The Best Transit Accessible Hikes in Vancouver, Canada

The absolute best transit accessible hikes for when you don’t want to drive up a mountain.

 

 

If you love getting outside but don’t own a car, have no fear – there are many amazing transit accessible hikes here! Vancouver is a hub for outdoor activity, and luckily has a great transit system to match. This is essential! I lived in the city for six years and never owned a vehicle, although this didn’t stop me from getting out in nature. There are many amazing hikes and trails that can be reached without a car. Here are my top five best transit accessible hikes in Vancouver for those of us who don’t own a car or prefer to let someone else drive.

 

But before you go, I highly recommend hiking boots for your adventures. This pair is my go to!

5) Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls

 

If you like hiking through dense forest, this trail may be for you. This 10km out and back trail has lush green forest and narrow pathways. When I hiked in April, it was very muddy, so I’d recommend hiking boots. The terrain can be tricky and you will need to walk through creeks, over rocks and logs. Located in North Vancouver on Mount Fromme, this trail has two main points of interest. The first is the big cedar, which is exactly that. A massive tree that remains, left untouched by the logging that happened in the area. Kennedy falls is the other highlight of this hike. The falls are found at the end of the trail. Although the waterfall isn’t particularly impressive, it’s a nice conclusion to the trail before turning around to head back.
From downtown Vancouver, take bus #210 to the top of the Mountain Highway, near Coleman street. From there, walk the rest of the way uphill until the start of the trail.

Roundtrip: about 5 hours. Length: 10km. Season: year round.

 

4) Foreshore Trail

 

This trail is very short, but still makes my list because of the gorgeous ocean views. The Foreshore trail is an easy walk along the between Wreck beach and the University of British Columbia. Note that Wreck is a clothing-optional beach, so don’t be surprised to see people baring it all in the sunshine. The views of the ocean at sunset are absolutely stunning. This trail could be a stop over after visiting the many trails in the nearby Pacific Spirit park.

Take any bus to the University of British Columbia, such as the #4, #14 or #99, depending on your starting location. At the UBC bus loop, you will have a short walk through the campus toward the stairs to enter Wreck Beach. These stairs may be more of a workout on the way back then the hike itself! At the beach, turn left and head towards the forest to begin the trail.

Roundtrip: 2 hours or less. Length: 5km. Season: year round.

 

3) Jug Island Trail

 

Jus Island is a very small, cute island in the Belcarra area. The Jug Island trail is an out and back trail through forest with multiple viewpoints that concludes at a rocky beach. Bring a blanket to sit on the pebbles and have a snack while watching the kayaks and boats that pass through the waters. This hike is not too strenuous, and has a great effort to reward ratio. On the bus ride back to Vancouver, you may consider stopping at Sasmat lake for a jump in the water or another short trail walk.
From downtown Vancouver, take the Expo and Millenium Line skytrains to Moody Centre. Wait for bus #182, a small bus that will wind up through Belcarra to drop you off at the trailhead. Pay attention to your live location on your map, and be ready to pull the string to indicate you want to get off at the next stop, as many bus stops are unmarked and will not be stopped at if there are no passengers waiting. From the bus stop, head into the forest on the same side of the road to begin the trail. If you need to use the washroom or refill your water bottle, cross the road and head through the parking lot to the Belcarra Picnic Area.

Roundtrip: about 2.5 hours. Length: 5.5 km. Season: year round.

 

2) Lighthouse Park

 

This West Vancouver park is stunning, and is definitely a must see. There are multiple trails through the forest that lead to various beaches and rocky outlooks. Of course, there is the lighthouse of the park’s name, but that was not all that interesting to me compared to the nature beauty of the area. I made it a mission to go to almost every viewpoint in the park, and each was uniquely beautiful. You may see BC Ferries, sailboats and yachts in the channel. There is a historical site with buildings intact near the lighthouse with information about the first settlers in the area who manned the lighthouse. Near the site, follow stairs down to the water where you can sit on huge flat rocks and see Vancouver from an angle unlike any other.
From downtown Vancouver, take bus #250 toward Horseshoe Bay. Let the bus driver know where you’re getting off, as many of the stops are unmarked on this route.

Roundtrip: 2 hours or less. Length: up to 6km. Season: year round.

 

1) Goat Mountain

 

This is my all time favourite hike in Vancouver. The view at the top of the mountain are incredible, it’s a great workout, and I saw a bear the last time I was there. Do wait until later in the season, as the hike will not be accessible in April due to snow. Wear hiking shoes if possible, although I wore running shoes and was alright. The trail offers a large variety of terrain and includes some scrambling up rock with the assistance of a rope. Although that may sound daunting, I saw hikers of all ages and fitness level on this hike. I can promise you that the views at the top are well worth it! You will be able to see the extent of the lower mainland from Richmond, Surrey, New West and beyond. Long road systems create a grid through the cities below, and you can see how flat the area is.
From downtown Vancouver, take the #246 bus and transfer at Capilano rd @ Paisley rd onto the #236 bus (stay at the same bus stop). To access this hike, I like to first climb the BCMC trail, which is a more interesting and less busy alternative to the strangely popular Grouse Grind. From the top of Grouse Mountain, walk through the village, past the lumberjack competition area and grizzly bear cages to a wide gravel road heading up the mountain. Note that you will need to purchase a ticket down the Skyride chairlift for your return from the Grouse Mountain village, unless you want to try hiking down the steep BCMC. Hiking down the Grouse Grind is not allowed.

Roundtrip: 4-5 hours. Length: 8km. Season: July – October.

 

Have you tried any of these transit accessible hikes and trails? Which are your favourite, or what would you add to this list? I’d love to hear from you! Are you visiting Vancouver and need a place to stay? Follow this link for suggestions via Booking.com.