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22 Incredible Hikes near Vancouver

ByMia

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22 Incredible Hikes near Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada. An enchanting city nestled between the mountains and the sea, it is no surprise that there are tons of breathtaking hikes near Vancouver.

And, as a Vancouverite, born and raised, I have gone on many of these hikes. So, it’s always shocking to me to find out how many Vancouver hiking trails I haven’t embarked on, or even heard of. Truly, you can live in Vancouver your whole life and not complete them all.

With all that being said, you may be wondering what the best hikes in Vancouver are. While I’ve already written about the best Vancouver hikes, focusing on those within the city, and the most epic Whistler hikes, I have yet to write about all the hikes in Greater Vancouver.

View of the Vancouver Skyline, Canada Place, the North Shore Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean from a building

So today, I’m going to write about the best hikes near Vancouver, focusing on the Tri-Cities, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Chilliwack, and Hope.

Without further ado, let’s begin!

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

The Best Hikes near Vancouver: Tri-Cities

First on our list of the best hikes near Vancouver are the beautiful hiking trails in the Tri-Cities, i.e., Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam.

Buntzen Lake Trail

First, let’s talk about the Buntzen Lake Trail. An insanely popular hike, especially among locals, the trail loops around Buntzen Lake, offering spectacular views en route.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 10 km (6.21 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 110 m (361 ft)
  • Time: 3.5 hours
  • When to Visit: Year-round

One of the easy hikes in Vancouver, this trail is perfect if you’re looking for a pleasant and relaxing hike through BC’s temperate rainforest, or if you love dogs.

However, Buntzen Lake can get crowded, especially on summer weekends, so make sure to get here early! Nevertheless, an advantage to visiting Buntzen Lake in the summer is that you can end the hike with a refreshing dip in the freezing lake.

A View of Buntzen Lake with 3 loons on the Buntzen Lake Trail, one of best hiking near Vancouver

Another thing to note is that there are frequent animal sightings. Last time I visited, I wasn’t even allowed to complete the loop due to the presence of a black bear (unfortunately, I didn’t even get to see the bear).

Overall, the Buntzen Lake hike is the perfect option if you want an easy trail with little elevation through Vancouver’s forests! If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Diez Vistas

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike near Buntzen Lake, then the Diez Vistas trail is the perfect fit for you.

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Distance: 15 km (9.32 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 460 m (1510 ft)
  • Time: 6-7 hours
  • When to Visit: April-November

Named Diez Vistas for its 10 viewpoints, this hike is definitely more difficult than the Buntzen Lake trail, but makes up for it with its stunning aerial views. Without a doubt, the third vista is the best, offering the greatest view of the Indian Arm, Deep Cove, Mount Seymour, and downtown Vancouver.

Starting and ending on the Buntzen Lake trail, the Diez Vistas hike is a tiring but incredible Vancouver hike that is definitely worth the effort!

A view of Buntzen Lake, the forest, and fog along the trail towards Diez Vistas trail in the Tri-cities, one of the great hikes near Vancouver, BC

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Dilly Dally Loop

Another challenging hike near Buntzen Lake, the Dilly Dally Loop is not for the faint of heart. Starting and ending at the Buntzen Lake parking lot, the Dilly Dally Loop is a 25-km (15-mile) trail that takes you around Eagle Mountain to the ridge along the Tangled Summit and Dilly Dally Peak.

  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Distance: 25 km (15.53 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 1142 m (3750 ft)
  • Time: 12 hours
  • When to Visit: July-October

With spectacular views and a wide variety of landscapes, this difficult hike is worth the struggle. But you should only attempt this hike if you’re confident you can complete it! And remember to bring lots of water; you’re going to need it.

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Crystal Falls

Now let’s talk about some of the easier hikes near Vancouver. The Crystal Falls hike is a short and popular trail leading to a small, enchanting waterfall. I’ve visited these falls many times, and I’m still not bored of them; they’re definitely worth a visit!

