5 Rainy Day Hikes in Vancouver

Vancouverites definitely aren’t afraid of the rain. Living in a city where it rains ~60% of the year means you’ve got to have at least one or two Gortex jackets hanging in your closet. In fact, it’s a good idea to always have a raincoat in your backpack (plus a pair of sun glasses, a bike helmet, and some sunscreen).

While we had a great run of sunshine a few weeks ago, the clouds have been hanging around for the past few days. But you can’t let a little cloud cover ruin your plans for getting out into nature! Luckily, Vancouver offers a nice variety of hiking opportunities that have enough tree coverage to act like huge, natural umbrellas to protect you from the elements!

So if you’re looking to get outside but the weather hasn’t been cooperating, check out some of these hikes to quell your craving for nature!

Image courtesy of babasaurus | inside Vancouver Flickr Pool

Lynn Canyon

Lynn Canyon offers more than just its suspension bridge! It’s also got a nice stretch of trail that can be explored on the wettest of days. The paths are relatively flat and easy to follow so you can also bring an umbrella with you if it’s pouring.

• Distance: 3km+
• Time: 1 hour +
• Difficulty: Easy
• Driving Directions: Located here

Dog Mountain

Located on Mount Seymour, Dog Mountain is a fun little hike that winds through the forest to a bluff that overlooks the city (on a clear day). On a rainy day, it’s less crowded than usual and provides a great way to stretch your legs.

• Distance: 5km
• Time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Driving Directions: Located here

Image courtesy of Philip Tong | Inside Vancouver Flickr Pool

Baden Powell Trail

If you’re looking for more of a challenge, the Baden Powell trail offers a hike that can be as short or as long as you want. Stretching from Deep Cove to Grouse Mountain, this trail goes up and down and through the trees taking you on a little adventure in the Vancouver suburbs. You’ll need to have two cars (unless you want to make the return trip) or you can also take transit to get back to your starting location.

• Distance: 12 km (Deep Cove to Lynn Valley)
• Time: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Driving Directions: Located here

Image courtesy of Remy Scalza

Norvan Falls

Another nice little walk in North Vancouver, Norvan Falls offers a level trail that leads you to a waterfall. The path is wide and flat so you can walk with an umbrella without any problems. The trail can also be very quiet early in the morning on rainy days, which gives the hike an otherworldly feel as you wander through the tall trees and mossy paths.

• Distance: 14 km
• Time: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy (but long)
• Driving Directions: Located here

Image courtesy of waferboard | flickr

Jug Island

A fun and short hike in Belcarra Regional Park that takes you to a beach overlooking a tiny, but very picturesque, island. The island itself is not accessible (unless you want to swim over), but the views of it are all you need. The trail also offers some great views up Indian Arm so you can plan your next adventure… (kayaking perhaps?)

• Distance: 5.5 km
• Time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Driving Directions: Located here

What’s your favourite rainy day hike in Vancouver? Let us know in the comment section below!