Some favourite hikes in and around Vancouver

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I think my favourite part about hiking is that it helps to shift your perspective.

 I can tend to be an overthinker and during the pandemic it’s worsened. Every problem feels massive and I have a harder time getting out of my own head. But when I go on a hike or can look out and marvel at a view, I’m instantly put in my place, I feel like a tiny spec in the universe, I feel more centred and lighter. If you tend to feel this way as well, hiking is a great excuse to get out of your house and get out of your head. 

It may seem daunting at first, worse than going to a gym for the first time or a fitness class where you have never done that activity before. But just like any other form of exercise it gets easier and it starts to become something you enjoy doing rather than something you are forcing yourself to do. Plus there is way more of a payoff with being able to take in your surroundings as you go. 

Photo via images.dailyhive.com/

You end up feeling more mindful and present in the process which is something you just don’t get at the gym or in a fitness class where it is usually met with body odour, to many people and sterile equipment. 

In nature you don’t need your headphones to drown out the noise or pump you up, you don’t need to be watching the television screens above your elliptical and you don’t just go home after you’re done and nap because the gym/ class wore you out. 

With hiking and walking trails you get crisp fresh air, you talk to the people you are with and listen to the sounds of rustling trees in the wind and twigs and leaves crunching under your feet. Your eyes drift everywhere, to look up above at tree tops, or glance at streams and mini handmade bridges that get you from one side of the water to another. 

Photo via www.hollyburnheritage.ca/

The best part is the end of the hike itself (or you arrive at the lookout) when you are met with incredible views, (which as a human being you are morally obligated to take in) and you can sit and bask in the glory of it all. While taking some pictures as well because I get it, we all wanna get some nice shots for Instagram. Plus the way down is always faster and easier so the worst part is over when you get to the top. 

 It’s truly a process where the whole time you feel connected to the present, which is something I know everyone is struggling with right now. Being constantly on our phones or computers is a good way to distract and let a couple of hours float by but isn’t necessarily the best decision for ourselves, our bodies or our mental health. 

So going off of my writing yesturday and giving some suggestions to my fellow Fraser Valley peeps some of the most beautiful hiking locations in and around the area, I wanted to come back and revisit this for people in Vancouver, who are probably more in need of some time reconnecting with nature. 

So here are some of my favourite hikes in and around the Vancouver area. As always stay close to home and remain socially distanced on the trail so everyone can enjoy the trails. 

Quarry Rock, Deep Cove: I was first introduced to this little pocket of a seaside community because I heard about Kate Winslet recommending the donuts at Honey Doughnuts & Goodies cafe in that area. 

I was told by my hiking friends that there is a popular hike in that area, so we decided to make a day out of it. It turned out to be rainy and we were freezing by the end, so the donuts were a much needed pick me up (and Kate Winslet is correct on the donuts). But even with the terrible weather, it still did not disappoint. 

The grey clouds that gathered across some of the view only added to the sleepy seaside scenery. On a good day though, you look out onto the water of this seaside town with little boats that toy along the shore or are gliding seamlessly through the sea and there are little islands that pop out and are covered with trees. 

It is a very easy hike as well, even in the rain there were a lot of stairs so the incline never felt like anything too strenuous and it is only an hour and a half in total, so you can take advantage of exploring the town and the restaurants there. 

Hollyburn Mountain: I also did this hike for the first time on a grey day, but this time the view was completely gone and instead replaced with a thick grey cloud that covered my surroundings like a wall. So it was definitely disappointing to get to the top and not be able to see anything, but even with the foggy weather it was still one of my favourite hikes (and I did get some good Instagram pics. 

The view came from the trees and this interesting rocky landscape that you don’t get on most hikes in the area. 

 

A part of Cypress mountain, this hike is more intermediate and it’s not so much a forest you are hiking through rather than shallow pools of water mixed with bushes and meadows. It takes about three and a half hours but like every hike the way back down is a lot faster. 

This hike is likely to be experiencing snow right now, make sure to check before you go about the conditions and pack accordingly. 

Bowen Lookout: Another trail on Cypress mountain that is a pit stop on the way to St. Marks Summit. The day I went with my friends and we had the intention of going all the way up the summit but were tired and just wanted to head back. But that is the beauty of most trails, there are multiple lookouts and if you wanna leave you can just turn around. 

This part of the hike is considered easy and only takes an hour and a half, if you were looking to do the full trail up to St. Marks Summit (which you would recognize in pictures if you follow Vancouver in any capacity on social media) then it takes 5 hours and is considered intermediate. that  

The lookout still has gorgeous views of islands and sea that stretch on for miles and miles and is a good place to have a few snacks in and take in the view. 

This hike will also likely have snow, so pack accordingly. 

That’s all I have today, hopefully this inspired you to get into nature some more. I’m hoping to reconnect and get on the trails soon too.

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