Hiking from Sea-to-Sky around Vancouver and the West Coast
In the coastal rainforests, trails meander through towering, centuries-old trees draped in moss, beside crystal-clear streams and cascading waterfalls. The undergrowth is lush and vibrant, providing a vivid display of greens that are especially captivating in the misty rain that the area is known for.
Along the shoreline, trails follow the rugged, rocky coast, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. These paths often pass through isolated coves and sandy beaches, where hikers can witness the power of the ocean and the rich marine life, including seals, sea lions, and, during migration season, whales.
In the mountainous regions, trails range from moderate hill climbs to challenging alpine routes. These hikes reward with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, from snow-capped peaks and glaciers to expansive views of the ocean and islands dotting the coastline.
Our ten most recommended hikes:
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St. Mark's Summit, North Vancouver
St. Mark's Summit trail, located within Cypress Provincial Park in North Vancouver, is an approximately 11-kilometer out-and-back hike that offers breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Tantalus Range. Beginning in a dense forest, the trail ascends via a series of switchbacks, gradually unveiling the stunning panorama of the deep blue waters of Howe Sound, framed by rugged, often snow-capped mountains. Although considered moderate due to its length and 460-meter elevation gain, the trail is a local favorite and is accessible year-round, though winter conditions may require additional gear. Its close proximity to Vancouver and rewarding views make it a popular choice for nature enthusiasts.
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Stawamus Chief Trail, Squamish
The Stawamus Chief Trail, located in Squamish, British Columbia, is a thrilling and challenging hike that rewards climbers with stunning panoramic views. This approximately 6-kilometer round trip trail takes hikers up the granite dome of the Stawamus Chief Mountain, one of the largest granite monoliths in the world. The trail is divided into three distinct peaks, each offering a unique vantage point of the surrounding landscapes, including the town of Squamish, the sparkling waters of Howe Sound, and the majestic coastal mountain ranges. The hike involves steep sections, stairs, and, in some parts, chains and ladders to assist climbers, reflecting its difficulty level. Despite its challenge, the Stawamus Chief Trail is a favourite among adventure seekers for its breathtaking views and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit.
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Garibaldi Lake Trail, Garibaldi Provincial Park, Whistler
The Garibaldi Lake Trail, nestled within the Garibaldi Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada, is a spectacular trail renowned for its pristine alpine scenery. This approximately 18-kilometer round-trip hike begins with a series of switchbacks through a lush, old-growth forest before opening up to reveal breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and meadows. The crown jewel of the trail is the turquoise-hued Garibaldi Lake itself, nestled between mountains and glaciers, offering an idyllic spot for a picnic or a rest. For the more adventurous, the trail can be extended to include the Black Tusk or Panorama Ridge, both offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The hike is considered moderate to difficult due to its length and steady uphill climb. The trail is typically best hiked from July to October when it's free from snow. With its stunning natural beauty, the Garibaldi Lake Trail offers a rewarding and memorable hiking experience.
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Joffre Lakes Trail, Pemberton
The Joffre Lakes Trail, located in Pemberton, British Columbia, is a breathtaking 8-kilometer round-trip hike through awe-inspiring alpine scenery. Considered moderate to difficult due to some steep sections, the trail takes hikers past three stunning, glacier-fed lakes. Starting with Lower Joffre Lake at the trailhead, the path ascends through an old-growth forest to Middle Joffre Lake, offering closer views of the Matier Glacier. The trail culminates at Upper Joffre Lake, the largest and most impressive of the three, lying directly beneath the glacier with a cascading waterfall. Accessible year-round, the trail is best hiked from early summer to fall when it's free from snow, offering a remarkable hiking experience that highlights the natural beauty of British Columbia's alpine landscapes.
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The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, Vancouver Island
The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, located on the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island, is a 47-kilometer trail known for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain.However, for those seeking a shorter day hike, the section between Botanical Beach and Botany Bay is an excellent choice. This approximately 3-kilometer round-trip trail offers a relatively easy walk through lush rainforest, culminating in two stunning beaches known for their rich tidal pools and unique geological formations. Botanical Beach, in particular, is renowned for its tide pools carved into the flat shale bedrock, which house a variety of marine life such as sea urchins, starfish, and various shellfish. This section of the trail offers a taste of the longer Juan de Fuca Trail's coastal beauty and natural diversity, making it an ideal choice for a shorter day hike. It's important to note that tide times should be checked before the hike to ensure the beaches and tide pools can be safely accessed and enjoyed.
