5 Easy Hikes in and around Vancouver

Have you ever wanted to start hiking but didn't now where to start?  Try these 5 easy hikes around the lower mainland.  I am in no way a hiker.  I do not hike the grouse grind everyday or go in the back country for some intense hiking.  However, I do enjoy the outdoors and during summer time, the teenagers are out of school and according to them, there's 'nothing to do'.  So I decided to take my nieces and nephew out on some hikes these past two summers and they have really enjoyed getting out there and exercising while having fun.  They love to explore new places and getting out of the city.  Here are some of our hikes that we have enjoyed together.  I also wanted to add that I have asthma but I am still able to finish these hikes.  Not in any record time, but I do finish them in order to enjoy the final destination with them.

Iona Regional Park

This park is located nearby to Vancouver Airport (YVR).  Don't worry, you don't hear them at all from here but look to your left and might get a view of one taking off!  This park is unique in that the hike is a 4 km (2.5 mi) jetty into the strait.  There are three shelters to take rest in as you walk along the jetty.  The wind can be a bit biting if you have sensitive ears.  It is surrounded by water on both sides and makes for a peaceful walk.  It doesn't get crowded other than the occasional dog walker or jogger.  If you are looking to jumpstart your fitness but don't feel like climbing steep hills yet, try this one out!

Lighthouse Park

Located in West Vancouver, this lovely scenic hike is perfect for beginners who are looking to warm up to bigger hikes.  There are several paths you can take once inside the hike.  All of them loop around and meet up to the main trail, Shore Pine Trail.  As you walk this path, you'll be hiking up and down hills and if you want to get a closer look at the water below, there are pathways leading to several bluffs to climb on and to relax like Jack Pine Point.  Eventually the trail will lead to a path leading down to the main bluffs that look across from Lighthouse Park.  The lighthouse itself is on private property so no trespassing is allowed.  The view from the bluffs are a great place to relax and reward yourself this view after all the hiking you did to get there.  There is also a straight path to the Lighthouse from the parking lot if you aren't into the hike and just want to enjoy the view.

Quarry Rock

Quarry Rock is one of the most popular hikes in North Vancouver.  Come early to find a spot to park.  There is an overflow parking lot if the parking lots by the trailhead are full.  This trail is great for families.  There are some challenges going over old tree roots and some slight uphills to battle but it is a great work out for 1.5 hrs.  The view at the top of the Quarry Rock is both amazing and worth it!  

When you come back down, head to Honey's and treat yourself to some of the yummiest donuts in North Van!

Tynehead Regional Park

Looking for an after dinner hike?  Tynehead Regional Park is located on 96th Ave.  Its a great place to go in the suburbs of Surrey.  It is sitting on 260 hectares of meadows and forest at the head of the Serpentine River.  Once you are in the trail, you will be immersed in the forest.  There are many paths you can take that loop around so you can explore as much as you want.  There are hills, stairs, bridges and many more to see and experience at the Tynehead Regional Park.

Lindeman Lake

Located in Chilliwack Provincial Park, it is a 2 hr drive from Vancouver and 1 hr and 40 mins drive from Surrey if you take the Trans Canada Hwy.  As you drive down Chilliwack Lake Rd, you will see a small sign on the left side of the road that reads "Lindeman Trailhead".  Turn left and park in the lot.  The trail starts off with a downward slope, evens out and then heads back up the mountain, climbing over boulders, roots and streams.  After 30 mins of this, you will reach a huge rock called the "Graffiti Rock".  This is the sign that you are very close to the lake and camp grounds.  Another 5 -10 mins of hiking you find it will eventually flatten out and you will arrive at your destination when you see bits of turquoise water peeking out through the trees.  You can hike further to get to Greendrop lake or stay and relax for a couple hours at Lindeman like we did before heading down again.  The lake is surrounded by mountain peaks and dense green forest.  The log jam on one end is how to cross the lake to get to the other side of the campsite.

The waters look inviting on a hot sunny day but the lake has frigid temperatures. Many brave it and go for a plunge anyway!

Whatever trail you choose, just get out there and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.