Vancouver is a stunningly beautiful city, bordered by North mountains and the Pacific Ocean to the west; no matter where you look, it’s hard to beat the views here. You’ll come to know that hiking is a huge pastime in Vancouver, and everyone has been on at least a few hikes. There are plenty of trails that are worth gushing about, with magnificent waterfalls, granite peaks, or turquoise blue waters to see. Still, this list is for my friends without a license or a car. You’ll be surprised to know that there are a lot of transit-friendly hikes in Vancouver! This list will go over 7 of the best transit-accessible hikes in Vancouver.
How do I take the transit in Vancouver?
Taking Vancouver transit is very easy. Using google maps as your guide, you can travel all over Vancouver and its neighboring cities! Purchase a compass card from any subway station, airport, or authorized retailer and register it online. Load money or a day pass on to the card in person at a kiosk or online with a credit card. To use the compass card, tap in and out of any subway station and tap on any bus route (no need to tap off for buses).
7 Transit-accessible hikes in Vancouver
Disclaimer: While all these trails are accessible by transit, they may involve walking to get to the trailhead.
Cypress Falls
Distance: 2.7km
Type: Out and back
Elevation: 406ft
Difficulty: Easy
About: Hike through a lush green ancient forest in North Vancouver among the towering trees. Along the way, you’ll discover abandoned cars and a beautiful waterfall.
How to get there: From downtown Vancouver take the 250 or 253 bus and get off at NB Woodgreen Dr @ Woodgreen stop. Walk approximately 2 minutes to the trailhead.
Pacific Spirit Park
Distance: 6.8km
Type: Loop
Elevation: 255ft
Difficulty: Easy
About: Choose from over 15 trails in this 874-hectare park. Well-maintained trails weave in and out of gigantic ancient trees. This hike is perfect for a drizzly day as the canopy keeps you dry (ish).
How to get there: From downtown Vancouver take the Canada Line south to King Edward station, then take the 025 UBC bus to WB W 16 Ave @ Pacific Spirit Park.
Lighthouse Park
Distance: 3.4km
Type: Loop
Elevation: 436ft
Difficulty: Easy
About: Point Atkinson and Shore Pine Point trails at Lighthouse park are sure to give you some great views. Check out the Point Atkison lighthouse and Juniper point for nice picnic spots.
How to get there: From downtown Vancouver take the 250 and get off at WB Marine Dr @ Beacon Lane.
Quarry Rock
Distance: 6.4km
Type: Out and back
Elevation: 849ft
Difficulty: Moderate
About: A must-see captivating lookout in the small town of Deep Cove. Although this trail is technically closed due to Covid (as of November 2022), it’s easy and quite common to go around the fence. Hike over some rocks and bridges to reach the beautiful view! It makes an excellent sunset hike!
How to get there: From downtown Vancouver take the 211 and get off at NB Deep Cove Rd @ Badger Rd. From there, you will need to walk to the trailhead.
Jug Island Beach
Distance: 5.1km
Type: Out and back
Elevation: 725ft
Difficulty: Moderate
About: Hike amongst the locals and their pups at this popular trail! This stretch of varied terrain will bring you to a rocky beach where you can often see kayakers or people swimming out to the nearby island.
How to get there: From downtown Vancouver take the Expo line, transferring to the Millenium line at Commercial-Broadway station. Take the Millenium line to Moody Center station and catch the 182 Belcarra bus. Get off the bus at WB Bedwell Bay Rd @ Midden Rd.
Buntzen Lake
Distance: 10.5km
Type: Loop
Elevation: 987ft
Difficulty: Moderate
About: This loop trail brings you around Buntzen lake and is popular among new hikers and bird watchers. Enjoy views of the lake all along the trail!
How to get there: From downtown Vancouver take the Expo line, transferring to the Millenium line at Commercial-Broadway station. Take the Millenium line to Inlet Center station and take the 182 Belcarra bus. Get off the bus at SB Sunnyside Rd @ Anmore Grocery Store.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Distance: 2.6km
Type: Loop
Elevation: 354ft
Difficulty: Easy
About: This popular North Vancouver hike brings you along the intriguing Lynn Canyon across a suspension bridge and through the forest.
How to get there: From downtown Vancouver take the 240 Lynn Valley to EB Lynn Valley Rd @ E 29 St and transfer to the 228. Get off the bus at NB Lynn Valley Rd @ Burrill Ave.
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