North Shore Hikes
Vancouver’s North Shore hikes are simply incredible. Spanning North Vancouver and West Vancouver, it doesn’t get much better than hiking in Vancouver’s North Shore and taking in the coastal views.
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 the need to take a long drive from Vancouver, as many of the trails are easily accessible from urban areas.
North Shore hikes allow you to marvel at the incredible views of downtown Vancouver, Vancouver Harbour, and the vast expanse of 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 you can access on North Shore hikes offers mesmerizing views from three main mountains: Cypress, Seymour and Grouse. With a huge network of trails, outdoor enthusiasts of all varieties 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 North Shore hikes, as it 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 North Shore 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 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 North Shore hikes. 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.
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Route guides for Hiking in North Shore
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Howe Sound Crest Trail Route Guide
The Howe Sound Crest Trail (HSCT) is arguably one of the best hiking trails near Vancouver for serious hikers, stretching over 18.6mi from Cypress Bowl to Porteau Cove. Keep your hiking boots laced tight as you head over multiple summits, offering spectacular views of Howe Sound, The Lions, and the beautifully turquoise Deeks Lakes, to name a few.
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Grouse Grind Trail Route Guide
The Grouse Grind Trail is a physically demanding route in North Vancouver that attracts over 150,000 hikers annually. Affectionately known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” this short 1.8mi hike has an elevation gain of 2589ft, meaning you will need to be on top of your strength and endurance game to enjoy the spectacular views from the summit of Grouse Mountain!
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Quarry Rock Hike from Deep Cove Route Guide
The Quarry Rock Hike from Deep Cove is a short, 2.3mi out-and-back route that is a popular destination for family hikes and school trips due to its easy terrain and scenic views. The trail includes several newly built wooden bridges to improve accessibility. Catch the stunning views of the Indian Arm and Belcarra Mountains to the east before heading back down the trail to Deep Cove for a treat at Honey Doughnuts and Goodies.
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Capilano River Regional Park Route Guide
Wander in one of Metro Vancouver’s oldest parks, the Capilano River Regional Park. Choose from trails spanning over 16.2mi, featuring highlights like the incredible Capilano Canyon, the Cleveland Dam, the Capilano River, and a salmon hatchery. Feel small among the impressive canyon walls of jutting cliffs then observe the rushing white-water of the river for a quick outdoor adventure.
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Mount Strachan Route Guide
Mount Strachan is a wonderful hike in West Vancouver, offering quiet trails and stunning panoramic views of Howe Sound.
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Coliseum Mountain Route Guide
Prepare for a demanding day hike at the Coliseum Mountain. But those who dare this hike will reap high rewards, with striking, panoramic views overlooking Mount Burwell, Burwell Lake and Cathedral Mountain to the north.
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Mount Seymour Route Guide
The Mount Seymour hike is home to three unique trails leading to peaks, each offering their own panoramic vista. After a heart-pumping workout to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with views of Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and the Indian Arm.
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St. Mark’s Summit Route Guide
St. Mark’s Summit gives hikers unparalleled views of the beautiful Howe Sound. Hiking to Saint Mark’s Summit can be a great hike to complete in one afternoon. From the peak, you can see the islands of Howe Sound, the Tantalus Range and even Vancouver Island.
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Hike to Eagle Bluffs via Black Mountain Route Guide
The Eagle Bluffs are recognized as one of the best lookouts over Vancouver’s North Shore, and can be easily accessed from the Cypress Mountain downhill ski area along the Black Mountain Trail. Highlights along the route include the North and South summits of Black Mountain, Cabin and Owen lakes, and of course the stunning vantage point from the Eagle Bluffs themselves. Here you can find the most beautiful views of Eagle Harbour, Howe Sound, and Point Roberts.
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Norvan Falls Route Guide
Embark on a hike at Norvan Falls, located in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, in North Vancouver where a dazzling waterfall awaits at the end of the trail. This trail runs parallel to Lynn Creek and is relatively flat, making for an accessible hike for all and a great spot for trail running. While there is no sweeping vista to enjoy on this hike, the waterfall is beautiful, and the trail through the forest is itself rewarding.
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Whytecliff Park Route Guide
Grab the whole family and head to Whytecliff Park, a beautiful oceanside spot in West Vancouver. While one can hardly call this trail a hike, it makes for a fun outing for kiddies of all-ages and is family-friendly. Whytecliff is a fantastic spot to enjoy the natural scenery of Vancouver and watch the sunset over the water.
