

hikes in North Shore
Hiking on Vancouver’s North Shore is incredible. Spanning North Vancouver and West Vancouver, it doesn’t get much better than hiking in Vancouver’s North Shore.
The North Shore is all mountains, meaning just about any trail will get your blood pumping. Hiking on the North Shore is a great way to get outdoors without a long drive from Vancouver.
From hikes in North Vancouver you can marvel at views of downtown Vancouver, Vancouver Harbour and the Indian Arm. Venture further west on the North Shore and you will be hiking in West Vancouver, with incredible views of Burrard Inlet and Howe Sound.
The scenery changes drastically as you explore different parts of the North Shore, from alpine forests to crystal-clear lakes, to craggy mountain peaks. The stunning backcountry offers mesmerizing views from three main mountains: Cypress, Seymour and Grouse. With a huge network of trails, hikers alike will find something here, with ski trails to trek in the winter and beautiful, forest lined hills in the summer.
Those who dare will be rewarded with unparalleled views on the multiple summits crossing the Howe Sound Crest trail, while Norvan Falls offers a magical waterfall at the height of the path, and for the little ones, Capilano River Regional Park is sure to delight with canyon views and old-growth trees.
The Top 10 North Shore Hikes
These ten epic hikes in the North Shore bring some of the best hikes in North Vancouver and West Vancouver. These hikes mix family-friendly walks with remote, rigorous treks that you can stretch over two days to complete. But regardless of time or fitness level, hikers will be blown away by the rolling hills, wildflower meadows, pristine lakes and of course, jaw-dropping mountain peaks that won’t soon be forgotten. Better yet, with so many options, the North Shore remains a destination to be visited over and over again. Below are the 10 best hikes in Vancouver’s North Shore:
- Howe Sound Crest Trail: This is a legendary hike and a must-do for all experienced hikers. Be warned, this trail is incredibly challenging, but also highly rewarding with multiple summit views and fun, backcountry camping spots.
- Norvan Falls: Set out on this year-round trail for an easy hike at a lower elevation than most spots in the North Shore. This spot is especially popular for dog-walkers and leads to a scenic waterfall.
- Crown Mountain: Next to Howe Sound, this is one of the most difficult hikes on the North Shore, leads to a pointed summit. This one is also for experienced hikers only, but those who are fit enough will be rewarded with incredible summit views of the North Shore Mountains.
- Mount Seymour: This hike is easy to access from the many ski-resorts located around the trail. Delight in several viewpoints on the way to the upper summit, or feel free to turn back sooner knowing you already took in incredible views.
- Hanes Valley: If you are a serious trail runner, this can be completed in a loop, or for most hikers, this is as a point-to-point hike. Scramble over big rocks and steep canyons in the Hanes Valley, then carry onward to Grouse Mountain Resort.
- Capilano River Regional Park: This central park trail has something for everyone. There are numerous, paths throughout the park so you can make the hike as short or as long as you wish. It's a great place for kids, and has a huge dam, salmon hatchery, and several old-growth trees.
- Mount Strachan: This is another difficult hike offering terrific views and also an interesting historical monument for an airplane wreck for the Royal Canadian Navy T-33 Jet, which crashed in 1963.
- Whytecliff Park: This park has some nice short walking trails, perfect for families to enjoy trails along the beach. The BC Ferries vessels can be seen coming and leaving Horseshoe Bay, and wildlife can also be spotted, including seals and if extremely lucky, even orcas.
- Coliseum Mountain: Embark on a full-day hike at Coliseum Mountain, where at the summit hikers will find panoramic, 360-degree views. This is an extension from Norvan Falls, for hikers looking for an extra challenge.
- Dog Mountain: This is another popular hike in Mount Seymour Provincial Park. The trail is technical, but doesn’t have much elevation gain. It makes a great place for an after-work hike.
When is the best time to hike in the North Shore?
A large amount of the trails within the North Shore can be completed all-year-round, but some are season dependent. Since some areas are covered by large mountain summits, the parks might not see much sunlight—meaning rain and snow can stick to the ground much longer than usual. For that reason, early summer to late fall is the best time for most hikes within the North Shore. The ground is typically less muddy, with drier terrain to make for easier and safer hiking.
How to plan a trip to the North Shore?
Not sure where to start on planning your trip to the North Shore? No sweat, we have a full guide on planning your trip to the North Shore outlining all our insider secrets, like how to get here, where to stay, and the best food and drinks in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions about the North Shore
Are there a lot of bears in the North Shore area?
To be honest, yes, there are bears in the North Shore area. Hikers should always be prepared and well-versed on dealing with bears before setting out on a hike. It is important to give a bear space and do not run! Use a bear spray if it approaches and never turn your back.
Which trail is the hardest to complete in the North Shore?
There are multiple challenging hikes in the North Shore area, but completing the entire Howe Sound Crest Trail is definitely the hardest hike. But it crosses multiple summits and you won’t find better views over all of Vancouver than on this trail.
Read MoreThe best hikes in North Shore

