Vancouver offers so many breathtaking viewpoints many which involve hiking up one of the many nearby mountains. We’ll cover some of our favourite hikes in Vancouver with a view that we got the chance to complete this summer. If you have any other suggestions, let us know in the comments below!
Tunnel Bluffs
Distance: 11.3km
Elevation gain: 533m
Estimated time: 4-5hours
All Trails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/tunnel-bluffs-from-lions-bay-alternative-route
Tunnel Bluff is our favourite hike in Vancouver with a gorgeous view overlooking the Howe Sound, Bowen Island, Horseshoe Bay and all the way to Vancouver Island. Map yourself to the Sunset Trailhead Parking Lot as there is a designated parking lot which does get busy on the weekends as this is a popular hike. If you follow Google Maps directly to the Tunnel Bluffs it will try to drop you off on the Sea to Sky Highway where there is limited parking and possibility of having your car towed.
The hike from Lions Bay is easy to moderately challenging with most of the pain at the beginning where there is a sharp incline up a gravel track for the first 2km. After you get past the incline, the remainder of the hike is relatively easy and much flatter with a mix of dirt terrain. We would recommend hiking boots with solid ankle support as the incline and rocks can be rough on the feet and ankles. Hiking poles would also be useful. All of that is well worth it as once you get to the summit which takes about 2-3hours, you’ll enjoy panoramic views that are stunning. Coming down is much quicker and can be done in about 1.5 hours.
Stawamus Chief
Distance: 5.8km
Elevation gain: 653m
Estimated time: 3-5hours
All Trails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/stawamus-chief-trail
Although not quite in Vancouver, Stawamus Chief also known as ‘The Chief’ in Squamish has to make the cut as it is a worthwhile hike that rewards you with incredible views of Squamish and the Howe Sound. Although distance wise it is not as long as others on this list, The Chief is a moderately challenging hike that includes a steep incline up stairways, followed by some climbing on rocks and even some chains and ladders. During this stretch of climbing and rocks, it is recommended to be extra careful especially on rainy days as it can be quite slippery.
There are three peaks that can be conquered, we went for just the First Peak which is the easiest and shortens the total distance to around 3.7km. All three peaks offer a unique view and can be conquered within the same day, just make sure you are well prepared with plenty of water and some food. The Chief certainly is one of the most fun hikes near Vancouver with a view with the variety of terrain it offers.
For the Chief you’ll most likely need to drive – alternatively check out our post for Hikes In Vancouver Without A Car for trails you can get to by public transport.
St Mark’s Summit
Distance: 10km
Elevation gain: 570m
Estimated time: 3-4hours
All Trails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/saint-marks-summit
St Mark’s Summit starts from Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain and follows the Howe Sound Crest Trail before reaching a summit with breathtaking views. On this trail there will be a mix of terrain which mostly consists of gravel at the beginning followed by a combination of soil, rocks, roots and some stairs. It can get muddy even on sunny days so be warned and keep the white shoes at home! The elevation on the St Mark’s Summit trail is fairly consistent so it doesn’t feel as steep as other hikes on this list and it’s one of the more popular hikes with limited space at the summit to sit and relax.
But once you’re there it’s all worth it with awesome views of the Howe Sound, Bowen Island and Vancouver Island. Download offline maps just to be safe as the reception can be spotty.
Grouse Grind
Distance: 1.9km
Elevation gain: 780m
Estimated time: 1-2hours
All Trails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/grouse-grind-trail
The Grouse Grind is a quintessential rite of passage of any Vancouverite. A steep climb up Grouse Mountain with nothing but stairs, the Grind is a challenging but rewarding hike that is very popular among the locals. The trail is well maintained and starts just off to the side of the Grouse Mountain Gondola. From there you’ll come across many warning signs stressing how challenging it can be, especially for beginner hikers. Despite the distance being quite short the elevation is the steepest on this list with a lot of steps up (almost like climbing a stairmaster). The good thing is there’s plenty of signs to mark your progress, including 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 signs as well as a countdown from 1 to 40. Bring plenty of water as you don’t want to be running out early on.
Once you reach the top, enjoy scenic views of Vancouver, grab a bite or drink at the cafe and rest your tiring body. Head to the Georgia Strait Lookout where you can able to mark the time you took getting up the Grouse Grind on the sign (shown below) and take pictures. We managed to do it 1.5hours and we don’t have the best cardio but were trying to make it in time for a yoga session at the top! Since the Grind only permits people to hike up, you’ll need to purchase a gondola ticket to ride down to get back to the parking lot.
Quarry Rock
Distance: 3.9km
Elevation gain: 206m
Estimated time: 1-2hours
All Trails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/quarry-rock-baden-powell-from-deep-cove
One of the most popular hikes in Vancouver and the easiest on this list is Quarry Rock Lookout located in Deep Cove. Since it can get busy opt for public transport with the bus dropping you off along Deep Cove’s quaint cafes and stores like the well known Honey Doughnuts & Goodies. Take the Baden Powell Trail for an enjoyable hike that is well-maintained and includes a variety of terrain like gravel, dirt, bridges and boardwalks. Once you get to the viewpoint, you’ll get to see great views of Deep Cove over to Cosy Cove. Since this hike is very popular, it can get very crowded at the lookout especially on weekends, so try to go early or opt for a weekday.
Dog Mountain
Distance: 4.8km
Elevation gain: 162m
Estimated time: 2-3hours
All Trails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/dog-mountain-trail
Rounding off our favourite hikes in Vancouver with a view is Dog Mountain Trail, located on Mount Seymour. This is a well maintained trail with minimal elevation that overlooks North Vancouver, Stanley Park and the Burrard Inlet with nice views of mountains and nature along the way. The hike is relatively easy but has a lot of tree roots – like a lot, so be prepared with comfortable shoes that provide solid ankle support. It can also get slippery on rainy days so take extra caution. This ones a good option for new or beginner hikers who still want a rewarding view at the end.
