Alright, everyone. It’s officially the season of colourful foliage and crisp autumn air, and we’re definitely getting in the fall mood. A huge part of that, of course, is planning some visits to the stunning vistas BC has to offer. After all, what better way to appreciate the changing colours than through a couple of classic fall hikes?
Here are some of the best trails to check out around Vancouver this coming season.
Note: While we intentionally picked less difficult and more popular routes, fall hiking does come with a few considerations. Plan ahead for rainy/overcast weather by bringing lots of layers, including extra pairs of socks. There are few things worse than hiking with wet feet…
Lindeman Lake Trail
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Located in the Chilliwack Provincial Park, the Lindeman Lake Trail is perhaps the most beautiful in the fall. Wind your way through the forest on this out-and-back trail, with a gorgeous lake rewarding your efforts. At just 3.5km, this hike can be accomplished in only a couple of hours.
Where: Chilliwack Provincial Park
Length: 3.5km
Addington Lookout Loop
Minnekhada Provincial Park is always a beautiful fall destination, and this series of trails let you see practically all of it. Enjoy the marshes, climb some hills, and keep on the lookout for wildlife! This is an absolute hotspot for those who like birds, so maybe even bring some binoculars with you.
Where: Minnekhada Provincial Park
Length: 6.9km
Teapot Hill
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Right beside Cultus Lake, Teapot Hill is one of those hikes where you won’t be bummed out if visibility isn’t great. Why? Because there are tons of actual teapots dotting the landscape on the trail, making what’s in front of you just as fun as what’s beyond. Plus, the porcelain-foliage combo is just so darned cool.
Where: Cultus Lake Provincial Park
Length: 4.8km
Lower Gold Creek Falls Trail
Sitting in the heart of Golden Ears Provincial Park, this trail is both nice to drive to and nice to actually walk. This is another heavily forested (and heavily trafficked) trail, but on clear days you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding falls.
Where: Golden Ears Provincial Park
Length: 5.5km
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Norvan Falls
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One of the longest trails we’re recommending is also one that includes a waterfall! This iconic North Shore hike is between Grouse and Seymour, runs alongside a river, and ends with a very nice waterfall to take in. Plus, those looking for an extra challenge can opt for a side trail with more rugged terrain on the way out or coming back.
Where: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
Length: 13.8km
Bowen Lookout and Saint Marks Summit
We can’t forget the third North Shore mountain! Kicking off at the base of Cypress, this trail offers incredible views of Bowen Island and the Howe Sound. Plus, not to get too lazy here or anything, but you don’t have to walk up a mountain first just to get started, and that’s a win for us on colder fall days.
Where: Cypress Provincial Park
Length: 12.2km
Mount Gardner Loop
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Maybe one weekend you see Bowen Island from away, and maybe one weekend you see it up close! This loop is the longest hike on the list, and is more or less a full-day trip including the ferry. But, find yourself there on a clear day, and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the area from a whole new perspective.
Where: Bowen Island
Length: 15.9km
Alright fellow outdoors enthusiasts, that’s our roundup of some of the best fall hikes to go on around Vancouver. Let us know if you have any other fall spots on your radar this upcoming season!
