5 of The Best Hiking Trails in The Lower Mainland of BC
The Vancouver area boasts some of the best landscapes the continent of North America has to offer. There are dozens of hiking trails within an hour of the city and it's surrounding areas. Today, we'll go over 5 of The Best Trails in The Lower Mainland of BC.
St. Mark's Summit
Cypress Provincial Park
Length: 11km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation: 500m
Difficulty: Moderate
The St. Marks Summit hike is part of the Howe Sound Crest Trail that sits above the Sea to Sky Highway. Once at the top, you'll find an astonishing view over Howe Sound towards the Sunshine Coast.
To reach the trailhead, you'll want to head to Cypress Mountain, which is about a 40 minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Parking is at the top, head past the main lodge towards the ski lifts and you'll see trail markers with several different routing options.
This hike takes roughly 4 hours and provides one of the most sought after views in Vancouver. This place is incredible!
Dog Mountain
Mount Seymour
Length: 5km
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
This trail is perfect for a first-timer or beginner hiker. Only taking about 2 hours, once at the top you'll have a magnificent view of Metro Vancouver! A lot of hikers opt to take this route just before the sun goes down so they can capture Metro Van in all her glory. Dog Mountain is just as breathtaking daytime, however.
The Dog Mountain Trail starts at the northern point of the Mount Seymour Ski Resort main parking lot!
If you have a free afternoon, we highly recommend checking this one out!
Quarry Rock
Deep Cove
Length: 4km
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Another perfect day-hike, suitable for all skill levels! On this trail you'll weave through dense forest, cross rivers on wooden bridges and emerge from the trail onto a rock surface overlooking Deep Cove and the Indian Arm.
This trailhead is located along Panorama Drive in Deep Cove, BC (18km from Vancouver).
Norvan Falls
Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
Length: 14km
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
If you're a waterfall chaser, then add this trail to your list! The trailhead branches off the Lynn Loop Trail and can often be wet and muddy, so make sure you bring some good hiking boots! The waterfall can be heard from over a kilometer away, which makes your approach towards it incredibly exciting!
Mount Cheam
Fraser Valley
Length: 9.5km
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This hike is a SportsX personal favorite! Mount Cheam is located near Chilliwack in the Fraser Valley and the summit will bring you up above the clouds! That's not the only view you'll be able to capture, though. The entire hiked bestows gorgeous views the entire way, including a stunning look at massive Mount Baker, 360 views of Lady Peak and endless fields of blooming wildflowers in the summer.
Though, this is not suitable if you're a first time hiker; once you have a few trails under your belt, you'll be able to tackle this one no problem. It's about 125km from Vancouver but the drive is worth it. Trust us.
Follow Google Maps directions to the small parking lot located along Chilliwack Lake Road and the trailhead can be reached there.