Hikers on the Stawamus Chief. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Heath Moffatt
After a tough hike, reward yourself with a great meal or a local beer. These hikes near Vancouver have incredible apres spots nearby.
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.
St. Mark’s Summit
This trail climbs through the forest to a spectacular cliff-top viewpoint at St. Mark’s Summit. Gaze down at Howe Sound far below you, then head back to the trailhead to enjoy burgers and beer on the patio at The Crazy Raven Bar at the base of Cypress Mountain.
Photo: Vlad D/Unsplash
Grouse Grind
Get sweaty on the challenging hike up the Grouse Grind, often called “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”. The steep hike heads relentlessly uphill on stairs made of rock and logs. At the top, head to Altitudes Bistro to enjoy the view from the patio. Order a plate of their famous nachos to share with your hiking buddies.
Photo: Grouse Mountain
Norvan Falls
The hike to Norvan Falls in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is perfect for both rainy and sunny days since it’s in the shade of the forest. The highlight is 30-metre-tall Norvan Falls. After your hike, head to End of the Line General Store just outside the park gate. This historic store serves up hot coffee, sandwiches, soups and baked goods which you can enjoy at their sidewalk tables.
Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca
Quarry Rock
The short trail to Quarry Rock starts in Deep Cove, meanders through the forest, then ends at a bluff-top viewpoint overlooking Indian Arm. Fuel up afterward at Honey’s Donuts, Vancouver’s most famous donut shop. Kate Winslet, John Cena, and Shay Mitchell are all fans!
Photo: San/Unsplash
Buntzen Lake
The trail around Buntzen Lake is a great summer hike since there are lots of opportunities to go for a dip. Head to Brewer’s Row in nearby Port Moody after your hike. There are five breweries along Murray Street, each serving up unique local craft beers.
Photo: Ben Waardenburg/Unsplash
Al’s Habrich Ridge
The Sea to Sky Gondola whisks you high into the mountains to the start of the Al’s Habrich Ridge Trail. Follow the route across granite slabs and through old-growth mountain hemlock forest to a beautiful viewpoint high above Howe Sound. After your hike, head to the Sky Pilot Eatery at the top of the gondola. Grab a beer and some loaded fries, then head out to the patio for even more views.
Photo: Sea to Sky Gondola
Stawamus Chief
The challenging trail to the top of the Stawamus Chief involves lots of stairs, ladders, and chains. But the view from the peak is panoramic as you look down to Howe Sound and the town of Squamish. Head to one of the restaurants on Cleveland Avenue in the heart of downtown Squamish afterward – you can see them from the summit. Howe Sound Brewing, Peckinpah, and The Copper Coil all have patios with views of the Chief so you can bask in your achievement while you chow down.
Photo: Tourism Squamish
Elk Mountain
Elk Mountain rises high above the Fraser Valley. From the peak, you can gaze down onto farmland and the peaks across the American border. After your hike, head to Fieldhouse Brewing in downtown Chilliwack. Their tasting room serves up tacos, pizza, sandwiches, and of course, house-brewed craft beer.
Photo: Tourism Ch’illiwack