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Dog Mountain Route Guide
The Dog Mountain hike is the most popular trail in the Mount Seymour Provincial Park—and for good reason. From the top of Dog Mountain, hikers are rewarded with views of Mount Baker, the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland, Stanley Park and the Strait of Georgia.
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Crown Mountain Trail Route Guide
The Crown Mountain Trail is an exciting and technical route up one of the North Shore’s most recognizable peaks. This 5.6mi out-and-back is a difficult hike that is not meant for novices, families or hikers with dogs due to the steep incline to the summit. After making your way up the challenging final scramble, take in the sweeping views of the Fraser Valley and the Capilano Watershed.
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Whyte Lake Hike Route Guide
Follow along the Whyte Lake Trail as it meanders along creeks, over moss-covered bridges, and past mammoth old-growth Douglas Firs. Relax on the secluded north shore beach of Whyte Lake, or hop off the wooden dock to cool off for a swim. This scenic hike offers a prime example of hiking through a Pacific temperate rainforest climate.
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Hike to Lynn Peak Route Guide
The Hike to Lynn Peak is a challenging trail for hikers looking to push themselves through a tough elevation gain. Climbing 3343ft along a rugged ridge line, this trail offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and a series of drops that are sure to get your heart pumping as you ascend to North Lynn Peak. Get ready for the toughness of the Grouse Grind, without the fuss of the crowds.
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Mystery Lake Loop Route Guide
The Mystery Lake Loop is a popular hiking trail on the North Shore due to its picturesque namesake lake. While most people head up the trail for a swim in the cool waters of the lake, the loop continues around to the top of mystery peak, offering a view of the city of Vancouver on a clear day. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including the salamanders that call the lake their home.
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Lynn Loop Trail Route Guide
The Lynn Loop Trail is an excellent day hike option for beginner hikers and weekend warriors alike. Offering beautiful stretches of mixed forest with several elevation changes, the trail starts and finishes along the rushing waters of the Lynn Creek, with Mount Fromme looming in the backdrop.
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Capilano River Loop Route Guide
The Capilano River Loop is a great day hike option for hikers looking to make their way through various types of terrain. Although it’s rated an easy hike, the trail has some changes in elevation and allows you to pass through dense rainforests and steep river canyons. Make sure to spend some time at the Capilano River Hatchery to learn about salmon species, and cross the Capilano Suspension bridge to catch some gorgeous scenery.
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BCMC Trail Route Guide
The BCMC Trail is a workout based hike in Vancouver’s North Shore that allows hikers to break a sweat while climbing a short but steep incline. Sharing the same mountain as the Grouse Grind, and often compared to it in terms of length and intensity, this hiking route is more rugged and less maintained than its neighbour, making it an ideal option for a great workout without the crowds.
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Mount Seymour Trail Route Guide
Follow along the Mount Seymour Trail as it steadily climbs above the North Shore to traverse the summit of 3 beautiful peaks. Make your way through the rocky maze to reach First Pump Peak before climbing your way up the steep incline of Tim Jones Peak. The final scramble heads up the saddle to Mount Seymour.
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Kennedy Falls Trail Route Guide
The Kennedy Falls Trail is a rugged hike through the dense West Coast rainforest of Vancouver’s North Shore. Highlights along the trail include scenic views of the rushing waters of Kennedy Falls, as well as the opportunity to meet the Big Red Cedar, a giant 600-year-old tree that spans 13ft.
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Cypress Falls Hike Route Guide
The Cypress Falls Hike on the North Shore of Vancouver is a fantastic trail where you can experience a stunning pair of waterfalls set within a beautiful BC rainforest backdrop. This small park has a network of trails that allow you to head straight for the falls or meander through the forest to get lost in nature.
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Unnecessary Mountain Hike Route Guide
The hike up to Unnecessary Mountain will take you along the Howe Sound Crest Trail, with some truly stunning views that stretch across the North Shore. Take in the sights as you traverse the summit of St. Mark’s before scrambling up the steep ridge to the north peak of Unnecessary Mountain.
