Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Vancouver

Vancouver Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

The trails that define Vancouver, with distances, elevation, and when each is actually passable.

By Updated

This guide covers 11+ hiking trails in Vancouver — Grouse Grind, Lynn Canyon Park Loop and Stanley Park Seawall top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, home to about 700,000 people (about 2.7 million in Metro Vancouver) between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. This guide covers Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, SkyTrain transit, day trips and practical costs for visitors.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Grouse Grind

    2.5 km one way (uphill only)1.5-2.5 hours uphardAbout 853 m gain (roughly 2,800 steps)

    Steep uphill staircase-style trail with no descent allowed on foot; hikers return by Skyride gondola.
  2. 2

    Lynn Canyon Park Loop

    About 2-4 km of loops1-2 hourseasyRoughly 100 m gain on stair sections

    District of North Vancouver park with a free suspension bridge, 30 Foot Pool and the Ecology Centre.
  3. 3

    Stanley Park Seawall

    About 9-10 km loop (seawall)2-3 hours walking; about 1 hour cyclingeasyMinimal (about 30 m)

    Paved waterfront path around Stanley Park with one-way bicycle traffic (counter-clockwise) and a separate pedestrian lane.
  4. 4

    Quarry Rock via Baden-Powell Trail

    About 3.8 km return1.5-2.5 hourseasyAbout 100 m gain

    Forested out-and-back on the Baden-Powell Trail to a granite lookout over Indian Arm.
  5. 5

    Hollyburn Peak (Cypress Provincial Park)

    About 7.6 km return3-5 hoursmoderateAbout 500 m gain

    Forested climb through Hollyburn Ridge to a peak viewpoint over Howe Sound and the city.
  6. 6

    Lighthouse Park Loop

    About 5-6 km of connecting trails1-2 hourseasyAbout 80 m gain

    Old-growth Douglas fir forest and granite shoreline leading to the Point Atkinson Lighthouse.
  7. 7

    Capilano Pacific Trail

    About 7 km one way (shorter sections possible)2-3 hours one waymoderateMinor (around 50-100 m total)

    Forest and riverside trail along the Capilano River below Cleveland Dam, passing the Salmon Hatchery.
  8. 8

    Pacific Spirit Regional Park Trails

    Choice of loops from 2 to 10 km1-3 hourseasy20-60 m gain depending on route

    Large forested regional park near UBC with an extensive trail network and off-leash areas for dogs.
  9. 9

    Dog Mountain

    About 5 km return2-3 hourseasyAbout 140 m gain

    Short forest trail from the Mount Seymour parking lot to a summit lookout over Burrard Inlet.
  10. 10

    Norvan Falls (Lynn Headwaters)

    About 14 km return4-5 hoursmoderateAbout 250 m gain

    Long riverside trail up the Lynn Valley to a waterfall.
  11. 11

    Stawamus Chief First Peak

    About 4-6 km return3-4 hourshardAbout 540 m gain

    Steep granite staircase and chain-assisted sections to the First Peak summit.

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in Vancouver.

Spring
April-May: low-elevation forest trails open; alpine trails still snowbound
Summer
June-September: all trails open, busiest on weekends
Fall
October-November: cooler weather, wet trails and shorter daylight
Winter
December-March: low-elevation trails open but wet; snowshoe routes on Mount Seymour, Cypress and Grouse

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

Medium

Hazard: Heavy rain makes roots and rock slippery on North Shore trails

Medium

Hazard: Snow and ice on mountain trails into early summer; the Grouse Grind closes in winter conditions

Medium

Hazard: Short daylight in winter: carry a headlamp when starting late

Medium

Hazard: Bears and cougars live on the North Shore: keep dogs leashed and make noise on trail

Medium

Hazard: Check Metro Vancouver and BC Parks notices for trail closures before setting out

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