Everyone knows the North Shore, up the Sea to Sky, and even the Fraser Valley (well, Chilliwack) as the best areas to hike near Vancouver. But did you know that just 20 minutes beyond Chilliwack is the start of another epic area known as “Hope, Cascades and Canyons”? Not well-known, seriously underrated, and so darn…
Category: Blog Posts
Check out this category for a listing of blog posts about hikes near Vancouver, British Columbia.
Gear Review: Vessi Cityscape 2.0 Shoes
I first experienced Vessi shoes back in 2018 when I did my first review of their original Cityscape shoe. Vessi was just such a rad company making fully waterPROOF knit shoes – stylish, comfy and perfect for our WETcoast weather – so I just had to try them out. Now that they’ve launched a new…
Gear Review: Vessi Weekend Chelsea and Weekend Sneaker Shoes
I first experienced Vessi shoes back in 2018 when I did my first review of their original Cityscape shoe. Vessi was just such a rad company making fully waterPROOF knit shoes – stylish, comfy and perfect for our WETcoast weather – so I just had to try them out. Now that they’ve launched a new…
Gear Review: Olight Array 2S Headlamp
A good headlamp is one of the most important pieces of equipment for every hiker. Lack of light is the number one reason hikers call for Search and Rescue, wrongly thinking a cell phone light or other non-technical light will be sufficient. So when Olight reached out to ask me to review another headlamp of…
Dragon’s Back (Kw’okw’echíwel Stl’áleqem)
Dragon’s Back (Kw’okw’echíwel Stl’áleqem) – a hiking trail in Hope (Silver Creek), British Columbia
Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Vancouver
One of the best things to do with kids is hiking. It is a wonderful free activity close to home that creates a memorable bonding experience both you and they will remember always. Younger or older, children of all ages (and their caregivers!) benefit greatly from hiking. It helps toddlers new to walking develop important…
Gear Review: Stoko K1 Breathe
Remember my review about the rad local Vancouver company Stoko that revolutionized knee braces for active people, building it right into a pair of tights? (no? read it here!). Well they just added a new version to their product line-up with ultra breathability for your sweatier workouts! The K1 Breathe has all the same great…
How-To: Water for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping
Water. Hydration. It is, or should be, one of your top concerns when spending time in the wilderness like hiking, backpacking and camping. Because after air, water is the most needed item for your survival. Inadequate hydration can also lead to physical impairments like cramps, spasms and extreme fatigue which are common causes of accidents….
SoCIAL LITE Vodka Sodas
This is a paid advertisement sponsored by SoCIAL LITE I was introduced to SoCIAL LITE Vodka Sodas last year to test out and share with the hiking community and I must say, they make for an awesome mountaintop cheers. The bubbles and light fruity flavour are refreshing after a sweaty grind up the mountain or…
Guide to Hiking the Berg Lake Trail
The Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park is a must-do hike that should be on your bucketlist if it isn’t already. Located near Jasper in the Canadian Rockies, the Berg Lake Trail is absolutely spectacular, with stunning views of mountains, glaciers, glacial lakes, biodiverse river valleys, and more. Read on below for a…
Become a Hikes Near Vancouver Patron!
Love hiking? Care about the issues I work on? You can help support the work I do by becoming a Hikes Near Vancouver Patron on Patreon!
