Hello, nature lovers! Vancouver’s summer is in full swing and after months of being cooped up in the city it’s high time to get outdoors. After all, BC is chock-full of beautiful hikes, so now is as good a time as any to take advantage of them. But, you’ll have to do that safely. That’s precisely why we’ve teamed up with Mark’s to put together this little list of some challenging hikes near Vancouver with gorgeous views.
Mark’s has been working directly with government agencies and public health for over a decade to introduce Canadians to a revolutionary new product – WindRiver Tick and Mosquito-Repellent clothing and accessories. This collection has permethrin bonded into the fabric to offer odourless and invisible protection against ticks and mosquitoes. We’re talking shorts, shirts, jackets, pants, and even hats!
So, when you’re venturing out to these gorgeous hikes near Vancouver, set yourself up with some WindRiver gear. Let Mark’s take care of your worries about ticks and mosquitoes, so you can take care of that mountain in front of you.
WATERSPRITE LAKE
If you’re looking for views of turquoise waters surrounded by gorgeous mountain peaks, then this is the hike for you. What used to be a hidden gem is now a popular hiking trail among locals, and for good reason. From start to finish, you’re surrounded by a variety of gorgeous views. From mountain peaks to valleys and creeks (heyyy, see what we did there?) this hike will not disappoint.
Duration: 17km
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance from Vancouver: 1hour 45 mins
SLESSE MEMORIAL TRAIL
Located southeast of Chilliwack, the Slesse Memorial Trail is a testament to incredible hikes outside of the Whistler area. This intermediate hike takes roughly 6 hours to complete, but rewards hikers with amazing views of Mount Slesse. Don’t miss the propeller, either, which serves as a memorial to one of Canada’s worst aviation disasters.
Duration: 12km
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance from Vancouver: 2ish hours
HELM LAKE
A challenging and long hike that winds around a few lakes south of Whistler. The trail offers views of a few iconic BC mountains, including Black Tusk. There’s also a campsite on the trail, making it easy for those who want to extend their stay and explore the area.
Duration: 26km
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance from Vancouver: 2ish hours
WEDGEMOUNT LAKE
Described as one of the most challenging hikes in Garibaldi Park, Wedgemount Lake offers an elevation gain of 1160 meters in just 6km. However, the alpine views and a glimpse of the amazing Wedgemount Waterfall make it more than worth it.
Duration: 12km
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance from Vancouver: 2.5 hours
GARIBALDI LAKE
Probably one of the most well-known trails in British Columbia, Garibaldi Lake has everything the outdoors enthusiast could ask for. You’ve got glaciers, you’ve got mountains, you’ve got a gorgeous lake. What else could you possibly want?!
Duration: 18km
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance from Vancouver: (Almost) 2 hours
BLACK TUSK
Saving the longest for last, this hike leads to BC’s most stunning (in our opinion) mountain. Black Tusk is a stratovolcano and volcanic rock that simply juts into the sky. There’s a reason that even as a very challenging trail it is still very popular- the reward is more than worth it. Don’t want to try a scramble? You can try Panorama Ridge instead.
Duration: 29km
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance from Vancouver: 1hour 45mins
There you have it, folks! Don’t forget to check trail conditions before you head out, and always make sure someone back home knows where you’ll be going. Happy hiking!
