Short, beginner-friendly BC hikes for people of all levels!
It’s finally upon us — hiking season in Vancouver! Who’s excited? We sure are! After a dreary season of Juneuary, this recent arrival of sunshine couldn’t be more welcome. We love the outdoors: not only because of its magnificence and how downright fun it is to go on hikes — but also because the outdoors can help heal mind, body, and soul.
Nature is healing. For me, for you, and for people who are working hard to overcome homelessness and addiction. We’ve witnessed time and time again how nature can restore your body, refresh your perspective, and rest your mind.
That’s why at UGM, we offer hiking excursions and outdoor adventures in our Alcohol & Drug recovery programs. In the Men’s Recovery Program, we offer Expeditions, an outdoor recreation program. Through Expeditions, we take our recovery program participants on outdoor adventures, ranging from short hikes in Vancouver to multi-day treks.
These outdoor excursions help people along in their recovery journey by allowing them to strengthen themselves physically and mentally, explore the beauty of this world, and engage meaningfully with each other in community.
“The most helpful thing for me in overcoming addiction was getting out in creation and feeling, within the group, a sense of community while hiking together. Hiking changed my life. It got me out of my own head and gave me a chance to think. The outdoors helps me mentally, emotionally and physically — it’s all in one. One of my mottos is, ‘gratitude gets you altitude, attitude gives you latitude’. People need the outdoors to come back to themselves in life.” — Matt, UGM Alumni
So what are you waiting for? Go enjoy the great outdoors this summer! If you’re short on time or just getting started as a hiker, these short and easy beautiful BC hiking trails will be perfect for you.
Pre-hike Checklist: Read these adventure safety tips to make sure you’re prepared and take time to research the Indigenous land you're exploring and learn about the traditional owners and caretakers of these lands.
We acknowledge that the hikes located on this list are situated on the traditional territories of many Indigenous peoples, including local First Nations: Katzie, Kwantlen, Musqueam, Semiahmoo, Squamish, Tsawwassen, and Tsleil-Waututh.
1. Rice Lake | North Vancouver
A serene walk in the forest that leads to a pristine lake — what more could you want in a trail? Rice Lake is a quiet and short trail in the Lynn Headwaters Regional Park in North Vancouver. There’s also plenty of benches around the lake to rest and soak in the serenity!
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 hour
Roundtrip Distance: 3 km
Elevation: Minimal
2. Brandywine Falls | Squamish
Do go chasing waterfalls — especially when they’re as beautiful as Brandywine Falls! A quick 15-30 minute round trip walk on a flat paved trail will take you to this epic waterfall that is an astounding 70 metres tall. Bonus: keep walking past the waterfall viewing platform to the end of the trail and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Daisy Lake.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 0.5 hour
Roundtrip Distance: 1 km
Elevation: Minimal
3. Dog Mountain | North Vancouver
This spectacular view definitely needs to be on your hiking list. We went on a hike with an Expeditions alumni recently here and had a great time chatting and soaking in the views. Located in Mount Seymour Provincial Park, this is a short but sweet hike with some of the best views over Vancouver. Note: it is currently closed but it will reopen, so just keep posted on the Vancouver Trails website for updates.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hours
Roundtrip Distance: 5 km
Elevation: Minimal
4. Lighthouse Park | West Vancouver
A seriously scenic spot with a wide variety of views. From lofty trees to gorgeous cliffs, sea views, a picture-perfect lighthouse and more, this is a great park to spend the day exploring and relaxing in nature.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hours
Roundtrip Distance: up to 6 km
Elevation: Minimal
5. Pacific Spirit Park | Vancouver
Trees on trees on trees await you at Pacific Spirit Park. This peaceful park with breathtaking forest views has a wide network of trails within an area of 750+ hectares of forest. It’s transit-friendly and also accessible all year-round.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 3 hours
Roundtrip Distance: 10 km
Elevation: Minimal
6. Iona Beach Regional Park | Richmond
If you like long walks on the beach, this is the perfect place for you. Here, you can walk on a long, wide walkway that perches above the ocean. Sea views surround you. As an added perk, you may see airplanes flying overhead, as this park is right by the Vancouver International Airport.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1.5 hours
Roundtrip Distance: 6 km
Elevation: Minimal
7. Whyte Lake | West Vancouver
An enchanting forest walk that leads to a small, peaceful lake. A perfect way to spend a summer afternoon! The trail leading up to Whyte Lake takes you through a grove of incredible Western Cedar and Douglas Fir trees.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hours
Roundtrip Distance: 5 km
Elevation: 160 meters
8. Gold Creek Falls | Maple Ridge
This family-friendly hike offers a variety of views: from a waterfall to mountains, a river bend, spectacular trees and more! Located in Golden Ears Provincial Park, this trail is also dog-friendly!
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hours
Roundtrip Distance: 5.5 km
Elevation: Minimal
9. Alice Lake | Squamish
For a scenic walk that passes by lakes, creeks, and trees, look no further than the The Four Lakes Trail at Alice Lake Provincial Park in Squamish. This area is also a popular choice for camping if you want to spend the night.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 0.5 hours
Roundtrip Distance: 0.75 km
Elevation: 40 meters
10. Bowen Lookout | West Vancouver
Get ready for jaw-dropping views of Howe Sound. This short trail in Cypress Mountain Provincial Park is well-marked and paved most of the way. You’ll pass by Yew Lake along the way too! Sunsets here are unreal. P.S. If you’re up for a more challenging hike, you can continue on to St. Mark’s Summit, another beloved hike in Vancouver.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1.5 hours
Roundtrip Distance: 4 km
Elevation: 110 meters
That's a wrap on our top 10 hikes to enjoy this summer! We highly recommend taking advantage of the great outdoors - just like our Expeditions program - to help heal and find clarity in our busy lives. Grab your shoes and water bottles, and get hiking now with these epic BC hiking trails!
