Although I was born and raised in the city, over the past few years I’ve found myself feeling the need to step outside of it more often than I used to. In this past year, I began exploring more of the incredible nature that Vancouver, and the lower mainland in general, has to offer. Being in nature brings about an incredible calm that supports me and sets me up beautifully for each busy week ahead. Being away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life brings me back to the present. Nature takes away time, to-do lists, emails, phone service, and replaces it with quiet, greenery, fresh air, space, peace, and so much more. I’m thankful to live in a province where the mountains are practically in our backyard and we are continuously offered the opportunity to explore more.
Below I have listed some of the hikes & trails that I explored last year with a brief description of how I found the hike. This upcoming year I look forward to exploring many, many more!
Happy Adventuring!
Cliffgilker Park (several trails) - Sunshine Coast
On our first visit to Roberts Creek we were warmly welcomed after the ferry ride by this little park consisting of many easy-to-follow paths. It is a simple, easy, stroll for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Skookumchuk Narrows - Sunshine Coast
If you want to catch amazing whirlpools and rapids, check the tides before going! There are specific times to attend this incredible spot each day and it is well worth it. Upon arriving to the water after a nice hour-long stroll through the trees, we were greeted by sea lions bounding out of the water among HUGE whirlpools that were forming and breaking as they moved downstream. An absolutely breath-taking experience and spot.
Smugglers Cove - Sunshine Coast
Smugglers Coves did not disappoint! It was an absolutely incredible little spot that we ventured to on our first visit to Roberts Creek (just before Sechelt). The day was sunny, and we were pleasantly surprised by this unique spot. A must-see on the Sunshine Coast! Apparently you can also see beavers here, although we didn’t during our visit.
Nairn Falls - just past Whistler
A friend and I stumble across this trail on our way back from camping just past Pemberton! It is a short, easy trail (although I would still suggest good footwear) that brings you to a beautiful view of a waterfall.
Lynn Canyon - North Vancouver
Lynn Canyon is a location known for its Suspension Bridge and pool formation in the summer for swimming that can get very busy, but is well worth the visit. If you’re scared of heights, crossing the suspension bridge may not be your favourite way to spend your day. It also can get very slippery on the wooden walkways during the icy, cold season, but otherwise it is a hot spot to visit in the lower mainland.
Quarry Rock - Deep Cove
Quarry Rock has gotten more and more popular over the years. It is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find parking if you are going on a nice weekend day, so I highly suggest going very early if you are going to tackle this on a weekend. This trail is a great introduction to hiking for those who don’t want to commit to a several-hour day. For those who are advanced, it also can make for a nice, quick trail run. The view from the top is beautiful, and it is an enjoyable hike. Don’t forget to stop by Honey’s in Deep Cover before you leave!
Shannon Falls - near Squamish
A popular tourist spot on the way up to Whistler, Shannon Falls is a well-known waterfall that requires only a short walk to get to the viewpoint.
Dog Mountain - Mt. Seymour
Dog mountain is well-known as a snow-shoeing spot and fairly easy hike. We did this trail in the summer and found that there are many roots which actually ended up making it seemingly more technical of a hike than we had anticipated. The fact that it had rained and was very slippery may have made it seem worse than it is. All in all, it is not a difficult hike, but I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as i’d hoped.
Soames Hill - Sunshine Coast
A quick, short hike with a few different trails right near the Langdale Ferry Terminal that offers a nice view from the top!
Norvan Falls - North Vancouver
A casual trail walk, also good for trail runners, right alongside the river. I did this route with a friend of mine on a typical rainy Vancouver day. It was fairly easy and pleasant, but still offered a decent amount of distance if you’re looking for something a bit more (~9km).
Mount Daniel - Sunshine Coast
We were surprised by the immediate and seemingly constant ascent that this hike offered almost from start to end. The Sunshine Coasts version of a mini grouse-grind haha! It was very enjoyable nonetheless and offered a great view from the top on a sunny day of the islands.
Joffree Lakes - Pemberton
An incredibly busy, popular spot but if you can get there early, it is well worth the trip. The water in the lakes is absolutely breathtaking.
Grouse Grind - North Vancouver
Not my personal favourite as I find that it feels like a head-down assembly line the entire way up, however, I do think it is worth trying at least once. It offers a good physical challenge and there is plenty to do and see at the top before taking the gondola down!
The Chief - Squamish
A less-busy version of the Grind that I much prefer.
Hollyburn Mountain - Cypress Mountain
A bit difficult to find the starting point, but once you do this hike is quiet and incredibly enjoyable, with a great view at the end!
Lakeview Trail - Buntzen Lake
What started out as us trying to take the Diez Vista trail, ended up as us getting lost and being on the Lakeview Trail. This trail had some changes in elevation but was very pleasant and quiet. We hardly saw any other people on this trail, although in terms of views it was fairly limited as most of it is spent in the trees. Still very enjoyable.
Sea to summit - Squamish
One of my favourite hikes of the summer. Although it is getting more popular, we found the trail fairly quiet and very enjoyable. While it was challenging, it still felt manageable. At the top of the hike, stop to enjoy a drink and some food before taking the gondola down!
St. Marks Summit - Cypress Mountain
One of the more challenging hikes of the summer that also can get fairly busy if you wait until later in the morning as it is well know. This hike offered an amazing view at the top but would be more suited for intermediate hikers. We went post-rain and it was VERY muddy and slippery which added a bit of an extra challenge on top of the pre-existing technical aspects that already existed. Well worth the trip though, just make sure that you are well prepared and wearing proper footwear!