18 Amazing and Easy Hikes in Vancouver For Beginners

Home to lush rainforests and dramatic mountain ranges, Vancouver has no shortage of beautiful hiking trails. There are numerous challenging climbs such as the Grouse Grind and Stawamus Chief. Fortunately if you’re new to hiking and want a gentler hike, there are plenty of easy hikes in Vancouver. One of the things I love most about this city is that you don’t have to do a long, hard hike to find some of the best views.

I’ve put together a list of some of the most rewarding and easy hikes in Vancouver. They have limited elevation gain and the majority can be completed in less than two hours. They’re also great options if you want to catch sunset after work in the summer months. In this article, you’ll also find tips and practical information such as trail etiquette and safety to help you prepare for your next hike. Let’s jump in!

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Planning tips for beginner hikers

Before we jump into the the best beginner-friendly hikes near Vancouver, here’s some useful tips to help you plan your hiking adventures:

Leave no trace

Please follow the Leave No Trace Principles during your time in nature. These 7 principles are guidelines to help you plan, prepare and explore the outdoors more responsibly. Stay on the designated trails, don’t touch or remove natural objects, remember to pack out all of your trash, and respect wildlife. By following these principles, you can reduce your impact on wildlife and nature. 

Be aware of wildlife

There is an abundance of wildlife in the greater Vancouver area. It’s not uncommon to come across bears, coyotes, mountain lions and other animals while hiking, even on the easy hikes in Vancouver.  Although it can be a bit intimidating, you don’t need to let it stop you from hiking if you prepare properly.

• Check the trail reports before you leave as they normally say if wildlife has been spotted in the area
• Follow any signage recommendations along the trail
• Hike in a group and make lots of noise to alert wildlife that you are on the trail
• Don’t try to get close to wild animals if you encounter them
• Invest in bear spray and read up on how to use it. I recommend reading this article on bear safety to make sure you’re properly prepared. 

Prepare for your hike

Just because these are easy hikes in Vancouver, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to plan and prepare for your hike. Each year, a number of people get into trouble whilst out hiking and need to be rescued. This is often due to a lack of preparation. Don’t put yourself at risk, make sure you are properly informed and prepared.

Before you head out on any of these hikes around Vancouver, you must:

• Research your trail and know how long it should take, the level of difficulty, and ensure you have enough food and water to sustain you during the hike.
• Check BC Parks website for current trail conditions to make sure it is safe and there aren’t any restrictions in place.
• Check the weather conditions and remember that the temperatures will be cooler as you gain elevation. The weather can change quickly in the mountains so make sure you take layers and waterproof clothing just in case.
• Pack the essential items (more about this later in the blog post)
• Print a physical map of the trail or download an offline map. I use the AllTrails.
• Tell someone your plans before heading off. This is really important as often you won’t have signal on the trails so you should make sure someone knows where you are going.

How to get to the trailheads

Some of the trails are accessible by public transport. I’ve noted this next to each one but most of the time you’ll need a car to reach the trail head. Evo is a great way to get around, especially if you’re going with a few friends. Alternatively, if you’re planning to do a few hikes over the weekend, hiring a car might be more cost-effective.

I personally use Auto Europe as they have great rates. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. They also clearly show what is and isn’t included in the price. If you need any help, their 24/7 customer service is very good. You can check prices here.

Easy hikes in Vancouver for beginners

Below you’ll find my favourite easy hikes in Vancouver. While these hikes are geared towards beginners, they’re also suitable for more experienced hikers who are looking for a less strenuous hike. These hikes range from easy to moderate, and short to long, so there’s something for everyone! As they’re spread out across the greater Vancouver area, I’ve grouped them by location for ease. Towards the end of this blog post, you’ll find some handy packing tips and gear recommendations for your next hike.

Hikes in the North Shore

1. Twin Falls Loop – Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Lynn Valley is home to some of the best easy hikes in Vancouver. There are several beautiful hiking trails for beginners but one of my favourites is the Twin Falls Loop. The trail crosses the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and makes its way through the scenic west coast rainforest. Although the trail is rated as easy, there is quite a bit of elevation as you have to walk down a series of stairs and switchbacks to get to Twin Falls Bridge. Admire the view of the waterfall from the bridge before heading up another set of stairs to complete the loop.

Distance: 1.5 km round trip
Elevation gain: 65 meters
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: Yes
Public transit: Yes – From Downtown, you can take the sea bus to Lonsdale Quay and take bus #228 or #229 to Lynn Valley Centre. From there, it’s a 15 minute walk to the park’s main entrance. There is a bus that goes from Lynn Valley Centre directly to the park entrance (#227) but it’s a smaller community shuttle so I’d suggest walking instead if you can.

