Spring is coming, which means that the days are stretching longer and the weather is slowly getting warmer. This season provides the perfect time to spend weekends outdoor, exploring the beautiful natural landscapes of Vancouver through hiking.
Here are a few hikes and trails that we recommend as the most suitable for this time of year!
Hollyburn Mountain
Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation Gain: 450m
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hollyburn Mountain is located in West Vancouver on Cypress Mountain with views of Vancouver, the Burrard Inlet and even the Lions (the twin peaks along the North Shore Mountains). Not only does this hike offer a great combination of breathtaking views, it is also a convenient commute from the city. The average time for completing this 7 kilometer hike both ways is 3.5 hours. However, if you want to enjoy its beautiful views leisurely, set aside at least 4 hours of your day.
Hollyburn Mountain begins from the cross-country skiing area at the Cypress Mountain Ski Resort. If you are driving from Vancouver it should take you 45 minutes get to the parking lot. Hiking Holyburn Mountain is completely free – including parking!
Photo Credit: Vancouver Is Awesome
Quarry Rock
Difficulty: Beginner
Elevation Gain: 100m
Dog Friendly: Yes
Another year-round hike in the North Shore is the Quarry Rock Hike in Deep Cove. The total distance for the round trip is 3.8km, which makes this the perfect activity for families that want to spend a day outdoors. Similar to the hike on Hollyburn Mountain, Quarry Rock has marked sections that are easy to climb.
It takes about an hour to reach the top of Quarry Rock and from there you are greeted with a stunning view of the Indian Arm, Belcarra, North Burnaby and North Vancouver.
How to get there? You can either drive or take a public transportation. Estimated driving time from Vancouver is less than 30 minutes. Head eastbound towards Highway 1, then cross Iron Workers Memorial Bridge. Turn Right onto Mount Seymour Parkway, after 5 km turn to Deep Cove Road.
If you are taking public transportation from downtown Vancouver the easiest way is to take the sea bus at Waterfront Station across to North Vancouver. At Lonsdale Quay transfer to bus 239 Capilano University and at Phibbs Exchange change to bus 212 Deep Cove.
Photo Credit: Owen Cherry
Lighthouse Park
Difficulty: Beginner
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Dog Friendly: Yes
Lighthouse Park is a small piece of heaven hidden in West Vancouver. This hike takes you through a Douglas-fir and Western Red Cedar forest, ending right next to the ocean. There is no set route for this hike; feel free to choose from a variety of trails that cut through the forest and end by the shore. The trek through Lighthouse Park takes less than 2 hours to complete (about 6 kilometers round trip). This beautiful park is a perfect example of British Columbia’s jaw-dropping West Coast Temperate Rainforest. Also, the lighthouse that you see at the end of the trail was built in 1912 and has been since then a great place to take pictures!
Lighthouse Park is quite easy to get to by car or public transit. If you drive from downtown Vancouver, it will take roughly 40 minutes. You can also take bus number 250 Horseshoe Bay departing from West Georgia Street.
Photo Credit: 3 Days in Vancouver