by Leo Chen and Kaitlin Yan, Volunteer Writers
Located on Canada’s West Coast, Vancouver is a vibrant city known for its urban life and natural surroundings. Notably, it is also home to some of the best hiking trails in the country, which can range from waterfront strolls to mountainous treks.
Ready to explore? This guide will outline the most popular trails, along with hiking tips and sustainable options for getting there. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hiker, there is something for everyone!
1. Stanley Park Seawall
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Loop
The Stanley Park Seawall borders downtown Vancouver and has beautiful views of Coal Harbor, the Burrard Inlet and the English Bay. It is 10km in length and takes 2-3 hours to complete. While on the trail, some notable attractions include the Brockton Point Lighthouse, Prospect Point Lookout and Siwash Rock. Click here for the route map.
How to get there: Stanley Park Seawall is located near downtown Vancouver, making it easy to access by foot. The park also has a cycling path for those who wish to explore the trail by bike. Alternatively, you can take Translink’s #19 bus and get dropped off directly into the park.
The two stops are:
- Stanley Park Drive @ Pipeline Road (stop #51477)
- Stanley Park Loop @ Bay 1 (stop #58727)
2. False Creek Olympic Village
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Loop
Home of the Athletes Village for the 2010 Winter Olympics, this 2.9km trail also has fantastic views of downtown Vancouver. There are also many scenic sitting areas and benches, which are perfect for taking photos or enjoying the waterfront. Click here for a map of the full route.
How to get there: You can reach False Creek by exiting at Main Street-Science World Station from SkyTrain’s Expo Line, or by taking Translink’s #23 bus and exiting at Main Street-Science World Station @ Bay 3. Additionally, water taxis such as Aquabus or False Creek Ferries operate within the Creek, departing between the Oyster Landing, Plaza of Nations and Yaletown docks.
3. Cypress Mountain Trails
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Type: See below
Looking for a bigger challenge? Cypress Mountain is located above West Vancouver, containing higher elevation and more wildlife. Cypress contains several hiking trails, including:
- Bowen Lookout and Saint Marks Summit: Located along the Howe Sound Crest, this 12.2km looped trail is best used from July to November.
- Eagleridge Bluffs: This 8.2km out-and-back trail is best used from May to December.
- Black Mountain and Cabin Lake: This 6km looped trail can be used year-round.
- Saint Marks Summit: Located along the Howe Sound Crest, this 10.5km out-and-back trail is best used from July to November.
- Hollyburn Peak: This 6.9km looped trail can be used year-round.
Click here to view the trail maps.
How to get there: The SP+ Carpool app connects people looking to share rides with others who are traveling to Cypress Mountain. Alternatively, Cypress Coach Lines operate the Cypress Mountain Shuttle, which connects travelers to the trails from various locations throughout Vancouver. Click here for more information on their service and stops.
4. Mount Seymour Provincial Park
Located in North Vancouver, Mount Seymour Park contains 14 free hiking trails of varying difficulty and length. These include:
- Short hikes (2km or less): Old Buck Access, Mushroom Parking Lot, Perimeter, Old Cabin, Dinky Peak, Flower Lake loop, and Mystery Lake trails can all be completed in under 1 hour.
- Medium hikes (2 to 5km): Old Buck, Horse, Goldie Lake Loop and Mount Seymour trails take about 1 to 3 hours to complete.
- Longer hikes (5km or more): First Lake Loop, Elsay Lake and Baden-Powell trails can range from 30 minutes to several hours to complete.
Click the following links to view the trail maps and park brochure. Also check out their trail report ahead of time to prepare for hiking conditions.
How to get there: Between December to April, Mt. Seymour Resort (located next to the park) offers a shuttle bus from Rupert Skytrain Station (on the Millenium train line) and Parkgate Community Centre to the park. Alternatively, you can drive there, with the trailhead entrance located at the end of Mount Seymour Road. Parking is free, but requires visitors to book a pass in the winter to account for lot capacity. Click here to view the parking map.
5. Grouse Mountain Regional Park
Also located in North Vancouver, Grouse Mountain Regional Park has three trails:
- Grouse Grind Trail: This 2.5km looped trail takes about 2 hours to complete and is considered difficult.
- BCMC Route: This 2.9km out-and-back trail takes about 2 hours to complete and is considered difficult.
- Baden-Powell Trail: This 1.1km out-and-back trail takes about 30 minutes to complete and is considered moderate in difficulty.
Click here to view the trail map and park brochure.
How to get there: In the summer months, the park offers a two-way shuttle service from downtown Vancouver (Canada Place) to Grouse Mountain. Alternatively, you can ride the Seabus from Waterfront Station to the Lonsdale Quay, then take Translink’s #236 bus to Grouse Mountain (stop #54290).
Hiking Tips and Guidelines
Looking for more resources? Gaia GPS, Strava and AllTrails allow you to track your adventure and connect with other travelers. Additionally, you can plan your trip on AdventureSmart, which also informs a friend about your itinerary.
If you are a beginner, choose a trail that is suitable for you and make sure you are equipped with hiking essentials, such as:
- Clothes that match anticipated weather conditions. This includes long pants, hiking shoes, and several layers of clothing to account for changes in weather.
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock
- Snacks and water
- First-aid kit
- Trekking poles
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Navigation Aids: Printed maps, devices with pre-downloaded maps, compasses, GPS
Lastly, check the weather beforehand and remember to plan for uncertainties. For a reliable forecast, use official sources such as Environment Canada and The Weather Channel. To check for avalanche warnings, visit avalanche.ca.
Whether you want to explore the city, sit by the waterfront, or attempt a challenging climb in the mountains, Vancouver’s hiking trails offer something for everyone. Remember to remain on the designated trails, stay safe, and have fun!
Photo Credits
- https://unsplash.com/s/photos/vancouver-seawall?license=free
- https://angelaliggs.com/best-hikes-in-vancouver/
- https://bcparks.ca/mount-seymour-park/
