Top Vancouver Spring & Summer Hikes You NEED to Try! 🌲☀️
•Metro Vancouver & Sea-to-Sky Corridor, BC
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Hey Vancouver adventurers! 👋 The mountains are calling! 🌲☀️ Ready to explore some stunning trails this spring and summer?
I've picked some absolute gems around Vancouver, perfect for different skill levels. Grab your boots, let's find your next hike! 👇
🚶♀️ Easy & Accessible Trails (Great for Beginners & Families!)
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Lynn Canyon Park 🌉 (★☆☆☆☆)
- Highlights: Free suspension bridge, lush rainforest, waterfalls & pools! Super photogenic & family-friendly.
- Info: Easy 1-2 hr loop. Wear good shoes!
- Location: Lynn Valley, North Vancouver
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Quarry Rock ⛰️ (★★☆☆☆)
- Highlights: Iconic viewpoint overlooking Deep Cove's stunning bay. Magical at sunset! ✨ Don't forget the doughnuts after! 🍩
- Info: Short forest hike (1.5-2 hrs). Go early on weekends (parking!).
- Location: Deep Cove, North Vancouver
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Pacific Spirit Regional Park 🌿 (★☆☆☆☆)
- Highlights: Huge urban rainforest near UBC. Perfect for easy walks, runs, or bike rides. Very dog-friendly! 🐶
- Info: Mostly flat trails, choose your distance. Great year-round.
- Location: Point Grey, Vancouver
🥾 Moderate Hikes with Killer Views
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Tunnel Bluffs 😍 (★★☆☆☆)
- Highlights: Breathtaking panoramic views of Howe Sound. A Sea-to-Sky favourite!
- Info: ~11km round trip (3-4 hrs). Steep start, incredible payoff.
- Location: Lions Bay (Sea-to-Sky Highway)
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St. Mark’s Summit (Cypress) ☁️ (★★★☆☆)
- Highlights: Jaw-dropping "top-of-the-world" views over Howe Sound from the Howe Sound Crest Trail.
- Info: ~11km round trip (4-5 hrs) from Cypress ski area. Check conditions for snow/mud in spring.
- Location: Cypress Provincial Park, West Vancouver
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Sea to Summit Trail (Squamish) 🚠 (★★☆☆☆)
- Highlights: Challenging uphill hike with the amazing option to ride the Sea to Sky Gondola down!
- Info: ~7.5km one-way uphill (3-5 hrs). Significant elevation gain. Gondola ticket needed for descent.
- Location: Base of Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish
🧗♀️ Challenging & Iconic Treks
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Stawamus Chief (Squamish) 🧗 (★★★☆☆ - ★★★★☆)
- Highlights: Squamish's iconic granite monolith! Ladders, chains, and incredible 360° summit views.
- Info: Steep & demanding, ~3-5 hrs depending on peaks. Bring gloves! Not for the faint of heart (heights!).
- Location: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, Squamish
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Joffre Lakes 💙 (★★★☆☆)
- Highlights: Three stunning turquoise glacial lakes against snowy peaks. Absolutely picture-perfect!
- Info: ~10km round trip (4-5 hrs). Steeper near the top. Day Pass required in peak season - book ahead! Waterproof shoes useful.
- Location: Joffre Lakes Provincial Park (North of Pemberton)
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Garibaldi Lake 💎 (★★★☆☆)
- Highlights: Unforgettable turquoise alpine lake surrounded by glaciers. A BC icon!
- Info: Longer hike (~18-20km, 6-7 hrs) but well-graded steady incline. Worth every step!
- Location: Garibaldi Provincial Park (Rubble Creek Trailhead near Squamish)
🔥 The Ultimate Test: Vancouver's Classics
- Grouse Grind 🥵
- Highlights: "Mother Nature's Stairmaster"! Conquer the steep climb for city views & bragging rights.
- Info: 2.9km straight up! ~1.5 hrs avg. Must take gondola down (ticket required). 🚡
- Location: Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver
🎒 Quick Hiking Essentials:
- 🗺️ Offline Map: Download before you go (AllTrails!). No signal common.
- 🧥 Layers: Weather changes fast! Bring a rain/wind jacket.
- 💧 Water & Snacks: Pack extra!
- 🥾 Footwear: Proper hiking boots/shoes are key. Check conditions!
- 🐻 Wildlife Aware: Make noise, carry spray if needed.
- ✅ Plan & Inform: Tell someone your route & return time. Leave No Trace!
🎉 Get Out There!
Vancouver's trails are waiting! Which one will be your next adventure? Happy hiking! 👋