OUR TOP 10 SUMMER HIKES IN VANCOUVER

Vancouver is one of the most impressive cities on the planet with an abundance of outdoor adventures. Locals may live within the bustling city centre, but, for many, their hearts remain in the mountains. Novices and connoisseurs alike venture into our wild to hike the hundreds of trails that lead to commanding waterfalls, ambitious canyons and panoramic lookouts with heroic views. We invite you to explore some of our favourite local hikes near downtown Vancouver this summer. Here they are, listed from easy to extreme.

Hike 1: Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver

Length: up to 6 kilometres

Duration: 2 hours

Elevation gain: minimal

Difficulty: Beginner

From Parq: 20 minutes

An old-growth forest with gorgeous views of the Salish Sea, Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver, Lighthouse Park is a wonderful choice for a family outing on a sunny or a rainy day.

Hike 2: Cypress Falls, West Vancouver

Length: 1.5 kilometres

Duration: 1.5 hours

Elevation gain: 130 meters

Difficulty: Beginner

From Parq: 20 minutes

Home to some of the tallest trees in the area, the low elevation and two falls make Cypress Falls Park an ideal place to stroll in the woods.

Hike 3: Twin Falls, Lynn Canyon, North Vancouver

Length: 1.5 kilometres, round trip

Duration: 1 hour

Elevation gain: 65 meters

Difficulty:  Beginner

From Parq: 20 minutes

A popular journey in North Vancouver, the Twin Falls hike crosses the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge above a rushing, teal-blue river and into the canyon below.

Hike 4: Mount Gardner, Bowen Island

Length: 10 kilometres

Duration: 4-5 hours

Elevation gain: 719 metres

Difficulty: Intermediate

From Parq: 30-minute drive, plus a 20-minute ferry

A quick escape from the bustle of Vancouver leads to Bowen Island, a laid-back community with wonderful hiking. The Mount Gardner trek offers views of Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and the Howe Sound islands.

Hike 5: The Stawamus Chief, Squamish

Length: 3 to 6 kilometres, depending on how many peaks you summit

Duration: Up to 7 hours

Elevation gain: 702 meters

Difficulty: Intermediate

From Parq: 40 minutes

The Stawamus Chief is a rite of passage for adventure-seeking Vancouverites. A busy trail that leads through three peaks and offers insta-worthy views that never disappoint.

Hike 6: Tunnel Bluffs, Lions Bay

 Length: 4 kilometres

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Elevation gain: 650 meters

Difficulty: Intermediate

From Parq: 25 minutes

With unbeatable views of Howe Sound, Tunnel Bluffs is a steep trail with multiple viewpoints that reward the strenuous journey.

Hike 7: Sendero Diez Vistas, Buntzen Lake, Anmore

Length: 15 kilometres, round trip

Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Elevation gain: 460 meters

Difficulty:  Intermediate

From Parq: 1 hour

Named for its 10 views, the Sendero Diez Vistas Trail is a challenging trek along a steep ridge that follows the perimeter of Buntzen Lake, and overlooks the North Shore, the Burrard Inlet, and the Indian Arm.

Hike 8: Panorama Ridge, Garibaldi Provincial Park

Length: 30 kilometres, round trip

Duration: 11 hours

Elevation gain: 1520

Difficulty: Expert

From Parq: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Though it can be done in a day, due to its daunting distance and hefty elevation gain, many hikers will journey to Garibaldi Lake, stay overnight, and complete Panorama Ridge the following days for unbeatable views of the glacier-fed lake, Black Tusk, and the Helm Lake area.

Hike 9: The Lions, Howe Sound

Length: 16 kilometres, round trip

Duration: 8 hours

Elevation gain: 1280 meters

Difficulty:  Expert

From Parq: 45 minutes

You can see them from downtown Vancouver, and those who venture to the steeps of the Lions gain outstanding, panoramic views of the city in return.

Hike 10: Grouse Grind, North Vancouver

Length: 2.9 Kilometers

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Elevation gain: 853

Difficulty: Difficult

From Parq: 25 minutes

Don’t be fooled by the distance, this ruthless, vertical trek challenges the fittest of athletes. A must-do experience for locals and visitors alike.