2. Quarry Rock – Deep Cove

When I want an easy hike in Vancouver, Quarry Rock is my go to. Part of the Baden Powell Trail, it’s easy and relatively short but it offers beautiful views of the Indian Arm and the mountains around Belcarra Regional Park. The first section of the hike involves climbing a series of wooden steps through the forest. The trail winds through the forest, passing small bridges and streams, before reaching the rocky outcrop known as Quarry Rock.

Distance: 3.8 km round trip
Elevation gain: 100 meters
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: Yes
Public transit: Yes – Bus to Deep Cove and walk to trailhead

3. Rice Lake – Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Another easy hike in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is Rice Lake. The gentle trail circles the lake and has several beautiful viewpoints with benches where you can sit and enjoy the view. It’s a popular spot with bird watchers as there are often herons, colourful ducks and eagles around the lake.

Distance: 3 km round trip
Elevation gain: Minimal
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: No
Public transit: Yes – From Downtown, take the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay and take bus #228 to Lynn Valley. Get off at Dempsey and Lynn Valley Road and walk to Rice Lake.

4. Dog Mountain – Mount Seymour Provincial Park

Located at Mount Seymour, Dog Mountain is another short yet rewarding hike near Vancouver. It is one of the more challenging easy hikes in Vancouver as there are some rocky sections, but there is very little elevation gain. You need to watch your footing in some parts as the tree roots can be a bit slippery but the views at the top are spectacular. On a clear day, you can look out over Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, and downtown Vancouver.

Distance: 5 km round trip
Elevation gain: Minimal
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: Yes – on a leash
Public transit: Sometimes – The Mt Seymour Shuttle Bus is available to the public during the winter season only.

Hikes in West Vancouver

5. Bowen Lookout – Cypress Provincial Park

Cypress Provincial Park has a number of incredible hiking trails that range from easy to difficult. Bowen Lookout is one of the easier ones and has become a popular sunset hike due to its length and proximity to Vancouver. The trail leads to a scenic viewpoint which overlooks Howe Sound, out towards Bowen Island (hence the name). The climb can be steep in places and there is often snow on the trail even in the summer months. Make sure you check the trail conditions before heading out and take the right footwear as you may need spikes or snow shoes.

Distance: 4 km round trip
Elevation gain: 110 meters
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: Yes – on a leash
Public transit: Yes – There are some shuttle buses to Cypress Mountain but they don’t run all year round. It’s easier to hire a car and have the flexibility.

6. Lighthouse Park – West Vancouver

Located in West Vancouver, Lighthouse Park is one of my favourite spots in Vancouver for easy hikes and picnics. It has some of the area’s largest Douglas Fir trees and offers wonderful views of the city in the distance.

There are a variety of trails, all of which are all fairly easy with minimal elevation, so you can plan your own route depending on how much time you have. If you just want a short walk, you can follow the trail down to the lighthouse. To see more of the viewpoints, this trail will take you on a loop around the park passing Eagle Point Lookout, Starboat Cove and Lighthouse Viewpoint.

Distance: 3.3 km round trip
Elevation gain: Minimal
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: Yes – on a leash
Public transit: Yes – Take bus #250 from Downtown. The bus stop for Lighthouse Park is just before Horseshoe Bay. Let the driver know where you want to go and they will normally stop there and let you know it’s your stop.

Hikes on the Sea to Sky

7. Shannon Falls – Squamish

If you’re looking for easy hikes in Vancouver, add Shannon Falls to your list. This iconic waterfall is located in Squamish along the Sea to Sky highway. It’s a very short trail but is definitely worth it if you’re passing through the area. The trail will take you to two viewpoints which offer different angles of the waterfall. The first one is below the falls and the second can be reached by continuing up a number of stairs into the forest.

Distance: 1 km round trip
Elevation gain: 45 meters
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: Yes – on a leash
Public transit: No 

READ NEXT | If you want a more intermediate hike, you can actually hike up to the pools above Shannon Falls. This is a short but steep hike that involves using ropes to climb up and down boulders. This isn’t a beginners hike but it is a great one to do as you build your confidence. You can read the full hiking guide here >

8. Murrin Park Loop & Jurassic Ridge Trail

Located in Murrin Provincial Park, this trail offers spectacular views over Howe Sound, Browning Lake and some of the region’s towering mountains. This is one of my favourite things to do when I spend a weekend in Squamish. Although it is a short hike, it is steeper and more technical compared to other easy hikes in Vancouver. Some websites class it as moderate as the climb up to Jurassic Ridge can be quite relentless for beginners. If you want an easier hike, you can bypass Jurassic Ridge and just do the Murrin Loop Trail which will still take you to Quercus viewpoint so you won’t miss out on the lovely view.

