HIKES NEAR VANCOUVER
Looking for the best hikes near Vancouver, BC? You've come to the right place! Not to boast about the city but Vancouver is considered to be one of the most liveable cities in Canada, in fact the world! Vancouver is a vibrant city with plenty of beaches to choose from when summer is around, cool cafes, a wide variety of food selection, a ton of "Instagrammable" spots and a ton of activities to choose from throughout the seasons! I also believe we have one of the most polite and friendliest people here in the city! (If you meet someone who isn't, it's most likely they're not from here or perhaps they're just an exception). Outside of the city is a massive outdoor playground. Just about half hour to 45 min away from Vancouver you have access to the beautiful nature that surrounds the city. I could go on forever about how beautiful this place is but I won't since this post is about the best hikes near Vancouver. So I'll just jump right into it. Before I kick off the list, be sure to share this post on your socials so that other people like you searching for hikes gets a chance to see this list and don't forget to connect with me by clicking on my social handles at the end of this post.
9) QUARRY ROCK (80 m / 262 ft.)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1-1.5 hrs. 3.8 km roundtrip
Distance from Vancouver - 30 min. by car
I'll kick the list off with a very popular trail in North Vancouver. It's popular because it's an easy trail to do, easily accessible by public transit and it offers an amazing view. In addition, a lot of the locals living nearby usually runs up and down on this trail making it that much busier. I suggest coming first thing in the morning to avoid the crowd. Otherwise, you're going to share the view with a lot of people. If you want to see more of Quarry Rock, click HERE to see one of my vlogs when I did the hike.
8) STAWAMUS CHIEF (700 m / 2,296 ft.)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4 - 6 hrs. 11 km roundtrip
Distance from Vancouver - 45 to 60 min. by car
Located in Squamish is The Chief. Another popular hiking destination like Quarry Rock though it's not as easy. This has 3 peaks but before you get there you need to get through a steep climb. The trail is a mixture of stairs and rocks. One part requires you to use chains and ladders to get up but not to worry, that section of the trail is fairly easy and safe. Once you get to the first peak you'll have panoramic views surrounding Squamish, Howe Sound and parts of the Garibaldi National Park. You may do the other peaks once you soak in the views and all 3 of them can be done within one day. If you're satisfied, you could also just head back down right after. Unfortunately, the clips when I had shot during this hike was faulty so I couldn't make a vlog out of it though you can click HERE to get a glimpse of the view from the top.
7) JOFFRE LAKES (491 m / 1,610 ft.)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4 - 5 hrs. 10 km roundtrip
Distance from Vancouver - 3 hrs. by car
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is a bit farther away as it's about a 3 hr drive from the city but it's well worth it! To some this may not be considered "near" but for someone who has done this hike several times, let me tell you that it's worth visiting at least once! A spot offering turquoise lakes with jaw dropping mountain backdrops. There's lower, middle and upper Joffre - 3 beautiful glacier-fed lakes and waterfalls. Some sections of the trails can be steep but as I mentioned, it is so worth it! On the upper lake, there's a rope you could swing on and dive into the lake or if you don't want to take a dip, you could check out the ever so popular IG log and walk on it for a quick snap (I call it the IG log because this log is all over IG if you look up Joffre Lakes). Click HERE and fast forward to 5:40 to see my Joffre Lakes vlog. It was cloudy when I did this hike but when the sun is up, the "blue-ness" of the lake makes this a serene view to soak in. I recommend doing this hike early as parking spots where the trail begins can be a hassle and of course, foot traffic. You don't want to be doing this hike with a ton of people on the trail or sharing the epic views at the end. Yeah I'm selfish like that.
6) MOUNT HARVEY (1,400 m / 4,593 ft.)
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 5 hrs. 13 km roundtrip
Distance from Vancouver - 30-45 min. by car
Mount Harvey is located just about half hour away from the city, a less popular hike to do as it is one of the harder North Shore mountains to do. If you want views all to yourself without worrying about when to hike up due to the crowd, this is it. This is a very steep and challenging mountain to climb. At the top you will have epic views of Howe Sound and the other mountains surrounding it including the ever so popular The Lions. Click HERE to see a vlog when I went up Mount Harvey.
