Spring Hikes in Vancouver BC

Spring in Vancouver is certainly one of my favorite occasions of the yr. The climate begins to heat up and turns into rather less wet, there’s the Vancouver cherry blossom season and the longer days and nicer climate imply there’s extra alternative for getting outside and having fun with a number of the finest spring hikes in Vancouver BC.

Once you’re dwelling in Vancouver and also you expertise the primary heat and sunny day of the yr, it’s like the town comes alive. You’ll out of the blue begin seeing extra individuals out and about. Thequary’re biking, strolling, mountaineering, rollerblading and simply having fun with the town. I like it. And top-of-the-line issues to do in Vancouver in spring in my opinion? Mountaineering!

Nonetheless, spring within the metropolis doesn’t imply it’s spring within the mountains.

Vancouver’s mountains typically retain their snow cowl effectively into June and for hikes in Whistler and Squamish, you may nonetheless discover snow till mid-July and even later at larger elevations.

That signifies that it may be onerous to search out snow free hikes in Vancouver in spring. Fortunately for you, I’ve picked out my favorite hikes in Vancouver in springtime so that you can take pleasure in with out having to fret about needing snowshoes. I’d advocate you pack microspikes simply in case although!

What to pack for hikes in Vancouver in spring time

• Try my day hike packing checklist right here.
• If you happen to’re mountaineering in Vancouver in spring it’s best to pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to every thing within the 10 necessities for mountaineering checklist. Try this publish on the perfect leggings for mountaineering or what to put on mountaineering in summer season for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
• You must also microspikes simply in case. And, if there’s loads of snow in keeping with latest path situations, then it’s best to pack snowshoes.
• You must also take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally essential in addition to a great backpack to maintain every thing in (mine is also my ski touring backpack!).
• You must also pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the ten necessities for mountaineering!

What to know earlier than occurring spring hikes in Vancouver

• Path situations: You’ll be able to examine path situations earlier than occurring hikes both by asking in Fb teams, checking latest evaluations on AllTrails or, if the hike is inside BC Parks, they typically have path situations posted on-line. Pack accordingly.
• Depart no hint: At all times keep in mind to go away no hint if you’re
• Be AdventureSmart: journey plan, practice, and take the necessities
• Mountaineering within the snow is extra tiring and takes longer than these hikes do in the summertime. Give your self loads of time and begin early to keep away from mountaineering at midnight.

AllTrails is my go-to mountaineering app for locating, planning and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+, you might be assured you’re nonetheless heading in the right direction, even with out cellular sign.

Map of hikes in Vancouver

Click on the map picture under to open up an interactive map of the places of those hikes for spring in Vancouver.

Stawamus Chief

The Chief is without doubt one of the finest year-round hikes close to Vancouver because it’s not often coated in snow. It’s the right spring time hike earlier than the paths get too busy and the climate too scorching.

As certainly one of my favorite hikes in Squamish, the Chief not solely has nice views however can also be fairly a enjoyable hike. Mountaineering the chief includes an extended collection of stairs to start out adopted by some ladders and steep sections with chains and ropes that will help you stand up them.

Whereas the primary peak will get essentially the most consideration and presents that basic view over downtown Squamish and the Howe Sound, I actually loved mountaineering to Peak 2 and Peak 3 of the Chief for a unique viewpoint and an prolonged hike.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for an journey, the Stawamus Chief hike is a superb possibility!

• Distance: 4-6 km
• Length: 4 – 6 hours
• Issue: Reasonable

Tunnel Bluffs

One other basic that recurrently seems on lists of the finest hikes in Vancouver is Tunnel Bluffs.

The Tunnel Bluffs hike begins in Lions Bay and follows the identical path because the path to Mt Harvey, the Lions and Mt Brunswick (the tallest mountain within the space).