Distance: 2.4 km round trip
Elevation gain: 160 meters
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: No
Public transit: No 

9. Mamquam Falls

Mamquam Falls is a scenic waterfall in Squamish that follows the Mamquam River through the forest. Although it’s one of the shorter and easier hikes near Vancouver, the trail has a lot to offer! The path will take you through a mossy rainforest and down to the banks of the Mamquam River which is a gorgeous milky, aquamarine colour. The contrast against the surrounding limestone and green moss is beautiful, especially in the morning light.  

The hike is more of a walk. It’s relatively flat making it perfect for beginner hikers and families with children. However, there are some rooty areas so make sure you watch your footing. This beginner-friendly hike can be done throughout the year but if you decide to go in winter, make sure you check conditions first. You will need crampons and snowshoes.

To get to the trailhead, just follow Mamquam Forest Service Road and Powerhouse Road. Most cars with good tires can get down this gravel road but I recommend taking it slow.

Distance: 1.6 km round trip
Elevation gain: 60 meters
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: Yes
Public transit: No 

Hikes near Coquitlam

10. Jug Island – Belcarra Regional Park

Jug Island is a tiny but very pretty island located at the northern tip of Belcarra Regional Park. The island isn’t accessible but this trail takes you to the beach which faces the island. It’s a lovely place to sit and enjoy great views of the Indian Arm.

Although this is an easy Vancouver hike, the trail does climb quite quickly up the gravel path. Fortunately it does level out before descending down the other side. The final descent to the beach is quite steep in areas so make sure you have the right footwear with good grip.

If you are driving to the trailhead, please be aware that the village of Belcarra has clamped down on parking in recent years. You used to be able to park in the village but this is not resident only parking and some hikers have returned to find $160 parking tickets waiting for them. To make sure you park in the right area, put ‘Belcarra Picnic Area’ into maps, not Jug Island Trailhead.

Distance: 5.5 km round trip
Elevation gain: 100 meters
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: Yes – on a leash
Public transit: Yes – From Vancouver, take bus #160 to Port Moody. From there, you can transfer to bus #C26 which will stop at Belcarra Regional Park. You can find the times and schedules on https://www.translink.ca/

11. Bunzten Lake – Port Moody

Bunzten Lake is a manmade lake just north of Port Moody. It’s a popular spot in the summer as there are several lovely beach areas. However, there are also some great easy hikes. The trail around the lake is quite long at 10 km but it is relatively flat (and more of a walk) which is why it’s on this list of easy hikes in Vancouver. It passes through scenic forests and offers some wonderful views out over the lake.

Distance: 10 km round trip
Elevation gain: 110 meters
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: Yes – on a leash
Public transit: Yes – While it’s definitely easier to drive, you can take public transit from Vancouver to Bunzten Lake. Take the SkyTrain from VCC-Clark Station (Platform 2) to Moody Centre Station. From here you can take bus #182 to the Anmore Grocery Store which is just outside the park area. The walk to the beach takes about 30 minutes.

12. High Knoll – Minnekhada Regional Park

Minnekhada Regional Park is a peaceful sanctuary close to Coquitlam. High Knoll is an easy hike in Vancouver with impressive views, especially in fall as you’ll look out over a sea of colours. The trail will take you to the marsh which is a great spot to see birds, beavers and other local wildlife. After you cross the dyke, the trail will take you through the trees and will begin to ascend steeply before quickly descending down the other side.

Take a quick detour to Low Knoll lookout before continuing on to High Knoll. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views over the marsh, Minnekhada Lodge, the Pitt River, and surrounding farmlands. One of the great things about this hike is that there is plenty of space to sit down and enjoy some lunch before you head back down. 

Distance: 6.5 km round trip
Elevation gain: 140 meters
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: Yes – on a leash
Public transit: No

13. Gold Creek Falls – Golden Ears Provincial Park

There are so many lovely trails in Golden Ears Provincial Park. While many are challenging and technical, there are lots of easier trails for beginners. One of my favourite easy hikes in Golden Ears is the Lower Falls Trail which takes you to the magnificent Gold Creek Falls. The trail follows the creek through the forest and has plenty of lovely lookout points where you can admire the clear emerald and turquoise water. You’ll reach the falls after about an hour of hiking. It’s suitable for all ages as it has minimal elevation, and is also dog friendly.

