Hiking East of Vancouver is arguably one of the best ways to explore some of the hidden gems of British Columbia’s mountain ranges. Tucked away to the east, you’ll find stunning mountain scenery, a huge selection of hiking trails amongst national parks, pristine lakes and verdant forests to explore. Better yet? You’ll also find little to no crowds.
East of Vancouver encompasses the Coquitlam and Maple Ridge areas, which are often overshadowed by Garibaldi and Whistler. But just a quick drive or train ride from Vancouver will take you east of the city and into an outdoor playground. Home to Golden Ears, Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, Minnekhada Regional Park, Westwood Plateau, Belcarra Regional Park and more—there is no shortage of epic hikes East of Vancouver.
After a full day of hiking, weary travellers can kick up their feet in the city of Coquitlam where trendy bars, cozy restaurants and stylish boutiques are abound. Or if you’re not done exploring yet, set out to explore some of the local city parks in the area to get up close and personal to the unique flora and fauna that can be found East of Vancouver.
Ready to head for the hills (er, mountains!) East of Vancouver? We’ve rounded up the best 10 hikes in the region, so pack your bags and hit the trails in one of Canada’s fastest growing areas.
The 10 Greatest Hikes East of Vancouver
From easy, gentle trails to challenging, heart-pounding summits, East of Vancouver has it all when it comes to hiking. Regardless of which trail you choose, you’ll likely enjoy stunning mountain views and depending on the time of year, trails in full bloom, bursting with colourful wildflowers. For an epic day-hike or multi-day hike, check out the Golden Ears Summit hike, with arguably the best views in all of Vancouver. Or, if you’re in search of a child-friendly outing, the Crystal Falls hike has flat trail that lead to a magnificent waterfall that is sure to delight.
- Crystal Falls: Crystal Falls hike is a terrific family outing. This easy and flat trail follows the Coquitlam River and ends at a small, magical waterfall.
- Sendero Diez Vistas: The Sendero Diez Vistas hike is a popular loop. There are ten unique viewpoints (hence, ‘Diez Vistas’), which can be seen on the loop that navigates all the way around Buntzen Lake.
- Gold Creek Falls: Gold Creek Falls hike an easy trail in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Follow this relatively flat path along Gold Creek, until you reach a beautiful waterfall.
- Golden Ears: Golden Ears Summit hike is an extremely challenging day hike, where the peak is hard to summit. But those make it will be rewarded with some of the best views anywhere around Vancouver.
- High Knoll: High Knoll hike is a popular trail in Minnekhada Regional Park. A short hike will take you to a nice bluff overlooking the Pitt River.
- Jug Island: The Jug Island hike is a fun trail that starts at one beach and leads to another. Jug Island Beach is small, but scenic and you can swim on hot, summer days.
- Munro Lake & Dennett Lake: The Munro Land & Dennet Lake hike is a perfect trail for those looking for a challenge and avoid the crowds, with two glistening lakes and a stunning scenic lookout.
- Sawblade Falls: Sawblade Falls hike leads to a small, but scenic waterfall in Pinecone Burke Provincial Park.
- Steelhead Falls: Steelhead Falls hike is a gentle trail at Hayward Lake that leads to a large waterfall. The hike is easy, but those who want to hike further can make a loop around the entire lake.
- Widgeon Falls: The Widgeon Falls hike makes for a fun outing, as you have to find a way across the Pitt River to reach the trailhead. The trail itself is mostly flat and easy, and leads to a small, but scenic waterfall.
When Is The Best Time To Hike East of Vancouver
Like most of the trail within British Columbia, peak season for hiking East of Vancouver is between late June to mid-September. The weather is pretty much unbeatable, especially once up in the mountains and the wildflowers are often in full bloom during this period.
However, this is also when the trails are at their peak busy season. Meaning you might find crowded trails and be vying for camping sites and hotel accommodations. If you wish to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting in either the spring or fall shoulder season, though you may run into some snow!
