So you’ve tackled all the hikes on our list of easy Vancouver hikes for lazy people. What next?
How about trying one of these tougher hikes, guaranteed to get your blood – and your legs – pumping? They’ll definitely sweat out that BBQ hangover too.
Here’s our rundown of five harder hikes for less lazy people – all on the North Shore, all accessible by public transit.
Baden Powell Lynn Canyon To Grouse
What: This route hugs the North Shore’s steep mountain slopes, taking you through scenic forests and over several creeks – with quite a lot of stairs and uphill sections. How long: 5 hours or 10 km Where: Starts at a steep set of stairs between the main and overflow parking area in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park and ends at the base of Grouse Mountain. Get there: A 40-minute drive from downtown to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, or take the Seabus plus bus 228 instead. Get home from Grouse on bus 236 plus the Seabus.
Big Cedar And Kennedy Falls Trail
What: A rugged hike into the backcountry, across roots, creeks and fallen trees, past an old-growth cedar, with several trees growing on it, and ending at a spectacular waterfall.
How long: 5 hours or 10 km
Where: Starts and ends at the top of Mountain Highway.
Get there: A 30-minute drive from downtown, or take bus 210 instead.
[am2_see_also]
Baden Powell Deep Cove To Lynn Canyon
What: This hike begins with a walk up to Quarry Rock, offering sweeping views of Deep Cove and Indian Arm, then continues onto lush forest, scenic canyons and waterfall views. How long: 5 hours or 12 km Where: Starts at the Baden Powell Trailhead on Panorama Drive in Deep Cove and ends at Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Get there: A 30-minute drive from downtown, or take the Seabus plus buses 229 then 212 instead. From Lynn Canyon, take bus 229 then the Seabus. [am2_see_also]
Norvan Falls
What: This hike will have you clambering over streams, tree roots and rubble as you make your way through groves of old-growth Cedar – but it’s all worth it when you get to the falls.
How long: 5 hours or 14 km
Where: Starts and ends at the parking lot of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.
Get there: A 40-minute drive from downtown, or take the Seabus plus bus 228 instead.
[am2_see_also]
Brothers Creek Loop
What: This hike, open to the public but on private property, offers glimpses of waterfalls and takes you past the Candelabra Fir, a huge tree that towers over the surrounding forest.
How long: 4 hours or 7 km
Where: Starts and ends on Millstream Road near Henlow Road in the British Properties area.
Get there: A 30-minute drive from downtown, or take buses 250 then 254 instead.