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Cathedral Grove Trail, MacMillan Park, Vancouver Island
The Cathedral Grove Trail in MacMillan Provincial Park, is a unique and accessible hiking experience known for its awe-inspiring, ancient Douglas Fir trees. This easy, family-friendly trail is actually a network of walking paths that weave through the park, covering a total distance of approximately 3 kilometers. The trail takes visitors through an old-growth forest, some of which are over 800 years old and reach heights of up to 75 meters. The most famous among them is the "Big Tree," which measures more than 9 meters in circumference. Walking through the trail feels like stepping back in time, as you're surrounded by towering trees, lush ferns, and the sound of local birds. The Cathedral Grove is not only a national natural treasure, but it's also a place of significant spiritual importance to the local First Nations people.
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Long Beach Trail, Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island
The Long Beach Trail in Pacific Rim National Park, offers an exhilarating hiking experience along one of Canada's most iconic shorelines. This trail, largely flat and accessible, spans the length of Long Beach itself, which is approximately 10 kilometers end-to-end. However, the trail's length can be tailored to a hiker's preference, making it suitable for both short walks and longer hikes. Traversing the trail, hikers are treated to expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, with its powerful waves that draw surfers from around the world. The beach is bordered by lush, coastal rainforest, and the area is rich with wildlife; it's not uncommon to spot eagles soaring overhead, or to find traces of wolves and black bears along the beach. The trail also passes by tidal pools teeming with marine life and rock formations that add an adventurous element to the hike. The Long Beach Trail is best enjoyed in the summer months, though the wild beauty of storm season can also be a draw for visitors in the winter.
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Lower & Upper Myra Fall Trail, Strathcona Park, Vancouver Island
This 1 to 7-kilometer out-and-back trail, leads hikers to the base of the impressive Myra Falls and beyond if you choose the hke to the upper falls. The trail winds through a lush, dense forest before arriving at a series of cascading waterfalls and turquoise pools that make up Myra Falls. The falls' powerful roar, coupled with the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape, creates an unforgettable backdrop. The Lower Myra Falls trail is a family-friendly hike that can be enjoyed year-round, though the falls are most spectacular in the spring and early summer when the water flow is at its peak. The Upper Falls trail is more strenous. Hikers can enjoy the serene beauty of the forest, the rushing sound of the creek, and an array of local flora and fauna. Upon reaching the falls, hikers are rewarded with a view of the multi-tiered waterfall cascading down a steep rock face into a crystal-clear pools below.
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Hiking the Cape Scott Trail
The Cape Scott Trail is an adventurous and challenging hike located in the remote Cape Scott Provincial Park on the northern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. This 23.6-kilometer (14.7-mile) one-way trail takes hikers through diverse landscapes, including dense old-growth rainforests, marshlands, and rugged coastal terrain. The trail requires navigating over wooden boardwalks, muddy sections, and rough, rocky paths. Along the way, hikers can explore historical relics from early 20th-century settlements, as well as take in the breathtaking views of pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and the wild Pacific coastline.
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Lund to Sarah Point on the Sunshine Coast Trail, Lund
The Sunshine Coast Trail, is a remarkable 180-kilometer trail known for its beautiful and diverse landscapes. For those seeking a shorter day hike, a highly recommended section is the trail from Lund to Sarah Point, a distance of about 12 kilometers round trip. This trail, considered moderate in difficulty, offers an invigorating trek through lush, coastal rainforest with occasional views of the Malaspina Strait. The trail winds through old-growth trees, crosses creeks, and even passes by an old homestead site. Upon reaching Sarah Point, hikers are rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of Desolation Sound and the Salish Sea. The return trip can be made along the same path, or alternatively, there is the option to arrange for a boat pickup at Sarah Point for a return trip by sea. This section of the Sunshine Coast Trail offers a taste of the trail's natural beauty and the rich biodiversity of the region, making it an excellent choice for a shorter day hike.
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