The 15 Best Hikes in Vancouver

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A gem in Western Canada, Vancouver, BC is a remarkable city surrounded by vast ocean and soaring mountains. Really, it’s no surprise that there are an abundance of sights to see and trails to do in this marvelous city. So today, I’m going to list off the absolute best hikes in Vancouver.

With so much beauty surrounding this city, hiking in Vancouver should be on every tourist’s bucket list. From treks through the temperate rainforest to viewpoints overlooking the city, it is truly hard to decide which hikes to do (Side-note: Vancouver is also the perfect city to walk around!)

So, to make this list more concise, I will only list the hikes that are in the city of Vancouver, including West Vancouver and North Vancouver. I have a completely different list for the amazing hikes near Whistler. And I have also written about the stunning hikes in Greater Vancouver!

So, without further ado, here are the top 15 hikes in Vancouver. Enjoy!

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If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver, or just British Columbia in general, you may be interested in my other articles:

• The Ultimate Self-Guided Vancouver Walking Tour
• 22 Incredible Hikes near Vancouver
• 18 Spectacular Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• 6 Epic Whistler Hikes
• The Perfect 7-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip: How to Drive from Calgary to Vancouver
• 11 Fabulous Things to Do in Salt Spring Island
• How to Start Hiking: 15 Beginner Hiking Tips

The Best Hikes in Vancouver: City of Vancouver and and West Vancouver

The Lions

With a high alpine peak offering panoramic views of Vancouver and the Howe Sound, the Lions Binkert Trail is one of the most difficult but best hikes in Vancouver.

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Distance: 16 km (9.94 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 1280 m (4200 ft)
• Time: 8 hours
• When to Visit: July-October

The Lions, Vancouver is not only one of the best Vancouver hikes, but it’s also one of the best BC hikes. A landmark in Vancouver, this challenging hike is not to be taken lightly; but the rewards it reaps are so worth it.

With breathtaking views of Vancouver, Mount Baker in the USA, Vancouver Island, and Garibaldi Provincial Park, you won’t regret embarking on the Lions hike Vancouver. But remember to bring lots of water, and to wear good hiking shoes!

For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

St. Mark’s Summit

Next, St Mark’s summit is an enchanting hike offering spectacular views of the Howe Sound.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Distance: 11 km (6.84 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 460 m (1509 ft)
• Time: 5 hours
• When to Visit: July-October

This Vancouver hiking trail begins on the Howe Sound Crest Trail, weaves through delightful meadows filled with wildflowers, before reaching a viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

While it is only an intermediate hike, it can get quite technical and muddy at times. So, wear proper footwear! For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Eagle Bluffs

The Eagle Bluffs hike is one of the best Cypress hiking trails, passing by various lakes before offering breathtaking views of Vancouver, Mount Baker, and the Howe Sound.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Distance: 8 km (4.97 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 350 m (1148 ft)
• Time: 4 hours
• When to Visit: July-October

While the Eagle Bluffs trail isn’t easy, with the first portion a hard and strenuous upward climb, and the second portion extremely muddy, it is worth it. One of the best hikes in West Vancouver, the views are absolutely stunning.

But beware of the ravens at the summit! I have seen them steal a crazy amount of food and containers, from opening backpacks for a Subway sandwich to flying off with a huge container filled with cherries.

For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Cypress Falls Hike

One of the best hikes in Vancouver, Cypress Falls provides hikers with phenomenal views of two waterfalls.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 3 km (1.86 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 130 m (427 ft)
• Time: 1.5 hours
• When to Visit: Year-round

While the Cypress Falls hike is easy, short, and accessible year-round, it can also be rocky, muddy, and confusing to follow. But, as an easy trek alongside the serene Cypress Creek and through dense Cedar and Douglas Fir trees, it is one of the best ways to experience Vancouver’s rainforests.

For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Lighthouse Park

One of the easy hikes in Vancouver, the Lighthouse Park trail sits along the shores of West Vancouver, offering tranquil views of the water.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: Up to 6 km (3.73 miles)
• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Time: 2 hours
• When to Visit: Year-round

With gorgeous ocean views and beautiful trails meandering deep into old growth forests filled with Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir trees, this is one of the most marvelous Vancouver hikes. It is definitely worth the visit!

For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Whytecliff Park

Okay, so this one’s a bit of a fib. While Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver is not really a hike, there are some possible hiking trails you can do, and the scenery at the beach is absolutely stunning.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 2 km (1.24 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 75 m (246 ft)
• Time: 1.5 hours
• When to Visit: Year-round

An incredible park famous for its scuba diving sites, Whytecliff Park, Vancouver is the perfect place to picnic, offering spectacular views of the rugged mountains, passing ships, and the Howe Sound.

For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Finally, there’s no better way to experience the lush temperate rainforest of BC than through the Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 10 km (6.21 miles)
• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Time: 3 hours
• When to Visit: Year-round

Filled with dense foliage, views from the rugged shoreline, and an array of Vancouver walking trails, the Pacific Spirit Park trails offer stunning sights. It also includes Vancouver’s nude beach: Wreck Beach! For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

The Best Hikes in Vancouver: North Vancouver

The Grouse Grind

Now, let’s talk about the hikes in North Vancouver, starting with one of the most iconic hikes in Vancouver, BC: the Grouse Grind.

