Great trails for hikers of all levels run through Vancouver's dramatic environs. Good trail maps are available from the Greater Vancouver Regional Parks District (tel. 604/432-6350) and from International Travel Maps and Books, 539 Pender St. (tel. 604/687-3320), which also stocks guidebooks and topographical maps. Or pick up a local trail guide at any bookstore.
If you're looking for a challenge without the time commitment, hike the aptly named Grouse Grind from the bottom of Grouse Mountain to the top; then buy a one-way ticket down on the Grouse Mountain SkyRide gondola. The one-way fare (down) is C$5 (US$3.75) per person.
If you're looking for a bit more scenery with a bit less effort, take the Grouse Mountain SkyRide up to the Grouse chalet and start your hike at an altitude of 1,100m (3,700 ft.). The trail north to Goat Mountain is well marked and should take approximately 6 hours round-trip, though you may want to build in some extra time to linger on the top of Goat and take in the spectacular 360-degree views of Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the snow-capped peaks of the Coast Mountains.
Lynn Canyon Park, Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, Capilano River Regional Park, Mount Seymour Provincial Park, Pacific Spirit Park, and Cypress Provincial Park have good, easy to challenging trails that wind up through stands of Douglas fir and cedar and contain a few serious switchbacks. Pay attention to the trail warnings posted at the parks; some have bear habitats. And always remember to sign in with the park service at the start of your chosen trail.
You can do all the above hiking trails on your own, but should you desire some guidance and company, there's North Shore Hiking Services (tel. 604/929-5751; www.northshorehikingservices.com). The company provides transportation to and from the trailheads, water and snacks, and a guide trained in wilderness first aid.
A little further outside the city, the 6 to 10 hour hike to Black Tusk is one of the finest day hikes in all creation. The trailhead is located in Garibaldi Provincial Park, about an hour north of Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway. (Look for signs marking the Black Tusk turnoff on the left side of the road, about 20km/12 1/2 miles before Whistler Village.) The trail switchbacks up 1,000m (3,280 ft.) in about 6km (3 3/4 miles), then levels onto a rolling alpine plateau with fabulous views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. The best times to make this climb are from July to October.
