Ah, yes, spring is in the air, and we’re about to get one more hour of daylight, which means it’s the perfect time to get excited about hiking again. While there are plenty of options on this list that are open year-round, there are a handful of trails that open in just a few short weeks – and they’re definitely worth the wait. So with that in mind, here are 12 of the best spots for spring hikes to check out near Vancouver.
Before we get into it, we should let you know that spring hikes around Vancouver often come with unforeseen difficulties related to trail conditions and weather. Before heading out, we recommend using the Vancouver Trails website to plan ahead.
Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls Trail
Starting North of Lynn Valley, this trail winds through the forest before stopping at the gorgeous Kennedy Falls. A fun part of this one is the Big Cedar- a roughly 600-year-old tree that is one of the few in the area that wasn’t logged. Hikes around Vancouver don’t get much cooler than this one.
When: Open year-round
Distance: 10 km round trip
Difficulty: Intermediate
The Stawamus Chief
This trail actually shares part of the Sea to Summit Trail, so make sure you’re following the signs. Start at the stunning Shannon Falls, then get ready to walk up the Chief before getting that picture-perfect view of Howe Sound. You can do just the lower peak, or climb all three, depending on your mood.
When: March to November
Distance: 11km round-trip
Difficulty: Intermediate
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Cypress Falls
Another North Shore classic, Cypress Falls is an easy, year-round walk that sees two different waterfalls. Word to the wise, do not mess around at Cypress Falls, the area near the cliff may have eroded and loose dirt could give way.
When: Open year-round
Distance: 3km round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Brohm Lake Interpretive Forest
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A quiet path that winds through a moss-covered forest around Brohm Lake. Great for those who just want to get out for the day and mess around in nature. Multiple paths are available, but we suggest just doing the outer loop.
When: April to October
Distance: Up to 7.5 km round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Tunnel Bluffs
A relatively challenging hike that starts just north of Lions Bay and includes exposed rock sections. There are solid viewpoints, and the final one makes the mud more than worth it.
When: May to November
Distance: 6 km round-trip
Difficulty: Intermediate
Crooked Falls
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A gorgeous hike that ends at an incredible waterfall. There are several scenic viewpoints of the Squamish Valley throughout and it is a great remote hike near Vancouver to get you warmed up for later in the summer.
When: April to November
Distance: 6 km round trip
Difficulty: Intermediate
Hunter Road Trail
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Situated in Mission, Hunter Road Trail is one for lovers of steep hikes. The hike itself is mostly down a steep gravel road, but it ends at a stunning viewpoint looking north toward Stave Lake. For those who like to keep their journeys short & sweet, this one is an ideal pick.
When: March to November
Distance: 8 km round trip
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minnekhada Regional Park
A year-round park on the outskirts of Coquitlam. Another great summer warmup hike near Vancouver, and one that offers a little different view as Minnekhada is mostly marshlands. Good for looking for wildlife, too.
When: Open year-round
Distance: 10 km round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
If you can’t get out of the city, no worries. Because it turns out, UBC’s Pacific Spirit Regional Park is actually a great spot to hit the trails. You can walk through wooded trails and also down to the beach if you feel like it. That means you can make your hike as long or as short as you’d like.
When: Open year-round
Distance: 10 km round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Teapot Hill
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This easy hike is located within Cultus Lake Provincial Park and is great for hikers of all ages. As the name suggests, there are actually teapots hidden along the trail. And there are some pretty great views at the end.
When: Open year-round
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Sea to Summit Trail
Why pay money to take the Sea to Sky Gondola when you can just walk up? That’s our mentality, at least. This winding trail features almost a km of elevation gain and includes a little bit of scrambling, so prepare accordingly. Spring, summer, fall, doesn’t matter the season, this is undoubtedly some of the best hiking around Vancouver.
When: March to November
Difficulty: Intermediate to hard
Stanley Park
Finally, we’ll cap the list with this no-brainer. Stanley Park might seem like an easy guess but it’s often overlooked. After all, there are trails, forests, beaches, and the sea wall to explore. So don’t assume you’ve seen it all because you probably haven’t.
When: Open year-round
Distance: The park is 4.049 km²
Difficulty: Easy
And that’s a wrap on some beautiful spring hikes near Vancouver to check out. Stay safe out there!