Distance: 5.5 km round trip
Elevation gain: Minimal
Pass/permit: Yes – A BC Parks Day-Use Pass is required for this hike in summer
Dogs: Yes
Public transit: No

 14. Spirea Nature Trail – Golden Ears Provincial Park

The Spirea Nature Trail is another easy hike in Golden Ears Provincial Park. It’s only a short loop and has next to no elevation gain, making it great for families with strollers or wheelchairs. While some would class this as an easy walk, the trail is so magical that I decided it would be remiss not to include it in this blog post.

It’s an enchanting forest to walk through. You may have seen photos on Instagram of beautiful light rays beaming through the trees in Golden Ears and wondered where they were taken. Well, most of them were taken along the Spirea Nature Trail. The best time to do this trail is in the morning and it’s suitable all year round. If you want to try and photograph the light rays, winter is a great time to visit. The conditions don’t always align but when they do, it is an incredible phenomenon to see!

Distance: 0.8 km round trip
Elevation gain: Minimal
Pass/permit: Yes – A BC Parks Day-Use Pass is required for this hike in summer
Dogs: Yes
Public transit: No

Other beginner friendly hikes closes to Vancouver

The following hikes are a bit further away so I didn’t included them in my initial list of easy hikes in Vancouver; however, they are great day trips! They’re a 2 to 3-hour drive from the city so you would need a whole day to get there, hike, and drive home. Luckily, there are lots of other fun things nearby so you can make the most of your day trip from Vancouver.

15. Cascade Falls – Mission

This is less of a hike and more of a short trail, but I’ve included it as Cascade Falls is a beautiful gem in the Fraser Valley. The trail takes you through the forest to the scenic waterfall and the suspension bridge that crosses the river. The best time to visit is in early Spring or after a heavy rainfall as the waterfall is more powerful and flows down into the canyon.

Cascade Falls is a 2-hour drive from Vancouver. There’s a lot to see in the area so although it’s a long drive for a short hike, it’s definitely worth the trek!

 16. Lindeman Lake – Chilliwack

Lindeman Lake is one of my favourite short hikes near Vancouver. The lake is in Chilliwack so it’s a 2-hour drive to the trailhead from Vancouver but you can easily spend the day here. There’s also a lot to do in and around Chilliwack, so it’s a great weekend trip from Vancouver.

The trail does climb steadily through the forest and can be a bit steep in places. The terrain is typical of the Pacific Northwest and involves walking over rocks and roots. While the elevation gain doesn’t seem too bad compared with other hikes in British Columbia, you are gaining a lot of elevation in a short space of time. Although I have rated it as easy, it really depends on your fitness level and some people may find this a more challenging hike. The nice thing about the trail is that it’s shaded until you reach the lake and you can stop and take lots of breaks.

The small beach area at the lake is a beautiful spot for a picnic. You can also continue to walk around the lake to get to the viewpoint in the photo below. It does involve crossing some sections of boulders which can be tricky at times.

Distance: 3.4 km round trip
Elevation gain: 300 metres
Pass/permit: Yes – A BC Parks Day-Use Pass is required for this hike
Dogs: Yes
Public transit: No

 17. Pender Hill – Sunshine Coast

Pender Hill is located on the Sunshine Coast and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Getting to the Sunshine Coast does require some advance planning as you have to book a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale (Gibsons). These ferries can book up in advance so I suggest reserving your ferries to ensure you get a spot there and back. The trailhead is in Pender Harbour and is a 70 km drive from the ferry terminal. In total, it normally takes 2.5 hours to get there from Vancouver.

I’ve been to the Sunshine Coast a few times for weekend breaks (check out my guide to Gibsons and Powell River if you’re planning a trip there). But it’s also possible to just do a day trip. I did exactly that when I hiked Pender Hill earlier this year. My friend and I caught a very early ferry, drove to the trailhead, hiked up Pender Hill, and then caught the ferry back to Vancouver. It was a really fun day and as the hike is only 2 km, you’ll have time to explore other areas on the way back. We stopped at Sechelt and even squeezed in a brewery in Gibsons before getting the ferry home!

If you’re looking for easy hikes on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, add Pender Hill to your list! It is uphill all the way so it’s a good workout but the views over Pender Harbour and the Strait of Georgia make up for it.

Distance: 2 km round trip
Elevation gain: 175 metres
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: Yes
Public transit: No

18. Soames Hill – Sunshine Coast

If you’re interested in doing a day trip over to the Sunshine Coast but don’t want to go as far as Pender Hill, Soames Hill is a lovely alternative. The trailhead is located close to Gibsons which is only a 20-minute drive from the Langdale ferry terminal.

