Nothing beats getting your steps in while enjoying these awe-inspiring views!
Here’s 10 trails to conquer this summer, whether you’re a beginner hiker or veteran mountaineer.
Test Blog / Listicle – 10 Local Hikes to Conquer This Summer
PACIFIC SPIRIT PARK
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: varied
Wander the woodlands, starting at the trailhead on 16th Ave and continuing via the Clinton & Salish Trails.
Take in the coastline, kicking off at the trailhead at the Acadia Beach parking lot.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park | source: vancouvertrails.com
CAPILANO CANYON LOOP
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.6km round trip
Take in the amazing man-made and natural wonders at the Cleveland Dam trailhead. A perfect hike for a short day trip – don’t forget to take a selfie on the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge!
LYNN CANYON
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5km+ round trip
Slightly off the beaten track and significantly less commercialized that the Capilano Suspension Bridge is Lynn Canyon. Boasting its own suspension bridge, plus a boardwalk, waterfalls, and 30 foot water pools. Lynn Canyon is said to be one of the best hikes to take out-of-town visitors!
LIGHTHOUSE PARK
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6km round trip
This relaxed hike features multiple trails, viewpoints, ancient trees, and hidden beaches (and of course the famous lighthouse) – truly a ‘build-your-own-adventure’ hike!
The park entrances is located just off of Marine Drive in West Van.
Black Mountain Cabin Lake | source: vancouvertrails.com
BLACK MOUNTAIN CABIN LAKE LOOP
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 6km round trip
Cabin Lake is a popular spot to take a relaxing dip on a hot day! The trailhead begins just beyond Black Mountain Lodge, located in Cypress Provincial Park. After reaching Cabin Lake, you can backtrack to check out the views of Yew Lake Lookout, or continue on the Baden Powell Trail to reach the south peak of Black Mountain.
LYNN PEAK
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 9km round trip
Want more of a challenge than just the Lynn Canyon? Consider conquering the Lynn Peak! A great cardio workout, comparable to the notorious Grouse Grind, but with much less human traffic.
BIG CEDAR & KENNEDY FALLS TRAIL
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 10km round trip
Go chasing waterfalls (and ancient trees) on this rugged backcountry hike! Along the trail, you’ll encounter the Big Cedar Tree, a 600-year-old living giant. Continue along the trail, climb over a few rocks and fallen trees, and take a break to admire the glorious Kennedy Falls.
MOUNT STRACHAN
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 10.5km round trip
Up for an adventure? The challenging terrain of the Mount Strachan hike is made up for by the stunning views of Howe Sound and forested mountains stretching as far as Garibaldi Provincial Park. Can you spot the pieces of the crashed Royal Canadian Navy T-33 jet along the way?
Kennedy Falls | source: vancouvertrails.com
The Big Cedar Tree | source: vancouvertrails.com
COLISEUM MOUNTAIN
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 23.5km round trip
Bring out your inner gladiator as you tackle Coliseum Mountain! Featuring panoramic views from the northern Mount Burnwell and stretching all the way west to Vancouver island.
Coliseum Mountain View | source: vancouvertrails.com
DEMON RIDGE
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 16km round-trip
This hike lives up to its name! Can you defeat Demon Ridge? Said to offer some of the most spectacular views of the region, be sure to stop mid-hike to check out “The Prow Lookout”, which showcases views of the entire valley. Demon Ridge is a newer trail, so be sure to visit before it becomes a local hotspot! While in the area, you can also enjoy an Intermediate-level, 17km (round-trip) hike to the picturesque turquoise waters of Waterspite Lake.
Demon Ridge – Watersprite Lake junction view | source: vancouvertrails.com
Watersprite Lake | source: vancouvertrails.com