5) ST. MARKS SUMMIT (605 m / 1,984 ft.)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4 - 5 hrs. 11 km roundtrip
Distance from Vancouver - 45 min. by car
This is one of my "go-to" hikes here. The views at the top of Howe Sound is remarkable! There are several view points you could go to and enjoy the views at peace. The trail itself can be very muddy when it's raining so I suggest coming here during the spring/summer season. Click HERE to see my St. Marks Summit vlog.
4) TUNNEL BLUFFS (650 m / 2,132 ft.)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4 hrs. 8 km roundtrip
Distance from Vancouver - 45 min. by car
A steep and steady climb located along Sea to Sky Highway. Parking is a bit tricky as it will be on the opposite side of the trail along the highway if you're coming from Vancouver. Crossing from the parking lot to the trail can be tricky as it is a highway you need to cross so just be aware of that. The trail is a steep climb as mentioned but it is worth the hard work as you get views of Howe Sound, Bowen Island, the Sunshine Coast, Horseshoe Bay and Sea to Sky highway at the top. Click HERE to see my Tunnel Bluffs vlog.
3) THE LIONS (1,280 m / 4,199 ft.)
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 8 hrs. 16 km roundtrip
Distance from Vancouver - 45 min. by car
I did this hike alone when I did it and it was surprisingly a peaceful hike but a hard one! Do this hike as early as possible as it does take time to get to the top. You also want some time to enjoy the views. The Lions is one of the most iconic mountain peaks that can be seen from the city. A pair of unique looking pointed peaks. The trail in the beginning is the same trail as Mount Harvey then it will part ways and eventually have a trail that will lead you to the peak. There are two peaks as mentioned and both can be climbed but I only did the West Lion when I did go as the East required more technicality/equipment when climbing. The West Lion offers panoramic views of Howe Sound and the city!
2) PANORAMA RIDGE (1,520 m / 4,987 ft.)
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 10-12 hrs. 30 km roundtrip
Distance from Vancouver - 2 hrs. by car
One of the most beautiful hikes I've ever done here. Not only is the hike challenging, it has one of the most breathtaking (no pun intended) views in the Garibaldi National Park. You may camp out here as there are different campgrounds on the park. People typically spend a couple of nights here to also hike up Black Tusk in the area. Though the views are Black Tusk are not as scenic as the one Panorama Ridge offers. I suggest starting this trek really early as it does take some time getting up there. At the top you have panoramic views of Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk, and the Helm Lake area. Click HERE and fast forward to 6:10 to see my Panorama Ridge vlog.
1) WEDGEMOUNT LAKE (1,160 m / 3,805 ft.)
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 7 hrs. 12 km roundtrip
Distance from Vancouver - 2.5 hrs. by car
Next to Panorama, this one is fairly up there. This one has been labelled as one of the most difficult trails in the Garibaldi area. I think it's a toss up between Wedgemount and Panorama. People also tend to camp out here especially over the summer because why not?! The calm glacier lake with a huge mountain backdrop is something you would want to wake up to! That reminds me, I still need to do an overnight stay here! Once you get to the lake (after a gruelling hike up), the spot is massive to explore around and to find a good spot to take that snap as you take a dip in the lake. To see more of Wedgemount Lake, click HERE to see my vlog!
Other notable hikes are Black Tusk, Garibaldi Lake, Norvan Falls, Eagle Bluffs, and Dog Mountain. Before heading out, make sure you're properly equipped such as having enough water, snacks, garbage bags, sun screen, hiking footwear, a hat, phone/camera, and a bear spray! It is common to spot a bear so be sure you have one handy. If there's anything else you think that should be added on this list, comment down below and let me know. If not, what are you waiting for!? Get out there and start adventuring!