Meagen SetterAdmit it, there’s something magical about trading the gym for the great outdoors. That’s why everyone’s looking for the best places to enjoy fresh air, stunning scenery, and a workout that challenges both body and mind.
Luckily, Vancouver offers incredible hiking trails that wind through majestic mountains, lush forests, and enchanting waterfalls. But don’t worry—this ultimate bucket list brings together Vancouver’s most breathtaking hikes, catering to everyone.
Keep reading, and let’s transform your next hike into an unforgettable adventure!
- 1. Lighthouse Park Trail
- 2. West Lake via Hollyburn Trail
- 3. Cypress Falls Trail
- 4. Whyte Lake Trail
- 5. Bowen Lookout
- 6. Brothers Creek Trail to Lost Lake and Blue Gentian Lake Loop
- 7. Saint Marks Summit Trail
- 8. Eagleridge Bluffs Trail
- 9. Hollyburn Peak Trail
- 10. Mount Strachan Trail
- 11. Unnecessary Mountain Trail
- 12. West Lion Trail
- 13. Howe Sound Crest Trail
- 14. Point Atkinson Lighthouse and Shore Pine Point Trail
- 15. Cypress Falls and Whyte Lake Trail
- 16. Black Mountain Plateau Winter Trail
- 17. Capilano Pacific Trail
- 18. West Vancouver Seaview Walk Trail
- 19. Whytecliff Park Trail
- 20. Baden-Powell Trail
- 21. Blue Gentian Lake Look via Millstream Park Trail
- 22. Lawson Creek Forestry Heritage Walk Trail
- 23. Centennial Seawalk via Millennium Park Trail
- 24. Brewis, Crossover, and Baden Powell Trail Loop
1. Lighthouse Park Trail
Address: 4612 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2Y9
Time to complete: 1 to 2 hours
Distance: 6 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
Lighthouse Park is a must-try for hikers of all levels in West Vancouver. It boasts the most giant Douglas Fir trees in Greater Vancouver and offers breathtaking water views.
There are a variety of trails through the park that take you past old-growth Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir trees. The trails are easy, with only a few having a short hill to ascend or descend.
Pro tip:
While you’re at Lighthouse Park, be sure to check out the Point Atkinson Lighthouse. The lighthouse and light station grounds are a National Historic Site of Canada and offer stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge and the Gulf Islands.
2. West Lake via Hollyburn Trail
Address: 9RJ5+4H, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
Time to complete: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Distance: 4.5 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
The West Lake via Hollyburn Trail is an easy and enjoyable hike perfect for all ages and fitness levels. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests and is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
The trail starts at the Hollyburn Mountain Cypress Provincial Park parking lot. You will follow the Burfield Trail to the Baden-Powell Trail to the West Lake Trail junction until you reach West Lake.
Pro tip:
West Lake is a great place to swim on a hot day, but check the water conditions before entering. The lake can be cold and deep, so it is crucial to be a strong swimmer if you plan on going for a dip.
3. Cypress Falls Trail
Address: Cypress Falls Park, 3600 Cypress Creek Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7W 1H1
Time to complete: 58 minutes
Distance: 2.9 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
The Cypress Falls Trail is an excellent option for a quick and scenic escape into the Coast Mountains. The trail winds through a dense forest of towering Douglas fir and western red cedar trees alongside Cypress Creek.
The trail’s highlight is the beautiful Cypress Falls, a large waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff. It’s an excellent option for hikers of all levels, from families with young children to experienced hikers looking for a quick workout.
Pro tip:
Be sure to stop at the viewpoint to see the Lower Cypress Falls. In late spring, the falls are especially impressive when the water flow is high.
4. Whyte Lake Trail
Address: Whyte Lake Trail, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Time to complete: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Distance: 5 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
Whyte Lake Trail is an excellent option for those looking for a scenic and relatively easy hike. The trail follows the Trans Canada Trail route, diverges westward through old-growth trees, follows Whyte Creek, and ends at Whyte Lake.
The trail features a wooden dock and 300 meters of the boardwalk, perfect for enjoying the lake’s views. You might also spot eagles, hawks, owls, and small mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits.
Pro tip:
Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail can be slippery in wet weather. The trail is popular with families and dogs, so be courteous of other hikers.
5. Bowen Lookout
Address: West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Time to complete: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Distance: 4.5 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
Bowen Lookout is a relatively short trail with incredible Howe Sound and Bowen Island views. It’s perfect for a quick and scenic hike and is generally considered easy, although one section is quite steep.