Parking at Lions Bay might be very troublesome within the spring and summer season and also you’ll must pay shut consideration to indicators. If you happen to do handle to search out area within the small car parking zone proper by the Tunnel Bluffs trailhead then you definitely’ll must pay to park.

In any other case, there may be normally extra parking additional down the hill and nearer to the freeway within the faculty’s car parking zone. That is additionally a paid parking space.

When you’ve made your means up the switchbacks which have fairly an uphill grind to them, you’ll come to an indication pointing you to Mt Brunswick and Tunnel Bluffs.

From right here, the path flattens out relatively significantly and also you’ll make your means over some rivers and thru the forest earlier than popping out on the Tunnel Bluffs viewpoint.

The perspective is on a big rocky space and when it’s clear you get nice views of the Howe Sound!

Earlier than mountaineering Tunnel Bluffs: Please word that you’re not allowed to camp on Tunnel Bluffs. At all times take your garbage with you, the final time I visited there was a lot left up there. Parking at Lions Bay might be very troublesome although it’s simpler for spring hikes than summer season ones.

• Distance: 11.5 km
• Length: 3-5 hours
• Issue: Reasonable

Lions Bay Loop

That is a straightforward hike in Vancouver that also provides you some unbelievable views, a waterfall and even some picnic benches to benefit from the views from.

When you’ll begin off by strolling alongside the street (however protected by an enormous wall), you’ll then make your means into the forest fairly shortly and ultimately come out at a gorgeous waterfall.

At sure occasions of the yr, you’ll additionally move by some lovely spring flowers in Vancouver.

I liked the Lions Bay Loop for a straightforward after-work hike and it’s the right place to observe the sundown too.

• Distance: 4.5 km
• Length: 2 hours
• Issue: Straightforward

Sea to Summit

The Sea to Summit path in Squamish is an excellent nice hike as you may have the choice to take the Squamish gondola down as an alternative of mountaineering down! Plus, there’s the cafe and restaurant on the prime of the path so you may seize a refreshing drink or some lunch earlier than heading again down.

The path itself is sort of troublesome and begins off the identical means because the Chief with the picket staircases.

After the steps, you’ll department off on a unique path in the direction of the highest of the Squamish gondola.

You’ll move by totally different sections of Shannon Falls. Spring is definitely the perfect time to view the falls because the snow soften means further water movement flowing into them. This makes Shannon Falls tremendous spectacular!

Don’t be tempted to swim within the swimming pools on the falls, it’s extraordinarily harmful.

You’ll proceed to climb uphill on this spring hike and there are some sections not too removed from the highest the place you’ll climb over some giant rocks. There are ropes that will help you navigate your means over these if wanted.

On the prime be sure you stroll over the suspension bridges and benefit from the unbelievable views of Squamish, the opposite mountains and the Howe Sound.

• Distance: 7.5 km (one-way)
• Length: 4 hours
• Issue: Reasonable – onerous

Rice Lake and Lynn Canyon space trails

Rice Lake in North Vancouver is ideal for a family-friendly hike in Vancouver in spring.

The trail round Rice Lake is simply over 2 km lengthy with principally no elevation. You’ll be able to simply mix a stroll or run round Rice Lake with a stroll over to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge or in the direction of Norvan Falls.

The paths listed here are simple to observe and I’d extremely advocate strolling in the direction of the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and discovering the gorgeous Twin Falls. The color of the river on this a part of North Vancouver is so lovely!

The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is a superb free various to Capilano Suspension Bridge. Whereas there’s just one bridge, it’s simply as lovely and as spectacular!

There’s additionally a restaurant at Lynn Canyon. Plus there’s the Finish of the Line basic retailer nearer Rice Lake which has a great deal of tasty treats and items that’d be excellent as souvenirs from Canada.

I may spend hours strolling via this part of BC rainforest. It’s so lovely and calming.

