When you come to Vancouver, you have to do a hike, but if you’ve done any research you may notice that everyone is recommending the same three hikes again and again. I was born and raised in Vancouver and I’m here to recommend some trail in Vancouver for the experienced alpine hiker! I’ve included some hikes that I think are classics for a reason and some that only the locals do! But FIRST:
A Safety Warning: Canada’s backcountry offers hazards year round so make sure you know how to hike safely and Leave No Trace. NEVER go into the backcountry during the winter unless you have avalanche safety training and have properly assessed the risks. All of these hikes will require additional skill and equipment during the winter months.
Read out safety tip here.
Learn about Leave No Trace here.
The Do Nots
Stop, I’m here to save you from wasting your time! Please don’t bother with these incredibly popular hikes!
The Grouse Grind: The stair-master at the gym is the same thing minus the crowds. If your desperate to get a view of the city Seymour offers better views anyway!
Quarry Rock: Another hike that will have you feeling like you’re in a line at the grocery store. If you want to explore deep cove opt for getting out on the water in a kayak instead (but remember to book ahead).
The Sea Wall: Okay maybe this one isn’t a definite no, but again the crowds take the joy out of it for me.
Capilano suspension bridge: Lynn valley suspension bridge is free.
Joffre Lake: A beautiful hike in an incredible area, but in peak season the tourist busses drop people off there so it’s crowded and honestly the trail degradation can be heartbreaking. If you’re looking for that intense cobalt colour of lake you should be able to get it in late July, August, and September at any glacier-fed alpine lake!
St. Mark’s Summit
This is a classic for a reason! This 10km, 600m elevation hike starts off the Howe Sound Crest Trail and is a beautiful walk that offers moderate challenge with stunning views and incredible cliffs at the viewpoint. It’s what I like to call an high payoff hike! Avoid doing this one if the north shore mountains are in the clouds, but on a bluebird day I can’t think of a better spot.
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Needle Peak
This little-known hike is about a 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver. However the views from the top overlook the cascades and for those looking for free backcountry camping this is one of my favourites! The final scramble to the peak can be nerve wracking for those who don’t like heights but it’s worth the work. The whole trail is about 9km long and gains 830m from start to peak!
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Brunswick Peak
Another gem on the Howe Sound Crest Trail, Brunswick Peak is a steep climb to one of the tallest peaks in the area. This is a perfect trail for the experienced alpine hiker because with an elevation gain of 1500m over 13km she is no joke. Again I do not recommend this hike for those who dislike heights but if you want to feel like you’re on top of the world be my guest.
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Garibaldi Lake
It’s a classic for a reason! Garibaldi Lake is a beautiful alpine lake just before Whistler offering the electric blue lake views Canada is known for and while the trail can be crowded, I find hikers here tend to be more knowledgeable and respectful. The trail is 18.2km long and sees an elevation gain of 979m over a consistant gradient. For those looking for an additional challenge you could continue on to do the Black Tusk or Panorama Ridge!
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Crown Mountain
So you want to climb Grouse Mountain, fine, knock yourself out. Or, skip the chaos of the grind entirely and take the gondola to the top, but starting from the top of the grouse grind is the beautiful Crown Mountains hike. Leave the crowds behind and hike the beautiful peak behind grouse mountain! This 9km hike boasts an additional 866m elevation gain on top of the gain already done on the grind and offers beautiful views of the city!
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