The trail is well-maintained and well-marked, making it an excellent option for hikers of all experience levels. The weather in West Vancouver can change quickly, so it’s a good idea to bring layers of clothing to adjust to the conditions.
Pro tip:
The trail can be slippery, especially in wet weather, so wearing shoes that provide good traction is essential. The trail has no water source, so bring plenty of water, especially on hot days.
6. Brothers Creek Trail to Lost Lake and Blue Gentian Lake Loop
Address: Brother’s Creek Trailhead, Unnamed Road, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2C8, Canada
Time to complete: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Distance: 8.5 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Brothers Creek Trail to Lost Lake and Blue Gentian Lake Loop is an excellent hike for those looking for a bit of a challenge with beautiful scenery. The hike begins by following Brothers Creek for a while before switchbacking up the mountainside.
The trail can be steep in sections, but there are also plenty of flat sections to rest your legs. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding forest and mountains.
Pro tip:
This trail can be pretty muddy in sections, so wear proper footwear. Also, pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no amenities on the trail.
7. Saint Marks Summit Trail
Address: Howe Sound Crest Trail, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Time to complete: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Distance: 10.5 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
Saint Mark’s Summit is a moderately challenging out-and-back trail. It offers hikers stunning views of Howe Sound, the Lions, and the Coast Mountains.
The first half of the hike follows a gravel path through a forest. Then, it ascends through a subalpine meadow with wildflowers in bloom during summer. The final section of the hike is the steepest, but the reward is a panoramic view from the summit.
Pro tip:
The parking lot at Cypress Mountain can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so aim to arrive early to secure a spot. Pack out all your garbage and leave the trail as you found it.
8. Eagleridge Bluffs Trail
Address: The North Shore – Eagle Bluffs, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Time to complete: 2 to 4 hours
Distance: 8.5 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
Eagleridge Bluffs is a popular moderate hike that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. The hike begins at the base of the Eagle Express Chairlift at Cypress Mountain.
From there, the trail winds through a forest of Douglas firs and western red cedars. You’ll catch glimpses of Howe Sound, the Lions Gate Bridge, and Vancouver as you gain elevation.
Pro tip:
Take some time to relax and enjoy the views from Eagle Bluffs. While you’re there, you should also have a picnic lunch or meditate and take in the beauty of nature.
9. Hollyburn Peak Trail
Address: 9RJ5+4H, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
Time to complete: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Distance: 9 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
Hollyburn Peak, or Hollyburn Mountain, is a popular hike in Cypress Provincial Park. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning views of Vancouver and the surrounding area.
As you gain elevation, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Lions, the Coast Mountains, and the city of Vancouver below. You’ll have 360-degree views of Howe Sound, the Gulf Islands, and the city skyline from the top.
Pro tip:
Make sure to take some time to soak in the views from the summit. You can see Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains on a clear day.
10. Mount Strachan Trail
Address: Mount Strachan, Greater Vancouver A, BC, Canada
Time to complete: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Distance: 7.5 kilometers
Difficulty level: Difficult
Mount Strachan is one of the most popular hikes in Cypress Provincial Park. It’s generally considered a challenging route due to the steep climb, particularly up Christmas Gully, which is the most technical section of the trail.
The trail is usually accessible from mid-June to October, although snow can linger in the gully well into July. The summit of Mount Strachan offers stunning 360-degree views of Howe Sound, the Lions, the Coast Mountains, and the city of Vancouver.
Pro tip:
Be sure to check the weather conditions before you head out on your hike. The trail can be dangerous in icy or snowy conditions. On a clear day, you can even see Garibaldi Provincial Park.
11. Unnecessary Mountain Trail
Address: Greater Vancouver A, BC, Canada
Time to complete: 10 hours
Distance: 16 kilometers
Difficulty level: Difficult
Despite its name, Unnecessary Mountain is a rewarding hike that offers stunning views of Howe Sound, especially compared to nearby St. Mark’s Summit. It’s part of the Howe Sound Crest Trail, a longer trek that takes you up several peaks.
It’s challenging, with some technical sections of exposed rock and a steep scramble to the final summit. Patience is required, especially when traversing St. Mark’s, as the area can get crowded.
Pro tip:
Be sure to prepare for all weather conditions and bring proper footwear, with crampons or spikes helpful depending on the time of year.
