Embrace Nature on These Vancouver Hikes

March 17, 2025
TE
By Taryn Eyton
4 min read
Two women hiking in Lighthouse Park.

The edges of Vancouver bump up against ocean, forest, and mountains so you don't have to go far to embrace nature. These tranquil hikes to waterfalls, lakes, and beautiful viewpoints and will leave you feeling refreshed.

Vancouver Hiking Tips

Hiking is a fun and rejuvenating activity, but you need to be prepared.

  • Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the conditions.

Stanley Park

Two women hike in Stanley Park.
Hiking in Stanley Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver.

Did you know you can go for a hike in downtown Vancouver? The interior of Stanley Park includes a network of forested trails. Use the Stanley Park trail map to plan your route. Don't miss the big trees along Tatlow Walk, the views from the Siwash Rock Trail, the babbling brook on the North Creek Trail, and the chance to spot the resident beavers on the Beaver Lake Trail.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park

A person wearing a backpack on a trail surrounded by trees in Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
Enjoying the forest in Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver

The western edge of Vancouver near UBC is home to Pacific Spirit Regional Park. The huge park has over 50 kilometres of trails that wander through old-growth forests, past marshes, and along the beach. The trails can be a bit of a maze, so consult the park map to stay on track. Highlights include beach walking on the Foreshore Trail, a rushing creek on the West Canyon and East Canyon Trails, and gorgeous mossy rainforest scenery along Lily of the Valley Trail.

Lighthouse Park

Lighthouse view in Lighthouse Park
Ocean views in Lighthouse Park. Photo: Destination BC/Tom Ryan

Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver has beautiful forested trails and lots of oceanfront viewpoints where you can sit in silence and just soak it in. Head to Juniper Point or Shore Pine Point to relax on rocky bluffs overlooking the Strait of Georgia. For the best views of downtown Vancouver, hike the East Beach Trail. The park map can help you find your way.

Whyte Lake

The short hike to Whyte Lake will leave you feeling rejuvenated. This West Vancouver Trail starts with a gentle climb through lush old-growth rainforest beside Nelson and Whyte Creeks. It finishes on the shores of tiny Whyte Lake, which is a great spot to go for a swim on a warm day. Or just walk out onto the dock to admire the reflections in the calm water.

Capilano River Regional Park

The view of the Lions from Cleveland Dam in Capliano River Regional Park.
The view of the Lions from Cleveland Dam in Capliano River Regional Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kazutoshi Yoshimura

The the Capilano River pours over Cleveland Dam and then snakes through a tight canyon in Capilano River Regional Park in North Vancouver. You can connect with nature while enjoying sublime scenery on several short trails in the park. Drink in canyon views and cross two bridges over the turbulent river on the Coho Loop Trail. Admire the view of the Lions Mountains from the top of the dam. Or head deep into the canyon to get an up close view of the dam spillway via the Second Canyon Trail. The park map shows the way.

Lynn Headwaters and Norvan Falls

Trek into North Vancouver's backcountry in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. The trail follows the banks of Lynn Creek upriver. In a few places, you can descend to the gravel banks to listen to the roar of the water. Your turn-around point is 30-metre-tall Norvan Falls. Time your visit for the spring or after a rain storm to see it at full flow.

Buntzen Lake

Most visitors to Buntzen Lake in Port Coquitlam stick to the beach at the south end of the lake. For some solitude, follow the trail along the lake as it weaves through mossy forest and leads to lots of viewpoints. The trail also crosses both a floating bridge and a suspension bridge.

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