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Vancouver is a city surrounded by mountains and forests, making it a great place for hiking. There are hikes to suit all levels of experience, from easy walks to challenging scrambles. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hiker, you're sure to find a hike in Vancouver that's perfect for you.

In this blog post, we'll take a look at five of the best hikes in Vancouver. We'll include information on the difficulty, length, and scenery of each hike, so you can choose the one that's right for you. We'll also provide some tips for hiking in Vancouver, so you can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

So whether you're looking for a challenging hike with stunning views or a leisurely stroll through the forest, Vancouver has something for everyone. So lace up your boots and get ready to explore the great outdoors!

All these hikes are popular destinations and it is important to practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting the park. Leave No Trace principles are guidelines that help people plan, prepare, and adventure more consciously. By practicing the Leave No Trace principles, you are reducing your impact when enjoying nature.

Here are some tips for practicing Leave No Trace principles:

Plan ahead and prepare.

1. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.

2. Dispose of waste properly.

3. Leave what you find.

4. Minimize campfire impacts.

5. Respect wildlife.

6. Be considerate of other visitors.

Panorama Ridge

Panorama Ridge is a challenging 6.8-kilometre hike that offers stunning views of Garibaldi Lake and the surrounding mountains. The trail starts at the Rubble Creek parking lot and follows the Garibaldi Lake Trail. The first few kilometers of the trail are relatively easy, but the trail becomes more challenging as it gains elevation. The final section of the trail is a steep scramble to the top of the ridge. From the top of the ridge, you can enjoy stunning views of Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk, and the surrounding mountains.

The trail is rated as difficult and takes about 4 hours to complete. It is important to be in good physical condition and to be prepared for all types of weather, as the conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

Here is a link to the map of the Panorama Ridge hike on AllTrails

Here are some additional tips for hiking Panorama Ridge:

• Start early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

• Bring plenty of water and snacks.

• Wear comfortable shoes with good traction.

• Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back.

• Be respectful of the environment and wildlife.

How to get there

Directions to the Panorama Ridge trailhead from downtown Vancouver:

1. Take Highway 99 north towards Whistler.

2. Take exit 26 for Squamish and follow the signs for Garibaldi Provincial Park.

3. Continue on the Sea to Sky Highway for 14 kilometers and turn left onto Rubble Creek Road.

4. Follow Rubble Creek Road for 2 kilometers and the trailhead will be on your right.

The total driving time from downtown Vancouver to the trailhead is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Here are some additional tips for driving to the trailhead:

• The trailhead is located in a popular hiking area and parking can be limited. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid having to park in the overflow lot.

• The road to the trailhead is narrow and winding, so be sure to drive slowly and carefully.

• There is no cell service in the area, so be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Parks Pass

Garibaldi Provincial Park has become an extremely popular hiking destination in British Columbia. In order to enter the park, you will need to purchase a day-use pass. Day-use passes can be purchased online or at the park gate (If not sold out). The cost of a day-use pass is $12 per adult and $8 per child.

Here is a link to the government website where you can book a parks pass:

Here are some additional tips for purchasing a park pass:

• Day-use passes are required during peak hours, which are typically from 9am to 4pm.

• Passes can be purchased online or at the park gate.

• Passes are non-refundable.

Note: Check the government website to make sure this information is still up to date :)

Joffre Lakes

Joffre Lakes is a popular 6-kilometre hike that offers stunning views of three turquoise lakes. The trail starts at the Joffre Lakes parking lot and follows the Joffre Lakes Trail. The first few kilometres of the trail are relatively easy, but the trail becomes more challenging as it gains elevation. The final section of the trail is a steep climb to the top of the second lake. From the top of the lake, you can enjoy stunning views of the third lake and the surrounding mountains.One of the most asked questions about Joffre Lakes is, "Is the water really that blue?" The answer is yes! The vivid blue waters of the lakes are caused by glacial silt. Glacial silt is a fine-grained sediment that is carried by glaciers. When the glaciers melt, the silt is deposited in the lakes. The silt reflects the blue and green wavelengths of sunlight, creating a vibrant turquoise colour. In addition to the stunning blue lakes, Joffre Lakes also offers stunning views of jagged peaks and cold rushing streams. The park is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and photographers.

The trail is rated as moderate and takes about 3 hours to complete. It is important to be in good physical condition and to be prepared for all types of weather, as the conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

Here is a link to the map of the Joffre Lakes hike on AllTrails

Additional tips for hiking Joffre Lakes:

• Start early in the morning to avoid the crowds. It gets extremely busy.

• Bring plenty of water and snacks.

• Wear comfortable shoes with good traction.

• Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back.

• Be respectful of the environment and wildlife.

• Bring bear spray and bear bells.

Details about the hike:

• Elevation gain: 370 meters

• Season: June - September

• Camping: Yes, there is a campground at the lake Permit required.

• Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the trail.

Getting there

Joffre Lakes is located in Garibaldi Provincial Park, about 2 hours from downtown Vancouver. The trailhead is located at the end of Joffre Lakes Road. There is a parking lot at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly.

Hiking to the Lakes

The trail to the lakes is well-maintained and easy to follow. The first lake is about 30 minutes from the trailhead. The second lake is about 1 hour from the first lake. The third lake is about 1.5 hours from the second lake.

Directions to the Joffre Lakes trailhead from downtown Vancouver:

1. Take Highway 99 north towards Whistler.

2. Take exit 26 for Squamish and follow the signs for Duffey Lake Road.

3. Continue on Duffey Lake Road for 21 kilometres and turn left onto Joffre Lakes Road.

4. Follow Joffre Lakes Road for 3 kilometres, and the trailhead will be on your right.

The total driving time from downtown Vancouver to the trailhead is approximately 2 hours.

