Our Favourite (Short) Hikes in the Lower Mainland

Vancouver is known for its natural beauty, and there’s always a lot to see and explore. To help you see a bit of the surrounding area, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite hikes in the Lower Mainland—just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Whyte Lake

Whyte Lake is perfect for a novice hiker who is looking to explore West Vancouver. On a hot day, the spot is known as a great place for a swim. Not a swimmer? The lake also has a dock which is perfect for those who just want to dip their feet in!

Jug Island

The Jug Island trail takes you through the beautiful forests of Belcarra. At the end, you’ll be treated to a picturesque picnic spot on the Indian Arm, where you’ll likely spot paddlers and some local wildlife. Despite what the trail is called, you can’t actually hike to Jug Island, but you can spot it from the beach.

Dog Mountain

This 2 hour hike can be found on Mount Seymour, and offers amazing views of the city below on a clear day. At the top you may even be greeted by some ravens. We definitely recommend checking the weather beforehand as Mt. Seymour is known for its cloud cover, and you don’t want to miss out on the view!

Minnekhada Regional Park

Located in Port Coquitlam, Minnekhada Regional Park offers a pleasant trail system. After crossing the dike through the marsh, we suggest you make your way up to the Low Knoll and High Knoll lookouts, where you can see the surrounding farmlands below.

Jurassic Ridge

Don’t be intimidated by the name. Jurassic Ridge offers a stunning view of Howe Sound at the top, and can be completed in under 2 hours. Located in Squamish’s Murrin Provincial Park, it is also easily accessible off of the Sea to Sky.

Looking for something more challenging?

Find more hiking trail information here. Don’t forget, if you are hiking in the provincial parks (Cypress, Garibaldi, Golden Ears, Mount Seymour, Stawamus Chief, Mount Robson), free day-use passes can be reserved online through BC Parks. Happy hiking!

Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash