On a hiking or walking excursion in Vancouver, Coast and Mountains, you'll find fascination in every step that you take. The region's natural surroundings provide breathtaking views for hikers to enjoy, and there is plenty of wildlife to capture your attention. Terrain varies from rugged shoreline and deep woods to open mountin summits with views of the Pacific Ocean. Seasoned hikers seek out tougher hiking trails, while light hikers can find simple walking trails to idle away a few hours. Vancouver, Coast and Mountains truly has a trail every hiker.

The following are suggested hikes do discover on your trip to Vancouver, Coast and Mountains.

Mighty Fraser Country Hikes

Metro Vancouver Hikes

Sea to Sky Country Hikes

Sunshine Coast Hikes

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Mighty Fraser Country

Hike Name: Othello Quintette Tunnels
Length: 3.5 km (2.1 mi) round trip
Location: Coquijalla Canyo Provincial Park
Difficulty Level: Easy
The hike into the Quintette Tunnels is an easy trek that the whole family can enjoy.

Hike Name: Vedder Mountain Ridge Trail
Length: 11.4 km (7.1 mi) round trip
Location: Cultus Lake Area
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This trail takes about 5 hours to hike with an elevation gain of 575 m (1,886 ft). It has several viewpoints along the trail.

Hike Name: Elk/Thurston
Length: 15 km (9.3 mi) round trip
Location: Elk View Road, Fraser Valley South/West
Difficulty Level: Difficult
A favourite hike in the area for the fit and outdoorsy types. An 800 m (2,624.6 ft) elevation gain leads to alpine meadows and a spectacular view.

Hike Name: Golden Ears Trail
Length: 24 km (15 mi) round trip
Location: Golden Ears Provincial Park
Difficulty Level: Very Difficult
Plan for approximately 7 hour hike up and 5 hours down. This trail is recommended as an overnighter for all but the extremely fit. Extreme caution is advised and proper backcountry equipment is recommended. Hikers will delight in the views of Pitt Lake and the mountains. Be aware of the elevation change of 1,500 metres (4,921 ft). Hikers must bring drinking water; expect snow into July near the end of the trail on Panorama Ridge.

Dyke Trails - Hikers and walkers will find easy walking paths along the dykes in Mighty Fraser Country. The dykes were originally built to prevent the rivers from flooding the communities in the valley and now they provide users with wonderful views of the rivers and lakes, marshes, mountains and farmland.

Metro Vancouver

Hike Name: Pacific Spirit Park
Length: 53 km (32.9 mi) trail system
Location: University of British Columbia endowments lands in Vancouver
Difficulty Level: Easy
This large park on the west side of the city has dense forests, marches, rocky beaches, wooded ravines, and an ancient bog. Large Cedars, Hemlock, and Douglas Fir are the definite giants and attract many hikers, walkers and joggers.

Hike Name: Richmond Nature Park
Length: 5 km (4.3 mi) trail system
Location: Richmond
Difficulty Level: Easy
This nature trail consists of 80 hectares (198 acres). The shortest trail loops around a pond on a boardwalk and is wheelchair accessible. Theres is an interpretive centre for inquisitive minds with displays and games. Due to the sensitive nature of the park, dogs are not allowed and walkers must stick to the marked trail.

Hike Name: Lynn Canyon Suspensions Bridge
Length: A variety of short hikes
Location: Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Visit the Ecology Centre with interactive displays and movie theatre; take an easy, short walk across the suspension bridge, which is 50 metres (164 ft) above Lynn Canyon, to 30 Foot Pool. Those who are looking for a longer hike should pass the 30 Foot Pool and hike into Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.

Hike Name: Grouse Grind^TM
Length: 29. km (1.8 mi) each way
Location: Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver
Difficulty Level: Difficult
This famous North Shore hike goes up the side of Grouse Mountain with a slope of up to 45 degrees and an elevation of 853 m (2,800 ft). A good to excellent fitness level is recommended. Open during summer months only. Take the Grouse Mountain Skyride down the mountain for a well deserved reward!

Sea to Sky Country

Hike Name: Shannon Falls
Length: 350 metres (1,148 ft)
Location: Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Difficult Level: Easy
BC's third largest waterfall (335m / 1,099 ft) can be viewed by walking along Shannon Creek in the provincial park off of Hwy 99. Hikers should be watchful of slippery wooden walkways and rushing water during heavy rains. Wading in the creek or climbing onto rocks and debris is very dangerous and not recommended.

Hike Name: The Chief
Length: 7-11 km (4.3-6.8 mi) round trip (depending on route taken)
Location: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, Squamish
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Also known for its fantastic rock climbing, The Chief has three summits for the hiker to choose from. The first and second peaks are moderate hikes and the third peak is considered more difficult.

Hike Name: Garibaldi Provincial Park
Length: Over 100 km (62 mi) of hiking trails
Location: Garibaldi Provincial Park
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
The most frequented wilderness park in the province, at a whopping 195,080 hectares (482,053 acres) Garbaldi is a treasure trove of wildlife, scenery, and over 90 km (56 mi) of exhilarating hiking. Visitors should be of a moderate to advanced fitness level for most of these hikes.

Sea to Sky Trail - This multi-use trail blazes through 150 km (90 mi) of some glorious scenery of the Tantalus Mountains from Brackendale (north of Squamish) to D'Arcy (north of Pemberton)

Whistler - A two-hour drive north of Vancouver, this hotbed of hiking activity includes a paved trail system traversing 15 km (9 mi) connecting the Village to some of nature's wonders. There is also an extensive system around Whistler Mountain itself with many hikes at the more extreme end, but there are easy to moderate trails on the back-roads.

Sunshine Coast

Hike Name: Skookumchuck Trail
Length: 8 km (8 mi) round trip
Location: Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park (off Hwy 101)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Breathtaking view of the Skookumchuck Rapids. The churning waters are an impressive sight and a great place to stop for a water break. Check the local tide tables to arrive at the peak of rapids.

Hike name: Inland Lake Trail
Length: 13 km (8 mi)
Location: Inland Lake Provincial Park (north of Powell River)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This wheel chair accessbile trail loops around Inland Lake, 5.5 km (3.4 mi) long lake. The Park has picnic areas, four overnight camping areas with small, rustic cabins and six fishing piers on the trail loop around the lake. The cabins are reserved for disabled persons but can be utilized by able bodies parties if available.

Hike Name: Sunshine Coast Trail
Length: 180 km (111.8 mi)
Location: Upper Sunshine Coast
Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult
This wilderness trail explores the mountain ridges and old growth forests between Saltery Bay ferry terminal and Sarah Point in Desolation Sound. A great trail for day hikes as hikers will never be more than 6 km (3.7 mi) from vehicle access. Experienced backpackers can hike the entire trail in approximately 10 days. Free wilderness camping is available along the trail; however, hikers may wish to take advantage of the comforts of a hot shower at Bed and Breakfasts or hotels along the route. Transportation to and from the trail is available. Along the trail, the Inland Lake trail (13 km/8 mi) is an easy day hike and is wheelchair accessible.

Safety Tips: When hiking or walking in the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region, be on the lookout for bears and other wildlife. Come prepared with proper footwear, a jacket, water, snacks, maps and be aware of sudden weather changes (particularily in the mountains). Never hike alone, and always tell someone where you're going. Keep in mind that even in late spring there may still be snow on the trails at higher altitudes.