Vancouver, Canada, is a city surrounded by natural beauty, offering an abundance of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. From panoramic views of the city skyline to serene lakes and cascading waterfalls, there’s a hike for everyone in this coastal playground.
These hikes offer a wide range of experiences, from easy walks through old-growth forest to challenging ascents to panoramic viewpoints. Whether you’re a beginner hiker or an experienced adventurer, Vancouver has a hike for you. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and hit the trails to explore the stunning natural beauty of Vancouver and its surrounding areas.
Here are the top 25 best hikes around Vancouver that showcase the region’s diverse landscapes and breathtaking scenery.
1. Grouse Grind
Known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” this challenging hike up Grouse Mountain offers a steep ascent with rewarding views of the city at the top. This hike is a challenging 2.9-kilometer trail up Grouse Mountain, with an elevation gain of 853 meters. The trail is quite steep and consists of natural and man-made stairs. It typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, but the breathtaking views of Vancouver at the top make it worth the effort.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Length: 2.9 kilometers one way
- Elevation: 853 meters (2,800 feet)
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Address: Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9
2. The Chief
Located in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park in Squamish, this hike offers three peaks to conquer: First Peak, Second Peak, and Third Peak. The trail is a challenging 11-kilometer round trip, with an elevation gain of around 600 meters. Each peak offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Howe Sound.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Length: 4.5 kilometers round trip
- Elevation: Approximately 600 meters (1,969 feet)
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours
- Address: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, Squamish, BC V0N 3G0
3. Lynn Canyon Park
This park offers several hiking trails, including the popular Baden-Powell Trail, which takes you through lush rainforest, past waterfalls, and over suspension bridges. The park is easily accessible from downtown Vancouver and is a great option for a quick escape into nature.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Length: Various trails available
- Elevation: Varies (multiple trails)
- Duration: Varies
- Address: 3663 Park Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3G3
4. Garibaldi Lake
Located in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Whistler, this hike takes you to a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The trail is 18 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 900 meters. The hike is challenging but the views of the lake and surrounding mountains are well worth the effort.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Length: 18 kilometers round trip
- Elevation: Approximately 900 meters (2,953 feet)
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
- Address: Garibaldi Provincial Park, near Whistler, BC
5. Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Located near the University of British Columbia, this park offers a network of trails through old-growth forest. The trails are relatively flat and easy, making it a great destination for a leisurely hike close to the city.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: Various trails available
- Elevation: Varies (multiple trails)
- Duration: Varies
- Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4
6. Mount Seymour
This hike offers a variety of trails for all skill levels, with stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains from the summit. The Dog Mountain trail is a popular choice, offering a relatively easy 5-kilometer round trip with panoramic views at the top.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Length: Various trails available
- Elevation: Varies (multiple trails)
- Duration: Varies
- Address: Mount Seymour Provincial Park, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3
7. Cypress Provincial Park
This park offers several hiking trails, including the popular Black Mountain Trail. The trail is 8 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 250 meters. The trail offers panoramic views of the city and the ocean from the summit.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Length: Various trails available
- Elevation: Varies (multiple trails)
- Duration: Varies
- Address: Cypress Provincial Park, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0
8. Diez Vistas Trail
Located in Buntzen Lake Recreation Area, this trail offers stunning views of Indian Arm and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 15 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 460 meters. The hike is moderately challenging but the views are well worth the effort.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 15 kilometers round trip
- Elevation: 460 meters (1,509 feet)
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours
- Address: Buntzen Lake Recreation Area, Anmore, BC V3H 4Y4
9. Norvan Falls
Located in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, this hike takes you through lush rainforest to a beautiful waterfall. The trail is 14 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 200 meters. The hike is relatively flat and easy, making it a great option for families.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 14 kilometers round trip
- Elevation: 200 meters (656 feet)
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
- Address: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3G3
10. St. Mark's Summit
This hike on Cypress Mountain offers panoramic views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 11 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 460 meters. The hike is moderately challenging but the views from the summit are spectacular.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 11 kilometers round trip
- Elevation: 460 meters (1,509 feet)
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
- Address: Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3N9
11. Dog Mountain
Located on Mount Seymour, this short but steep hike offers great views of Vancouver and the surrounding area. The trail is 5 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 200 meters. The hike is relatively easy but the views from the top are fantastic.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 5 km (3.1 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 200 meters (656 feet)
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Address: Mount Seymour Provincial Park, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3
12. Elk Mountain
Located near Chilliwack, this hike offers panoramic views of the Fraser Valley and the North Shore Mountains. The trail is 8 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 800 meters. The hike is challenging but the views from the top are worth it.