Guide to Hiking the Sunshine Coast Trail
What is the Sunshine Coast Trail? The Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) is Canada’s longest hut-to-hut hiking trail. It’s a point-to-point thru hike trail (not a loop) on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in southwestern British Columbia. The trail stretches the entire length of the Sunshine Coast section farthest from Vancouver – from Sarah Point in Desolation…
Gear Review: Stoko K1 Tight
Functionality meets style with the Stoko K1 supportive tight. Stoko’s K1 is a knee brace built into a pair of tights. They provide adjustable joint support for people with ligament instability (ie ACL), mild sprains or strains. Personally, I love them for my super sensitive ITB sensitivity. The K1 supportive tight is designed to provide…
Gear Review: Olight Perun 2 Headlamp / Flashlight
The capabilities of headlamps just keep improving and improving, blowing my mind what an incredible tool some companies can pack into a small little item. The Perun 2 by Olight is a prime example of this. Just released, the Perun 2 is sure to be key player in the headlamp market for hikers with its…
2020 Holiday Hiker Gift Guide
Looking for the perfect hiker gift for the mountain wo/man on your list? Here are a few of our favourite things. Christmas shopping isn’t always easy. We get it. We’re not going to pretend to know what will make Suzy Snowshoer or Samuel Scrambler light up with joy, but we can tell you about some…
Hikes to see Golden Larches Near Vancouver
As soon as September hits, it is all the buzz around hiking groups: “Where and when can we see the famous golden larches near Vancouver?!” What are larches? Per Wikipedia, “Larches are conifers in the genus Larix, of the family Pinaceae (subfamily Laricoideae). Growing from 20 to 45 metres (65 to 150 feet) tall,[1] they…
Strength Training is Important for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Squamish Strength and Nutrition Coach Matteo Marra of Matteo Marra Training helps outdoor enthusiasts learn to train so they can go further, have more fun, feel more confident, and get injured less. He builds customized programs, and provides added accountability, to make strength training for outdoor enthusiasts simple. Below you can find more information direct…
Gear Review: On Running Cloudventure Peak Trail Running Shoes
Just like hiking footwear, finding the right trail running shoes is so important. You are on your feet for hours on end, they are top-loaded with every ounce of weight from your body and gear, and they work the hardest to stabilize you over every root and rock you encounter along the trail. Thankfully my…
GIVEAWAY: LOWA Renegade Hiking Boots
It is hard to believe it has only been just over two years since I created the Hikes Near Vancouver community. The platform has grown into so much more than I ever could have hoped for. I have met so many incredible people through HNV, and have seen thousands of others connect with each other,…
Hiking With Kids
Hiking with kids is something I know very little about so I was thrilled when my buddy Mark started a Facebook group as a forum to help parents and their children get out hiking together, and to support each other through the process. Join BC Kids Hiking Club on Facebook to get involved. Mark and…
Gear Review: VizyVest
There just aren’t enough hours in the day to do all the things I want to do. And there are even less daylight hours during most of the year. A long time ago I decided that I would embrace the darkness to be able to keep doing the things I love, day or night. When…
My Annual Hiking Plan
People always want to know what my favourite hikes are. It is SO HARD to answer that because there are simply so many amazing trails. They’re also curious about how I tackle so many trails and how I plan. So I’ve decided to create this blog post. Here, I will share with you my annual…
Awesome Hikes Near Vancouver to SUP
Vancouver has captured my heart because it lays in that sweet spot where the mountains meet the ocean. It’s the perfect place to hike, and also to paddle! If I’m not out hiking, you’ll probably find me on a board, and whenever possible, you’ll find me doing both! Some of my favourite hikes near Vancouver…
Gear Review: Daub + Design Adriana Leggings
As you all know, dear readers, I am out doing active things every moment that I get. I spend a massive amount of my life hiking, as well as snowshoeing, running, standup paddleboarding, snowboarding and more. That means that my wardrobe consists of mainly activewear (and I sneak it in to office outfits too whenever…
Gear Review: Thurso Surf Waterwalker Standup Paddleboard