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Distance: 2.9 km (1.80 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 853 m (2799 ft)
• Time: 1.5-2 hours
• When to Visit: June-September

An essential hike for any Vancouverite, the Grouse Grind is a strenuous climb up endless steps. But, with a beautiful view and several sights and activities at the summit, the Grouse Grind offers much more than a great workout.

However, one thing to note is that you are not allowed to climb back down the Grouse Grind, as it is considered too dangerous. Instead, you can either pay to use the Gondola, or take the BCMC trail down.

Nevertheless, the Grouse Grind is one of the most quintessential Vancouver hikes and an amazing addition to your Vancouver itinerary!

For more information on the Grouse Mountain trail, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Dog Mountain

Next, one of the most beautiful North Vancouver hikes is Dog Mountain. A short and easy trail from Mount Seymour, the Dog Mountain hike offers spectacular views of Vancouver.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 5 km (3.11 miles)
• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Time: 2 hours
• When to Visit: June-October

Furthermore, hiking Dog Mountain is perfect for families, as it is not too difficult. With the trail passing by a lake before reaching a breathtaking viewpoint, Dog Mountain, Vancouver is not a hike you should miss!

For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Mount Seymour

One of the best hikes in Vancouver, Canada, the Mount Seymour hike is a fantastic trek to a beautiful viewpoint.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Distance: 9 km (5.59 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 450 m (1476 ft)
• Time: 5 hours
• When to Visit: July-October

On this enjoyable hiking trail to Mount Seymour, you will pass through meadows filled with wildflowers, walk alongside a lake, and trek by a few gorgeous peaks, before reaching the Seymour Mountain hike summit, where you can admire the stunning panoramic views of the city and the North Shore mountains.

However, be alert, as there are frequent bear sightings! For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Lynn Loop

One of the most popular Vancouver hiking trails, the Lynn Loop trail is a charming, quick stroll through an enchanting landscape.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 5.1 km (3.17 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 160 m (525 ft)
• Time: 1.5 hours
• When to Visit: Year-round

Both easy and short, the Lynn Loop is a scenic walk through the mossy, lush temperate rainforest. Featuring tranquil creeks and rivers, this beautiful trail is definitely worth the visit. It is also one of the best Vancouver date ideas!

For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Norvan Falls

Next, Norvan Falls is one of the best Vancouver, BC hikes, featuring one of Vancouver’s most stunning waterfalls!

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Distance: 14 km (8.70 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 195 m (640 ft)
• Time: 5 hours
• When to Visit: Year-round

The Norvan Falls hike is an easy trek through the lush forests of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, ending at a towering waterfall. While it is a long walk, there is very little incline, making this hiking trail a serene stroll through the beautiful forest.

For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls Trails

The Kennedy Falls hike via Big Cedar trail is one of the best hikes near Vancouver, meandering deep through old-growth forests before providing incredible views of a beautiful waterfall.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Distance: 10 km (6.21 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 150 m (492 ft)
• Time: 5 hours
• When to Visit: Year-round

While the Kennedy Falls are enchanting, it’s not all this trail offers. In particular, this rugged hike passes through the lush, green forest to a gigantic cedar tree. It is definitely worth checking out!

For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Baden Powell Deep Cove to Lynn Canyon Trail

Next, lets talk about the amazing Baden Powell Deep Cove to Lynn Canyon Trail.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Distance: 12 km (7.46 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 420 m (1378 ft)
• Time: 5 hours
• When to Visit: Year-round

A hiking trail traveling deep through the BC rainforest from Deep Cove to the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge, there are an abundance of sights to admire en route. This includes the Cove Forest, Twin Falls, the Seymour River, Seymour Canyon, Lynn Creek, Lynn Canyon, and the Lynn Suspension Bridge.

However, one thing to note is that the Deep Cove hike is not a loop, so you’ll have to arrange some sort of alternative transportation. Fortunately, there is public transportation available in the area.

For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Quarry Rock Trail

Finally, Quarry Rock, Vancouver is an easy hike providing spectacular views, making it one of the most popular North Vancouver trails.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 3.8 km (2.36 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 100 m (328 ft)
• Time: 1.5 hours
• When to Visit: Year-round

Situated near the scenic Deep Cove, the Quarry Rock hike is a quick, short trail that leads to a beautiful lookout, providing breathtaking views of the Indian Arm (a fjord surrounded by towering mountains).

For more information, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

In Conclusion,

I hope this list of the top 15 best hikes in Vancouver has given you some outdoorsy, hiking Vancouver inspiration! As a city surrounded by so much beauty, the best way to experience its charm is by embarking on these incredible hiking trails. So, I wish you good luck, and happy hiking!

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Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more travel and hike-related content, make sure to check out my other articles.

Cheers,

Photos by the author and Pixabay.

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About to embark on a trip? Here are some helpful articles to make your trip as awesome and stress-free as possible:

• How to Travel Without Breaking the Bank
• 15 Things to Do Before a Trip
• How to Start Hiking: 15 Beginner Hiking Tips

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking guides
• Click here for my hiking guides
• Click here for more posts on North America
• Click here for more resources

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