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Length: 8 km (5 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 800 meters (2,625 feet)
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
- Elk Mountain: Elk Mountain Trailhead, Chilliwack, BC V2R 4M9
13. Jug Island Beach
Located in Belcarra Regional Park, this hike takes you to a secluded beach with views of Jug Island and Indian Arm. The trail is 5 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 100 meters. The hike is relatively easy and the beach at the end is a great place to relax.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 5 km (3.1 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 100 meters (328 feet)
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Jug Island Beach: Belcarra Regional Park, Port Moody, BC V3H 4S4
14. Coliseum Mountain
Located in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, this challenging hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is 11 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,100 meters. The hike is challenging but the views from the top are breathtaking.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Length: 11 km (6.8 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 1,100 meters (3,609 feet)
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours
- Address: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3G3
15. Mount Cheam
Located near Chilliwack, this hike offers stunning views of the Fraser Valley and surrounding peaks. The trail is 9 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 700 meters. The hike is challenging but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Length: 9 km (5.6 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 700 meters (2,297 feet)
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
- Address: Mount Cheam Trailhead, Chilliwack, BC V2R 4M9
16. Mount Seymour Trail
This trail offers a challenging hike to the summit of Mount Seymour, with panoramic views of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 9 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 450 meters. The hike is challenging but the views from the top are spectacular.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 9 km (5.6 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 450 meters (1,476 feet)
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
- Mount Seymour Trail: Mount Seymour Provincial Park, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3
17. The Lions
This challenging hike takes you to the iconic twin peaks known as The Lions, offering stunning views of Vancouver and the surrounding area. The trail is 16 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,280 meters. The hike is challenging but the views from the top are truly unforgettable.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Length: 16 km (10 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 1,280 meters (4,199 feet)
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
- Address: Lions Bay, BC V0N 2E0
18. Hollyburn Mountain
Located in Cypress Provincial Park, this hike offers panoramic views of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 7 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 450 meters. The hike is moderately challenging but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 7 km (4.3 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 450 meters (1,476 feet)
- Duration: 3 to 5 hours
- Address: Cypress Provincial Park, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0
19. Eagle Bluffs
Located in Cypress Provincial Park, this hike offers stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 8 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 350 meters. The hike is moderately challenging but the views from the top are breathtaking.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 8 km (5 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 350 meters (1,148 feet)
- Duration: 3 to 5 hours
- Address: Cypress Provincial Park, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0
20. Crown Mountain
Located on Grouse Mountain, this challenging hike offers panoramic views of Vancouver and the surrounding area. The trail is 9 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 600 meters. The hike is challenging but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Length: 9 km (5.6 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 600 meters (1,969 feet)
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
- Address: Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9
21. Mount Harvey
Located near Lions Bay, this hike offers stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 9 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,200 meters. The hike is challenging but the views from the top are truly spectacular.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Length: 9 km (5.6 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours
- Address: Lions Bay, BC V0N 2E0
22. Mount Strachan
Located in Cypress Provincial Park, this hike offers panoramic views of Vancouver and the surrounding area. The trail is 8 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 450 meters. The hike is moderately challenging but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 8 km (5 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 450 meters (1,476 feet)
- Duration: 3 to 5 hours
- Address: Cypress Provincial Park, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0
23. Brunswick Mountain
Located near Lions Bay, this challenging hike offers stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 14 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,550 meters. The hike is challenging but the views from the top are truly breathtaking.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Length: 14 km (8.7 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 1,550 meters (5,085 feet)
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
- Address: Lions Bay, BC V0N 2E0
24. Mount Bishop
Located near Cypress Provincial Park, this hike offers panoramic views of Vancouver and the surrounding area. The trail is 6 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 450 meters. The hike is moderately challenging but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 450 meters (1,476 feet)
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Address: Cypress Provincial Park, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0
25. Mount Gardner
Located on Bowen Island, this hike offers stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 14 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of 700 meters. The hike is challenging but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Length: 14 km (8.7 miles) round trip
- Elevation: 700 meters (2,297 feet)
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours
- Address: Bowen Island, BC