Vancouver has captured my heart because it lays in that sweet spot where the mountains meet the ocean. It’s the perfect place to hike, and also to paddle! If I’m not out hiking, you’ll probably find me on a board, and whenever possible, you’ll find me doing both! Some of my favourite places to hike…
Gear Review: LOWA Lady Light GTX Ws Waterproof Hiking Boots
Finding the right hiking boots is so important. After all, you’re on your feet for hours on end, they’re top-loaded with every ounce of weight from your body and gear, and they work the hardest to stabilize you over every root and rock you encounter along the trail. It’s important that your hiking boots are…
Guide to Thru-Hiking Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
Hiking Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park A Thru Hike from Sunshine Village to Mount Shark Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is a shining example of true, untouched wilderness. The iconic Mount Assiniboine (pointy peak on left in picture below) with an elevation of 3,618 metres is located in…
GIVEAWAY – Backcountry Meal Pack
There’s nothing quite like backpacking. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, your mind feeling lighter and freer with each passing day as you venture farther and farther into the wilderness. Carrying everything you need for such adventures is rarely an easy task though. Food and water take up half the weight of most…
Best Backpacking Meals
There’s nothing quite like backpacking. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, your mind feeling lighter and freer with each passing day as you venture farther and farther into the wilderness. Carrying everything you need for such adventures is rarely an easy task though. Food and water take up half the weight of most…
10 Great Gifts for Outdoorsy Folks
The holiday season is upon us, which also means Black Friday and Christmas sales are too. As we all gear up for this most wonderful time of year, I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite products I’ve had the pleasure of testing out this year. Below are 10 great hiking gifts plus some…
Gear Review: Tree Tribe Leggings
I love my Tree Tribe leggings. They are soft and cozy, beautifully designed, and great for the planet! As someone who has dedicated their career to wildlife conservation for the last decade, it’s a purchase I can feel good about. Each pair of Tree Tribe leggings are hand-made not too far away from us in…
Gear Review: Vessi Cityscape Shoes
I LOVE my Vessi Cityscape shoes. They’re an essential addition to the wardrobe of a Vancouverite especially. It’s commonly known that in Vancouver you should never leave home without sunglasses and an umbrella. The weather changes on a dime so you can never know what to expect, except that it will likely involve some amount of…
GIVEAWAY – 10 Days of Safety
As the days get colder, I’m reminded of the importance of always being prepared when out adventuring in the mountains. As AdventureSmart says, “no one ever expects to get into trouble outdoors. But, a turn in the weather, mistake in judgment, unexpected injury, equipment failure, or sudden nightfall can quickly change any recreational outing into…
Joffre Lakes Hike Safety Challenge
Hikes Near Vancouver is thrilled to partner with BC AdventureSmart and LOWA Canada to challenge you to explore our local mountain trails safely and well-prepared. Anytime during the month of September, hike up to Joffre Lakes and post a pic at any one of the three lakes showing us at least one of The Essentials…
Gear Review: LOWA Innox Evo GTX Lo shoes
As some of you may know, I’m part of the Sport Dinaco team as an ambassador for LOWA Canada. I collaborate with companies whose products and services I love and trust, and who have values in line with my own. I get asked for a lot of advice and recommendations so it’s my pleasure to occasionally test…
Where to Hike When it’s Smokey
While wildfires in BC and the damaging effects of climate change are not new, only since 2015 can I recall Vancouver getting covered in a thick blanket of smoke because of it. It’s a relatively new issue we Vancouverites are still trying to deal with, hoping that it’s not a continuing trend. 2017 was one of…
10 Hikes That Are Better Than Joffre Lakes
Guys. I get it. Joffre Lakes is beautiful. But it’s like its the only hike anyone has ever heard of. All over Facebook including my hiking group, I see call-outs for heading up there all. the. time. Don’t get me wrong, the trails belong to everyone and anyone who wants to is just as entitled to…
5 Energy-Sustaining Snacks for Hiking
Article by Annaliisa Kapp, Registered Holistic Nutritionist Is there anything better than hiking in British Columbia in the summer? So many gorgeous options at any level with breathtaking views! For many of the hikes, you do need quite a bit of stamina, and there is nothing worse than feeling hungry or depleted during your hike….