Here are some additional tips for driving to the trailhead:

• The trailhead is located in a popular hiking area, and parking can be limited. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid having to park in the overflow lot.

• The road to the trailhead is narrow and winding, so be sure to drive slowly and carefully.

• There is no cell service in the area, so be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back and have maps downloaded.

  Camping

  There is a campground at the trailhead. The campground has 20 campsites and is first-come, first-served.
  
  
  

How to Get a Parks Pass

There are two ways to get a parks pass for Joffre Lakes hike:

• Online: You can purchase a day-use pass online through the BC Parks website. Passes are available two days in advance of your visit, starting at 7am. You can book a maximum of four passes per transaction per day.

  BC Parks website

• At the park gate: You can also purchase a day-use pass at the park gate. However, day-use passes are not guaranteed to be available at the park gate, so it is best to purchase them online in advance.

If you are planning to camp at Joffre Lakes, you will need to purchase a camping reservation. Camping reservations can be made through the BC Parks website. Reservations are available up to three months in advance.

First-hand tips for getting a parks pass for Joffre Lakes hike:

• Start planning early: Day-use passes and camping reservations are in high demand, so it is best to start planning early.

• Be prepared to pay a fee: There is a fee for day-use passes and camping reservations. The fee for a day-use pass is $12 per adult and $8 per child. The fee for a camping reservation is $25 per site per night.

• Be patient: The BC Parks website can be slow at times, so be patient when trying to purchase a pass or make a reservation.

Tunnel Bluffs Hike

Tunnel Bluffs is a popular hiking trail located in Lions Bay, British Columbia. The hike is 4.5 kilometers long and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. The trail is moderately difficult and has a steep elevation gain of 470 meters. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains.

The trail begins at the Sunset Trailhead in Lions Bay. The trail climbs steeply through a forest of Douglas fir and cedar trees. The trail then emerges onto a ridge with stunning views of Howe Sound. The trail continues along the ridge and offers views of Bowen Island, Gambier Island, and the Sunshine Coast. The trail ends at a viewpoint with panoramic views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains.

Trail Difficulty

Tunnel Bluffs is a moderately difficult hike. The trail has a steep elevation gain and can be challenging for some hikers. The trail is also slippery in wet weather.

Trail Time

Tunnel Bluffs takes approximately 3 hours to complete. The hike can be shorter or longer depending on your pace and the amount of time you spend at the viewpoint.

Trail Map

You can find a map of the Tunnel Bluffs hike on All Trails. The map shows the trail route, elevation gain, and points of interest.

Directions to Tunnel Bluffs Hike Trail Head from Downtown Vancouver

To get to the Tunnel Bluffs hike trail head from downtown Vancouver, follow these directions:

1. Take Highway 99 north towards Whistler.

2. Take exit 26 for Squamish and follow the signs for Lions Bay.

3. Turn left onto Third Avenue and follow it to the end.

4. The Sunset Trailhead will be on your right.

Parking

There is limited parking at the Sunset Trailhead. If the parking lot is full, you can park in the overflow lot. The overflow lot is located a short walk from the trailhead.

Camping

There is no camping at the Tunnel Bluffs hike trail head. The closest campground is the Brunswick Mountain Campground, which is located 2 kilometers from the trailhead.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on the Tunnel Bluffs hike trail.

Tips

• Bring plenty of water and snacks.

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots.

• Be prepared for a steep hike.

• Be aware of the weather conditions.

• Leave no trace.

• Watch out for bears.

Saint Marks Summit Hike

St Mark's Summit Hike: A Must-Do in Vancouver

St Mark's Summit is one of the best hikes in Vancouver. It's not too challenging, has incredible views, and is super close to downtown Vancouver! If you're looking for a great hike to do in Vancouver, St Mark's Summit is a perfect choice.

The Hike

The hike to St Mark's Summit is considered a moderate hike. It's not too steep and the trail is well-maintained. The hike is about 6 kilometers long and takes about 3-5 hours to complete.

The trail starts at the Cypress Mountain ski area. You'll follow the signs to Bowen Lookout and The Lions. The trail will take you through a forest and up a few hills. There are a few small stream crossings along the way.

The final climb to the summit is a bit steep, but it's worth it for the views! From the summit, you can see Howe Sound, downtown Vancouver, and the North Shore Mountains. On a clear day, you can even see the Olympic Mountains.

The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. There are a few stream crossings, but they are all easy to cross.

• The hike is about 6 kilometres long and takes about 3-5 hours to complete. The first part of the hike is relatively flat, but the last part is a steep climb to the summit.

• The views from the summit are incredible. You can see Howe Sound, downtown Vancouver, and the North Shore Mountains. On a clear day, you can even see the Olympic Mountains.

• The best time to hike St Mark's Summit is in the summer or fall. The weather is usually mild and there are fewer crowds.

• Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for the hike. There are no facilities at the summit.

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots. The trail can be rocky and uneven in some places.

• Be prepared for a steep hike. The last part of the climb to the summit is quite steep.

• Check the weather forecast before you go. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.

The Views

The views from St Mark's Summit are simply incredible. You can see Howe Sound, downtown Vancouver, and the North Shore Mountains. On a clear day, you can even see the Olympic Mountains.

The Best Time to Hike

The best time to hike St Mark's Summit is in the summer or fall. The weather is usually mild and there are fewer crowds.

Tips

Here are a few tips for hiking St Mark's Summit:

• Bring plenty of water and snacks.

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots.

• Be prepared for a steep hike.

• Check the weather forecast before you go.

• Leave no trace.

St Mark's Summit is a great hike for anyone looking for a challenging hike with incredible views. If you're in Vancouver, be sure to check it out!

Here are some additional details about the hike:

• The trailhead is located at the Cypress Mountain ski area. There is a parking lot at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.