Vancouver Hiking
A front row seat to breathtaking scenery
Vancouver hiking trails offer head-turning forest, mountain, lake, and ocean views around every corner. From casual seaside strolls to multi-night backpacking adventures, hiking is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vancouver’s great outdoors.
Vancouver’s Sea Wall
World’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path
Walkers of all levels will find their footing in Vancouver, whether you want a relaxing stroll or a challenging climb. From the level seawall to the dense forest trails to steep ascents in the mountains, there's a path for anyone who wants to hike amongst the area's vast natural beauty and breathe in the fresh air.
Forests steps from downtown
Vancouver's scenic nine-kilometre Stanley Park seawall is one of the city's most beloved landmarks. Its flat, accessible trail surrounded by ocean and mountain allows you to enjoy the stunning scenery and people-watching at a manageable pace. Go inside the park to discover the calming effect of its towering trees and lush greenery.
Craving an experience deep in the forest? Head to Pacific Spirit Regional Park on Vancouver's western edge, near the University of British Columbia. Find an extensive network of rugged trails that vary in difficulty. Choose one that works for you and enjoy the crisp air that smells of pine, cedar, and fir as you stride through the rainforest.
Nature hikes for all
The mountains aren’t just for the staunch adventurer. Take the Grouse Gondola to effortlessly reach the top of Grouse Mountain, where you can enjoy easy trails with gorgeous panoramic city views.
Want a challenge? Skip the gondola and take the Grouse Grind, also known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” a steep ascent of over 2,800 steps to the summit. The climb is a favourite of those who want a physical challenge in nature.
The North Shore mountains offer endless trails throughout the seasons. Revel in the rich autumnal colours of fall, put on a pair of spikes in winter for a snowy adventure, or pack a picnic on a warm night and watch the sunset over the city after a vigorous hike.
Capilano Canyon
Capilano Canyon is a stunning trail loop that takes roughly one hour to complete. Winding through the canyon, passing streams, trees, and greenery, the trail is an excellent option for hikers of most levels.
Grouse Grind
Expect a hike that feels like a steep staircase to the sky. The Grouse Grind is one of Vancouver's most famous hikes, and isn't for the faint of heart. This Vancouver hike is a steep 2.5 km staircase through the forest where you'll ascend over 800 m. It's a workout, but the payoff is worth it. You'll enjoy bragging rights and the reward of an unparalleled view of the city, water, and sky.
Lighthouse Park
Just a 30-minute drive from downtown, Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver offers recreational hikes through old-growth trees. The park is off-leash for dogs and includes a functioning lighthouse and regular eagle sightings.
Pacific Spirit Park
You'll find ample Vancouver hiking trails with over 750 hectares of forest in Pacific Spirit Park. Whether you want an easy three-hour loop trail or a short, refreshing jaunt through the forest, this is where to find it.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of the most famous outdoor attractions in Vancouver, offering a slice of the rainforest on the edge of downtown. Explore over 27 kilometres of walking and hiking trails that weave through old-growth forests and skirt the ocean's edge. Dive deeper into your experience by joining a Talking Trees tour to learn how Indigenous people utilize the land for food, medicine, and technology.
Stawamus Chief
An hour outside the city, you'll find the Stawamus Chief, one of the region's most challenging and invigorating Vancouver hikes. Find an opening at the top, lay out a picnic blanket, and enjoy endless views of Sea-to-Sky country.
Vancouver Sea Wall
Want a rewarding walk in the heart of the city? Vancouver's beloved Seawall offers a vast waterfront walkway where you can breathe in the purifying ocean air, look out to the glistening water, and savour the calm of nature in a bustling urban setting.