Blanketing contemporary buildings, snow-capped fierce mountains, gigantic ocean, impeccable dining options, and exquisitely refreshing rainforests, Vancouver is a city in Canada that will make you fall in love with itself in an instant. The luxuriant greens, towering trees, sandy trails, and the tranquility in the atmosphere defines trekking in Vancouver. Offering some of the most photogenic and most Instagrammable paths, trekking in the food capital of Canada gives travelers an opportunity to encounter experiences like no other.
Housing numerous ways that lead to the top of the peak, exhibiting some of the most breathtakingly beautiful views, Vancouver is nothing less than paradise on earth for those who are seeking to get closer to mother nature. Embrace the calmness, soak in the alluring charm, make the world halt, and let the feeling of overwhelm take over as you stand at the summit and witness the natural marvels at their best. Scan through this list of famous trails and peaks that one can conquer on their adventurous Canadian escape!
10 Famous Trekking Spots In Vancouver
Vancouver, an ocean-fringed metropolitan city with the floors being covered by beaches, harbors, mountains, rainforests, and concrete jungles, boasts about an extensive number of mystical trails that pass through the towering, lush greenery. Take a look at this list of trekking spots that one must add on their bucket list when traveling to Vancouver for a thrilling holiday!
1. Diez Vistas
One of the most beloved trails for trekking in North Vancouver, Diez Vistas offers a total of ten magical views to the trekkers along the ridge of the trail. Diez Vistas provides magnificent and breathtaking views of the Burrard Inlet, the North Shore, the Vancouver Island, and the North Shore. The trails of this trek commence from White Pine Beach and spread in different directions as the trail continues upwards and leads to the Buntzen Lake. It is best to stick to the trail that goes through the sugar mills as the other trails are much steeper and risky.
Difficulty Level: Moderate To Difficult
Time: 6 to 7 hours
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2. Garibaldi Lake
Commencing from the parking lot in Rubble Creek, the trail to the Garibaldi Lake is well-built and welcomes the trekkers with a few wooden steps initially, making it comfortable for those trekkers who are just beginning their adventure life. Offering either just a day trip or allowing travelers to set up a camp for the night next to the lake, paths leading to Garibaldi Lake are surrounded by the trees that are greener than usual. Upon reaching the final destination, the views that are encounter are bound to leave the spectator awestruck. Surrounded by might snow-covered mountains, meadows, volcanic structures, and flowers blooming at their best, the trek to Garibaldi Lake is certainly worth a shot!
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Time: 5 hours
3. St. Marks Summit
Another one of the easier spots for trekking in Vancouver, St Marks Summit is a peak that offers some of the surreal views of three famous islands of the city- the Howe Sound, the Tantalus Range, and the Vancouver Island. One of the most popular day treks amongst the locals, the trail for this trek begins from the parking lot of the Cypress mountain and the trail continues along the Lions mountain trail. The path leading to the peak might be a little steep and might get a little slippery during the winter months so its best to wear the proper footwear with a proper grip.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Time: 5 hours
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4. Wedgemount Lake
One of the difficult trekking places in Vancouver, the trails to the Wedgemount Lake allow the trekkers to witness the majestic glaciers up close, thus tempting the travelers to conquer the peak. While trekking and reaching the destination, the Wedgemount Lake, one encounters glimpses of the magical waterfall that further allures the trekkers. The trail is flat when it starts but soon embraces the big elevation and gets steep only to get flat again. Although, the exquisite and jaw-dropping views of the alpine scenery makes the whole struggle extremely worthwhile.
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Time: 7 hours
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5. Black Tusk
Considered as the best trekking in Vancouver by the adventure enthusiasts, Black Tusk is a destination that certainly deserves a spot in the bucket list of every trekker. Black Tusk is one of the most popular landmarks for the city of Vancouver and can be spotted in the souvenirs and postcards of the city. A remnant of volcanic erosion, the black color of the mountain, which is a total contrast to the surroundings attract flocks of trekkers from every corner of the world. The trek to this mighty and iconic mountain commences either from Garibaldi Lake or from the Helm Lake. Most trekkers only reach till the base of the Tusk as the true summit that is only a meter high can be conquered only with proper climbing gear.
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Time: 11 hours
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6. Panorama Ridge
Another one of the difficult yet famous trekking spots in Vancouver, Panorama Ridge is an extension of the trek till the Garibaldi Lake. Most trekkers tend to overstay and camp by the Lake in order to get proper rest before conquering and retiring from the peak on the same day. The trail begins at an easy pace with a gradual uphill along the way. However, the climb to this Ridge begins to get steeper and steeper as and when the trekkers climb. Initially, the trails are surrounded by lush greens. The trees begin to thin down as one enters the meadows. The trails have rocky slopes, so one must be careful and be attentive all throughout the trek.