• Distance: 2.2 km + (relying on trails you selected)
• Length: 30 minutes – a number of hours
• Issue: Straightforward

Bowen Lookout

Considered one of my favorite hikes that I’ve accomplished so many occasions through the years is Bowen Lookout.

Whereas within the earlier components of spring in Vancouver, you’ll nonetheless want some microspikes, it’s nonetheless a spring or late winter hike in Vancouver.

The hike is brief however does handle to slot in some steep climbing on a few switchbacks earlier than you head downhill barely and are available out on the viewpoint.

Very often within the early spring, it may be tremendous cloudy in Vancouver however, in case you examine the Cypress Mountain webcams and see it’s sunny on the prime of the chairlifts, it’ll be sunny at Bowen Lookout too and you may see a cloud inversion! It’s tremendous cool to get above the clouds like this.

The view from Bowen Lookout is gorgeous and you may see Bowen Island, the Sunshine Coast and the Howe Sound. It’s notably fairly at sundown when you may watch the solar sink into the Pacific.

• Distance: 5 km
• Length: 30 minutes – 1.5 hours
• Issue: Straightforward

Quarry Rock path

Replace March 2023: Quarry Rock is now open!

Quarry Rock can also be one of many Vancouver hikes that may be accessed by public transit so that you don’t even want a automobile. This is without doubt one of the causes that it’s one of the crucial standard simple hikes in Vancouver. The opposite purpose is, that you just get some spectacular views for little effort!

The trailhead for Quarry Rock is in Deep Cove and the hike takes 1-2 hours relying on how lengthy you spend having fun with the views on the prime.

You’ll stroll via the forest with some mild uphill sections over roots and rocks earlier than popping out to a big rock (Quarry Rock!) with views of Deep Cove, Indian Arm and over to Belcarra.

The most effective issues about this Vancouver spring hike? The possibility that you could take pleasure in Honey’s Donuts and different enjoyable issues to do in Deep Cove after your stroll.

• Issue: Straightforward
• Distance: 3.8 km
• Length: 1-2 hours

Jug Island

This hike in Vancouver BC in spring is transit accessible and permits canines too!

This was one of many first Vancouver hikes I did and I nonetheless suppose it’s an amazing one. Particularly in case you’re on the lookout for spring walks in Vancouver.

Jug Island is a small island simply off the northern tip of Belcarra Regional Park to the east of Vancouver. When you can’t stroll out to the island, you may stroll to the seaside which sits simply throughout from it. On the seaside, you’ll get nice views of the Indian Arm too.

The Indian Arm is tremendous standard for kayaking and paddleboarding. In late summer season you may even see bioluminescence (inexperienced/blue algae that mild up as you progress within the water) it’s tremendous cool!

One factor to notice is that the seaside at Jug Island can both be barely there or comparatively extensive, relying on the tide occasions. If you happen to’re planning to sit down on the seaside, it’d be a good suggestion to examine the tide occasions earlier than your hike.

The path begins to climb from the car parking zone fairly shortly however quickly flattens out. It’ll then get a bit wider and heads ever so barely downhill, via the attractive forest and comes out on the seaside and Jug Island.

• Distance: 5.5 km
• Length: 2-3 hours
• Issue: Straightforward-moderate

Canine Mountain

Canine Mountain on Mount Seymour is one other enjoyable factor to do in Vancouver in spring.

It’ll possible be snowy earlier on within the spring and a few sections previous the lake get closed because the snow melts. Be sure to examine the path situations earlier than going and abide by any closures.

If the path is open, take your microspikes and head out via the forested path till you come out on the opening and views of Vancouver, Burnaby, the ocean and different mountains.

If Mt Seymour ski space remains to be open if you do that hike then you definitely’ll must get a free day-use move to hike Canine Mountain.

For the 22/23 winter season, you have to a day-use move to entry Mount Seymour and Brockton Level. Passes might be booked from 7 am, two days earlier than your deliberate go to. Cancelled passes are added again to the checklist to guide so you may guide a cancellation. You’ll be able to solely guide one AM/PM/All-day move per day. you don’t want a move when you have a ski ticket for Seymour. Book your pass here.