12. West Lion Trail
Address: Lions Bay, British Columbia
Time to complete: 7 hours and 41 minutes
Distance: 20.5 kilometers
Difficulty level: Difficult
The West Lion is part of the Howe Sound Crest Trail, which offers scenic views of the Howe Sound, the Lions Gate Bridge, and Vancouver. The first part of the trail involves hiking a long gravel service road that turns into a smaller double-track trail.
This section is relatively easy but quite long. Hikers will then encounter steeper sections with switchbacks and uneven terrain. The final ascent to the summit involves a challenging scramble suitable for experienced hikers only.
Pro tip:
This hike is not recommended for beginners. The significant elevation gain, steep sections, and exposed scrambling require a good level of fitness, strong legs, and a good head for heights.
13. Howe Sound Crest Trail
Address: Howe Sound Crest Trail, West Vancouver
Time to complete: 2 days
Distance: 26.5 kilometers
Difficulty level: Difficult
The Howe Sound Crest Trail (HSCT) is a rugged wilderness hiking trail primarily within Cypress Provincial Park. It can be traveled as a single or multi-day hike from south to north.
It gets its name because it follows the crests of the North Shore Mountains, which rise above the deep saltwater glacial fjord that parallels the trail to the west.
Pro tip:
Public transportation to the trailheads needs to be available. You will need to drive or take a taxi to get there.
14. Point Atkinson Lighthouse and Shore Pine Point Trail
Address: West Vancouver, BC V7W 1K5, Canada
Time to complete: 1 hour and 4 minutes
Distance: 3.4 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
Point Atkinson Lighthouse and Shore Pine Point offer a moderately challenging loop trail. The path takes you through a beautiful forest with rocky and rooty sections, so proper footwear is recommended.
Along the way, you’ll encounter several viewpoints offering stunning vistas of Howe Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the Gulf Islands. The hike is relatively short, taking about an hour and four minutes, making it an excellent option for an afternoon outing.
Pro tip:
Take in the breathtaking views from Shore Pine Point. This viewpoint offers a panoramic Howe Sound and the Gulf Islands vista.
15. Cypress Falls and Whyte Lake Trail
Address: Woodgreen Pl, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2V6, Canada
Time to complete: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Distance: 10.6 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Cypress Falls and Whyte Lake hike is a moderately challenging out-and-back trail. The trail offers stunning views of Cypress Falls, a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, and Whyte Lake, a serene lake nestled amidst the forest.
The hike begins at Cypress Falls Park and takes you to the lower falls, followed by a viewpoint for the upper falls. As you continue the trail, you’ll eventually reach Whyte Lake, a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery after your hike.
Pro tip:
The lake is a great place to cool off after your hike. If you’d like to spend the night, there are also a few campsites around the lake.
16. Black Mountain Plateau Winter Trail
Address: West Vancouver, BC, Canada
Time to complete: 2 hours and 3 minutes
Distance: 5 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Black Mountain Plateau Winter Trail is a moderately challenging out-and-back trail. It’s a popular spot for hiking and snowshoeing in winter, offering scenic views of Howe Sound, Vancouver, and the North Shore mountains.
The trail starts from the Cypress Mountain Resort parking lots and climbs up sharply to the south summit of Black Mountain. The route is well-used and usually packed snow, so microspikes are sufficient for traction in most conditions.
Pro tip:
The trail can be icy and slippery, so wear proper footwear with good traction. Remember to bring waterproof gear in case of snow or rain.
17. Capilano Pacific Trail
Address: West Vancouver, BC V7T 1B1, Canada
Time to complete: 2 hours and 12 minutes
Distance: 8.7 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Capilano Pacific Trail was a continuous path stretching from Ambleside Park’s dog-walking area along a riverside path until it reached Keith Road.
You can enjoy a moderately challenging hike up to a viewpoint overlooking the river and surrounding forest. The trail winds through a lush rainforest teeming with birdlife, and plenty of opportunities exist to stop and take in the scenery.
Pro tip:
The Capilano River is a popular spot for birdwatching, so bring a pair of binoculars if you’re interested in spotting some of the local avian residents.
18. West Vancouver Seaview Walk Trail
Address: 6381 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 1X1, Canada
Time to complete: 49 minutes
Distance: 4.2 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
West Vancouver Seaview Walk is a perfect hike for anyone looking for a scenic and leisurely stroll. It’s an excellent option for families with young children, casual walkers, or those seeking an accessible path.