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 7 km (4.35 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: Minimal
  • Time: 2 hours
  • When to Visit: Year-round

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Coquitlam Crunch

Next, the Coquitlam Crunch is a city trail offering pleasant views. An easier version of the Grouse Grind, this steep climb provides a great workout, but isn’t too insanely difficult. It is definitely one of the best urban hikes near Vancouver, BC!

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Distance: 4.5 km (2.80 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 244 m (800 ft)
  • Time: 1.5 hours
  • When to Visit: Year-round

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Mundy Park Trail

If you’re more-so looking for some easy Vancouver walking trails, then you should check out the Mundy Park trail. Another Coquitlam hike, the Mundy Park trail offers a pleasant stroll with charming scenery!

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

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

The Best Hikes near Vancouver: Burnaby

Now, let’s talk about the great hikes in Burnaby!

Deer Lake Trail

First, let’s talk about the Deer Lake trail. Looping around Deer Lake, this is a quick and enjoyable walk through BC’s forests and swamps.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 5 km (3.11 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: Minimal
  • Time: 1 hour
  • When to Visit: Year-round

If you’re hiking near Vancouver and love birds, this is the place to visit!

Me and my dog walking in Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, BC - One of the best hikes near Vancouver

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Burnaby Lake Park Trail

Another Burnaby hike looping around a lake, the Burnaby Lake Park trail is a peaceful area perfect for admiring BC’s nature.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 10 km (6.21 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: Minimal
  • Time: 2 hours
  • When to Visit: Year-round

As I used to volunteer at a bird rehabilitation center beside the lake, I would frequently walk the Burnaby Lake trail from the bus stop, and I never got bored. While it can get muddy in the winter months, the Burnaby Lake trail has a rich ecology. Plus you can see some adorable ducklings in the summer!

A hazy Burnaby Lake, with a duck - One of the hikes near Vancouver

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Velodrome Trail (Burnaby Mountain)

Next, one of the harder Burnaby hikes, the Velodrome Trail up Burnaby Mountain is akin to the Grouse Grind or Coquitlam Crunch, but with smaller crowds.

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Distance: 3 km (1.86 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 240 m (787 ft)
  • Time: 1 hour
  • When to Visit: Year-round

A quick but tiring climb, the Velodrome trail is one of the great hikes around Vancouver. Offering amazing views and pleasant forest scenery, the hike ends with the Playground of the Gods, completed by an Ainu woodcarver from Kushiro, Japan⁠—Burnaby’s sister city!

The multiple wooden totem poles on top of Burnaby Mountain, on the Velodrome Trail in Burnaby, BC

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

The Ultimate Self-Guided Vancouver Walking Tour Featured Image, with Totem poles in Stanley Park

Want to learn more about the best things to do in Vancouver, BC? Click here for my self-guided walking tour of Vancouver!

Of, if you want to learn more about the best BC hikes, click here for the most stunning Whistler hikes!

The Best Hikes near Vancouver: Maple Ridge

Next, let’s talk about all the incredible hikes in Maple Ridge. More specifically, these are the best hikes in Golden Ears Provincial Park, and some of the best BC hikes overall.

But, if you’re planning a trip to Golden Ears Provincial Park, make sure to leave early! The parking lot fills up really fast, especially in the summer.

Golden Ears Trail

First on our list is the extremely challenging but stunning Golden Ears Trail. One of the best Vancouver day hikes, the Golden Ears Trail is a long and strenuous hike, but it is absolutely worth the effort.

  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Distance: 24 km (14.91 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 1500 m (4921 ft)
  • Time: 12 hours
  • When to Visit: July-September

With an enchanting river and spectacular summit views, this hike is gorgeous, but also exhausting. So if you want to embark on this hike, make sure you’re well-prepared, and are comfortable with the challenges it presents!

View of the mountains of Golden Ears Provincial Park at dusk, holding some of the coolest hikes near Vancouver

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Golden Ears Canyon Loop

If you’re looking for an easy hike in Golden Ears Provincial Park, then the Golden Ears Canyon Loop is the right trail for you. While it is long, the Canyon Loop is also significantly easier than the Golden Ears Trail, and is still one of the best hikes in Vancouver, BC.

