11 hikes and trails that are accessible without a car
11 hikes and trails that are accessible without a car
Metro Vancouver is known for its stunning views and world-class transit system. So, why not bring these together for a one-stop list of hikes in Vancouver with some of the coolest views you can get while getting some steps in!
North Shore
Quarry Rock (~6-minute walk from transit)
Where: Baden Powell Trail, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1V6
How: 211 Seymour / Phibbs Exchange / Burrard Station, 212 Deep Cove / Phibbs Exchange
Why: A North Shore must-do, this hike takes you up to a beautiful view with a mix of mountains, trees, and water! Feel a bit more daring? There’s a longer path — the Baden-Powell Trail — that takes you all the way to Horseshoe Bay, with a few trailheads spread out.
Grouse Grind (~2-minute walk from transit)
Where: Grouse Grind, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4V6
How: 232 Grouse Mountain / Phibbs Exchange, 236 Grouse Mountain / Lonsdale Quay, 247 Grouse Mountain / Downtown
Why: Known in Metro Vancouver as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” this challenging trail will shoot you up 800 metres closer to the sky in a 2.5 kilometres hike. The toughness of this trail is worth it at the end when you get a stunning view of Metro Vancouver, and a ride down the SkyRide gondola. (Pro tip: buy your SkyRide tickets online to spend more time enjoying the view!) This is definitely one of the most iconic hikes in Vancouver accessible via transit.
Lynn Headwaters Regional Park (~15-minute walk from transit)
Where: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, 4900 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7K 3B2
How: 210 Upper Lynn Valley / Burrard Station
Why: A blank canvas, this park has many beautifully maintained trails for any skill level. Rivers, trees, mountains and hills — it’s got it all!
Vancouver / UBC
Pacific Spirit Regional Park (~3-minute walk from transit, ~5-to-15-minute bus ride from UBC Exchange)
Where: Pacific Spirit Regional Park, 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4 (note: there are various entry points that are transit accessible)
How: 4 Powell / Downtown / UBC, 9 Boundary / Commercial–Broadway / Granville / Alma / UBC, 14 Hastings / UBC, 25 Brentwood Stn / UBC, 33 29 Ave Stn / UBC, 41 Joyce Stn / Crown, 44 UBC / Downtown, 49 Metrotown Stn / Dunbar Loop / UBC, 84 UBC / VCC-Clark Station, 99 Commercial-Broadway / UBC (B-Line), R4 41st Ave
Why: The sheer size of this park means that there’s lots to love. Over 75km of trails are ready for you to explore! Most importantly for us though, it crosses some major transit corridors along Chancellor Blvd, University Blvd, W 16th Ave, and SW Marine Drive. Find your starting point and start planning your trip!
Stanley Park (~2-minute walk from transit)
Where: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4 (note: there are various entry points that are transit accessible)
How: 19 Metrotown Stn / Stanley Park, 240 Lynn Valley / Downtown, 241 Upper Lonsdale / Downtown, 250 Horseshoe Bay / Dundarave / Vancouver, 254 British Properties / Park Royal / Vancouver
Why: With over 27km of trails, this Vancouver icon is known for the breathtaking views you’ll get of the sea, land, and air. Tired of the trails? The 10-kilometre-long seawall offers a break from being surrounded by trees and exchanges it for open waters on one side. Choose your starting point and explore this staple!
Burnaby / Coquitlam
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area (~16-minute walk from SFU Exchange)
Where: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, 800 Burnaby Mountain Pkwy, Burnaby, BC V5A 1G9
How: 143 Burquitlam Stn / SFU, 144 SFU / Metrotown Stn, 145 SFU / Production Stn, R5 Hastings Street
Why: Twenty-six multi-use trails cover this beautiful hilly area, totaling 28 kilometres of places to explore. Various levels of difficulty are mapped out, so take a stroll and see where you end up!
Mundy Park (>1-minute walk from transit)
Where: Mundy Park, 641 Hillcrest St, Coquitlam, BC V3J 6N9 (note: there are various entry points that are transit accessible)
How: 151 Coquitlam Ctrl Stn / Burquitlam Stn, 152 Coquitlam Central Stn / Lougheed Stn, 153 Coquitlam Central Stn / Braid Stn, 156 Braid Stn / Lougheed Stn
Why: Only have an hour? This is it for you! In total, 5.5 kilometres of multi-use pathways cover this park, and touches on the beautiful Mundy Lake and Lost Lake.
Richmond / Delta
Ladner Harbour Park (~15-minute walk from transit)
Where: Ladner Harbour Park, Delta, BC
How: 310 Scottsdale / Ladner, 601 South Delta / Boundary Bay / Bridgeport, 616 Ladner South / Ladner Exch, 618 Ladner North / Ladner Exch
Why: A quieter spot, this park has many flat paths that give you a view of the Fraser River. Great spot for an easy stroll!
Minoru Park (~3-minute walk from buses, ~15-minute walk from Richmond-Brighouse Station)
Where: Minoru Park, 7191 Granville Ave, Richmond, BC V6Y 4G2 (note: there are various entry points that are transit accessible)
How: 401 Richmond-Brighouse Stn / One Road, 406 Richmond Brighouse Stn / Steveston, 407 Gilbert / Bridgeport, 414 Richmond Oval / Brighouse Stn
Why: If you want more of an urban park theme, this is the place! Surrounded by many facilities, this park still boasts many walkable paths and even has a mini lake!
Surrey / Langley
Tynehead Regional Park (~6 minutes from transit)
Where: Tynehead Regional Park, 16689 96 Ave, Surrey, BC V4N 6G8 (note: there are various entry points that are transit accessible)
How: 335 Newton / Surrey Central Stn, 388 22nd St Stn / Carvolth Exch
Why: With the Serpentine River right in the middle, there are many trails that pass by this tranquil flow of water that’s complemented by many hills!
Nickomekl Trail (~5-to-15-minute walk from transit)
Where: Nicomekl Trail, Langley, BC V3A 1V5
How: 501 Langley Centre / Surrey Central Stn, 502 Langley Centre / Surrey Central Stn, 560 Murrayville / Langley Centre, 561 Langley Centre / Brookswood, 564 Langley Ctr / Willowbrook
Why: With many green spaces and paths that branch out from this trail, Nickomekl Trail is a great starting spot for a “choose-your-own-adventure” trek in Langley. Did we mention there’s a cute duck pond within 10 minutes of this trail?
Take advantage of the beautiful weather and discover the breathtaking views and lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest with hikes in Vancouver, where urban cityscapes meet natural wonders.
Are there any trails or hikes in Vancouver you frequent often? Let us know in the comments below!
