November’s Vancouver Hike of the Month: Whyte Lake

The dock at Whyte Lake in West Vancouver, an easy hike

Tiny Whyte Lake in West Vancouver makes a great easy hike for November. It’s at a low enough elevation to stay snow-free almost all year. And it has great forest cover so it’s a pleasant option for a rainy day hike. In the summer months, Whyte Lake is a popular swimming hole, but in the off-season, you may have it all to yourself. As a bonus, the canopy of douglas fir and cedar trees overhead and the carpet of ferns and moss on the forest floor are extra green this time of year.

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November’s Vancouver Hike of the Month: Whyte Lake

Nature for All! Accessible Trails in Vancouver

Wally Ross Obstacle Free Trail Photo: Rob Weiss

Hiking definitely requires full mobility, or maybe it doesn’t!  Recently, while exploring the delightful network of pathways in Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest, I came to a junction at the Wally Ross Trail. Immediately I noticed the Obstacle Free Trail sign. Intrigued, I ventured out along the boardwalk, deeper into the forest. Created as a universal access trail and specifically for users who may have varying physical abilities the Wally Ross route provides relatively safe access for all. How fantastic; a nature trail designed to be navigated independently by those who may be wheel-chair bound. Nature for everyone! Curious, I wondered how many other local trails were constructed with accessibility in mind.

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Nature for All! Accessible Trails in Vancouver

Fall is for Hiking – What’s in Your Backpack?

Photo: Flickr, Ann Hung

Like a picture postcard, Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains and their incredible hiking trails beckon. Without question, fall is one of my favourite seasons to hike. From St. Mark’s Summit to Quarry Rock autumn is an excellent time to tackle the trails. Crowds have dwindled this time of year, as though hikers, not unlike our local bears, have begun an early hibernation. The air is fresh and crisp, a welcome contrast to the searing heat of summer. Days are quickly getting shorter and time outside is precious. The sound of crunching leaves under my feet soothes me and serves as a reminder that winter is just around the corner. Yes, fall is for hiking!

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Fall is for Hiking – What’s in Your Backpack?

Golden Ears – “The Mountains are Calling, and I Must Go”

View of Golden Ears from Langley Photo: Wikimedia Iykkelige

Gazing at the North Shore mountains, I am often reminded of John Muir’s famous  and beloved quote, “The Mountains are calling, and I must go.” This simple, yet inspirational message, says it all!  When listening to Muir’s call and seeking mountain adventures Vancouverites look first to the North Shore Mountains. Then eyes will turn to the majestic Sea to Sky corridor.  However, directing the compass east points explorers to a wonderful outdoor playground known as Golden Ears Provincial Park.

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Golden Ears – “The Mountains are Calling, and I Must Go”