• Distance: 5 km
• Length: 2 hours
• Issue: Straightforward

Cleveland Dam

Considered one of my favorite rainy-day issues to do in Vancouver is to take a stroll within the Cleveland Dam and Capilano Canyon space of North Vancouver.

For many of this springtime, Vancouver hike you’re beneath the duvet of the forest cover so it doesn’t matter if it’s moist.

You’ll even be strolling on a mixture of a gravel path, and boardwalks, throughout bridges and get nice views of the North Shore mountains from the dam itself.

On the backside of the hill from the dam, there’s the Capilano Salmon Hatchery which is tremendous cool. Although finest within the autumn when the salmon are returning to spawn, you may nonetheless see salmon round right here and study extra about them from the data boards.

• Distance: 2-5 km
• Length: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Issue: Straightforward

Decrease Falls path in Golden Ears

The most effective hikes in Golden Ears Provincial Park in spring in Vancouver is the Decrease Falls path.

This path takes you thru a number of the most lovely areas of Golden Ears Park (which is de facto saying one thing) and brings you to Decrease Falls.

The Decrease Falls waterfall is an unbelievable green-ish color and, as talked about above, spring is the perfect time to take a look at waterfalls in Vancouver due to the snowmelt and spring run off!

The hike to Decrease Gold Creek Falls in Golden Ears is simple with minimal elevation and it solely takes about an hour there and again. Although you’ll in all probability need to consider some further time to understand the fantastic thing about the falls!

• Distance: 5.5 km
• Length: 1 hour
• Issue: simple

Buntzen Lake

Buntzen Lake is a well-liked picnic and swimming spot throughout summer season in Vancouver. Within the spring, it’s excellent for mountaineering as there are fewer crowds to cope with.

The Buntzen Lake path is a straightforward Vancouver spring stroll which begins in the identical place as the favored Diez Vistas path.

On the Buntzen Lake hike, you’ll stroll all the way in which round lovely Buntzen Lake on a ten km, well-maintained and easy-to-follow path. There are small sections uphill nevertheless it’s minimal and makes for an amazing spring stroll.

Alongside the way in which are a number of viewing areas and benches the place you may sit and soak within the views. It’s additionally a dog-friendly hike in Vancouver so you may carry your fluffy buddy!

• Distance: 10 km
• Issue: Straightforward
• Length: 2-3 hours

Lighthouse Park

Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver is one other place that’s nice for spring hikes in Vancouver.

The park is house to a number of the largest Douglas fir timber close to the town and you may take both a straightforward brief hike or an extended hike; it’s as much as you!

Plus, there may be the attraction of the lighthouse that Lighthouse Park will get its identify after. There’s additionally a little bit Vancouver hidden gem so that you can try to discover.

You may get to this hike utilizing public transit and it’s canine pleasant too.

• Distance: varies, might be 0.5 km to five km
• Length: 30 minutes – 2 hours
• Issue: Straightforward

Whytecliff Park

Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver is the right spot for some oceanside walks.

The park is thought for its dome-shaped island that you could attain at low tide by strolling throughout a rocky path. Simply make sure that to concentrate to the tides so that you don’t get caught!

The park can also be standard with scuba divers and there are quite a few trails accessible from the alternative aspect of the car parking zone to the ocean which you’ll be able to discover.

• Distance: varies
• Length: 1-2 hours
• Issue: simple

Mount Gardner

Mount Gardner on Bowen Island is without doubt one of the finest hikes on the island; it’s additionally the tallest!

The hike to the summit of Mt Gardner begins by going via the forest and also you solely come out of the timber when you attain the highest.

Whereas the primary viewpoint isn’t the true summit of Mt Gardner, they’re not far off. The views are additionally unbelievable with Vancouver and West Vancouver in a single route, and the Sunshine Coast within the different.