01. Howe Sound Crest Trail
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The Howe Sound Crest Trail (HSCT) is arguably one of the best hiking trails near… Read More

02. Grouse Grind Trail
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The Grouse Grind Trail is a physically demanding route in North Vancouver that attracts over… Read More

03. Quarry Rock Hike from Deep Cove
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The Quarry Rock Hike from Deep Cove is a short, 2.3mi out-and-back route… Read More

04. Capilano River Regional Park
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Wander in one of Metro Vancouver’s oldest parks, the Capilano River Regional Park. Choose from… Read More

05. Mount Strachan
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Mount Strachan is a wonderful hike in West Vancouver, offering quiet trails and stunning panoramic… Read More

06. Coliseum Mountain
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Prepare for a demanding day hike at the Coliseum Mountain. But those who dare this… Read More

07. Mount Seymour
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The Mount Seymour hike is home to three unique trails leading to peaks, each offering… Read More

08. St. Mark’s Summit
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St. Mark’s Summit gives hikers unparalleled views of the beautiful Howe Sound. Hiking to Saint… Read More

09. Hanes Valley
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The Hanes Valley Trail hike makes for a hard and strenuous day, but the view… Read More

10. Hike to Eagle Bluffs via Black Mountain
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The Eagle Bluffs are recognized as one of the best lookouts over Vancouver’s North Shore,… Read More
Yes, there are more than 10
North Shore is so beautiful that we can not give you only 10 hikes. So here is a list of bonus hikes in North Shore that you should take a look at as well

11. Norvan Falls
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Embark on a hike at Norvan Falls, located in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, in North… Read More

12. Whytecliff Park
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Grab the whole family and head to Whytecliff Park, a beautiful oceanside spot in West… Read More

13. Dog Mountain
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The Dog Mountain hike is the most popular trail in the Mount Seymour Provincial Park—and… Read More

14. Whyte Lake Hike
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Follow along the Whyte Lake Trail as it meanders along creeks, over moss-covered bridges, and… Read More

15. Hike to Lynn Peak
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The Hike to Lynn Peak is a challenging trail for hikers looking to push themselves… Read More

16. Mystery Lake Loop
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The Mystery Lake Loop is a popular hiking trail on the North Shore due to… Read More

17. Lynn Loop Trail
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The Lynn Loop Trail is an excellent day hike option for beginner hikers and weekend… Read More

18. Capilano River Loop
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The Capilano River Loop is a great day hike option for hikers looking to make… Read More

19. BCMC Trail
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The BCMC Trail is a workout based hike in Vancouver’s North Shore that allows hikers… Read More

20. Mount Seymour Trail
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Follow along the Mount Seymour Trail as it steadily climbs above the North Shore to… Read More

21. Kennedy Falls Trail
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The Kennedy Falls Trail is a rugged hike through the dense West Coast rainforest of… Read More

22. Cypress Falls Hike
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The Cypress Falls Hike on the North Shore of Vancouver is a fantastic trail where… Read More

23. Unnecessary Mountain Hike
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The hike up to Unnecessary Mountain will take you along the Howe Sound Crest Trail,… Read More

24. Crown Mountain Trail
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The Crown Mountain Trail is an exciting and technical route up one of the North… Read More

25. Hollyburn Mountain Hike
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The Hollyburn Mountain Hike is a 4.3mi out-and-back trail in the Cypress Mountain… Read More

26. Lynn Canyon Sea to Sky Trail
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The Lynn Canyon Sea to Sky Trail is a 9.8mi out-and-back trail that… Read More

27. Rice Lake Hike via Lynn Canyon
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The Rice Lake Hike is a short 2.9mi trail that leads hikers through… Read More

