacking hike? I’ve performed a number of climbing round Vancouver in my MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Individual Light-weight Backpacking Tent.
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The sturdy half of Stingy Nomads, a nomadic aquaman that will be blissful to spend all his life within the water diving, browsing and spearfishing however typically has to compromise with Alya and go climbing as an alternative. Campbell is answerable for all our marine adventures and following them with write-ups. He loves touring, braai (BBQ in South Africa), crimson wine and spending the day in a wetsuit.
