Great Vancouver Hikes - Hiking in Vancouver, BC

One of the Top 10 Free Things to Do in Vancouver as well as one of the best Vancouver hikes, hiking the Grouse Grind--a challenging 2.9km trail up the face of Grouse Mountain--is like running in the annual Vancouver Sun Run: It's practically a rite of passage for locals and one of the outdoor activities that epitomizes Vancouver athleticism. Hiking up is free, but after enjoying the top's spectacular view, you may want to pay for the gondola ride down.

When it comes to urban Vancouver hikes, the Stanley Park Seawall is the most famous. Stretching 8.8km (5.5 miles), the Seawall loops around Stanley Park, running along the park's northern, western and southern coastlines. Fully-paved, the Seawall is an ideal pathway for hikers of all skill levels (including kids) and its route--with views of the city, northern mountains, and Lion's Gate Bridge--is undeniably beautiful.

Stanley Park also has 27km of forest walking trails inside the park: More Vancouver Hikes in Stanley Park.

Another favourite among locals, Lynn Canyon Park has its own, free suspension bridge, waterfalls, and an idyllic swimming hole--all connected by hiking trails. There are also longer trails that pass through Lynn Canyon, including the Baden Powell Trail, which crosses the entire North Shore mountain range.

If you're looking for easy Vancouver hikes--hikes you can do with a stroller or young kids--one of my favourites is the hike along Vancouver's western coastline. Start at Vanier Park (home of the Museum of Vancouver) and walk along the water to Kits Beach, Jericho and Locarno beaches, and keep walking to Spanish Banks beach. There are paved walkways all along the shore, making this an easy hike for all skill levels.

For more easy Vancouver hikes in truly gorgeous settings, check out the hiking trails at these Metro Vancouver destinations:

1. Pacific Spirit Regional Park - multiple forested walking, cycling and horseback riding trails near UBC
2. Burnaby Lake - easy 11km trail around the lake
3. Deer Lake - easy 5.7km trail around the lake and surrounding park

For intermediate hikers, these trails boast incredible scenery and make a perfect day trip from Downtown Vancouver:

1. Al’s Habrich Ridge Trail - This 12km backcountry hiking trail starts at the top of the Sea To Sky Gondola then weaves through glacial formations, waterfalls, sub-alpine meadows, and the Neverland Lake.

2. Diez Vistas Trail - This scenic 15km trail wraps around Buntzen Lake, just north of Port Moody, BC and about an hour drive from Downtown Vancouver.

3. Coliseum Mountain - Starting at Lynn Valley's Headwaters Regional Park (near Lynn Canyon Park, see above), this 12km trail has panoramic views of the valley.

4. Eagle Bluffs - This three-hour, 8km hike on Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver has beautiful views of Eagle Harbour, Cabin Lake and Black Mountain.

5. Crown Mountain - Another local favourite, this 9.8km trail has some of the most spectacular views on the North Shore, including views of Vancouver and the peaks of Goat Mountain and Grouse Mountain.