Some of the trails can also be done all-season, but we recommend checking trail conditions beforehand and ensure you dress warmly.
If you’d like to make a trip East of Vancouver your next getaway, we’ve got all the information you need! Find our comprehensive guide to planning a trip East of Vancouver, with an insider’s tips on the best restaurants, accommodations, cafes and experiences. We’ve taken all the guess work out, so you don’t have to. Now just lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails.
How To Plan A Trip East of Vancouver
If you’d like to make a trip East of Vancouver your next getaway, we’ve got all the information you need! Find our comprehensive guide to planning a trip East of Vancouver, with an insider’s tips on the best restaurants, accommodations, cafes and experiences. We’ve taken all the guess work out, so you don’t have to. Now just lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails.
Frequently-Asked-Questions About East of Vancouver
Are there a lot of bears in Coquitlam?
Yes. Coquitlam is the bear-sighting capital of B.C., so if you are heading into the mountains or even local parks, it’s important to have bear spray on you. Be sure to be bear aware and if you see one, don’t run or turn your back on the bear.
What is the easiest hike East of Vancouver?
If you’re looking for a quick, relatively easy hike, we recommend the Steelhead Falls hike. The path is gentle, with little change in elevation and it leads to a pretty waterfall that makes for a great photo-op.
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Crystal Falls
Crystal Falls is a gentle hike following the Upper Coquitlam River, which ends at the stunning Crystal Falls waterfall on Pritchett Creek. While this is an all-year trail, summer takes this hike to the next level, with crystal clear canyon pools available for a refreshing dip.
Sendero Diez Vistas
For a challenging walk around Buntzen Lake, try the Sendero Diez Vistas Trail hike. Find ten incredible viewpoint along the ridge walk, overlooking the North Shore, Burrard Inlet, the Indian Arm and even Vancouver Island.
Gold Creek Falls
Gold Creek Falls hike is a great walk for those camping nearby in Golden Ears Provincial Park or visiting Alouette Lake. With an easy, well-maintained path leading to a beautiful waterfall, this makes for a great family hike.
Golden Ears
The Golden Ears Summit is one of the most difficult, yet rewarding hikes in all of the Vancouver region. Located in Golden Ears Provincial Park, this popular hike provides 360 views over stunning vistas and is often completed over two days.
High Knoll
Head to Minnekhada Regional Park to hike to High Knoll for mesmerizing views and plenty of trails to explore throughout. Pass by marshes split into two sections by a dyke, and teeming with local wildlife
Jug Island
The Jug Island hike is an easy walk for the whole family through fresh-smelling cedar forests, up the spine of the peninsula. Pass by both Belcarra and Bedwell Bays, where clear, glistening water entices hikers in for a refreshing dip.
Munro Lake & Dennett Lake
For a challenging hike, explore two amazing lakes near Coquitlam, BC: Munro Lake and Dennett Lake, which can be accessed via a steep hike in Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, Coquitlam. Be sure to pack your swimsuit so you can run straight for the water at the end of the hike during the summer months.
Sawblade Falls
Explore woodland trails on the Sawblade Falls hike, which leads to a scenic waterfall located on Burke Mountain in Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, Coquitlam. Pass by smaller falls and beautiful alpine forests to enjoy fresh mountain air on the way to the main attraction.
Steelhead Falls
The Steelhead Falls hike is an ideal year-round trail with little to no snow due to the low elevation. The waterfall is spectacular and has upper and lower viewing platforms, making the Steelhead Falls a great option for families and solo hikers alike
Widgeon Falls
Get ready for some paddling fun, since you’ll need to canoe or kayak to reach the starting point for the Widgeon Falls hike. This trail can be a great all-seasons hike, but is especially spectacular in the fall, as the leaves change colour all along the shallow waters of Widgeon Slough.
