15 Easy Hikes Around Vancouver for Beginners

This is a list of 15 easy hikes around Vancouver for beginner hikers. This list includes trails in North and West Vancouver, Lions Bay, Coquitlam, Burnaby, Belcarra Regional Park, Mount Seymour Provincial Park, Mission, and Golden Ears Provincial Park. 

The day I moved to BC I decided to throw myself into nature. As a first-time hiker and former city person, this was super scary.

I had no previous experience outdoors, and I mean the REAL outdoors.

Considering all the rules and regulations around hiking, the constant news of rescue attempts for lost hikers, bear safety and animal attacks, and the cost of all the gear and equipment you need to safely take a long hike.

Hiking wasn’t supposed to be stressful but it was for me at the beginning. I am a stressful person I confess.

After a few trips out and several rookie mistakes later, I eventually got into a grove of prepping and trekking by myself comfortably.

I got comfortable with the BC terrain, the essentials I needed to bring, bear safety guidance and rules, and the idea of being alone in nature miles away from civilization.

To help aid anyone’s beginner hiking journey, I’ve made note of some of the easiest trails I first started on that helped me gain experience and confidence to hike alone, but also to explore some beautiful spots around Vancouver.

Before exploring the great outdoors, please review the Leave No Trace principles. To help protect the natural beauty of our wilderness areas, it's our responsibility to ensure we have as little impact on the areas we visit as possible.

Remember to plan ahead and prepare, hike and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, respect wildlife, stay on designated trails, and be considerate of other visitors. 

Remember to Prep, Pack, and Protect

• Use this guide on How to Prep for a Hike to help plan your trek with ease.
• Remember to pack the ten essentials + extras that you need for your hike.
• Do your part to protect the great outdoors and make the Leave No Trace principles a priority on every hike.

How difficult are these “Easy” Hikes?

This list includes hikes that I’ve classified as “Easy” which is defined as any hike between 5-8 kilometres (3-5 miles) and under 500m of elevation.

TIP: Hikes will begin to get considerably harder above 350m of elevation. If gaining elevation is a difficult task for you, start by mastering trails between 200m to 300m. Spending time hiking around the elevation level you want to hit will make it easier to push yourself to the next level.

Please remember that difficulty is ultimately determined by personal ability. This rating system is based on my personal ability, and fitness level. Only YOU can determine whether these trails are truly "Easy", and I encourage you to do so for yourself! 

Hike	Difficulty	Distance	Elevation Gain	Grade	Location
Jug Island Beach Trail	Easy	5.1km	221m	4.3%	Belcarra Regional Park
Eagle Powerline Road	Easy	8.2km	280m	3.4%	Port Moody
Coquitlam Lakeview Trail	Easy-Moderate	7.2km	296m	8.5%	Coquitlam
Lower Burnaby Mountain Loop	Easy	5.1km	248m	4.9%	Burnaby
Deeks Bluff via Howe Sound Trail	Easy-Moderate	7.7km	460m	6%	Lions Bay
Twin Falls Loop	Easy	6.3km	199m	3.2%	North Vancouver
Whyte Lake Trail	Easy	5.1km	261m	5.1%	West Vancouver
Hollyburn Hiker’s Access	Easy	7.6km	424m	5.6%	West Vancouver
Hunter Logging Road	Easy	7.7km	324m	4.2%	Mission
Dog Mountain Trail	Easy	4.8km	157m	3.3%	Mount Seymour Provincial Park
Sugar Mountain Loop	Easy	6.8km	371m	5.5%	Belcarra Regional Park
Lighthouse Viewpoint Loop	Easy	5.8km	267m	4.6%	West Vancouver
Gold Creek Lookout	Easy	7.7km	252m	3.3%	Golden Ears Provincial Park
Belcarra Bluffs and Admiralty Point Trail	Easy	5.5km	289m	5.3%	Belcarra Regional Park
Capilano Canyon Loop	Easy	6.0km	225m	3.8%	North Vancouver

Jug Island Beach Trail

Trail Info: This trail takes hikers through some lush forests and along stunning shoreline views of the Burrard Inlet, leading to a secluded beach at the end of the trail. Jug Island is a kilometre off the secluded beach and is quite picture-worthy. The trail has some steep and rocky sections, and the majority of the path is covered in overgrown tree roots so be careful of your footing.

Eagle Mountain Powerline Road

Trail Info: This is a relatively easy out-and-back trail along Eagle Mountain. This trail was created for the purpose of servicing the powerlines, so you’ll see some overhead wires. You’ll also see a lot of dog walkers, and trail runners on the trail, as it’s moderately trafficked. The trail goes to the edge of Eagle Ridge facing northwest, where you can see Bunzten Lake below, Sugar Mountain to the left, and Mount Seymour Provincial Park beyond.

