Swimsuits are packed away and cozy sweaters are on! Autumn is the ideal time to check out one of the many incredible fall hikes around Vancouver before the rain arrives. With cooler temperatures and changing leaves, the local trails put on a show for locals and tourists.
If you’re a newcomer to Canada looking to explore your beautiful new home, make sure to download the Canoo App to get free or discounted access to parks and attractions across Canada. Download it today and start planning your fall adventure in Vancouver!
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When should I plan my Vancouver fall hikes?
Fall colours can be seen in and around Vancouver from mid-September to early November, but of course, the higher you climb, the cooler it gets. And you can see the fall colours earlier in the year if you go high up in the mountains.
If you plan to tackle one of the higher elevation hikes listed below, plan your trek for early fall because you could encounter snow at the peak if you go too late! And since Vancouver’s rainy season starts to pick up in October, make sure to also wear appropriate footwear. Trails can be wet and muddy.
What are the best Vancouver fall hikes?
There are incredible trails across the Lower Mainland, but here are our top picks for fall hikes around Vancouver ranging from easy walks to heart-pumping climbs.
- Pandora & Trans Canada Loop Trail
- Lighthouse Park Trail
- Norvan Falls Trail
- Saint Mark’s Summit Trail
- Elk Mountain Trail
Pandora & Trans Canada Loop Trail, Burnaby
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Time Expected: 1 Hour Loop
Distance: 3.4 Kilometres, 171 Metres in Elevation Gain
The drive up to the top of Burnaby Mountain alone is worth it for the spectacular views of Burrard Inlet, Downtown and North Vancouver. While you’re there, take a walk around the easy Pandora & Trans Canada Loop Trail. This family-friendly hike is a popular loop trail to see fall foliage and mountain views! It takes about an hour to complete and passes by the Centennial Rose Garden.
Hidden Gem: Look for the Kamui Mintara sculptures!
Lighthouse Park Trail, West Vancouver
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time Expected: 2 Hour Loop
Distance: 5.5 Kilometres, 247 Metres in Elevation Gain
At Lighthouse Park, you will reach up to 8 viewpoints, including Lighthouse Lookout and Eagle Point. The terrain changes, so make sure to wear proper footwear. But the Lighthouse Park trail is very popular with locals and tourists visiting Point Atkinson Lighthouse! Constructed in 1912, this Lighthouse is celebrated as an early example of the hexagonal lighthouse design.
It’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot in the paid parking lot. Lighthouse Park Trail is also teeming with geocaches (hidden containers with GPS coordinates posted on the Internet) for families and individuals who love to go treasure hunting in nature!
Norvan Falls Hike, North Vancouver
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time Expected: 4 Hours Out and Back
Distance: 14 Kilometres, 363 Metres in Elevation Gain
This well-marked trail is located in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park in North Vancouver. The hike is mostly flat until just before you arrive at the falls. Making it a good choice for older kids.
With changing scenery and frequent glimpses of nearby Lynn Creek along the way, the Norvan Falls hike is a spectacular way to enjoy autumn scenery near Vancouver. Arrive early to get parking and wear waterproof shoes as the trail crosses a few small creeks on the way to the falls!
Saint Mark’s Summit Trail, Cypress Provincial Park
Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
Time Expected: 4 Hours Out and Back
Distance: 10 Kilometres, 570 Metres in Elevation Gain
The popular Saint Mark’s Summit hike is the gem of Cypress Provincial Park for good reason. It’s a moderately challenging climb that rewards you with a breathtaking view of Howe Sound at the top.
Since there is minimal shade throughout the trail, the cooler temperatures during fall make it the ideal time to tackle this trail. Expect mud and sometimes even snow at the top of the trail, especially in late fall.
Plus, make sure to check the park website for notices about seasonal trail closures before you go.
Elk Mountain Trail, Chilliwack
Difficulty: Challenging
Time Expected: 5 Hours Out and Back
Distance: 10.8 Kilometres, 795 Metres in Elevation Gain
If you’re looking for a more challenging fall hike near Vancouver, try the Elk Mountain Trail. Starting from Slesse Park, about 20 minutes outside Chilliwack. This popular well-maintained trail showcases vibrant fall colours each autumn. While the trail inclines steadily to the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views at the peak of the Chilliwack River and beyond into Washington State.
Make sure to come prepared with the appropriate gear for this difficult hike. Because of this increased difficulty level, hiking poles and microspikes are recommended.
Bonus: Where to See Larch Trees Near Vancouver
A special Canadian experience during autumn is seeing the larch trees turn from green to golden yellow. While larches appear similar to other evergreens in the summer, they lose all of their needles each year during autumn and grow these needles back in the springtime.
Unfortunately, the climate in Vancouver itself is too temperate for larches to grow, but a 2.5-hour drive inland to Manning Park will provide opportunities to see the larches in their golden glory.
Frosty Mountain Trail, a challenging 21 km climb, is the best hike to see larches up close, but driving through Manning Park along Highway 3 also passes by lookouts where you can stop and enjoy the golden larches from afar.
Experience the beauty of Canada’s seasons by getting outdoors before the winter chill sets in! Choose any one of the hikes we listed above to make an adventure your own while building your new home in Vancouver.
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