The North Face Vancouver Hike Challenge: Lynn Peak
HNV + TNFV Hike Challenge: Lynn Peak Hikes Near Vancouver is thrilled to partner with The North Face Vancouver to challenge you to explore our local mountain trails. On Saturday July 28, 2018, hike up to Lynn Peak and post a pic on Instagram from the top using hashtags #thenorthfacevancouver and #hikesnearvancouver to be…
On-Leash Dog-Friendly Hiking
I recently e-met Floyd and his human Lisa on Instagram (@helloiamfloyd) when she asked for some recommendations of on-leash hiking trails near Vancouver. Not belonging to a pup myself yet, I wasn’t able to offer much advice about leash-friendly hiking. It also got me thinking about why she wanted on-leash trails as most doggies I…
The Trails Belong To Everyone
It’s a hot topic these days. Social Media Is Ruining Hiking the headlines scream. “Please don’t geotag this place” the Instagram comments beg, “this hike is a locals secret.” But have they really thought this through, the impact and justification of their words?
GIVEAWAY – 105 Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia
Hikes Near Vancouver is thrilled to partner with local Vancouver publishing company Greystone Books and author Stephen Hui to help you learn about more amazing hikes near Vancouver. From now through Victoria Day May 21, 2018 you can enter to win a copy of the much-anticipated book 105 Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia. Find…
100 Awesome Snow-Free Spring Hikes Near Vancouver
I’m not going to bore you with a zillion words of blog because that’s not what you came here for. I’ll get right to it. Here is a list of 100 awesome snow-free (mostly) spring hikes near Vancouver you can do right now. Some are super close, some you have to drive a few hours…
GIVEAWAY! Backroad Mapbooks
Hikes Near Vancouver is thrilled to partner with local Coquitlam company Backroad Mapbooks and outdoor adventure photographer Stephen Lam of Standing In Motion to help you explore even more epic adventures on roads less travelled. From now until April 8, 2018 you can enter to win two printed Backroad Mapbooks for Vancouver Coast & Mountains…
How To Find Current Trail Conditions
Spring and Fall are crazy times of year in Vancouver. One minute it’s 17C and sunny, and the next we’re engulfed in a snowstorm that shuts down the city. So where do we hike, and more importantly, how do we make sure that we’re prepared for where we decide to hike. Being such a transient…
Transit-Accessible Hikes Near Vancouver
Lots of people in Vancouver don’t have access to a car. Owning a vehicle can be expensive and if you live downtown, you don’t really need one. While very freeing, I totally get it. This city is already hella expensive so who needs the added expense, amirite? Fret not, dear hiker friends. This city is…
GIVEAWAY! Win Hillsound Equipment Trail Crampons
Hikes Near Vancouver is thrilled to partner with local Vancouver company Hillsound Equipment to keep you hiking year-round. From now until March 7, 2018 you can enter to win a pair of Hillsound Equipment Trail Crampons! HOW TO ENTER INSTAGRAM post Follow Hillsound Equipment Follow Hikes Near Vancouver Like the post (1 entry) Tag…
Salt Spring Island Hiking Getaway
This past BC Family Day weekend, myself and some of my “Group Hikes Near Vancouver” crew (such awesome people!) hiked Salt Spring Island. Read on below for some information about our adventures including where we camped, some awesome Salt Spring Island hiking trails, a bit of island history and more. New photo by Kristine Krynitzki…
Where to Hike When it’s Raining
Wondering where to hike when it’s raining? Or if you can even bring yourself to do it? I get it. It’s that time of year again in Vancouver. It seems like every day you look out the window it’s rain, rain, rain. The clouds are so thick it’s pretty much always dark out. You may…
Snowshoe Trails Near Vancouver
Snow often covers our high elevation hiking trails from November until April (give or take a bit depending on the year and area) but that doesn’t mean we have to stop hiking. Hiking in the snow is really fun, and gives us a different perspective of these beautiful areas. Read on below for a list…
10 Essentials For Safe Hiking