Coquitlam Lakeview Trail

Trail Info: This trail winds its way through lush forests, providing hikers with glimpses of the serene lake along the way. The trail is family-friendly and offers a peaceful escape from the city, immersing you in the tranquillity of nature. The trail’s picturesque views and refreshing ambiance make it an ideal choice for those seeking a rejuvenating hike and a chance to connect with the peacefulness of the outdoors.

Lower Burnaby Mountain Loop

Trail Info: Situated in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, this loop trail circles the lower portion of the mountain. The first half of this loop is a slow descent through the thick forest, so be prepared for an initial loss in elevation, and then the second half will be more challenging to make up the elevation loss.

Deeks Bluff via Howe Sound Trail

Trail Info: This trail near Furry Creak rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of Howe Sound. The trailhead is marked with orange markers along the road from the parking lot off Porteau Road. The route follows a steep incline, leading to Deeks Bluff, where you can soak in the awe-inspiring beauty of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

Twin Falls Loop

Trail Info: Nestled in Lynn Canyon Park, this family-friendly loop trail features two picturesque waterfalls, charming bridges, and lush greenery. After passing the lookout at the Twin Falls Bridge, the loop is then completed over a series of smooth paths, with the majority being along paved sidewalks or streets.

Whyte Lake Trail

Trail Info: Located in West Vancouver, this enchanting trail takes you through a serene forested area, eventually leading to the tranquil Whyte Lake. This trail does reach a higher elevation and can at times be slippery over the rockier sections. Stability can be enhanced by following the clockwise hiking direction.

Hollyburn Hiker’s Access

Trail Info: Situated in Cypress Provincial Park, this trail rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of Vancouver, the Strait of Georgia, and the surrounding mountains. This area is subject to seasonal closure due to weather conditions. Most of the year, the snow starts about a quarter of the way up the trail in patches. In the heat, the snow is soft, and post-holing is possible. This area is subject to seasonal closure due to weather conditions.

Hunter Logging Road

Trail Info: A lesser-known gem in the Fraser Valley, this trail takes you on an adventure through remote and rugged terrain. The scenic views of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to spot wildlife make it a perfect choice for experienced hikers seeking solitude. The trail starts with a slow burn that follows a logging trail up to a great view of Stave Lake. Hunter Road is an active logging road.

Dog Mountain Trail

Trail Info: Situated on Mount Seymour, this popular trail offers stunning views of the North Shore mountains and Vancouver. Known for its vibrant wildflower displays during the summer months, it’s an accessible option for hikers of various skill levels and dog owners looking for a pet-friendly hike. The trail crosses First Lake and several creeks and finishes at the exposed summit of Dog Mountain. The trail starts at the top of the parking lot, past the cafe, on the left.

Sugar Mountain Loop

Trail Info: This hike is a nice loop around the apex of Sugar Mountain, starting and finishing at the White Pine Beach parking lot. It is largely through a beautiful forest and can get fairly wet and muddy from surrounding streams and frequent rain. Once you finish you can chill at White Pine Beach!

Lighthouse Park Viewpoint Loop

Trail Info: The hiking trail loop in Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver, takes you through forests, along coastlines, and offers ocean views. With the iconic lighthouse as a backdrop, it’s a memorable experience that immerses you in the natural beauty of the area. This loop as shown travels fully around the park’s perimeter while visiting every viewpoint including Juniper Point, Shore Pine Point, West Beach, Lighthouse Lookout, East Beach, Arbutus Knoll, Starboat Cove and Eagle Point.

Gold Creek Lookout

Trail Info: Situated in Golden Ears Provincial Park, this trail leads to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the picturesque Gold Creek Valley. The Gold Creek Lookout follows the main West Canyon trail and East Canyon trail via Connector Bridge, then heads to Viewpoint Beach for a pit stop, then back out the East Canyon Trail with a detour to see the upper falls.

Belcarra Bluffs and Admiralty Point Trail

Trail Info: Located in Belcarra Regional Park, this scenic trail offers a captivating coastal experience. Hikers can explore rugged bluffs, stroll along picturesque beaches, and soak in breathtaking views of Burrard Inlet. The trail leads to Admiralty Point, where you can witness panoramic vistas and observe marine life. It’s a perfect blend of coastal beauty and tranquillity, providing a memorable hiking adventure for nature enthusiasts.

Capilano Canyon Loop

Trail Info: Situated in North Vancouver, this loop trail takes you through the enchanting Capilano Canyon. Traverse suspension bridges, meander along forested pathways, and marvel at the impressive canyon walls. The trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the lush rainforest and the rushing waters of the Capilano River, creating an immersive and awe-inspiring hiking experience.

There are many easy hikes around Vancouver that are suitable for all ages and abilities. These 15 hikes are just a sample of what the region has to offer, and each one offers its unique beauty and charm. So, grab your hiking boots and head out to explore the great outdoors around Vancouver!

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