28. Mount Elsay Trail
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The Mount Elsay Trail is a beautiful 9.3mi loop trail in the backcountry… Read More

29. The Lions via Binkert Trail
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The Lions via Binkert Trail is a difficult out-and-back route with sections of steep incline… Read More

30. Mount Harvey Trail
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The Mount Harvey Trail is a 6.6mi out-and-back with steep sections of trail… Read More

31. Goat Mountain Trail
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The Goat Mountain Trail is a picturesque hike into the Lynn Headwaters backcountry that will… Read More

32. Cates Park Loop
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The Cates Park Loop is a short 1.5mi trail near Deep Cove that… Read More

33. Deep Cove Park Loop
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The Deep Cove Park Loop is a forested hike through one of the many recreational… Read More

34. Panorama Park Loop
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The Panorama Park Loop is a 1.1mi trail through an urban park in… Read More

35. Elsay Lake Trail
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The Elsay Lake Trail is a tough route through the backcountry of Mount Seymour Provincial… Read More

36. Indian Arm Trail
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The Indian Arm Trail is a very lightly-trafficked out-and-back route that sets out from Deep… Read More

37. Twin Falls Loop
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The Twin Falls Loop is a fun 3.3mi day hike that packs a… Read More

38. Lynn Canyon Park Loop
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The Lynn Canyon Park Loop is a short 0.9mi hike around the rushing… Read More

39. Brunswick Mountain Trail
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The Brunswick Mountain trail is a 9.4mi out-and-back that takes hikers to the… Read More

40. Flint and Feather Trail
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Sandwiched between the Grouse Grind and the BCMC Trail is the Flint and Feather Trail,… Read More

41. Lynn Valley Link Trail
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The Lynn Valley Link Trail is a great day hike to experience the city while… Read More

42. Lynn Headwater Trail to Norvan Falls
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Hike along the network of trails that pass through the beautiful Lynn Headwaters Regional Park… Read More

43. Brothers Creek Trail
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The Brothers Creek Trail is a fun half-day hike that takes you through a thickly… Read More

44. Mosquito Creek Hike
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The Mosquito Creek Hike is a secluded and scenic urban hiking trail on the North… Read More

45. Skyline Trail
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The Skyline Trail is a 2.2mi loop that climbs up a steep slope… Read More

46. Yew Lake Loop
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The Yew Lake Loop is a 1.4mi interpretive trail with educational signs posted… Read More

47. Fisherman’s Trail
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The Fisherman’s Trail is a 7.5mi out-and-back hike that follows closely alongside the… Read More

48. Centennial Trail
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The Centennial Trail is a scenic hiking route that runs along the coastline between Lions… Read More

49. Seymour Valley Trail
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The Seymour Valley Trail is a 14.9mi out-and-back that follows alongside the Seymour… Read More

50. Centennial Seawalk
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The Centennial Seawalk is a stunning 3.1mi out-and-back trail that follows closely along… Read More

51. Spirit Trail
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The Spirit Trail is an easy-going 6.9mi hike along the shipyards of Vancouver’s… Read More

52. Deep Cove Lookout via Perimeter Trail
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Hiking to the Deep Cove Lookout via Perimeter Trail will take hikers on a technical… Read More

53. Mackay Creek Trail Loop
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The Mackay Creek Loop Trail is an intense workout for hikers that love a steep… Read More

54. Bear and Beaver Trail Loop
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The Bear and Beaver Trail Loop is a perfect half-day hike that passes through Lynn… Read More

55. Dinky Peak Trail
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The Dinky Peak Trail is a less-travelled path in Mount Seymour Provincial Park, partly because… Read More

56. Goldie and Flower Lake Loop
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The Goldie and Flower Lake Loop is a short trail that makes its way through… Read More

57. Old Buck and Bridle Trail Loop
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The Old Buck and Bridle Trail Loop is an amalgamation of the Old Buck, Bridle,… Read More

58. Lynn Lake Trail
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The Lynn Lake Trail is a lengthy hike through the Lynn Headwaters backcountry that is… Read More

59. Hike to South Needle
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The Hike to South Needle follows along an extension of the trail to Lynn Peak,… Read More

60. Whytecliff Park - Panorama Ridge Trail
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The Panorama Ridge Trail is a short trail within Whytecliff Park that is perfect for… Read More

61. Mount Fromme Trail
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The Mount Fromme Trail is a great out-and-back option for when you are looking to… Read More
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