For locals and visitors looking for fun things to do around the Lower Mainland, great hikes often top the list.
With a quick scan of these local favourites, it’s easy to see why!
Panorama Ridge
Grade: Difficult
An unbelievable landscape of snow-capped mountains and a turquoise glacier lake make Panorama Ridge one the most scenic hikes in B.C.Experience a panoramic view of Black Tusk, Castle Towers, the Helm Lake area, and more, high above Garibaldi Lake. This hike is challenging and is more of a two-day adventure. Consider hiking to Taylor Meadows or Garibaldi Lake, camping overnight and continuing. The trail is well marked, and a number of large maps on the way give directions. Be well prepared to take on this mesmerizing hike.
- Duration: About 11 hours to complete the 30-kilometre loop
- Start at: Rubble Creek parking lot in Garibaldi Provincial Park just off of the Sea to Sky Highway
- From downtown Vancouver: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Dog-friendly: No
| Photo by Lisa weber |
Black Tusk
Grade: Difficult
Alpine paradise meets the dark jagged edges. Black Tusk stands out from the surrounding peaks.It’s almost vertical on all sides, with an elevation gain of 1,740 meters. The trail passes over streams and shows evidence of ancient volcanic rockslides. One option is to pack your camping gear, head to Taylor Meadows and camp out, then make your way to Panorama Ridge and Garibaldi Lake.
- Duration: About 11 hours for the 29-kilometre round trip.
- Start at: Rubble Creek parking lot in Garibaldi Provincial Park just off of the Sea to Sky Highway.
- From downtown Vancouver: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Dog-friendly: No
| Photo by: Emily Wright |
Garibaldi Lake Trail
Grade: Moderate
This stunning glacier-fed lake is nestled between the mountains, surrounded by meadows and volcanic structures. This backcountry hike goes through deep forests made up mostly of Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir. The trail leads to a beautiful view of Garibaldi Lake and its backdrop, Castle Towers Mountain. The trail will also bring you to Garibaldi Lake campground (reservations required and can be made online).
- Duration: The 18-kilometre round trip takes about 5-6 hours.
- Start at: Rubble Creek parking lot in Garibaldi Provincial Park just off of the Sea to Sky Highway
- From downtown Vancouver: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Dog-friendly: No
St. Marks Summit
Grade: Intermediate
St. Marks Summit is an incredible vantage point located in Cyprus Park in West Vancouver. Reaching the summit peak shows the islands of Howe Sound, the Tantalus Range, and even Vancouver Island. One of the most compelling features is the huge and varied terrain. As you ascend the mountains, the gravel and dirt trail goes through a deep forest over the 460-metre elevation gain.
- Duration: A round trip of 11 kilometres can be done in 4-5 hours
- Start at: Cypress Mountain ski area parking lot at 6000 Cypress Bowl Road in West Vancouver.
- From downtown: 45 minutes
- Dog-friendly: On-leash
Stawamus Chief
Grade: Intermediate
The world’s second-largest granite monolith is very popular among the locals because of the photos taken at the top to celebrate the climb. There are three different peaks to get the most out of the views of the ocean and mountains in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Be prepared, as you will need to hurdle over chains, ladders and ropes.
- Duration: Round trip is 11 kilometres. It’s about 90 minutes to reach Peak 1 or six hours to complete all 3 peaks.
- Start at: Shannon Falls parking lot off the Sea to Sky Highway
- From downtown: 1 hour
- Dog-friendly: On-leash
Dog Mountain Trail
Grade: Easy/Intermediate
Get a view of the city on a clear day with this easy and popular trail on Mount Seymour. Take in the scenery of Stanley Park, the Georgia Strait, the Fraser Valley, and the stunning Mount Baker way over in Washington State. Detour to Mystery Lake for a swim or a picnic.
- Duration: The 5-kilometre round trip takes nearly 2 hours.
- Start at: Mount Seymour parking lot, at 1700 Mount Seymour Road in North Vancouver.
- From downtown: 50 minutes
- Dog-friendly: On-leash
| Photo by: Lou Fassullo |
Stanley Park
Grade: Easy
Just outside of the downtown core, Stanley Park is the most popular place for tourists in the city. There’s a variety of trails for walking, biking and rollerblading. The best route is around the seawall, with its fabulous views of the city, beaches, mountains, and Lions Gate Bridge. Wind through the deep foliage and towering trees on Siwash Rock Trail, Third Beach Trail, or the Lake Trail north of Beaver Lake.
- Duration: A round trip of 6.5 kiloemtre is 2 hours
- Start at: Near the central area of the Rose Garden and bus loop
- From downtown: 10 minutes
- Dog-friendly: On-leash
| Photo by: Mackenzie Jasper |
Twin Falls Hike in Lynn Canyon:
Grade: Easy
Over in North Vancouver, Twin Falls is a short hike that crosses the famous Lynn Canyon suspension bridge and takes you over the falls. Experience a lush and remote scenic forest. Below the falls, the water settles down and gets shallow for a refreshing swim.
- Duration: 1 hour for a 1.5-kilometre loop
- Start at: Parking area by the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, across the free suspension bridge
- From downtown: 30 minutes
- Dog-friendly: On-leash
Foreshore Trail
Grade: Easy
This scenic beach route in Pacific Spirit Regional Park takes your past the city’s only nude beach, Wreck Beach, out to views of the Georgia Strait, Bowen Island, and Howe Sound. See the World War II instrument tower that served as a warning system in case of a possible attack. Most of the trail follows the rocky beach, which can be slippery during high tides.
- Duration: One-way – kilometres – takes 3 hours
- Start at: From the parking lot at Acadia Beach, walk down the trail towards the beach
- From downtown: 20 minutes
- Dog-friendly: No
Thunderbird Ridge
Grade: Easy
Thunderbird is a quick hike from the top of Grouse Mountain with views of Crown Mountain, Kennedy Lake, and the city below on a clear day. Take a short detour to spots like Little Goat Mountain, Dam Mountain, or the Hanes Valley.
- Duration: 2.5 km of a round trip of 6km
- Start at: Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way in North Vancouver
- From downtown: 30 minutes
- Dog-friendly: No
Ready to explore these and other awesome places to go in the Lower Mainland?
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