10 best hiking trails around Vancouver in the Summer and the Fall
Looking to explore the outdoors around Vancouver, British Columbia? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, the trails near this coastal city offer some of the most breathtaking views in Canada. This blog post highlights 10 of the best hiking trails around Vancouver that are ideal for the summer and fall seasons.
How I Chose These Trails
Everyone has their own criteria for what makes a trail great. Some prioritize:
– Trail difficulty
– Trail conditions
– Reward-to-effort ratio
As an amateur photographer, my choices focus on scenic views and the atmosphere you experience both along the way and at the destination.
Seasonal Notes
These trails are generally accessible in summer and fall. Some may not be suitable or safe in the winter due to snow, ice, or avalanche risks. Always check current trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out.
A Quick Note on Safety
Hiking in British Columbia can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s important to:
– Know your limits
– Bring proper gear
– Review the trail details (distance, elevation gain, estimated time)
– Tell someone your plans
– Bring 10 essentials
Now, without further delay…
10 best hiking trails around Vancouver in the Summer and the Fall
Hiking Harmony Lake – Musical Bumps – High Note
Matier Glacier via Joffre Lakes
#10 Stawamus Chief (The Chief)
Length: 6 km
Elevation Gain: 660 m
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
There are some ladder climbing, rope pulling, and stepping on high steps in this trail. For some people, those things are very tiresome. Fortunately, the trail is short and the views are good at the peaks. Yes there are actually 3 peaks on this trail. I would recommend skip peak 1 and go straight to peak 2 and peak 3 to avoid crowds.
#9 Hiking Harmony Lake – Musical Bumps – High Note
Length: 11.5 km
Elevation Gain: 811 m (if doing it clockwise), 470 m (if doing it counter clockwise)
Difficulty Level: Hard (if doing it clockwise), Intermediate (if doing it counter clockwise)
This is one of the trails that provides scenic views non-stop. The views on Musical Bumps are breath-taking, with the mountains in Garibaldi park and the Cheakamus Lake. The only down side is that you have to pay for the gondola to go up and the parking.
#8 Garibaldi Lake
Length: 18 km
Elevation Gain: 970 m
Difficulty Level: Hard
This trail is rated as hard solely because of its length. There are several switch backs at the beginning that can wear you down, but there is nothing technical along the trail. Take frequent breaks if you want. You will get to the lake eventually. The lake is beautiful with blue or green color depending on the time of the year and the angle of the sun. After having enough of the views and rest, you will need to drag yourself back to the packing lot on the same trail you come from.
#7 Mount Seymour
Length: 8 km
Elevation Gain: 566 m
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
The Mount Seymour trail is a popular hike near Vancouver, offering city views along the way and sweeping mountain scenery at the top. Be sure to continue to the third peak—Mount Seymour’s summit—for the full experience.
#6 Matier Glacier via Joffre Lakes
Length: 12.7 km
Elevation Gain: 743 m
Difficulty Level: Hard
If the Joffre Lakes Trail is not a challenge for you, you can try to continue on to the Matier Glacier. To get to Matier Glacier, you can continue your hike after you reach Joffre Lakes Camp Site. At the Glacier, you can see all three Joffre Lakes in the same view. It’s simply amazing.
#5 Golden Ears Summit
Length: 26 km
Elevation Gain: 1,688 m
Difficulty Level: Hard
This trail is loooong and steep. There is also some scrambling at the end. But you will be rewarded with amazing views on the peak.
#4 Brunswick Mountain
Length: 14.3 km
Elevation Gain: 1,788 m
Difficulty Level: Hard
Brunswick Mountain is the tallest peak in the North Shore of Vancouver. That means you can see all the nearby mountains on a clear day. Other than the steepness, there are some scrambling on the trail.
#3 The Black Tusk
Length: 25 km
Elevation Gain: 1,7108 m
Difficulty Level: Hard
The Black Tusk can be seen from every where, even on the highway where you are driving to the trail head. It’s one of the most recognizable peaks in the Garibaldi Provincial Park, because of it dark color and distinctive shape. Hiking to it is a long and challenging journey. The last few meters to the peak is a vertical rock wall climbing that will challenge your will and strength.
#2 Panorama Ridge
Length: 26 km / 30 km (Depends on if you want to do a side trail to Garibaldi Lake or not)
Elevation Gain: 1,469 m (1,600 m, Depends on if you want to do a side trail to Garibaldi Lake or not)
Difficulty Level: Hard
This is another long and challenging trail in the Garibaldi Provincial Park. The good thing is that you have enjoyable views along the trail. If you come during the peak flower season, Taylor Meadows, the meadows that are in the middle of the trail that you will pass through to get to Panorama Ridge or the Black Tusk, are beautiful with all the wild flowers. At the top you can see the whole Garibaldi Lake beneath you.
#1 Frosty Mountain Trail
Length: 21.6 km
Elevation Gain: 1,245 m
Difficulty Level: Hard
This trail is in Manning Park and is my top-rated hike—not only for its endless mountain views at the summit but also for the stunning seasonal display of golden larches. The window for the larches to turn golden/yellow lasts only 2 to 3 weeks, typically in late September and early October. Being surrounded by these golden larches is truly a breathtaking sight.
The above are the best 10 hiking trails around Vancouver. I have more hiking trails on the following page: George’s Hiking.