6 Easy Hikes Near Vancouver, B.C. (2025 Guide)
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.
10 TIPS FOR HIKING NEAR VANCOUVER
1. CHECK TRAIL CONDITIONS BEFORE YOU GO
Weather can change quickly in the mountains, and some trails may be closed due to snow and trail washouts. Sites like VancouverTrailes.com and AllTrails.com often provide recent updates and reviews from hikers who’ve visited in the days leading up to your hike.
For current alpine conditions, the North Shore Rescue homepage features weather updates specific to Vancouver’s North Shore mountains.
2. START EARLY, ESPECIALLY ON WEEKENDS
Popular hikes like Quarry Rock and Lighthouse Park get busy fast. Early starts mean better parking, fewer crowds, and cooler temperatures.
3. DRESS IN LAYERS AND BRING RAIN GEAR
Weather conditions can be unpredictable. A moisture-wicking base layer, warm mid-layer (in spring/fall/winter), and waterproof shell are key. (Vancouver is famously lush and green—and all those frequent showers are part of the reason why!)
4. PACK THE ESSENTIALS
At minimum: water, snacks, fully-charged cell phone, a map or app with offline access, sun protection, and a basic first-aid kit. For longer hikes, also bring a flashlight or headlamp—even if you don’t plan to hike after dark.
5. BE BEAR-AWARE
Many trails near Vancouver are in bear country. Hike in groups when possible, make noise, and carry bear spray if heading into more remote areas. (None of the hikes listed in this post are considered remote. Personally, I have yet to see a bear on one of these trails, but they are occasionally around.)
6. LEAVE NO TRACE
Stick to established trails, pack out your garbage, and avoid picking plants or feeding wildlife. Vancouver’s natural beauty depends on responsible hikers.
7. RESPECT PARKING RULES.
Some trailheads (like Quarry Rock and Cypress Falls) have limited parking. Always read posted signs to avoid tickets or towing.
8. CHARGE YOUR PHONE
Make sure your phone is fully charged before you head out, especially if you’re using it for maps, photos, or emergency communication. For longer hikes, bring a portable power bank—you don’t want to run out of battery if you need GPS or need to call for help.
9. TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU’RE GOING
Always let a friend or family member know your hiking plans—where you’re going, which trail you’re taking, and when you expect to be back. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in case of an emergency, especially on less-traveled routes.
10. CALL 911 IN AN EMERGENCY
Dial 911 for any medical, fire, or police emergency—dispatch will route the call and, if you’re on the trails, coordinate with North Shore Rescue. (Most of these hikes are north of vancouver proper.)
Recently, I’ve noticed locator signs posted along some trails around Vancouver to help emergency responders find people in distress more quickly.
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
Washrooms: Outhouse at Trail Head
Drive Time from Downtown Vancouver: 30 minutes
Transit Time from Downtown Vancouver: 1 hour
See Directions: Google Maps
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). Alternatively, 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
Washrooms: Several Outhouses and Building (near Lighthouse)
Drive Time from Downtown Vancouver: 40 minutes
Transit Time from Downtown Vancouver: 1 hour
See Directions: Google Maps
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. If you want a little longer hike, you can do the longer Lions Bay Loop trail that starts and finishes on the Centennial Trail.
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.
Important Note: There is no outhouse along this route. While the café near the trailhead does have a washroom, it’s reserved for paying customers—a policy that’s understandable, but also a common point of frustration according to reviews. (It would be great to see a public outhouse installed near the trailhead in the future.)
Distance: 3.5km
Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 100m
Type: Out-and-Back
Good for Dogs: Yes – Off Leash
Season: Year-round
Washrooms: No
Drive Time from Downtown Vancouver: 40 minutes
Transit Time from Downtown Vancouver: 1h 20 minutes
See Directions: Google Maps
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
Washrooms: Several Outhouses and Building (near Lighthouse)
Drive Time from Downtown Vancouver: 35 minutes
Transit Time from Downtown Vancouver: 1 h, 10 minutes
See Directions: Google Maps
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
Washrooms: Outhouses Throughout Park
Drive Time from Downtown Vancouver: 30 minutes
Transit Time from Downtown Vancouver: 40 minutes
See Directions: Google Maps
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 your heart pumping—hikers are rewarded with an impressive rock outcropping offering stunning views over Deep Cove.
While the lookout can get crowded, especially on weekends, it’s worth trying to find a spot to sit and soak it all in—it’s a beautiful place for a picnic. Alternatively, the village of Deep Cove has some lovely cafés and restaurants that make for a perfect post-hike treat.
This is one of the most popular hikes in the region, particularly in the summer and on weekends year-round. Parking can be a challenge, but there is limited street parking near the trailhead, as well as a small lot at nearby Panorama Park, which also offers scenic ocean views.
Distance: 3.8km
Time: 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain: 100m
Type: In and back
Good for Dogs: Yes – On and off leash areas
Public Washrooms: At nearby Panorama Park
Season: Year-round
Drive Time from Downtown Vancouver: 30 minutes
Transit Time from Downtown Vancouver: 1h, 10 minutes
See Directions: Google Maps
Learn more about this hike at: VancouverTrails.com.
See also the following YouTube Short:
WHERE TO STAY IN VANCOUVER
If you’re visiting Vancouver and plan to hike and explore the city, your instinct might be to stay downtown. Unfortunately, hotel rates there have become rather steep lately.
A more budget-friendly alternative is to stay across the inlet in North Vancouver, specifically near Lonsdale Quay and The Shipyards (a revitalized waterfront district filled with eateries and shops).
This area puts you closer to many of the hikes mentioned in this post, and you can still reach downtown easily via the SeaBus—a scenic 12-minute ferry ride.
Great hotel options in this area include the Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier, a full-service 4-star hotel with a pool, gym, and harbour views; and the Seaside Hotel North Vancouver, a stylish boutique stay offering oceanfront rooms and spa-style amenities.
See more hotel options on the map below.
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