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9 epic transit-friendly hikes in Metro Vancouver

9 epic transit-friendly hikes in Metro Vancouver

Burnaby Mountain

 

(updated on June 10, 2022) 

Metro Vancouver is regularly coined one of Canada’s most livable cities, with sprawling mountain ranges, picturesque views, and a public transit system that’s leading the country when it comes to growth in proportion of ridership. Statistics Canada’s latest report noted that Vancouver’s proportion of public transit commuters grew by 6.1% to 20.4% between 1996 and 2016. In contrast, during the same period, Toronto only saw a growth of 2.3% while Montreal experienced an uptick of 2.5%.

With many Metro Vancouverites living an active and outdoorsy lifestyle, we’re sharing 9 epic transit-friendly hikes in Metro Vancouver

1. Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Serviced by Route 144, Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area consists of a network of 26 multi-use trails covering 28 kilometres, crisscrossing 576 hectares. Enjoy a vigorous hike, a leisurely stroll, or a heart-pumping bike ride just a short transit trip from the city.

Burnaby Mountain

2. Baden-Powell Trail

The Baden-Powell Trail is a rugged but well-maintained 48 km hiking trail, that traverses from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Deep Cove in North Vancouver with trailheads scattered throughout. Two sections of the trail are easily accessible by transit, Grouse Mountain to Lynn Canyon, and Lynn Canyon to Deep Cove. Grab more information on the Baden-Powell trail here: trailpeak/baden-powell, and plan your trip here: translink.ca/tripplanner

 

 

3. Quarry Rock

Serviced by Routes 211 and 212, the Quarry Rock trailhead is located at the easternmost section of the Baden-Powell Trail, just off of Panorama Drive in Deep Cove. Offering scenic views of Indian Arm and the mountains around Belcarra this hike is densely forested with many bubbling creeks, bridges and picturesque bluffs. Plan for a 30-45 minute ascent and don’t forget to stop for a legendary Roly Poly from Honey’s Doughnuts before you leave The Cove.

Quarry Rock

4. Grouse Grind

Routes 232, 236 and 247 will get you to the base of “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” better known as the Grouse Grind. This 2.9-kilometre trail up the face of Grouse Mountain is a popular Metro Vancouver leg burner that hosts over 150,000 people annually. On average the Grind takes up to an hour and a half to complete, but plan for two hours just in case. Relax and enjoy the scenic gondola ride from the top to the base après hike.

Grouse Mountain Bus

5. Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Serviced by Routes 210 and 228 Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is a popular gateway to the North Shore wilderness. The largest of Vancouver’s regional parks, a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels of hiker awaits. How do I get to the Lynn Loop trailhead? This trail begins at Lynn Headwaters parking lot.

Plan your hike here before you head out to make the most of your day.

6. Mundy Park

Serviced by Routes 151, 152, 153 and 156Mundy Park is a beautiful 178 hectare park and rare urban forest located in Coquitlam. The park’s 5.5 km multi-use community pathway encircles the park and can be completed on foot within an hour. Shorter walks on the interior trails will guide visitors on a scenic loop around Mundy Lake or to the viewing benches at Lost Lake. Also at Mundy park is a brand new, expansive children’s play area, sports fields, a bike trick park, and an off-leash dog park!

 

 

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7. Crystal Falls Trail

Serviced by Routes 188, 191 and 174, the Crystal Falls trail head is located at the top of Shaughnessy Street in central Coquitlam. This is an easy 6 km hike in Coquitlam which travels up alongside the Upper Coquitlam River, ending at the scenic Crystal Falls waterfall on Pritchett Creek. Pack a bathing suit for this one as shallow waters and canyon pools make for a great swim.

 

 

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8. Lighthouse Park

Take Route 250 to one of Greater Vancouver’s most beautiful parks. Located along the shores of West Vancouver, Lighthouse Park boasts some of the largest Douglas Fir trees in Greater Vancouver as well as breathtaking views of the ocean. A variety of trails to choose from mean this is an excellent choice for hikers and walkers of all abilities.

9. Killarney Lake Loop

If you’re looking for the perfect day trip, hop on the ferry and take Routes 280 and 281, to peaceful Bowen Island. Home of Killarney Lake, and a 4km loop trail that circles the tranquil Lake. Stop in at the visitor centre in Snug Cove for a trail map before you head out to ensure you hit each picturesque look-out point.

So grab your Compass Card and your favourite pair of hikers and hit the trails this weekend.

Did your favourite transit accessible hike make this list? Hit us up in the comments with your go-to trail.

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