Hikers on the High Note Trail in Whistler. Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Vancouver’s peaks get lots of snow, which means that there is a short (and glorious) summer season for mountaintop hikes in July, August, and September. A few years ago we published our list of the best summer hikes around Vancouver. And now we’re back with seven more great summer hike options.
Safety First: AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every hike. Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the weather. Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back. Check out our tips for safe summer hiking in Vancouver for more advice.
Grouse Grind
North Vancouver’s steep and challenging Grouse Grind trail is nicknamed “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”. The 2.5 km trail climbs over 800 meters through the forest to the top of Grouse Mountain. Save your legs by taking the Skyride back down. But first, take a break for a snack and views from the patio at Altitudes Bistro. Read our list of 11 things to know before hiking the Grouse Grind to get prepped.
Hikers on the Grouse Grind. Photo: Mike Seehagel
Hollyburn Mountain
The trail to the top of Hollyburn Mountain leaves from the cross-country ski parking lot in West Vancouver’s Cypress Provincial Park. The hike is 7 km round trip with 450 m of elevation gain and takes about 3.5 hours. You’ll climb up through a subalpine forest and finish with great views of the mountains to the north.
The peak of Hollyburn Mountain. Photo: Kyle Pearce/Flickr
Elfin Lakes
The first half of the hike to Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park is in the forest, but you’ll spend the second half on an open ridge top with incredible mountain views in all directions. The Squamish area hike finishes at two tiny lakes, one of which is perfect for swimming. The trail is 22 km long and takes 6-8 hours. Heads up: Dogs aren’t allowed and in summer you will need to get a free BC Parks day pass for this hike. Read our Elfin Lakes hiking guide for more info.
Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Photo: Pranav Prashar/Unsplash
High Note Trail
Whistler’s High Note Trail has incredible views at step. Your trek starts by riding the gondola, then the Peak Chair up to the very top of Whistler Mountain. From there, you’ll walk a 9.4 km route along the ridgetop and then down to the Roundhouse Lodge. The hike takes 3-4 hours, but allow tons of time for photos of the nearby glaciers, peaks, and bright blue lakes.
Looking down to Cheakamus Lake from the High Note Trail. Photo: Nathan Dumlao/Unsplash
Joffre Lakes
The incredible turquoise waters of Joffre Lakes near Pemberton draw hikers from all over the world. The popular park is co-managed with the Lil’wat First Nation. The first lake is an easy 5-minute walk from the parking lot. But allow 4 hours for the 10 km round-trip hike to Upper Joffre Lake with its gorgeous glacier views. It’s also easy to get to with Parkbus. Heads up: Dogs aren’t allowed and in summer you will need to get a free BC Parks day pass for this hike.
Lower Joffre Lake. Photo: Marco Bicca/Unsplash
Flora Peak
The challenging 11.4 km round-trip hike to the summit of Flora Peak is steep, but the view from the top is worth it. The trail in S⨱ótsaqel/Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park climbs relentlessly from the parking area through the forest to wildflower meadows near the summit. Look down to Chilliwack Lake and the mountains across the border in Washington State.
Looking south to Chilliwack Lake from Flora Peak. Photo: Matt Drenth/Unsplash
Three Brothers Mountain
The hike to the summit of Three Brothers Mountain is one of E.C. Manning Provincial Park’s signature hikes. The 21.5 km hike starts high in the alpine and then rambles through wildflower meadows above the treeline. The final push to the summit is steep. At the top, look across the valley to Frosty Mountain, the highest peak in the park and north to the mountains of the Cascade Range.
Three Brothers Mountain. Photo: Alex Ramon/Unsplash
