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One of the reasons that my family and I decided to move out to the West Coast from Toronto, was of course, the amazing nature that we have access to here. Now that my kids are a little older, I’m planning to do a lot more great hikes near Vancouver! So I thought I would reach out to my friend Kristine to see if she would share some of her favourites around Vancouver. Can’t wait to try some of these amazing trails and hope you do too!
10 Great Lesser-Known Hikes Near Vancouver
By Kristine Krynitzki, creator of Hikes Near Vancouver
Hiking has become really popular lately. Lots of us hike for the physical health benefits and beautiful views, but many also seek solitude when out on the trails. Being alone in nature, hearing nothing but the birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze brings a wonderful sense of calm and mental rejuvenation. Gone are the days when you can enjoy popular trails like Joffre Lakes to yourself, but lucky for us, Vancouver is near an abundance of spectacular trails that do not see a ton of foot traffic even on sunny summer weekends. Here are ten of my faves.
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STATLU LAKE
Closest City: Harrison Hot Springs
Trail Distance: 13 km return
Elevation Gain: 350 metres
Learn more at http://hikesnearvancouver.ca/statlu-lake/
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ALOUETTE MOUNTAIN
Closest City: Maple Ridge
Trail Distance: 22 km return
Elevation Gain: 1,100 metres
Learn more at https://www.clubtread.com/Routes/Route.aspxRoute126.html?Route=126
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BROHM LAKE INTERPRETIVE FOREST
Closest City: Squamish
Trail Distance: 8.5 km return
Elevation Gain: 490 metres
Learn more at http://hikesnearvancouver.ca/brohm-lake-interpretive-forest-trails/
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PENDER HILL
Closest City: Sechelt
Trail Distance: 1.8 km return
Elevation Gain: 175 metres
Learn more at https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/pender-hill/
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LEADING PEAK
Closest City: Anvil Island
Trail Distance: 13 km return
Elevation Gain: 1,050 metres
Learn more at http://hikesnearvancouver.ca/leading-peak/
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DEEKS LAKE
Closest City: Lions Bay
Trail Distance: 13 km return
Elevation Gain: 980 metres
Learn more at https://www.livetrails.com/trails/Deeks-Lake-149.html
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BEAR MOUNTAIN
Closest City: Harrison Hot Springs
Trail Distance: 20.5 km return
Elevation Gain: 1,062 metres
Learn more at http://hikesnearvancouver.ca/bear-mountain-in-harrison/
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QUERCUS VIEWPOINT
Closest City: Squamish
Trail Distance: 2 km return
Elevation Gain: 130 metres
Learn more at https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/murrin-loop-trail/
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HUNTER ROAD
Closest City: Mission
Trail Distance: 7.7 km return
Elevation Gain: 334 metres
Learn more at http://hikesnearvancouver.ca/hunter-road/
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HIGH KNOLL
Closest City: Coquitlam
Trail Distance: 6.5 km return
Elevation Gain: 140 metres
Learn more at https://www.outdoorvancouver.ca/high-knoll-hike-minnekhada/
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SAFETY
Regardless of what hike you’re doing, what time of day it is, what time of year, the length or difficulty level of the hike, or even how familiar with the trail you are, you need to ALWAYS leave a trip plan and carry the 10 Essentials.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristine would spend every waking moment on the trails, on a bike, in a kayak or on her snowboard if she could. Ever since her first real hike up the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2006, Kristine has been obsessed with hiking most of all. As an environment conservationist by profession, she is always looking for new ways of helping others develop a connection with the wondrous natural world that surrounds us. She manages a wildlife education non-profit by day, and in her free time she shares her love of the great outdoors through her passion project called Hikes Near Vancouver. Leading a local community hiking group as part of this platform keeps her connected and motivated to always be learning about the latest issues surrounding outdoor recreation. She’s stoked to up her game this year with new skills training including scrambling, mountaineering and ice climbing. Learn more about Kristine’s adventures at hikesnearvancouver.ca