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Time: 11 hours
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7. Tunnel Bluffs
One of the crowded spots for trekking in Vancouver, Tunnel Bluffs offers easy trails that are perfect for a quick day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and embrace the peacefulness that oozes out of nature. Offering more of a hiking opportunity to travelers, the trail of Tunnel Buffs is perfect to witness the colorful birds and other stunning marvels of mother nature at a turtle pace, thus ensuring that visitors get to relax and rejuvenate on their trip. The trek begins just north of Lions Bay that is just a few kilometers away from the Vancouver city.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Time: 4.5 to 5 hours
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8. Elfin Lakes
A popular spot for winter trekking in Vancouver, Elfin Lakes blankets two lakes from which one is reserved for fresh drinking water and the other one allows trekkers to take a dip into and get released of all of the stress and fatigue. The floors surrounding the lakes are covered by tents and camps where the trekkers are allowed to reside in and spend a night under the stars, with sounds of lake breaking the silence. One can also find a two-story hut on the grounds of the lake that envelops a common area, a kitchen, and a few bunk beds for those who don’t find camps comfortable enough. The trail begins at an uphill and leads onto a ridge that exhibits some of the most mesmerizing views of the Mt Garibaldi’s peak.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Time: 6 hours
9. Mount Cheam
Offering breathtaking panoramic views from Chilliwack of the beautiful Fraser Valley, Mount Cheam is a trail that is not at all difficult to climb. Allowing travelers to witness spectacular views wherever one turns, Mount Cheam is another one of the famous day trails which is climbed and descended on the same day itself. The trail is accessible by Forest Service Road and commences through meadows covered with wildflowers. The trail leads to the Spoon Lake which is actually the beginning of the trek. The climb is easy and can be done without putting in many efforts.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Time: 4.5 hours
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10. Joffre Lakes
Tagged as one of the most beautiful spots for trekking in Vancouver, Joffre Lakes has a lot to offer to the trekkers seeking to lose themselves in the wonders of mother nature. Offering three different exquisite lakes blanketing turquoise blue waters and extremely panoramic views of the breathtaking landscapes, trek to Joffre Lake should definitely be on the bucket list. Easily one of the most rewarding treks in Canada, the trail leading to this magical spot can get a little tricky with an uphill climb and various technical sections. The trail leading to the three Joffre Lakes is bound to leave one in a trance by virtue of the waterfalls, creek crossings, and viewpoints that one will encounter on their way up.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Time: 4 hours
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Now that you have gone through the list of a few of the most surreal and dreamy spots for trekking in Vancouver, it is definitely time to start packing. The turquoise blue waters, snowy white peaks, red and orange flora, and lush green foliage are definitely worth witnessing at least once in a lifetime. Plan your holiday to Vancouver and get ready to witness the blessings of mother nature at their best!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking In Vancouver
How many trekking spots are there in Vancouver?
Vancouver has more than 30 trekking spots which give an original and beautiful look of Vancouver city. Some of the famous trekking spots are Eagle Bluffs, Dog Mountain, Mount Seymour, and Baden Powell.
Which is the highest point in Vancouver?
Queen Elizabeth Park is the highest point in Vancouver. It is situated at 152 m above sea level. It gives a spectacular and mesmerizing view of the park, city, and mountains.
How long does it take to hike Mt. Cheam?
Mt Cheam is one of the highest trekking points which is about 8.4 km above the ground level. It will take approximately 4 hours to climb and 4 hours at the time of returning.
Which is the most popular trekking spot in Vancouver?
Dog Mountain Bluffs is considered as the most popular trekking spot in Vancouver. It offers the best hike to view in the lower mainland. It takes only 1 to 2 hours to complete the trek. This is one of the smallest trekking spots and the main reason for its popularity.
How do I get to Tunnel Bluffs?
Tunnel Bluffs is situated on the east side of the Sea to Sky highway and 3 km north of Lions Bay. If you want to trek on Tunnel Bluffs, you have to cross the highway. Once you cross the highway, you could see some flags in trees. On the trees, you will receive a map signboard on which the directions would be given. You can simply follow the directions to get at Tunnel Bluffs.
What should I carry before going on a trek?
Before starting a trek, there are several basic needs which you should carry. These things are water bottles, munching items (dry fruits, chocolates), backpack, trekking shoes, torchlight, trek pants, caps, and sunscreen.
Can I get food items on the trekking spots in Vancouver?
Generally, on the trekking spots, you will not get any food stores or shops. So, you have to keep sufficient food. On the ground level of the trekking spots, you can have some shops of water bottles and street foods.
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A pastry-chef turned writer, Srishti has a knack for traveling to various corners of the country and penning them down in the most justifiable manner possible. When she’s not writing you can find her petting mountain dogs and not eating cottage cheese!