This mountain not often sees snow so it’s an amazing hike in spring in Vancouver.

• Distance: 7.7 km
• Length: 2-4 hours
• Issue: Reasonable

Brohm Lake

Brohm Lake is an excellent standard lake in Squamish however is far quieter within the spring time.

The hike round Brohm Lake takes you the whole means across the lake and also you’ve additionally obtained the choice to go as much as Tantalus viewpoint which I’d advocate.

The Tantalus viewpoint goes up via the forest and brings you out to unbelievable views of the Tantalus Mountain vary. This will likely have snow on it in early spring nevertheless it’s nice for mountaineering in Could onwards.

If you happen to stick to only going across the lake, you’ll cross over a small picket bridge on the different finish of Brohm Lake to the place you began.

• Distance: Varies relying on the route you are taking, normally beneath 5 km
• Length: 2 hours
• Issue: Straightforward-moderate

Murrin Park and Quercus Lookout

Some of the standard hikes in Squamish with nice views is the Murrin Loop path. The lake is tremendous standard with households for picnics, or fishermen on the lake and climbers on routes within the forest. Nonetheless, within the spring it’s normally a bit quieter and far simpler to get a parking spot within the car parking zone.

The path begins simply off the freeway on the car parking zone for Murrin Lake and takes you up via the forest earlier than popping out to the Quercus Viewpoint.

If you wish to make it tricker, you may stroll alongside the Jurassic Ridge path which has some extra technical sections.

This is without doubt one of the finest hikes round Vancouver to observe the sundown because it’s similar to brief and simple path. You’ll additionally get unbelievable views of the Howe Sound because the solar goes down and you may as well see the Sea to Sky freeway.

• Length: 1 hour
• Issue: Straightforward
• Distance: 2 km

Norvan Falls

Norvan Falls is an extended spring hike in Vancouver that has minimal elevation. It goes via a number of the most lovely forests in North Vancouver so it’s excellent for a wet day hike. Or, you may take the flat gravel path alongside the river on the Lynn Loop path for a number of the routes earlier than heading into the forest.

As with the opposite waterfalls in Vancouver, spring is such a great time to hike to Norvan Falls. The falls can be at their strongest with all of the snowmelt from the north shore mountains which makes it tremendous cool.

It’s such an amazing possibility in case you’re on the lookout for North Vancouver strolling trails. It’s additionally one of many prime hikes in Vancouver through the fall.

• Length: 5 hours
• Distance: 14 km
• Issue: Reasonable

Hunter Highway, Mission

A path that’s turn into tremendous standard in recent times is the Hunter Path close to Mission. Parking might be tough so be sure to arrive early to discover a spot.

That is fairly a straightforward hike for spring in Vancouver and takes you alongside a forestry service street for a lot of the means. On the finish of the hike, you’ll come out to a gorgeous viewpoint of Stave Lake.

The hike itself isn’t essentially the most attention-grabbing, it’s actually all concerning the views on the finish, relatively than what you see alongside the way in which. However, there’s one thing fairly particular concerning the forest that you just’ll stroll via.

This path is never snowy however be sure you examine path situations or latest evaluations on AllTrails earlier than heading out.

• Distance: 7.7 km
• Length: 2-3 hours
• Issue: Reasonable

Whyte Lake

For locations to hike in Vancouver in spring, be sure you try Whyte Lake.

The path to Whyte Lake has minimal elevation and goes via the forest of West Vancouver earlier than popping out to the lake.

The lake itself isn’t one of many prettiest lakes close to Vancouver, nevertheless it’s nonetheless in fairly a cool location within the forest. You’ve in all probability pushed not removed from it many a time and had no thought it was there! There’s a picket dock and a few boardwalk space.

You may as well proceed from Whyte Lake as much as West Knob however this path will get steeper. It’s normally snow-free in spring although.