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Distance: 12 km (7.46 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 185 m (607 ft)
  • Time: 4 hours
  • When to Visit: April-October

While the Golden Ears Canyon Loop used to be two hiking trails, with one for the East Canyon and one for the West Canyon, a bridge has since been built, allowing you to complete it as a loop! Passing by stunning points of interest, including Viewpoint Beach, Hikers Beach, the Gold Creek Lookout, and the Gold Creek Falls, this hike is the perfect alternative to the Golden Ears Trail.

A mother and her two children walking the Trails of Golden Ears Provincial Park, one of the best BC hikes

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Gold Creek Falls

If you’re looking for a dazzling but easy waterfall hike in Golden Ears Provincial Park, then I recommend the Gold Creek Falls.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 5.5 km (3.42 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: Minimal
  • Time: 2 hours
  • When to Visit: Year-round

A pleasant and scenic hiking trail to a beautiful set of waterfalls, this is the perfect option for anyone hiking in Vancouver, BC.

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Mike Lake

Finally, the last hike I’ll mention in Golden Ears Provincial Park is Mike Lake.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 2 km (1.24 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: Minimal
  • Time: 0.75 hours
  • When to Visit: Year-round

A short and easy hiking trail perfect for families, this trail meanders through the temperate rainforest to a charming and scenic lake.

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

The Best Hikes near Vancouver: Chilliwack

Next, let’s talk about the stunning hikes in Chilliwack, BC.

Mount Cheam

If you’re hiking near Vancouver, BC and also have access to a 4-wheel drive vehicle, then I absolutely recommend checking out Mount Cheam.

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Distance: 9.5 km (5.90 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 700 m (2297 ft)
  • Time: 4.5 hours
  • When to Visit: July-October

Providing some of the most breathtaking views in the Fraser Valley, Mount Cheam is an intermediate hike with a difficult drive through BC’s Forest Service Roads.

However, the scenery is worth it. Almost from the very beginning, you’ll be provided with stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges and Mount Baker in Washington State. Furthermore, the summit offers spectacular 360-degree views of Lady Peak, Mount Baker, Jones Lake, the Fraser River, and the Fraser Valley.

The beautiful peak of Mount Cheam in Chilliwack, BC, covered in greenery - one of the hikes around Vancouver

Overall, Mount Cheam is undoubtedly the number one hike in Chilliwack, that unfortunately requires a 4-wheel drive.

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Lindeman Lake

If you’re looking for the most beautiful lakes around Vancouver, then I recommend trying the Lindeman Lake hike. An intermediate but short hike, it ends at the stunning, turquoise Lindeman Lake. Surrounded by towering mountains, this alpine lake is definitely worth a visit!

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Distance: 3.4 km (2.11 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 300 m (984 ft)
  • Time: 2 hours
  • When to Visit: May-October

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Slesse Memorial Trail

If you’re looking for one of the historic Vancouver, Canada hikes, then I recommend embarking on the Slesse Memorial Trail.

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Distance: 12 km (7.46 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 920 m (3018 ft)
  • Time: 6 hours
  • When to Visit: July-October

The site of one of Canada‘s worst aviation disasters, a flight from Vancouver to Calgary crashed in Mount Slesse in 1956, killing all 62 passengers on board.

The Slesse Memorial hiking trail passes by both a memorial plaque and some remains of the crash, including a piece of the propellers. Nevertheless, this hike also provides breathtaking views from the summit. However, the trail head is very difficult to access without a 4-wheel drive.

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Elk Mountain

Next, another one of the challenging but fabulous hikes in Vancouver, Canada, the Elk Mountain trail offers enchanting scenery and fantastic views of Chilliwack, Cultus Lake, and the Fraser Valley.

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Distance: 7 km (4.35 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 800 m (2625 ft)
  • Time: 4 hours
  • When to Visit: June-October

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Abby Grind

Another steep hike that provides the perfect workout, the Abby Grind ends at a fabulous viewpoint of Abbotsford. Popular with locals, the Abby Grind is definitely one of the hikes near Vancouver you have to check out.