Burnaby Lake Loop
The Burnaby Lake Loop is a great day hike for those looking to lose the feeling of being in the city without actually leaving it. Although it is a 10.0 km hike, the minimal changes in elevation mean that this is an easy trail that the whole family will enjoy. After your hike, enjoy watching the wildlife while walking the boardwalk out to Piper’s Spit, or observe the teams of rowers as they pace alongside the Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion.
Burnaby Mountain Park Hike
Home to Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain also hosts 28.0 km of hiking trails that make their way throughout the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Enjoy spending the day losing yourself in its network of trails, climbing to the top of the mountain to spot distant peaks, or heading downhill to hit up the mountain bike trails. Don’t forget to check out the wood-carved totems that stand high in the sky near the Horizons restaurant.
Sasamat Lake Trail
The Sasamat Lake Trail is a great lakeside hike where the entire family can enjoy a full day of fun outdoor activities. Take pleasure strolling along the flat trails, soaking in the sun on the beach, or fishing off the floating bridge on the south side of the lake. When the sun gets too hot, jump in the water of one of the warmest lakes in the region, or cool off with a treat from the lakeside concession stand. This popular weekend getaway has something for everyone.
Evans Peak Trail
The hike up to Evans Peak is an ideal day trip for those looking to experience the beauty of Golden Ears Provincial Park, without the full-day/overnight commitment of some of its more well-known attractions. The Evans Peak trail is a challenging experience due to its steep trail and multiple rope sections, but it rewards hikers with beautiful views of Alouette Lake to the south east, and the majestic Garibaldi Provincial Park to the north.
Coquitlam Crunch Trail
The Coquitlam Crunch Trail is an urban hiking route purposefully designed to provide hikers with an excellent workout. This steeply inclined 6.3 km trail runs underneath a length of hydropower lines and is often considered a less intense version of the Grouse Grind. So while the route may lack beautiful, unobstructed views, you can rest assured that it more than makes up for this shortcoming with an intense workout that will leave you feeling accomplished.
Buntzen Lake Loop
The Buntzen Lake Loop is a 12.1 km trail around the shores of Buntzen Lake that passes through beautiful forests and over scenic bridges. Better known now for recreational use than its history producing hydroelectricity, the lake is home to a network of trails and several beaches, offering outdoor enthusiasts several options to get out and enjoy nature. Access to the park is limited, so make sure you get there nice and early to beat the crowds.
Mundy Park Trail
The Mundy Park Trail is a densely-forested hiking path through Coquitlam’s largest park and has little elevation change, making it a great hike for children or beginner hikers. Follow along the Perimeter Trail as it skirts the outside of the park and passes by two lakes. Due to the many sports facilities within the park, this is a great route to pass the time while the kids are at softball practice or to take the dogs for a long, shady walk through the forest.
Hayward Lake Trail
The Hayward Lake Trail is a 17.5 km route near Mission, BC, that loops around Hayward Lake and crosses over two dams - Ruskin Dam in the south and Stave Falls Dam in the north. Travel around the beautiful lakeside scenery on your way to the picturesque Steelhead Falls before ending up at one of the lake’s beautiful beaches. This is a great day hike that offers access to a lot of other fun outdoor activities.
Alouette Lake Trail
The Alouette Lake Trail is a fun 15.3 km out-and-back trail that takes you along a forested path through Golden Ears Provincial Park. This hiking route doesn’t offer much in terms of great views until you get to the South Beach at Alouette Lake, but it does pass through some beautifully forested areas with spectacular flora and fauna. Make sure to pack a swimsuit to enjoy the refreshing waters of the lake.
Eagle Mountain Powerline Trail
The Eagle Mountain Powerline Road is a fairly easy-going 8.2 km out-and-back route that travels along a clearing in the forest up to a viewpoint over Buntzen Lake. The trail itself doesn’t contain many views, but the wide gravel path offers a gentle uphill climb that is accessible for most skill levels, and the view over the lake is spectacular. This is a straightforward route that makes for an easy afternoon outing.
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