In Vancouver, city living seamlessly intertwines with nature’s charm. A day in Vancouver can feature coffee at the beach, a full workday and a night ski all in one.
Entering 2023, my focus was embracing Vancouver’s outdoor opportunities. Weekends involved camping, evenings post-work hikes, and extended breaks meant getaways with friends.
There are so many opportunities in Vancouver to hike locally, without the commitment of buying expensive gear or taking time off work. There are also some amazing overnight treks near the city that are worth checking out! Below I’ll outline the hiking that I did in Vancouver in 2023 and my top recommendations.
Dog Mountain
This local Mt Seymour trail takes you through the North Shore forest, past small ponds and across bridges. My roommates made the decision to hike Dog Mountain for sunset after work, and drove the 35 minutes North to the trailhead. The final 3rd is a steep ascent that spits you out with a panoramic view overlooking the city and Burrard inlet. This is a perfect hike to bring visitors to Vancouver, kids, or even your parents.
Juan de Fuca Park
Once you arrive in Juan de Fuca park, there is no shortage of hiking trails to follow and beaches to explore. We spent one night camping at French Beach and used it as a jumping off point to see the rest of the park. The hike out to Mystic Beach is moderate in length, passing by springs and a suspension bridge before opening up to a picturesque set of stairs down to the beach. The main attraction here is the tumbling waterfall that runs from the cliff into the sand. If you want to see if at the best time, early Spring has the most substantial run-off. The trail to China beach is much shorter, a flat walk through the forest that leads to a rocky and quintessential Pacific NorthWest beach. All of the beaches are connected by the West Coast Trail, a multi-day trek that is high on my bucket list.
Elfin Lakes
Among the two backcountry trips on my summer agenda, Elfin Lakes stood out. Departing after work on a Friday, we ventured into the backcountry near Squamish. While not recommended to start the hike as late as we did, witnessing the sunset from the ridgeline offered a breathtaking spectacle. Elfin Lakes, often done as a day hike, revealed an equally stunning sunrise for those lucky enough to secure camping spots. The campground’s amenities, including two pools and a communal cooking hut, added to the allure. Our visit coincided with the Perseid Meteor shower, and the isolated location provided an optimal spot for observing shooting stars.
Mystery Lake
This short hike begins at the lodge on Seymour and winds up into the thick brush. This trail is poorly marked at the beginning, and you will probably wonder if you’re going the right way. However all trails lead to a little lake nestled between big rocks called Mystery Lake. I swam in mystery lake twice this summer, both on sunny days that could not have been more perfect for a dip. If you’re looking for a freshwater swimming hole close to Vancouver, this is the one. We saw people on large inflatables floating in the sunshine and bbqing on the side.
Taylor Meadows/Panorama Ridge
This famous Garibaldi hike has been on my bucket list since I moved to Vancouver. Panorama Ridge overlooking Garibaldi Lake is one of the most picturesque spots in the country, with the bluest water you can imagine and untouched glaciers in the background. If you want to camp at Taylor Meadows, the permits are quite hard to get. Four months before at 7am, you will need to log into the BC Parks website and fight for one. This hike contains switchbacks through the forest, boardwalks into the meadows, and a rock scramble looking out over The Black Tusk. Making it to the top is beyond rewarding, and I recommend packing some snacks and pads and making the most of your time up there.
St. Marks Summit
I have hiked St. Mark’s Summit almost every year since I moved to Vancouver. This trail begins at the lodge on Cypress and winds up and down along the Howe Sound Crest Trail. It is a hard climb, with switchbacks for a lot of the elevation and false summits convincing you you’re at the top. This hike is considered something of a morning workout in Vancouver. North Shore locals will run up and down in a matter of hours, pausing only for a second at the top. The view looks out at the Howe Sound and Gulf Islands, and you can see the Sea to Sky Highway weaving below. I’ve climbed St.Mark’s at all hours of the day, and it seems to be perpetually busy – your best chance being an early start.
Lightning Lake in Manning Park
Located approximately three hours east of Vancouver, Manning Park is renowned for its Golden Larches. Our initial plan to summit Frosty Mountain was thwarted by weather, leading us to explore Lightning Lakes instead. This flat trail around a large lake, at the base of Frosty, provided stunning views of changing colours and curious birds accompanying us. Manning Park Lodge, conveniently situated nearby, offered an exceptional guest experience and a prime location.
Joffre Lakes
Another Vancouver classic is Joffre Lakes. Nestled North of Whistler in Pemberton, this trail features three beautiful glacier lakes that you can explore. We did this hike in the winter, therefore needed spikes and poles to ascend to the top glacier. The perks of doing this hike in the winter are smaller crowds and getting to see the Metier Glacier at full force. Although slippery, we set up our chairs at the third lake and had a snack and brewed some tea. As the sun sets, the light illuminates the Glacier into a stunning bright blue. This hike is equally as thrilling in the warmer months, where the water is as blue as gatorade and the foliage around is in full bloom.
As I reflect on the adventures of this year, a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the province I call home has taken root. Despite full-time work commitments, Vancouver’s proximity to nature has allowed me to get the best of both, whether that’s a quick hike up one of the local mountains after work or a weekend away with friends.
ELLYHIKES 
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