Chances are you’ve probably heard people saying to always carry “The 10 Essentials” when going for a hike, which refers to the 10 things (at minimum, so BC AdventureSmart now calls it “The Essentials”) people should always have with them while recreating outdoors. Regardless of what activity you’re doing, what time of day it is,…
Awesome Hiking Apps
In this digital age, it’s rare to see people using anything but their smartphones for navigation. Technology can be a very helpful tool, but remember that a and are part of The 10 Essentials a hiker should always carry with them, with the use of electronic devices recommended only in addition to manual aids. Below are 11…
Gear Review: Kahtoola MICROspikes
The days are shorter and snow is falling over our mountains but that doesn’t mean hiking has to stop. Get yourself a pair of crampons like Kahtoola MICROspikes! A small, lightweight traction device you put over your boot, crampons are a must-have addition to your winter hiking gear giving you grip to safely hike on…
Snow-Free Winter Hikes Near Vancouver
Not into snowshoeing? Lucky for you, Vancouver doesn’t often get snow at sea level so we usually have lots of great snow-free hikes near Vancouver year round. Below are 10 great trails you can hike in the winter that are probably clear of snow, or have just a little bit you can walk on without…
Snowshoeing for Beginners
I get it. I, too, was there just a few short years ago. You love hiking and really want to get out there but snow is now covering the trails you once frequented. You think “maybe I’ll give it a shot, maybe there isn’t too much snow, I can still hike it” only to be…
The Backpack We’ve All Been Waiting For
You know the sitch. It’s Friday night and you’re prepping for your early morning departure to hike that epic peak you’ve been dreaming about all year. It’s early autumn, and like the responsible outdoorswo/man you are, you know the weather can turn on a dime from a scorching hot day to a blizzardy snowstorm. Forecast…
A Guide to Savary Island, BC
Touting white sand beaches and the warmest waters north of Mexico, Savary Island definitely deserves a top spot on your list of must-visit places. There is lots to know before you go so I’ve created this, a guide to Savary Island, BC for you. I had been wanting to visit this magical place for about five…
Hikes to Swimming Spots Near Vancouver
You know the feeling. It’s absolutely scorching out (yes that happens in Vancouver sometimes). You really want to get outside and get your sweat on, but it’s the weekend. You also want to relax. Perhaps a beach day at English Bay or Kits Beach, you think to yourself. A dip in the ocean would be…
Spring Hiking Trails Near Vancouver
Springtime is when a lot of people get back into hiking for the year. Winter can seem overwhelming to get the right gear, understand snow conditions, and drive through mountain roads to microspike hike or snowshoe through snowy trails. While I love love LOVE a good day out in the snow, I totally get it….
CONTEST: Win Merrell Canada Hiking Shoes!
I am so very happy and thankful this morning. I woke up to a DM on my Instagram (@hikesnearvancouver) from Merrell Canada saying I was one of this week’s daily shoe giveaway winners in their Merrell Canada Take a Hike contest! To celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, Merrell Canada is giving away six prize packs plus a daily…
Gear Review: EVO Ankle Brace Stabilizer
This is a hiking gear review of the soft ankle brace EVO Ankle Stabilizer. Video Review Two weeks ago I rolled my ankle during a kickboxing class at Diaz Combat Sports in East Van (they’re an AWESOME gym, I’m just clumsy). My sports Physio (City Sports & Physio) thinks it may actually be fractured despite the…
A Summer Hiking Plan
Perhaps it’s because I’m a chronic planner, but more so it’s just because I love hiking so damn much I have created this summer hiking plan for the upcoming year. I want to maximize the number of incredible hiking trails I get to explore. Instead of reaching each weekend wondering “where to next?” I can…
10 Best Hikes Near Vancouver
I dare say these are the best hikes near Vancouver? That title is a very bold statement, I know. While I believe it to be true, what makes a hike amazing is totally dependent on the reader and what they’re after, so let me first tell you what makes a hike amazing for me. Of…