One of the coolest things about Vancouver is that the transit system allows people to access many of the popular hikes in and around the city. As a Vancouver local for nearly 8 years, I have been able to enjoy these accessible hikes whenever I feel the mood to be in nature. Here are 9 hikes you won’t want to miss out on!

#1 Grouse Grind

Level: Difficult

Time: 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on fitness level and how fast you hike

Where: North Vancouver

The Grouse Grind is a steep hike that takes you up to the peak of Grouse Mountain. It’s become a hot spot for fitness enthusiasts to challenge their time. The average time for hiking up the grind is 1 hour and 30 minutes. I was able to make it up in 1 hour 5 minutes my first time. The bus drops you right off at the hike’s entrance. Most people take the Gondola back down (Last time I checked, it’s $20 to get back down). I wouldn’t recommend hiking down. There’s a lot of food at the Grouse Grind restaurants available after the grueling hike, so be sure to check it out. You’re going to need the nourishment!

#2 Lynn Valley Loop

Level: Moderate

Time: 40 minutes to 1 hour

Where: North Vancouver

This is a beautiful hike that is part boardwalk, part natural trail. There are some inclines and stairs which will definitely give you a workout. You get a wonderful scenic nature walk showing you majestic trees, waterfalls, and the creek. The end of the trail leads you to a drawbridge where you can go explore other trails around the area or loop back. I always like to fuel up after at End of The Line General Store with some protein bites and tea. You could do the whole thing in 40 minutes if you’re quick or spend the entire afternoon there chilling on the rocks by the water. The bus drops you off within 5 minutes walking distance of the trail head. I’ve personally done this hike at least 50 times!

#3 Velodrome Trail

Level: Intermediate

Time: 1-3 hours

Where: Burnaby

This trail is called the “Burnaby Grind” since for the first part of the trail, you’re hiking up 500 steps to reach the top of the mountain. From there, you can hike back down or keep going to discover other trails – eventually you can get a view of the Burrard Inlet. The bus drops you off pretty close to the trail head. Because it’s not as well-traveled as other hikes on weekdays, I’d recommend not going early in the morning or late at night (Another hiker warned me about this since I was alone).

#4 Rice Lake

Level: Easy

Time: 1.5-2 hours

Where: North Vancouver

This lovely trail is just a 10 minute walk from the Lynn Valley Loop trail. It’s worth a mention all on its own. This is a nice easy nature walk with a view of the lake close to other trails within the Lynn Valley area. Locals tip: It’s even more beautiful on a rainy day – the fog is intense here!

#5 Whytecliffe Park

Level: Easy

Length: Unlimited

Where: West Vancouver

While not technically a hike, if you’re taking a bus it’s about a 20 minute walk from the stop to the park. Whytecliffe Park is a beautiful beach with cliffs you can climb up and watch the sunset on. It’s not particularly busy in the spring, but it can be jam packed in the summer months due to its fame of being a hot sunset spot. You can swim, sunbathe, climb, or read throughout this area.

#6 Stanley Park

Level: Easy to moderate

Time: 1 hour to several hours depending on how far you go

Where: Vancouver (West end)

This beautiful gem boasts old growth trees and there are so many inspiring trails that look beautiful in both rainy or sunny weather. The seawall trail is famous among locals and tourists alike (ideal to go at sunset as it gives you a gorgeous view of the mountains and sea as the sky glows). My personal favourite is Beaver Lake trail (I have a slightly hidden spot I like to chill at) as well as Lost Lagoon. There are plenty of opportunities to see birds, water fowl, and even raccoons or skunks if you go at dusk. There was a coyote problem at one time, but it’s been taken care of (I’ve never seen a coyote or bear there). It’s also close to English Bay and many restaurants/cafes if you want to grab refreshments after.

#7 Munro Lake Trail

Level: Easy to moderate

Distance: 1-1.5 hours

Where: Coquitlam

This lovely trail gives hikers a beautiful view of the lake, forest, and surrounding mountains. Coquitlam in general has a lot of accessible trails, but this is my personal favourite. It’s quieter than a lot of other trails and you can take your time, jog, or walk and take in all the sights.

#8 Deer Lake Park

Level: Easy to moderate

Distance: 40 minutes to 1 hour for the loop

Where: Burnaby

This gem of a trail is close to Metrotown, but once you’re there, you feel as though you’ve escaped to the wilderness. Parts of the trail hide any views of the city, but on one side of the lake you can see sky scrapers. With that being said, it’s a gorgeous trail at golden hour. The long grasses and lake really come to life at sunset. There is also a beach and canoe/kayak rentals are available.

#9 Capilano Regional Park

Level: Moderate

Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours

Where: North Vancouver

The Capilano Dam gives you an epic view of the mountains. Go there on a sunny, quiet day and the reflection in the water is amazing. There are many forest trails you can take throughout the park giving you lovely views of the tall trees, rivers, rapids, and cliffs. It’s a gem of a hike and you can wander for hours if you’re inclined. I personally love the trails most when it’s raining – I suppose that’s part of the Vancouver charm: temperate rainforests. Rainy forest walks are so cleansing and rejuvenating. Just be sure to dress warm and bring an umbrella if it’s really pouring. As with most of the other trails, the bus drops you right off at the park entrance.

I hope you enjoyed this little guide to some of my favourite hikes. I truly hope you have an amazing time if you visit Vancouver.