Hikes to try around Vancouver before summer ends | Daily Hive

Trails for more experienced hikers to try around Vancouver before summer ends

Sunset at Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver. (JamesChen/Shutterstock)

Don’t let summer sneak away without squeezing in a few more hikes around Vancouver.

Whether you’re in it for alpine lakes, ocean views, or just to earn that post-hike pint, we’ve got you covered. This list includes several hikes that are more challenging, so if you’re not experienced on those bigger trails, try something easier to start.

For your own safety, please make sure you are well prepared before heading out on your next adventure. Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe while on your hike is available from North Shore Rescue and AdventureSmart.

Here are 10 Vancouver-area hikes to tick off before the season wraps, if you are a well-seasoned hiker. Be sure to check the BC Parks website to see which sites require day passes and to plan for your trip.

1. St. Mark’s Summit (Cypress Mountain)

Time: Five hours roundtrip
Distance: 11 km
Elevation Gain: 460 m
Location: Start from the northernmost parking lot at Cypress Mountain (Downhill Ski Area). Access via Hwy 1, Exit 8 to Cypress Bowl Rd.

KayDee81/Shutterstock

One of the most rewarding hikes off the Sea to Sky, and not just because you’ll crush your step count. The summit views of Howe Sound? Chef’s kiss.

2. Tunnel Bluffs (Lions Bay)

Time: Four hours roundtrip
Distance: 11.5 km
Elevation Gain: 470 m
Location: To reach Tunnel Bluffs, drive 40 minutes from Vancouver to Lions Bay, follow signs to Sunset Drive, and start at the Sunset Trailhead.

Sidhu6/Shutterstock

If you’re looking for panoramic payoffs without a full-day commitment, this one’s for you. Just don’t forget your camera and a snack for the top.

3. Garibaldi Lake (Rubble Creek, near Whistler)

Time: Six hours roundtrip
Distance: 18 km
Elevation Gain: 820 m
Location: Drive one hour and 45 minutes from Vancouver via Hwy 99 past Squamish, then turn right at the Garibaldi Park sign onto Rubble Creek Road to reach the trailhead parking lot.

Martin Besenyi/Shutterstock

If you’re going to commit to a full-day hike this summer, make it Garibaldi. A B.C. classic, it’s a long trek in, but the glacier-fed turquoise lake waiting at the top is 100 per cent worth it.

4. Joffre Lakes (Pemberton)

Time: Four hours roundtrip
Distance: 10 km
Elevation Gain: 370 m
Location: Drive three hours from Vancouver via Hwy 99 through Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton, then follow signs to Joffre Lakes parking lot 21 km past Mount Currie on Duffey Lake Road. Be sure to check BC Parks for updates and information about park access changes for 2025.

Damon Huynh/Shutterstock

You’ve definitely seen it on Instagram, but it’s even better in real life. Three insanely blue lakes, epic mountain backdrops, and yes, a bit of a climb. This is one of the most popular hikes for those craving a steep climb and epic summit views.

5. Elfin Lakes (Garibaldi Provincial Park)

Time: Six hours roundtrip
Distance: 22 km
Elevation Gain: 600 m
Location: Drive an hour and 45 minutes from Vancouver to Squamish, then follow Mamquam Road uphill to the gravel Diamond Head parking lot at Garibaldi Park.

Dan Breckwoldt/Shutterstock

A chill(er) alpine hike that still brings the wow factor. Think wide-open views, rolling meadows, and twin lakes that look like they were made for your next screensaver.

6. Mount Seymour (North Vancouver)

sophiecat/Shutterstock

Time: Five hours roundtrip
Distance: 9 km
Elevation Gain: 450 m
Location: Drive 50 minutes from Vancouver via Hwy 1 to Mt. Seymour Parkway, then follow Mt. Seymour Road 13 km uphill to the ski area parking lot.

Choose your own adventure with multiple peaks to summit. On a clear day, you’ll see the city, the islands, and maybe even Mount Baker peeking out.

7. Lighthouse Park (West Vancouver)

Petrasss15/Shutterstock

Time: Two hours (or less, depending on your route)
Distance: Up to 6 km (choose-your-own-trail style)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Location: Drive 40 minutes west along Marine Drive in West Vancouver, turn left on Beacon Lane, and follow it to the Lighthouse Park parking lot.

Not every hike needs to be a quad-burner. This coastal gem is all about breezy trails, old-growth forest, and a pretty iconic view at the end.

8. Quarry Rock (Deep Cove, North Vancouver)

Paul Van Buekenhout/Shutterstock

Time: 1.5 hours roundtrip
Distance: 3.8 km
Elevation Gain: 100 m
Location: Drive 30 minutes from Vancouver to Deep Cove, park near Panorama Drive, and follow the Baden Powell Trail to the Quarry Rock lookout.

Short, sweet, and always worth it. Bonus: You can reward yourself with a treat from Honey Doughnuts after.

9. The Chief (Stawamus Chief, Squamish)

Rowan Sims Photography/Shutterstock

Time: Six hours roundtrip
Distance: 11 km
Elevation Gain: 600 m
Location: Drive an hour from Vancouver on Hwy 99 to Squamish, then turn right just past the Sea to Sky Gondola into the Chief parking lot, the trail starts at the south end.

This one’s a grind, ladders, stairs, and plenty of sweat, but the views from each of the three peaks are Squamish showstoppers. Remember to come equipped with the right gear.

10. Norvan Falls (Lynn Headwaters, North Vancouver)

Puffin’s Pictures/Shutterstock

Time: Five hours roundtrip
Distance: 14 km
Elevation Gain: 195 m
Location: Drive 40 minutes from Vancouver via Hwy 1 to Lynn Valley Road in North Vancouver, then continue to the end of the road to reach the Lynn Headwaters parking lot.

A peaceful forest trail with a waterfall waiting at the end. It’s a longer one, but relatively gentle, perfect for a full-day wander.

You’ve got a few weeks left to explore these stunning hikes around Vancouver, so lace up and hit the trail.

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