It’s truly amazing where your two feet can take you. Join Group Hikes Near Vancouver as we venture out into the great outdoors, exploring the many incredible hiking trails we have accessible from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The trails we venture on in Group Hikes Near Vancouver will vary in level and location.
HOW TO JOIN
Interested in hiking with a group?
Join our Facebook group “Group Hikes Near Vancouver” – a member-run group with the sole purpose of coordinating hikes with people. As of January 2019, there are almost 4,000 members, which means lots and lots of opportunities to get out! It’s a place where people can chat about plans, organize ride-sharing and more.
The format is casual. Some people just post on the wall and coordinate via comments, or create a private group DM chat. I personally create an event in the group approximately once a week as I find it the easiest way to coordinate.
For those of you also on Strava, I have also created a Strava Club for Group Hikes Near Vancouver.
LEVEL
Each hike is different with most hiking trails being day hikes at a moderate level. Each group hike event will include details about the level of fitness/capability and any equipment required.
LOCATION
Locations of hikes vary. Most hikes people plan are located within 3 hours drive of Vancouver, with many options right here like our North Shore mountains. Other areas include north to Pemberton, south to Mount Baker, east to Chilliwack and west to the Sunshine Coast. Periodically you’ll see plans for farther overnight, multi-day camping/backpacking treks.
DOGS & KIDS
As each hike will be different, I’ll be sure to note in the information if the trail allows dogs. If they’re allowed, bring them! Most hikes do allow dogs, but some on-leash only. In some areas however (like all of Garibaldi Provincial Park), dogs are strictly prohibited. I’ll be sure to let you know in the event details.
Regarding kids, that’s your call of course. If they’re super young and you’re going to need to stop a lot for them, or they walk super slow I would not recommend bringing your kid(s) on these group hikes. You’re welcome to try to see how they do but there are lots of other groups you’d probably be happier in like this Meetup. If your kids are into hiking and you think they can manage the terrain we plan to tackle though, we’d love to have them come along!
COST
Free!
Some hikes may have costs required to access the trail, like taking the gondola up Grouse Mountain, or taking the ferry to an island destination, but members are not permitted to charge you anything aside from a reasonable portion of the gas and a little extra for wear and tear and/or their time if they’re going out of their way to pick you up.
RULES
Be respectful, responsible and safe. And have fun! While hike organizers are encouraged to do their best to ensure you have all the necessary information to prepare yourself, Hikes Near Vancouver nor any hike organizer, are responsible for your safety. Read below for safety precautions. All hikers are expected to hike in a buddy system, stay with the group and look out for one another. Group Hikes Near Vancouver is purely the organization of a social get-together to share with each other our mutual interest in outdoor adventure. Anyone reported being unsafe or inappropriate in any way will be immediately removed and banned from the group.
SAFETY
While in the vast majority of cases, strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet, hiking with strangers of course does not come without risk. Please take precautions to protect yourself.
With every hike no matter the circumstance, every hiker must ALWAYS do three things: Trip Plan, Train, and Take Essentials.
Know before you go. Familiarize yourself with this short guide on hiking safety issued by North Shore Rescue.
No one expects to get lost or be trapped in the wilderness overnight or longer. Always carry the Essentials:
Light
Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries. Bring a small LED light as emergency back-up. Lack of light is the most common reason hikers need to call Search and Rescue.
Signalling Device
Whistle (North Shore Rescue recommends the Fox 40 whistler with a lanyard).
Fire Starter
Matches (waterproof or in a plastic bag), lighter, or flameless firestarter like below.
Extra Clothes
While this depends on the season and location, generally make sure you have some warm clothes. ie toque, gloves or mittens, fleece jacket, Gortex (waterproof) jacket, good quality hiking socks.
Pocketknife
A multi tool is best, but a good pocket knife with a quality blade will suffice.
This is the brand I use, Victorinox Swiss Army:
Shelter
Warm emergency shelter: ie thermal tarp or bivvy sack.
Food & Water
Gatorade crystals recommended (or something with electrolytes), and high-energy food bars
First Aid Kit
Your first aid kit should include: pocket mask, Sam Splint, bulk dressings, protective gloves, bandage, scissors and blister dressings.
This is the one I carry. It’s lightweight and waterproof.
Navigation
Good quality compass with built-in declination adjustment, and both topographic and interpretive maps. An electronic GPS device only in addition to a compass and map (technology can and often does fail!).
I use a Garmin Fenix3 HR watch for my electronic navigation and tracking. Best Buy Canada sells lots of different Garmin watches which you can see here.
Communication
Fully charged cell phone with extra batteries or a two-way family radio system (FRS). A Personal Locator Beacon such as a Garmin InReach or Spot is also recommended.
OTHER HIKING GROUPS
If you’re interested in joining multiple hiking groups, there are lots to choose from. In addition to mine, some of my favourite options include:
Alpine Club of Canada – Vancouver Chapter
LEARN MORE
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