Table of Contents
After-Work Hikes around Vancouver
One of the great things about living north of the 49th parallel is the long summer days. During the summer solstice near the end of June, the sun doesn’t set until 9:21 pm!
With short summers, but long days, it’s understandable you might want to sneak in a quick hike after work to shake off the stress of the work day.
This list contains some of our favorite hikes that can reasonably be completed within a few hours in the evening. Most are close to Vancouver to limit the commute time, but we’ve included a few hikes throughout the Lower Mainland and Sea to Sky area.
Safety considerations: While these hikes are on the shorter side, all regular hiking safety precautions should be taken, including leaving a trip plan and carrying The Essentials! Even though they are on the easier-side, many of these hikes are in the backcountry, and should you get lost or injured, you need to be fully prepared.
And when beginning your hike in the evening, you need to be doubly-sure you have a headlamp and backup lighting source in case you don’t finish your hike before sunset! The flashlight on your cell phone won’t cut it for navigation and the battery will die quickly!
Now, let’s look at these after-work hikes!
Sea to Sky
1. Whistler Train Wreck
Where: Whistler
Time needed: 1 hour
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: The Whistler Train Wreck is a popular, low elevation hike in Whistler. A short trail with minimal elevation change takes to a neat suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River, and to the site of the wreckage: 7 colorfully graffitied train cars scattered throughout the area.
Link: Read more here.
2. Brohm Lake
Where: Squamish
Time needed: 1 hour +
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Located just north of downtown Squamish, Brohm Lake is popular for swimming and walking.
A large network of trails around the lake allow to make your trek around the area as short or as long as you’d like!
Link: Read more here.
3. Murrin Park Loop
A bench and sign commemorating the opening of the Murrin Loop Trail in 2014
Where: Squamish
Time needed: 2 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: The Murrin Park Loop Trail takes you to some incredible viewpoints, including Quercus Viewpoint. To extend the hike you can carry along the Jurrasic Ridge Trail.
Several lookouts give you an incredible view into Howe Sound!
Link: Read more here.
4. Four Lakes Trail
Where: Squamish
Time needed: 2 Hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Alice Lake is a BC Provincial Park, and popular campsite and swimming lake.
The Four Lakes Trail within the park is a fantastic hike, on the easier side. One that can be completed within a few hours after work.
Link: Read more here.
A Starter’s Guide to Hiking in Vancouver.
- Guides for 10 amazing hikes near Vancouver
- Hiking safety and trail etiquette
- Resources, hiking gear overview, and more!
Metro Vancouver
5. Pacific Spirit Park
Where: Vancouver
Time needed: 1 Hour +
Dogs Allowed?: Yes, on-leash
Details: Pacific Spirit Park is located near UBC and covers and area of over 750 hecatares. Known for it’s beautiful forest and scenic and peaceful trails, this spot is popular for family walks and trail running. There’s no better way to de-stress after a long day than meandering through the endless trails of this park.
Link: Read more here.
6. Capilano River Regional Park
The Cleveland Dam Spillway
Where: West Vancouver
Time needed: 1 Hour +
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Capilano River Regional Park offers something for everyone. A large network of trails allow you to get in a nice walk without too much elevation or climbing. The massive flow of water over the Cleveland Dam is always a spectacle. And the salmon hatchery is educational and fun for kids.
One will discover something new everytime they walk through this beautiful park.
Link: Read more here.
7. Mystery Lake
Mystery Lake at Sunset
Where: North Vancouver
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: A short but steep hike from the Mount Seymour parking lot, Mystery Lake is small but scenic. It’s a great spot for a quick dip in the evening on a hot day!
Link: Read more here.
8. Lynn Loop
Where: North Vancouver
Time needed: 2 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Lynn Loop is located in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park in North Vancouver. The trail is typically completed in a loop by completing the upper and lower trails. However, the lower trail is flatter and easier, so it could be done as an out-and-back as well for those wanting an easy walk.
It’s a peaceful hike along the rushing waters of Lynn Creek.
Link: Read more here.
9. Whyte Lake
Where: West Vancouver
Time needed: 2 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Another spot where you can get in a quick post-work dip. Whyte Lake is an easy hike starting from a small parking area just off Highway 1 in North Vancouver.
The lake is small but pretty, and is a great option for a short evening hike.
Link: Read more here.
10. Grouse Grind / BCMC
The start of the Grind
Where: North Vancouver
Time needed: 1 hour +
Dogs Allowed?: No
Details: The Grouse Grind and BCMC Trails are typically completed as a form of exercise, rather than as hikes done for the views and to enjoy the peace of nature. The option to take the Grouse Mountain gondola down saves time and makes it a good option for an after-work workout.
Link: Read more here for the Grouse Grind and here for the BCMC.
11. Burnaby Mountain
Where: Burnaby
Time needed: 1 hour +
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area has a large amount of trails, which many people don’t realize. From the Burnaby Mountain Park area, you can always catch the sunset after your hike before heading home.
Link: Read more here.
12. High Knoll
High Knoll
Where: Coquitlam
Time needed: 2.5 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: The High Knoll Trail is located in Minnekhada Regional Park. It’s offers a modest amount of elevation gain, and the trail leads to a rocky outcrop overlooking the Pitt River and much of the Lower Mainland.
Link: Read more here.
Fraser Valley & East
13. Abby Grind
Abby Grind summit.
Where: Abbotsford
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: The Abby Grind (or Abbotsford Grind) is a popular hiking trail for fitness. It is often referred to as ‘Abbotsford’s version of the Grouse Grind’, and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the top at a solid pace.
Link: Read more here.
14. Teapot Hill
The first Cultus Lake viewpoint.
Where: Chilliwack
Time needed: 2 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Teapot Hill is a short, popular hike in Cultus Lake Provincial Park, Chilliwack. The trail begins at a small parking lot beside Cultus Lake and heads up to a nice but obstructed overlook of the lake.
Link: Read more here.
15. Steelhead Falls
Steelhead Falls
Where: Steelhead Falls
Time needed: 1 hour
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Steelhead Falls is a stunning waterfall near Hayward Lake in Mission, B.C.
The hike is short and easy, making it perfect for an after-work hike.
Link: Read more here.
16. Kanaka Creek
Upper Cliff Falls of Kanaka Creek
Where: Kanaka Creek
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Cliff Falls in Kanaka Creek Regional Park, Maple Ridge, is a great place for a weekend outing with the family. On sunny and rainy days alike, Kanaka Creek is a peaceful area filled with easy walking trails. Kanaka Creek runs through a beautiful forest of Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, and moss-covered maple and Western red cedar trees.
Link: Read more here.
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