Like Pender Hill, it’s a 2 km round trip but the elevation gain is only 65 metres. While the hike may be short, it does involve climbing 434 steps to the top. Make sure you are adequately prepared; take plenty of water, and wear sensible shoes with good grip as the staircase can be slippery. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Gibsons Harbour, Howe Sound, and the coastal mountains.

Soames Hill Park has over 5km (3 miles) of trails which wind through the impressive second-growth forest. This short hike can be done in under an hour but I recommend setting aside a few hours so you can enjoy the views at the top.

Distance: 2 km round trip
Elevation gain: 65 metres
Pass/permit: No
Dogs: Yes (on-leash)
Public transit: No

READ NEXT | A complete guide to Gibsons – The gateway to the Sunshine Coast >

Essential things to bring when hiking

If you’re a beginner hiker, packing for a hike can be overwhelming. When I first started hiking in Vancouver, I didn’t have the right gear and often over-packed which led to a heavy back pack! Even worse, often I didn’t have the essential items. To make your life easier, I’ve put together a summary below of what you should pack for these day hikes.

The 10 essentials

Before you head out on any of these trails, make sure you’ve packed the 10 essentials. These include navigation, water, food, rain gear and insulation, fire starter, first aid kit, tools (to repair kit and gear), light sources, sun protection, and shelter. 

You should take these items on every hike, no matter the distance. Although these hikes are classed as easy, you’re outdoors so you’re responsible for your own safety. If an emergency does arise, these items may help save your life. Make sure they’re at the top of your list of what to pack for a day hike.

Hiking backpack

If I can only give you one piece of advice, invest in a good hiking daypack. It will make hiking much more enjoyable and reduce the strain on your back and neck. Look for a bag with the following features:

• Adjustable straps
• Waist belt (this makes such a difference!)
• Chest strap
• Accessible pockets 
• Clips or hooks for your poles (many bags don’t have this and it makes carrying your poles difficult when you’re not using them)
• Sleeve for your hydration reservoir if you use one

Osprey daypacks are rated really highly. Patagonia also has a great selection. I recommend going and trying them to get a feel for what fits you best.

Hiking boots

I can’t stress enough the importance of having comfortable and supportive hiking shoes. Some people like hiking boots while others prefer trail runners. The best thing to do is try on a few different styles to figure out what best suits your needs. I usually opt for waterproof and lightweight hiking boots with ankle support due to Vancouver’s climate and terrain. I’ve had my Keen Hiking Boots  for over 2 years and have been really pleased with them.

Merino Wool Socks

As someone with very delicate feet, I highly recommend buying merino wool socks for hiking. Merino wool socks are great for preventing blisters and letting your feet breathe. I always opt for Darn Tough, Icebreaker or Smartwool.

Trekking poles

Although these hikes are rated as easy, a few of them do have quite a bit of elevation gain. I normally pack poles to take the pressure off my knees if I know there are some steep, downhill sections. You don’t want to add unnecessary weight so look for lightweight options such as the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles. I have the Black Diamond Trail Sport 2 Trekking Poles which are still light but more affordable.

Rain protection

The weather changes very quickly in the mountains. I’ve set off on a hike with the sun shining only to get caught in a cold downpour an hour later. Make sure you bring a rain jacket which can be easily packed away. I bought my Patagonia waterproof shell on sale in 2019 and I never go hiking without it. It’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much space in my backpack.  

Layers

Similarly, pack layers that you can add and remove as needed. Avoid cotton and opt for merino wool or poly blends that are quick drying. One of my favourite breathable mid-layers is the Patagonia R1 Fleece as it provides a lot of insulation but is lightweight to carry in my backpack. In the cooler months, I also pack an additional layer, usually my Patagonia Down Jacket or Nano Puff Jacket, and a toque.

Bug protection

Mosquitoes and flies can be relentless on some of these Vancouver hikes. It’s a good idea to take some bug spray with you in the summer months. MEC has a great range of bug sprays and repellers.  

Sun protection

Don’t forget to pack a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses if you’re hiking on a hot or bright day. I still pack polarised sunglasses in winter as they cut the glare reflecting off lakes and snow.

Final thoughts: Easy hikes in Vancouver

There are plenty of easy hikes in Vancouver and I hope this inspires you to get out and explore. If you have any questions about hiking in Vancouver, please let me know in the comments below and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Want more Vancouver hiking suggestions?

If you’re up for some harder hikes, have a look at the following guides:

• 15 Incredible hikes near Vancouver
• A complete guide to hiking Panorama Ridge
• Joffre Lakes: Hiking and backpacking guide
• Hiking to Garibaldi Lake: Everything you need to know

Love from Steph

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