Looking for an unforgettable way to experience the wild beauty of Vancouver?
Whether you’re craving coastal cliffs, glacier lakes, old-growth forests or mindful moments in nature, these guided hiking tours are designed to connect you with the magic of the Pacific Northwest without the stress of planning or getting lost in the woods.
We’ve handpicked the 10 best hiking experiences around Vancouver, from short scenic walks to full-on backcountry camping adventures. All these Vancouver hiking tours include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and the kind of stories, views, and moments that stick with you long after the hike ends.
If you’re visiting Vancouver and want more than just sightseeing, these hiking adventures will leave you with stories, views, and memories you won’t soon forget.
1. Dog Mountain Bluffs Hiking Tour – 5 Hours
This hiking tour is perfect for adventurous travellers looking for a scenic yet low-effort adventure. The Dog Mountain Bluffs trail is just 5 km round trip with a modest elevation gain of 150 meters, making it one of the most accessible hikes near Vancouver.
Starting from Mount Seymour’s parking lot, you’ll venture through mossy forest trails, boardwalks over marshlands, and aromatic groves of hemlock and fir. At the halfway point, there are a series of beautiful lakes and small waterfalls to relax and meditate for a few minutes.
Along the way, we’ll take breaks to spot birds, fungi, and maybe even a curious marmot or two. The trail is short but rich in biodiversity, which makes it ideal for families, beginner hikers, or anyone wanting a photo-worthy view without a huge climb.
At the summit, a rocky outcrop delivers one of the best panoramic views in the region: Vancouver’s skyline, the Burrard Inlet, Indian Arm, and on clear days, Mount Baker way off in Washington. It’s a favorite for sunset hikes, with a golden-hour glow that lights up the whole landscape.
This tour includes transportation, trail snacks, and optional hiking poles. If you want to experience wild nature with low commitment and high payoff, this one’s your jam.
2. Big Trees, Legends & Ancient History of Stanley Park – 4 Hours
Stanley Park is a living, breathing storybook of history, culture and ecology. On this 4-hour walking tour, we’ll cover about 6 km of trail through its vast, urban rainforest, stopping at old-growth trees, hidden clearings, and historical landmarks along the way.
We’ll visit massive Douglas firs and giant western red cedars that have stood for centuries, and explore how the Coast Salish peoples have lived with, honoured and protected this land. Hear tales of the local indigenous villages, mysterious legends and ancient trails hiding in plain sight.
The walk also includes highlights like the God Head, Siwash Rock, the Hollow Tree, and lesser-known secret trails that most tourists miss. If you’re into nature, history, or storytelling, this is an easy hiking tour that feeds your curiosity and opens your eyes to the land beneath your feet.
It’s low-intensity and packed with insight, which makes it perfect for families, curious minds and anyone who wants a deeper connection to Vancouver’s ancient roots.
3. Old Growth Forests of Lighthouse Park – 4 Hours
Just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver lies one of the last untouched coastal rainforests in the region. This tour takes you deep into Lighthouse Park, home to towering Douglas firs, western red cedars, and winding trails that lead to rocky cliffs overlooking the Salish Sea.
The hike is a moderate walk along 6 km of trails with some ups and downs, but nothing too technical. Along the way, we’ll share insights into forest ecology, the cultural significance of the area, and how these ancient trees play a vital role in the local ecosystem.
At the edge of the forest, we reach viewpoints where ocean meets stone, and lighthouses stand as silent sentinels. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause, breathe deeper, and remember why you came to the Pacific Northwest in the first place.
This tour is perfect for travellers who want something wild, beautiful, and deeply rooted in place without leaving the city far behind (in fact, you have beautiful views of the Vancouver skyline here).
4. Mindful Birdwatching Tour at the Reifel Bird Sanctuary – 6 Hours
Birdwatching meets mindfulness on this slow, intentional walk through the Reifel Bird Sanctuary. Located just outside Vancouver, the sanctuary is a haven for over 300 bird species and a perfect place to reconnect with nature.
We walk flat trails through wetland, forest, and shoreline, stopping to observe birds through binoculars and take in the calm. Expect sandhill cranes, herons, owls, eagles, ducks, and more—depending on the season.
This is a quiet, low-energy experience that blends nature connection, photography, and peace of mind. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an avid birder, you’ll leave feeling grounded and recharged.
5. Wreck Beach, Pacific Spirit Rainforest And Spanish Banks – 5 Hours
This hike is a little wild and totally worth it. We start in at the Pacific Spirit forest on relatively flat trails surrounded by towering trees, chirping birds, and the occasional mushroom cluster. It’s peaceful, shaded, and full of unexpected beauty.
Then we descend the legendary Wreck Beach staircase, which is 400+ steps to one of Vancouver’s most eccentric beaches. Yes, it’s clothing optional. Yes, you’ll probably see some characters. But it offers one of the best views in the city of Vancouver and you’ll feel like you’re in the wilderness.
