6 Easy Hikes Near Vancouver, B.C.
Last updated on October 9th, 2023 at 03:44 pm
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. All opinions are entirely my own.
EASY VANCOUVER HIKES – INTRO
Looking for an easy hike in Vancouver (or nearby)? So were we.
Several years ago, during that first dreaded Covid summer, our family discovered that we suddenly had ample time to enjoy the natural beauty of our home city. While we didn’t start out as hikers, our need to plan some activities to keep from going totally stir crazy turned us into hikers.
We found that the following, relatively easy hikes in Vancouver were great for keeping our screen-time in check. The added bonus was that we were able to shed some extra pounds earned from several months of baking (and eating) copious amounts of bread.
So…whatever your reason for getting out there, here are what we think are some of the best and most beautiful short hikes 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. They are 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 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.
A NOTE ON HIKING GEAR
After swearing that I would never buy hiking shoes because I thought them unnecessary (and ugly), I finally broke down and bought a pair. Although I purchased them for some more advanced hikes, I couldn’t believe what a difference they made in terms of managing uneven terrain. I really wish I had invested in them much earlier. I’m am now a convert and mine aren’t actually that ugly (Adidas). Both Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC and Atmosphere have a decent selection.
I had a similar experience with hiking (or trekking) poles. It wasn’t really a look I was going for (I felt like it would pre-maturely age me). I quickly realized, however, that tons of people use them, both young and old. They are hugely helpful on downward descents (a real knee-saver). Even just one pole (a set shared between two people) can make a notable 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
If you are looking for a little fresh air and a quick taste of some of the stunning natural beauty that British Columbia has to offer, this trail is perfect. The hike takes you through a lush forest with 300 year old trees and along a beautiful creek with several waterfalls.
There are off leash trails for dogs and if you want to make a fuller day of it, there is a baseball diamond and tennis courts at the entrance.
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 in 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. LIONS BAY LOOP – LIONS BAY
The Lions Bay Loop 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 Lion’s Bay Cafe.
Distance: 4-5km
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 180m
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.
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
*Reopened 2023 – Yes, the Quarry Rock Hikes is open! After three years of upgrades you can once again experience this beautiful Vancouver hike!
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.
