Spend time surrounded by Vancouver’s breathtaking natural beauty and amazing wildlife during leisurely walks through Stanley Park. Head to North Vancouver via the complementary downtown shuttle to hike the Capilano Pacific Trail. Experience crossing high above fearsome rapids and lush, coastal rain forest by means of the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. Take in picturesque views of the coastal mountains bordering False Creek while strolling along Vancouver’s impressive uninterrupted Seawall Walkway from Canada Place to English Bay. Please check out the following top 10 hiking spots near Vancouver, Canada to enhance your visit to Canada’s Pacific Coast treasure of Vancouver, British Columbia.
1. Fraser River Trail - Hudson Gateway
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Enjoy a morning walk on the recently created 2010 Hudson Gateway portion of Vancouver’s Fraser River Trail. Stretching for 350 metres (1,148 feet), the paved trail winds along the Pacific waterfront through coastal woodlands. Listen as thunderous jet engines soar overhead after taking off from nearby Vancouver International Airport. Come across double-crested cormorants, mallards, and Canadian geese floating by the large seafaring tankers sailing towards Vancouver’s busy port.
Fraser River Trail - Hudson Gateway
Address: 9149 Hudson Street, Vancouver, BC V6P 4B8
Website: Fraser River Trail - Hudson Gateway
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
2. Foreshore Trail
Walk among the towering ancient cedars in Pacific Spirit Regional Park while looping around UBC’s westside while taking in Foreshore Trail’s breathtaking natural scenery. Take in the refreshing ocean breezes along with stunning views of the Strait of Georgia, Bowen Island, and magnificent Howe Sound. Exercise caution while hiking along the beach portions near Wreck Beach and Acadia Beach as the rocks can be slippery due to high tides rolling in. This lovely 10 kilometre (6.2 miles) round-trip hike is easily navigable and offers visitors the chance to take in Vancouver’s natural scenic beauty along the mighty Fraser River.
Foreshore Trail
Address: 5495 Chancellor Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4
Website: Foreshore Trail
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
3. Seawall Water Walk
Soak up the summer sunshine during a leisurely walk along the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path stretching for 28 kilometres (17.4 miles). Enjoy walking or cycling along the ever stretching paved pathway experiencing refreshing breezes off English Bay. Wander past English Bay’s busy beachfront overflowing with Canadian geese and enthusiastic beach-goers seeking out the warm rays of the summer sun. Indulge in picturesque views of False Creek and Canada Place’s billowing sails during your leisurely waterfront stroll ending near Vancouver’s Stanley Park.
Seawall Water Walk
Address: 1199 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC
Website: Seawall Water Walk
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Fraser River Trail - Burnaby Gateway
Head out for a brisk walk along the 1.3 kilometre (.8 miles) riverside trail offering stunning views of the Fraser River. Stop for a brief rest to watch as harvested logs float down the Fraser River towards awaiting mill sites. Let your dog take a brief splash in the mighty Fraser River before continuing on to Fraser River Park to enjoy a waterfront picnic. While whizzing through the sprawling network of bike paths, slow down to enjoy panoramic riverfront views while ducking from flying golf balls from nearby McCleery Golf Course.
Fraser River Trail - Burnaby Gateway
Address: River District Crossing, Vancouver, BC V5J 5H4
Website: Fraser River Trail - Burnaby Gateway
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Merilees Trail
Venture over to Vancouver’s quiet refuge of Stanley Park to stroll along Merilees Trail and Siwash Rock Loop to indulge in the stunning natural scenery. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the dense cedar, fir, and hemlock forested trail stretching for 2.74 kilometres (1.7 miles) hoping to encounter native wildlife including eagles, black squirrels, and more. Please keep your pets on a leash while taking in the amazing scenic views of the Pacific Ocean dotted with commercial vessels and sailboats. While cycling or hiking along the moderate trail visitors will be exposed to sweeping views of the coastal mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and Bowen Island.
Merilees Trail
Address: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Website: Merilees Trail
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
6. Beaver Lake Trail
Wander over to Stanley Park to enjoy a leisurely 1.5 kilometre (.93 mile) journey through the dense cedar forests where BC’s First Nations villages once stood. Enjoy the calls of native birds while hiking along the 2,060-step pathway which travels past Beaver Creek en route to the lily-pad filled Beaver Lake ecosystem. Sit peacefully on a bench while watching ducks glide by on the marshy waterfront hoping to encounter a furry beaver cutting down trees with its sharp teeth. Relax among the dense forest of towering cedars, firs, and hemlock trees while letting your pet off its leash to swim in the refreshingly cool lake waters.
Beaver Lake Trail
Address: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Website: Beaver Lake Trail
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Be engulfed by Vancouver's natural beauty
Climb Mother Nature’s Stairmaster during a challenging hike on Vancouver’s 2.9 kilometres (1.8 miles) rugged Grouse Grind nature trail. Put on your favourite tunes to workout along Foreshore Trail while taking in spectacular views of Acadia Beach, pristine Howe Sound, and evergreen covered, Bowen Island. After experiencing Vancouver’s amazing coastal beauty through numerous hiking spots, plan a return trip to explore additional trails including the Capilano Pacific Trail and Grouse Mountain’s Grouse Grind.
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