6 Easy Hikes Near Vancouver, B.C.
Affiliate Disclosure: This Easy Hikes in Vancouver guide contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
HI, I’M TARA!
I love sharing hidden gems far from the crowds, unique boutique hotels, and unforgettable wildlife adventures – helping you have extraordinary travel experiences.
INTRODUCTION
Looking for an easy hike in Vancouver (or nearby)? So were we.
Several years back, like millions of other people, we found ourselves limited to travel close to home. While we didn’t start out as hikers, our desire to spend more time outdoors—and to escape the screen-time rut—quickly turned us into fans of Vancouver’s incredible natural beauty.
We discovered that these easy hikes in Vancouver were perfect for keeping active and reconnecting with nature. The added bonus? We were able to shed a few extra pounds along the way.
Whatever your reason for getting outside—whether it’s fitness, fresh air, or just a break from the everyday—here are some of the best and most beautiful short hikes that Vancouver has to offer.
All the hikes listed below are 30 minute to 3 hour short hikes in Vancouver (or nearby) and most have minimal elevation gain.
WHAT TO BRING
The hikes listed below generally suitable for a family, and all are dog friendly (off and on-leash options). That said, they are still hikes – bring water, a fully charged cell phone, a hat, bug repellent and sunscreen. Leave the fancy shoes at home and wear something that you think active people would wear.
I took this photo on a Vancouver hike that is rated as easy (across multiple hiking sites), to give you an idea of what the terrain can sometimes look like. This is why a pair of Converse, Vans, or flip flops generally don’t do the job well.
WHY HIKING GEAR?
I used to think hiking shoes were unnecessary (and ugly), but after trying them on more advanced hikes, I was amazed at how much easier they made navigating uneven terrain. Now I’m a convert—and honestly, my Adidas pair isn’t even that ugly. Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) and Atmosphere in Vancouver both have some good options.
The same goes for hiking poles. I once thought they were just for older hikers, but I quickly realized they’re popular across all ages. They’re a real knee-saver, especially on downhill sections. Even sharing one pole between two people can make a difference.
Okay! Let’s get to what you came here for! Please see the following list of our favourite easy hikes near Vancouver. Want a quick peek first? Start with our 60 second video of 6 easy hiking Vancouver trails.
EASY HIKING TRAILS VANCOUVER VIDEO (60 sec.)
6 EASY HIKES NEAR VANCOUVER LIST
1. CYPRESS FALLS – WEST VANCOUVER
The Cypress Falls trail is usually my go-to hike when spring arrives. It’s short, sweet, and packed with beauty—perfect for easing back into hiking after a long winter!
If you’re craving some fresh air and a quick dose of British Columbia’s stunning natural scenery, this trail hits the mark. You’ll walk through lush forest filled with 300-year-old trees and follow a beautiful creek with several cascading waterfalls.
Dogs are welcome too, with off-leash trails available. And if you want to make it a full day out, there’s a baseball diamond and tennis courts right at the trailhead.
Distance: 3km
Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 135m
Type: Out and Back
Good for Dogs: Yes – Off Leash Trail
Season: Year-round
Drive Time from Vancouver: 30 minutes
Learn more about this hike at: VancouverTrails.com.
2. LIGHTHOUSE PARK – WEST VANCOUVER
Named for the decommissioned Port Atkinson Lighthouse, the trails in this beautiful coastal park take your through old growth forest and to some beautiful lookouts along the shoreline.
You can go straight out to the lighthouse on the most direct and well-trodden route (the Beacon Lane Trail), or you can take a longer, circular route that offers more time in the forest or along the shoreline.
Distance: 1-6km (route dependent)
Time: 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Type: Loop or Out-and-Back
Good for Dogs: Yes – Off Leash Trail
Season: Year-round
Drive Time from Vancouver: 30 minutes
Learn more about this hike at: VancouverTrails.com.
3. THE CENTENNIAL TRAIL – LIONS BAY
The Centennial Trail begins right across from the Lions Bay General Store. It runs through the forest to Crystal Waterfall, while also offering great views of Howe Sound.
Although much of the time you can hear vehicles from the Sea-to-Sky highway, the trail makes up for this shortcoming in sheer natural beauty. Along the path there are several nice spots to sit and enjoy the view, including Arbutus Point which is perfect for a picnic.
Be sure to leave time to reward yourself with a snack or a beer at the end on the patio of the recently renovated Lion’s Bay Cafe.
Note: If you want a little longer hike, you can do the longer Lions Bay Loop trail that starts and finishes on the Centennial Trail.
Distance: 3.5km
Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 100m
Type: Out-and-Back
Good for Dogs: Yes – Off Leash
Season: Year-round
Drive Time from Vancouver: 40 minutes
Learn more at: AllTrails.com.
See also this YouTube short:
4. LYNN LOOP TRAIL – NORTH VANCOUVER
The Lynn Loop Trail takes you up into the forest (with a little elevation) and loops you back along a picturesque river. It is a popular route for both trail runners and those who prefer a more meandering pace.
The Lynn Loop Trail is one of several hikes to be enjoyed within Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.
Distance: 5km
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 160m
Type: Loop
Good for Dogs: Yes – On Leash Trail
Season: Year-round
Drive Time from Vancouver: 40 minutes
Learn more about this hike at: VancouverTrails.com.
5. PACIFIC SPIRIT PARK – VANCOUVER WEST
Nestled between UBC and several Vancouver West neighbourhoods, Pacific Spirit Park is frequented by strolling families, hikers and dog walkers alike. Visitors can enjoy a quick stroll and then pop over to UBC for lunch, or have a more substantial hike within the extensive trail network.
Distance: 1 – 10km
Time: 30 min – 3 hours
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Type: Loop
Good for Dogs: Yes – On and Off Leash Trails
Season: Year-round
Drive Time from Vancouver: 15 minutes
Learn more about this easy hike in Vancouver at: VancouverTrails.com.
6. QUARRY ROCK HIKE – DEEP COVE
After a relatively short hike along boardwalks and through a forested trail (with just enough elevation to get that heart pumping), visitors reach an impressive rock outcropping with magnificent views of Deep Cove.
Although it gets a little crowded at the top, if you can claim a bit of space, it is a beautiful spot for a picnic. Alternatively, the village of Deep Cove has some lovely cafes and restaurants to pop into as a post-hike reward.
Distance: 3.8km
Time: 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain: 100m
Type: In and back
Good for Dogs: Yes – On and Off Leash Trails
Season: Year-round
Drive Time from Vancouver: 30 minutes
Learn more about this hike at: VancouverTrails.com.
RELATED POSTS
- Best Things to do in Tofino, B.C.
- Best Things to do in Ucluelet, B.C.
- A Guide to Visiting Victoria with Kids
- Purcell Mountain Lodge – B.C. Hiking Adventure
- Whitecap Alpine – B.C. Hiking Adventure
- 5 Fabulous BC Road Trips From Vancouver
- A Guide to Visiting Golden, B.C.