The Seaview Walk is an out-and-back trail offering stunning views of Fisherman’s Cove and Burrard Inlet. The trail is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from February to October to avoid potential muddy sections.
Pro tip:
Keep your eyes peeled for birds, harbor seals, and other marine life. The trail can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so be prepared to share the path with other hikers and cyclists.
19. Whytecliff Park Trail
Address: 7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2T3, Canada
Time to complete: 12 minutes
Distance: 1 kilometer
Difficulty level: Easy
Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver is famous for hikers, families, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. It offers a short and easy trail perfect for casual strolls and sightseeing.
Whytecliff Park offers stunning views of the Howe Sound, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the city skyline. On a clear day, you can even see Vancouver Island.
Pro tip:
You can walk to Whytecliff Island during low tide and explore the tide pools, which teem with exciting sea creatures like starfish, crabs, and anemones.
20. Baden-Powell Trail
Address: Baden Powell Trail, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
Time to complete: 1 to 3 days
Distance: 48 kilometers
Difficulty level: Difficult
The Baden-Powell Trail is a rugged but well-maintained 48-kilometer trail that traverses from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Deep Cove in North Vancouver. The trail is named after Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting Movement.
The trail offers stunning views of the Coast Mountains, the Howe Sound, and the Indian Arm. It winds through forests, crosses rivers and creeks, and passes by waterfalls and lakes.
Pro tip:
When hiking the Baden-Powell Trail, you must stop at Quarry Rock. This large granite outcrop offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for picnics and photos.
21. Blue Gentian Lake Look via Millstream Park Trail
Address: Brother’s Creek Trailhead, Unnamed Road, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2C8, Canada
Time to complete: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Distance: 7.2 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Blue Gentian Lake Loop via Millstream Park Trail is a moderately challenging trail. It’s a great hike alongside Brothers Creek and Lawson Creek, offering a scenic view of Blue Gentian Lake.
The first part of the trail follows Brothers Creek Trail, a steady climb up to the Blue Gentian Lake, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and take a break. The second part of the trail follows Baden Powell Trail back to the starting point.
Pro tip:
As of early May, there were no bugs on the trail but some snow patches around the lake. In the winter, snow is expected near the highest elevations, and navigation can be challenging.
22. Lawson Creek Forestry Heritage Walk Trail
Address: Unnamed Road, West Vancouver, BC V7S 3H3, Canada
Time to complete: 1 hour and 54 minutes
Distance: 4.3 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Lawson Creek Forestry Heritage Walk is a moderately challenging hike and an excellent option for those who want to learn about the area’s logging history and see how a logged forest can regenerate itself.
The trailhead is at the top of Pinecrest Drive, on the west side of the Pinecrest Bridge. A few hundred meters from the trailhead, you’ll see the Shields Log Dam’s and Flume Pond’s remains, a reminder of West Vancouver’s deep-rooted connection to the forest.
Pro tip:
One must-do on this hike is to stop and read the interpretive signs along the way. These signs will teach you about the different logging techniques used in the area and the forest’s flora and fauna.
23. Centennial Seawalk via Millennium Park Trail
Address: 2110 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7V 4A5, Canada
Time to complete: 56 minutes
Distance: 4.7 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
Centennial Seawalk via Millennium Park is a perfect hike for anyone looking for a relaxing stroll with gorgeous views. The trail is paved and mostly flat, making it ideal for walkers and runners of all abilities.
You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Stanley Park, Lion’s Gate Bridge, and the North Shore Mountains. On a clear day, you can see Vancouver Island with eagles, herons, and other seabirds soaring overhead.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, try going early in the morning or during the week. There are plenty of benches, picnic tables along the trail, and beaches where you can take a break and cool off your feet.
24. Brewis, Crossover, and Baden Powell Trail Loop
Address: Unnamed Road, West Vancouver, BC V7S 3H3, Canada
Time to complete: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Distance: 3.7 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Brewis, Crossover, and Baden Powell Trail Loop begins in Shields Dam Park and climbs steadily through a second-growth Douglas fir forest. The trail winds through a series of switchbacks, offering glimpses of the Lions Gate Bridge.
After about a mile, it reaches its high point, which offers panoramic views of the North Shore Mountains. From the high end, the trail descends gradually along the Baden Powell Trail, home to old-growth trees, including the 1,300-year-old Hollyburn Fir.
Pro tip:
Since this trail is quite popular, hiking early in the morning or later in the afternoon is ideal to avoid the crowd. Also, there’s no water source along the trail, so bring your own.