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Hollyburn Mountain Hike Route Guide
The Hollyburn Mountain Hike is a 4.3mi out-and-back trail in the Cypress Mountain area for hikers looking to reconnect with nature. Trek uphill through meadows full of berry bushes to reach beautiful views that stretch west to the Georgia Strait. This scenic trail is perfect for a weekend trek out of the city.
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Lynn Canyon Sea to Sky Trail Route Guide
The Lynn Canyon Sea to Sky Trail is a 9.8mi out-and-back trail that passes through five different parks on its way from the Vancouver Harbour up through the Lynn Canyon. Packed with sights like Twin Falls, the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge, and 30 Foot Pool, this hike is an easy day adventure where you can connect with the beauty of nature while still in the city.
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Rice Lake Hike via Lynn Canyon Route Guide
The Rice Lake Hike is a short 2.9mi trail that leads hikers through Lynn Canyon Park to a beautiful area where they can fish and watch out for wildlife while walking the trail that skirts around the edges of pristine Rice Lake. Highlights along the way include crossing the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge and a stop at 30 Foot Pool for a swim. This is a great hike with many nearby outdoor activities that allow for an entire day of adventure.
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Mount Elsay Trail Route Guide
The Mount Elsay Trail is a beautiful 9.3mi loop trail in the backcountry of Mount Seymour Provincial Park. A less travelled route than some of its neighbours, this trail is poorly marked in certain areas and has several technical sections traversing loose rock. Anyone willing to brave this physically demanding route will be rewarded with stunning North Shore views from a vantage point that few experience.
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The Lions via Binkert Trail Route Guide
The Lions via Binkert Trail is a difficult out-and-back route with sections of steep incline along a 4721ft elevation gain. While the summit of West Lion should only be attempted by experienced hikers, the trail as a whole is fairly accessible for hikers of varying skill levels, provided they are up for a tough challenge. This hike offers beautiful views of the Lions, Vancouver’s iconic landmark, as well as a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
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Mount Harvey Trail Route Guide
The Mount Harvey Trail is a 6.6mi out-and-back with steep sections of trail and stunning views of the Lions and Brunswick Mountain. The route is rated as difficult due to the steep slopes and technical trail, but the easy, non-exposed scramble near the summit is a fun way to cap off your adventure. Considered by some as one of the best peaks on the North Shore, this trail is less-travelled than some of its nearby counterparts, but the views are just as spectacular.
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Goat Mountain Trail Route Guide
The Goat Mountain Trail is a picturesque hike into the Lynn Headwaters backcountry that will take hikers past several mountain peaks before reaching the final summit. Starting from the top of Grouse Mountain, the trail passes by some beautiful landscapes and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area from the summit of Goat Mountain. For an added challenge, try starting this hike at the base of the Grouse Grind.
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Cates Park Loop Route Guide
The Cates Park Loop is a short 1.5mi trail near Deep Cove that offers access to a variety of other outdoor activities, such as boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Known to local Indigenous peoples as Whey-Ah-Wichen, this park offers beautiful views out over the Burrard Inlet from the rocky beaches of Roche Point. This easy loop has all of the ingredients for a fun day in the sun.
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Deep Cove Park Loop Route Guide
The Deep Cove Park Loop is a forested hike through one of the many recreational areas in the picturesque village of Deep Cove. This 0.8mi loop offers a beautiful view of the harbour before continuing through a small network of trails through the tree cover. Although it is a short route through the park, this trail has some technical bits with roots, rocks, and steps, so remember to leave the stroller at home.
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Panorama Park Loop Route Guide
The Panorama Park Loop is a 1.1mi trail through an urban park in the scenic waterside village of Deep Cove. With beautiful views of the harbour that stretch out into the Indian Arm, this trail makes a perfect afternoon stroll to accompany some watersports or a photo shoot along the pier. Don’t forget to save some time near the end of your hike to pop in and out of the shops and restaurants in the village.
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Elsay Lake Trail Route Guide
The Elsay Lake Trail is a tough route through the backcountry of Mount Seymour Provincial Park that will leave your legs aching and your feet wet. If hiking uphill over large boulder fields and through wet, bogged down sections of trail is your idea of a fun outing, then this trail is definitely for you. As the trail is quite long and taxing, it’s best to plan on spending the night by the lake, either in the emergency shelter or in a tent.