There are additionally routes in the direction of Eagle Bluffs alongside the Baden Powell Path. Nonetheless, this can most positively have snow on it effectively into late spring and early summer season.

• Distance: 5 km
• Issue: Straightforward
• Length: 1 – 2 hours

Large Cedar and Kennedy Falls

Kennedy Falls is without doubt one of the finest hikes in North Vancouver is a superb hike via the forest that ends in a reasonably spectacular waterfall. that is one other superior Vancouver hike that’s accessible on public transit.

Although the waterfall isn’t the tallest one within the space, it’s nonetheless fairly spectacular, particularly throughout spring in winter.

Alongside the way in which, you’ll additionally go previous the Large Cedar tree which is a large Crimson Cedar tree that’s estimated to be over 600 years previous! These days there’s some fencing put across the tree to cease it from being broken, however you’re nonetheless capable of respect the sheer measurement of it.

There’s additionally some previous logging gear that’s been left behind within the forest to look out for. All of it provides to the attraction of this hike.

There’s some elevation acquire alongside the route, however nothing tremendous steep. Simply be careful for mountain bikers going up and down the Fromme service street in the beginning and finish of your hike.

• Distance: 10 km
• Length: 3-4 hours
• Issue: Reasonable

Cypress Falls

Cypress Falls is hidden away in West Vancouver and most of the people don’t even understand it’s there. You’ll take a brief and simple stroll via the forest earlier than popping out to a small viewing space of Cypress Falls.

An amazing hike with children in Vancouver, or a wet day hike, benefit from the falls and admire the 300-year-old Douglas and Cedar timber.

Due to its low elevation, the Cypress Falls hike is snow-free just about all yr spherical and is the right place to discover in spring.

• Distance: 3 km
• Length: 1 hour
• Issue: Straightforward 

Cheakamus Lake

As one of many first hikes in Garibaldi Provincial Park to turn into snow-free due to its decrease elevation, Cheakamus Lake is a grat hike in spring in Vancouver.

This hike is generally flat and has nice views of the gorgeous blue Cheakamus Lake in addition to the mountains that make-up a part of the Whistler Blackcomb ski space.

You’re additionally allowed to mountain bike the path which is a pleasant strategy to combine issues up and a enjoyable exercise close to Vancouver in spring.

You may as well camp in one of many two campsites by Cheakamus Lake, however be sure to guide prematurely. It’s simply one of many finest campsites close to Whistler. This makes it an amazing possibility for in a single day spring mountaineering in Vancouver.

• Distance: 15 km
• Length: 4-6 hours
• Issue: Straightforward however fairly lengthy

Baden Powell: Grouse Mountain to Deep Cove

If you happen to’re on the lookout for an extended hike or path run close to Vancouver, then try the Baden Powell path from Grouse Mountain to Deep Cove

You’ll head up via the north shore forest, cross rivers and streams, go over boardwalks and staircases (up + down) and traverse half of the north shore mountain vary.

It’s an extended path, however you may break it up into sections over a weekend or longer. There are lots of entry factors alongside the way in which and loads of locations you will get public transit to.

This part of the path goes via Lynn Canyon (above) so it’s tremendous scenic!

• Distance: 22 km
• Length: 5 hours +
• Issue: Straightforward however lengthy

FAQs about mountaineering Vancouver in spring

Ultimate ideas on the perfect Spring hikes Vancouver has to supply

These trails for mountaineering Vancouver BC in spring are an amazing mixture of simple hikes in BC and decrease elevation choices that turn into snow-free faster within the yr.

Whether or not you’re on the lookout for mountaineering close to Vancouver that mixes a path with a waterfall such because the Sea to Summit path in Squamish, or a hike round a lake like Cheakamus Lake in Whistler, these hikes close to Vancouver BC are perfect for mountaineering between March – Could in addition to into the summer season.

Final Up to date on June 20, 2023 by Hannah