From Wreck Beach, we’ll walk around the Point Grey peninsula on the sandy shoreline, observing tidal pools, giant WW2 gun turrets covered in street art and get to the Spanish Banks to walk barefoot on these massive tidal flats at low tide.
This experience can also be paired with a mindful walking tour of the University of British Columbia’s Botanical Gardens and the Nitobe Japanese Gardens, or a tour of the ancient indigenous history of Western Canada at the Museum of Anthropology.
6. St. Mark’s Summit Hiking Tour On Cypress Mountain – 8 Hours
This is one of the most iconic hikes on the North Shore—and for good reason. The trail is about 11 km round trip, with a manageable 500m of elevation gain. It’s a steady uphill through old-growth forest, filled with cedar, fir, and moss-covered everything.
The summit is where things go full postcard. You’ll stand at the edge of a rocky bluff, staring out over Howe Sound’s blue waters and scattered islands, with snowy mountains rising in the background.
We take our time with breaks, snacks, and a picnic-style lunch at the top. Whether you’re hiking solo, as a couple, or with friends, this trail delivers that sweet combo of challenge and chill.
7. Sea to Sky Mountains, Islands & Waterfalls Tour to Whistler – 10 Hours
This full-day tour is a greatest hits road trip up the Sea-to-Sky Highway to the all-season mountain resort of Whistler. Along the way, we stop at massive waterfalls, coastal lookouts, and walk ancient rainforest trails that show off the wild beauty of British Columbia.
We will visit 330 m Shannon Falls and 70 m Brandywine Falls, ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for alpine views, and do a series of awe-inspiring short hikes along the way. The scenery changes constantly, and you’ll see glaciers, islands, fjords, and forests all in one epic day.
We cap it off with a walk through Whistler Village or a quick alpine trail, depending on the group’s vibe. It’s a laid-back, scenic day that’s great for photographers, explorers, or anyone who wants a little bit of everything.
8. Crown Mountain Hike from Grouse Mountain Skyride – 8 Hours
For this challenging hike, you’ll skip the busy Ground Grind and start your hike from the top of the Grouse Skyride. From there, we dive into one of the most exhilarating alpine hikes around Crown Mountain.
This is the most eye-catching mountain right in the middle North Shore Mountains and it’s surrounded by beautiful old-growth forests, lakes and vast mountain vistas looking deep into the Coast Mountain wilderness.
The journey is about 10 km round trip, with major elevation swings and jaw-dropping views the entire way. At the summit, you’re looking down at the entire Lower Mainland, across to Mount Baker, and out over endless peaks to both the east and west.
This is a serious hike only for fit adventurers who want a wild day in the mountains without the full bottom-to-top slog.
9. The Stawamus Chief Sea To Sky Hiking Tour – 8 Hours
This hike is a rite of passage for anyone exploring the Sea to Sky region north of Vancouver. Towering 700 meters over the town of Squamish, the Stawamus Chief is one of the largest granite monoliths in North America and the views from the top are nothing short of legendary.
We’ll take the trail up the First Peak, a 6 km round trip that includes wooden stairs, steep switchbacks, and a few short ladders and chains to help you scramble up the final rocky section. It’s a good workout, but the reward is massive. From the summit, you’ll look out over Howe Sound, Mount Garibaldi, and the surrounding mountains, with eagles soaring overhead and fjord-like views below.
Along the way, we’ll talk about the geological history of the Chief, its significance to the Squamish Nation, and the unique alpine plants and wildlife that call this place home. It’s a hike that blends physical challenge with natural and cultural insight.
Great for active hikers and those with a bit of grit—this is the one you’ll remember. We will also stop at Shannon Falls and some of the most beautiful viewpoints on the Sea To Sky Highway.
10. Howe Sound Crest Trail Backcountry Camping Trip – 3 Days
Last but not least, this one’s for serious adventurers. The Howe Sound Crest Trail spans 29 km with over 1,800 meters of elevation gain. Over three days, we’ll hike a jagged ridgeline with nonstop views of the ocean, islands, and rugged alpine peaks. It’s challenging but worth every step.
The trail starts at Cypress Mountain and weaves through forests, over boulder fields, and past alpine lakes. We’ll summit the Binkert Lions, cross narrow ridges, and camp in epic high-mountain sites under the stars. This is real British Colombia wilderness that is raw, breathtaking, and unforgettable.
Expect some scrambling, some sweat, and a macrodose of awe. If you’re an experienced hiker ready to push your edge and earn views that few get to see, this is your trail.
Find Your Vancouver Hiking Tour:
These tours fill up fast especially on weekends and the sunny days of summer.
If one (or a few) caught your eye, go ahead and fill out the short form below to check availability and get personalized recommendations based on your interests and fitness level.
We’ll follow up with all the details you need to book your spot and make sure your next hike is the highlight of your time in Vancouver.
I’m also the founder of Social Creators, a group coaching community and marketing automation platform that helps experts sell their coaching, workshops and retreats.
I love hiking adventures, flying my drone and sharing my adventures on my Instagram.
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