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Indian Arm Trail Route Guide
The Indian Arm Trail is a very lightly-trafficked out-and-back route that sets out from Deep Cove and works its way into Mount Seymour Provincial Park. This route doesn’t have many views, but it does pass through an absolutely beautiful stretch of West Coast rainforest for the entirety of the trail, making it a great option if you are looking for a bit of solitude. Make sure to bring a GPS for this one, as there are many routes that split off from the main trail and route signage isn’t the greatest.
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Twin Falls Loop Route Guide
The Twin Falls Loop is a fun 3.3mi day hike that packs a bunch of awesome highlights into a short route. Make your way across Lynn Creek on a beautifully engineered suspension bridge and have a lunchtime swim in a tranquil pool of cool, clear water before taking in stunning waterfall views. This is an easy route that almost anyone can enjoy.
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Lynn Canyon Park Loop Route Guide
The Lynn Canyon Park Loop is a short 0.9mi hike around the rushing waters of Lynn Creek, where the entire family can get out and have fun on the weekend. Experience crossing over the suspension bridge that spans the canyon below, and watch the water crash down on the rocks under Twin Falls. This is the perfect way to take in the beautiful scenery and get some easy exercise doing it!
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Brunswick Mountain Trail Route Guide
The Brunswick Mountain trail is a 9.4mi out-and-back that takes hikers to the highest elevation on Vancouver’s North Shore. From 5866ft, you will be able to see the entirety of the area surrounding Vancouver, stretching out to Vancouver Island. A technical trail with a gruelling finish, this hike will leave you feeling on top of the world.
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Flint and Feather Trail Route Guide
Sandwiched between the Grouse Grind and the BCMC Trail is the Flint and Feather Trail, an unmaintained, poorly-marked trail that is every bit as tough as its neighbours… and then some. Characterized by a steep slope and rugged terrain, this hike is best left for fair-weather days when the risk of slipping is greatly reduced. Enjoy the views from the top of Grouse Mountain, knowing you’ve completed the trail less travelled.
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Lynn Valley Link Trail Route Guide
The Lynn Valley Link Trail is a great day hike to experience the city while making use of the existing trails that spread throughout the Lynn Canyon area. Set off on an urban hike that climbs uphill before entering the tree cover, traversing the Baden Powell trail on its way to Lynn Canyon. From here, experience the attractions of Lynn Canyon Park before making your way along Lynn Creek to the starting trailhead.
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Lynn Headwater Trail to Norvan Falls Route Guide
Hike along the network of trails that pass through the beautiful Lynn Headwaters Regional Park as you make your way around the Lynn Loop and into the backcountry of the North Shore. Cross over mountain streams and exposed roots to cap off the day with views of the stunning Norvan Falls. This popular day hike is definitely one to have on your list.
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Brothers Creek Trail Route Guide
The Brothers Creek Trail is a fun half-day hike that takes you through a thickly covered forest as it climbs its way uphill alongside the creek. Spend the day exploring trails around Cypress Provincial Park, or hang out by Blue Gentian Lake before making the technical descent back down along the trail. This is a quick little hike for when you are looking for a bit of peace and quiet or just to spend the day by a secluded lake.
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Mosquito Creek Hike Route Guide
The Mosquito Creek Hike is a secluded and scenic urban hiking trail on the North Shore of Vancouver that features a gentle incline and forested paths. This makes it popular with hikers and dog walkers alike, as the route is not overly difficult but gives off the feeling of having escaped the city. The trail also serves as a great access point for the network of routes along the Baden Powell trail that can be found at the northern tip of the Mosquito Creek Hike.
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Skyline Trail Route Guide
The Skyline Trail is a 2.2mi loop that climbs up a steep slope and descends through a dense covering of West Coast forest. Along the route, there will be scenic views at the top of the old ski run, as well as a historic site marking the location of the US Airforce F-86 crash that occurred in 1954. The steep incline and rocky trail make this hike a great option for getting in a challenging workout, similar to the nearby Grouse Grind and BCMC trails.
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Yew Lake Loop Route Guide
The Yew Lake Loop is a 1.4mi interpretive trail with educational signs posted throughout, providing valuable information on the trees and wildlife of the area. This makes it the perfect day hike option for families looking to get outdoors and explore nature. Alternatively, this trail is great for a quick warmup/cooldown when tackling other trails in the Cypress Provincial Park.
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