Hikes in North Shore
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.
Best Hikes in North Shore
Mount Seymour Trail
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
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 4 m.
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Cypress Falls Hike
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
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
The Hollyburn Mountain Hike is a 7.0 km 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
The Lynn Canyon Sea to Sky Trail is a 15.8 km 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
The Rice Lake Hike is a short 4.7 km 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
The Mount Elsay Trail is a beautiful 15.0 km 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
The Lions via Binkert Trail is a difficult out-and-back route with sections of steep incline along a 1,439 m 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
The Mount Harvey Trail is a 10.6 km 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
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
The Cates Park Loop is a short 2.4 km 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
The Deep Cove Park Loop is a forested hike through one of the many recreational areas in the picturesque village of Deep Cove. This 1.3 km 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
The Panorama Park Loop is a 1.8 km 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
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
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
The Twin Falls Loop is a fun 5.3 km 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
The Lynn Canyon Park Loop is a short 1.4 km 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
The Brunswick Mountain trail is a 15.1 km out-and-back that takes hikers to the highest elevation on Vancouver’s North Shore. From 1,788 m, 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
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.