Great Hikes Around the Lower Mainland

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BC’s Lower Mainland is a hiker’s paradise! With hundreds of trails within an hour or two of downtown Vancouver, you’re bound to find a new favourite spot to take in the view, soak up the surroundings and probably break a sweat.

There are lots of great Lower Mainland hikes for trekkers of all ages and abilities, but these are five of our favourites.

5 fantastic Lower Mainland hikes

Make a base camp at Garibaldi Lake, then take day trips to Black Tusk or Panorama Ridge. (Photo: Amy Attas)

1. Garibaldi Lake

Where: Sea-to-Sky, between Squamish and Whistler
What: Forested climb to a surreal turquoise lake
Know before you go: It’s possible to climb up to the lake and back to your car in a day, but a multi-day trip gives you more time to explore! Garibaldi Lake is equipped with cooking shelters, sinks and picnic tables, making it a great base camp for trips to Black Tusk or Panorama Ridge.

Pitt Lake is an accessible hike for the whole family, and a great place to spot wildlife! (Photo: Liz Boulton)

2. Pitt Lake Wildlife Loop

Where: Pitt Lake, north of Maple Ridge
What: Flat trails and excellent wildlife viewing
Know before you go: As you walk the narrow dikes between waterways, keep your eyes peeled for great blue herons, eagles and other birds, plus beavers, deer and maybe even bears! The trails are great for all ages and abilities, and you can climb the wooden viewing platform for a new perspective. As of May, 2020 Grant Narrows Boat Launch is closed so boating on Pitt Lake is more difficult, but hiking is still great.

You’ll need a vehicle with 4x4 to make it to the Mt. Cheam trailhead, but the hike is certainly worth it! (Photo: Ashley Kazakoff)

3. Chipmunk Creak (Cheam Peak + Lady Peak)

Where: Southeast of Chilliwack
What: Spectacular views of the Fraser Valley
Know before you go: The drive to the trailhead is more difficult than the hike — do not attempt to drive on the decommissioned logging road without a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance. It’s cold and windy at the summit, even in summer, but the 360-degree views are spectacular!

VIDEO: Cavorting T-rexes run amok on Mt. Cheam

WATCH: Take in the spectacular Mt. Cheam views… without the hike!

4. Baden Powell Trail

Where: Vancouver’s North Shore, from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove
What: A forested 48-kilometre trail, with many access points for shorter hikes
Know before you go: Named for the founder of the Scouts, this trail includes many points of interest for popular day hikes; try the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge, the Quarry Rock lookout or the views of Vancouver from Eagle Bluff.

5. Diez Vistas

Where: North of Port Moody
What: Diez Vistas means ‘Ten Viewpoints,’ giving you great views up Indian Arm and down to Burnaby, Deep Cove and Vancouver on a clear day.
Know before you go: Expect to climb for over an hour before reaching the first viewpoint; the other nine are easier to reach along the ridge.

If you’re looking for places to go around the Lower Mainland, these hikes are a great start – happy exploring!

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