Here’s our rundown of some of the most amazing views around Vancouver – that just happen to be found on a hike!
For your own safety, please make sure you are prepared before heading out on your next adventure. Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe while on your hike is available from North Shore Rescue and AdventureSmart.
Easier
Quarry Rock – North Shore
What: A classic North Shore hike, up wooden stairs, over tree roots and small creeks, among Douglas Fir and Hemlock trees, to a rocky outcrop and beautiful views of Deep Cove.
How long: 1.5 hours or 3.8 km
Where: Starts and ends at the Baden Powell Trailhead – Panorama Drive, Deep Cove.
Get there: A 30-minute drive from downtown, or take the Seabus plus buses 239 then 212 instead.
Lighthouse Park – West Vancouver
Image: Lighthouse Park / Shutterstock
What: Lots of short, easy trails offering breathtaking ocean views, huge, old-growth Western Red Cedars and the picturesque picnic spot of Starboat Cove.
How long: Up to 2 hours or 6 km
Where: Starts and ends at Lighthouse Park parking lot – Beacon Lane, West Vancouver.
Get there: A 40-minute drive from downtown, or take bus 250 all the way there instead.
Harder
Stawamus Chief – Squamish
The Chief / Shutterstock
What: Tough it to the top of the second biggest granite monolith in the world and spectacular ocean and mountain views await you. Wear proper hiking boots though – this hike involves chains, ropes and a lot of boulders. (If you want to enjoy the view, but not the hike, take the Sea To Sky Gondola instead.)
How long: 6 hours or 11 km
Where: Starts and ends at the Shannon Falls parking lot, off the Sea To Sky Highway before you get to Squamish.
Get there: A one-hour drive from downtown.
Sendero Diez Vistas – Port Moody
What: This challenging hike around Buntzen Lake in Port Moody offers you 10 beautiful views, taking in everything from the surrounding lakes and mountains to Deep Cove, downtown Vancouver and Indian Arm. And if you don’t feel like hiking, you can always take a refreshing dip in the lakeside beaches instead.
How long: Up to 7 hours or 15 km
Where: Starts and ends at the Buntzen Lake parking lot in Port Moody.
Get there: A one-hour drive from downtown, or take the SkyTrain, then buses 169/160 and C26.
Plan ahead
Hollyburn Mountain – North Shore
Image: Hollyburn Mountain / Shutterstock
What: This tough hike isn’t recommended until July but the wait is worth it. After ploughing uphill for 450 metres – including a very steep last section – you’ll emerge to 360-degree views of the Georgia Strait, the Gulf Islands, Vancouver’s westside, the peaks of the Lions and Grouse Mountain. Inside tip: in winter, this is a popular snowshoe trail. To get down from the peak, everyone just lies down – and slides down.
How long: 3.5 hours or 7 km
Where: Starts and ends at the cross-country ski parking lot of Cypress Mountain (don’t worry, this trail is free, as it’s maintained by BC Parks, not the resort).
Get there: A 45-minute drive from downtown.
Garibaldi Lake – Whistler
Wandering along Battleship Island at Garibaldi Lake (Daily Hive/Conrad Olson)
What: This is another challenging hike not recommended until July, but again, your patience – and uphill struggle – will be rewarded. Through lush forests and alpine meadows, you’ll be reach a gorgeous panoramic view of the entire turquoise lake and its melting glacier in the distance. Tip: If you want a shorter hike, you can always trail off after 6 km and head down to the lake.
How long: 5 hours or 18 km
Where: Starts and ends at the Rubble Creek parking lot just south of Whistler.
Get there: A one-hour and 45-minute drive from downtown.
Source: DailyHive
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