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Distance: 4 km (2.49 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 330 m (1083 ft)
  • Time: 1.5 hours
  • When to Visit: Year-round

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Two People walking by a trail with Mount Rainier - Close to Seattle, USA

Planning a trip to Washington State? Click here for the most incredible day trips from Seattle, and click here for my self-guided Seattle walking tour!

The Best Hikes near Vancouver: Hope

Finally, these are the best hikes in Hope. While Hope is a bit far from Vancouver (these hikes will take around 1.5 hours of driving to access), Hope is home to some of the best hikes in BC, surrounded by soaring mountains and lush forests.

Needle Peak

If you’re looking for one of the most epic day hikes from Vancouver, I recommend embarking on the Needle Peak trail.

  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Distance: 8.5 km (5.28 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 818 m (2684 ft)
  • Time: Around 8-9 hours
  • When to Visit: July-September
The views of an alpine mountain peak with a small forest, along the path of the Needle Peak trail near Hope, BC, one of the best day hikes from Vancouver

One of my favorite hiking trails on this list, the Needle Peak hike is the perfect option for those with an adventurous spirit. Starting in the dense forest, the hike quickly provides stunning alpine views, before ending with a lot of rock climbing. While you don’t need gear, it does take a bit of courage to climb the last portion of the hike.

Overall, while the Needle Peak hike is exhausting, it is also super fun, and offers spectacular panoramic views.

View of the mountain sides and British Columbia mountain ranges from Needle Peak near Hope, one of the hikes near Vancouver, BC

If you want to learn more, check out this All Trails article.

Hope Lookout Trail

For some incredible views overlooking Hope, I recommend embarking on (surprise surprise) the Hope Lookout Trail.

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Distance: 4.5 km (2.80 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 450 m (1476 ft)
  • Time: 2.5 hours
  • When to Visit: March-November

A steep but short climb to a stunning viewpoint of Hope and the surrounding area, the Hope Lookout Trail is definitely worth a visit.

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Othello Tunnels

A charming and unforgettable hike located in the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, the Othello Tunnels is a short and easy trail through a series of historic train tunnels.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 3.5 km (2.17 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: Minimal
  • Time: 1 hour
  • When to Visit: May-October

With incredible scenery including the breathtaking Coquihalla River and the sheer and rugged rock cliffs, the Othello Tunnels is absolutely worth a visit, especially if you’re traveling Vancouver with kids. I fondly remember my trips to the Othello Tunnels as a child, running through the darkened tunnels with my brothers and dog… I had an absolute blast.

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Three Brothers Mountain

Finally, number 22 on my list of the best hikes near Vancouver is the fabulous Three Brothers Mountain. Located in Manning Provincial Park, Three Brothers Mountain follows Heather Trail through enchanting meadows filled with wildflowers.

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Distance: 21.5 km (13.36 miles)
  • Elevation Gain: 480 m (1575 ft)
  • Time: 7 hours
  • When to Visit: July-September

With the trail head starting at over 2000-meters of elevation, you don’t have to work hard to get stunning alpine views. However, this hike is still long and tiring, so remember to brings lots of water!

If you want to learn more, check out this Vancouver Trails article.

Overall,

I hope you enjoyed this list of the 22 best hikes near Vancouver! If you want some more Vancouver travel inspiration, check out my ultimate Vancouver walking tour.

A view of the mountain range, lakes, and forests in Maple Ridge, from one of the best hiking near Vancouver, BC

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,

Mia

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

The Most Stunning Hikes Near Vancouver You Have to Check Out!
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22 Incredible Hikes Near Vancouver, Canada
22 Stunning Hikes Near Vancouver You Have to Check Out!
A view from the ocean of the lighthouse at Lighthouse Park, Vancouver, surrounded by mountains

Traveling to Vancouver, and want to learn more about Vancouver’s attractions? Click here for my self-guided Vancouver walking tour!

Of, if you want to learn more about the best BC hikes, click here for the best hikes in Vancouver, and click here for the most epic Whistler hikes!

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

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Mia

Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

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