Table of Contents
Rainy-Day Hikes around Vancouver
Living on the wet coast, we have to embrace the rain. Much of British Columbia is, after all, a coastal temperate rainforest. In fact, nearly a quarter of the world’s remaining temperate rainforest is in B.C.
While this can make the non-summer months dark and dreary, the rain doesn’t have to be a deterrent from getting out and enjoying hiking. Many Vancouver hikes are actually enhanced by the misty atmosphere of a dense west coast forest.
So what makes for a good rainy day hike? We like to do hikes at a lower elevation, that loop through a scenic forest or lead to a waterfall. There’s not much point in hiking to an epic viewpoint only to reach a view of endless…white clouds and fog. Those hikes are best saved for clear days, or days with high cloud cover.
The rainy day hikes we’ve listed below are our favorites for soggy outings from Pemberton to Hope. All these rainy day hikes share a few characteristics:
- They are all on the shorter side (they can mostly be completed in under four hours). While it’s fun to get out in the rain, you generally don’t want to be out long enough to the point of getting soaked to the bone and getting cold.
- They are mostly in the forest. The trees act as protection from the elements and it’s best to avoid alpine environments in tough conditions. Exposed, wet rocks can be slippery and dangerous.
- They have stretches of beautiful forest with massive trees, a waterfall, a lake, or some other feature that adds an element of interest to the hike. These hikes all have something unique or special that makes them places we always enjoy visiting.
Safety considerations for Hiking in Wet Weather
As always, safety should be your first consideration when hiking in any conditions. Always carry The Essentials, leave a trip plan, and follow basic hiking safety. When hiking in the rain, you’ll also want to be extra-prepared with the proper gear. A few common-sense tips to consider for rain hiking:
- Footwear is going to be very important. A quality pair of waterproof hiking shoes will help keep your feet dry, warm, and keep your hike enjoyable. Good grip is also important if you’ll be clambering over wet, slippery rocks, so you don’t roll an ankle or take a fall. Gore-Tex or waterproof socks or can be nice, too.
- A waterproof jacket (ie, Gore-tex) is crucial to stay dry and warm. If your layers get soaked through, you’ll get cold in a hurry. This can lead to hypothermia quicker than you might think. A hood is also helpful to keep your head dry, and therefore warm.
- Bring extra layers. If your layers get wet, it is a good idea to have something dry to change into, or to put on if you find you’re getting cold and need more warmth. Keep them in a ziplock back in your backpack so they stay dry.
- Speaking of backpacks, have a good waterproof backpack, and/or use a backpack cover. Inside, keep anything that needs to stay dry in a ziplock or other waterproof bag.
- Don’t wear cotton. Once cotton gets wet, it no longer works to insulate your skin. There’s a common saying in the hiking world that ‘cotton kills’, as wearing wet cotton in cool temperatures can quickly lead to hypothermia. Instead, wear ‘technical’ layers of clothing underneath your jacket, like 100% polyester or Merino wool.
- Gaiters. If you’re travelling on muddy trails, gaiters can be invaluable. We’re partial to Hillsound Equipment, as they make a great product and are Vancouver-based.
- Leave a towel and a change of dry clothes and shoes in your car for the end of the hike.
Now, let’s look at these rainy-day 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 . A short trail with minimal elevation change takes to a beautiful suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River, and on to the site of an old train wreck. At the site, you will find 7 train cars scattered through the trees, that have all be creatively spray painted over the years in true Whistler style.
Link: Read more here.
2. Rainbow Falls
Where: Whistler
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Rainbow Falls is a quick and easy hike that is suitable for the whole family.
The hike to Rainbow Falls starts at the same trailhead as the hike to Rainbow Lake, however it stays at low elevation. The Rainbow Falls hike can be completed in a loop. The trail leads to a nice waterfall, the continues to loop through the forest, over a bridge, and back to the parking lot.
Link: Read more here.
3. Murrin Park Loop
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. As a low elevation hike, you may still get moody views over Howe Sound and the Sea to Sky coastline, even on a rainy day.
Link: Read more here.
4. Nairn Falls
Where: Nairn Falls Provincial Park, Pemberton
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: An easy 30 minute hike on a groomed trail, Nairn Falls is a powerful torrent along the Green River.
There are an upper and lower falls, viewable from two platforms at the end of the trail.
Link: Read more here.
5. Squamish Smoke Bluffs
Where: Squamish
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: The Squamish Smoke Bluffs Park has a network of trails used to access different rock-climbing routes. The trails within the Smoke Bluffs also make for a fantastic hike.
The trails are kid-friendly, and because there are a variety of trails to choose from, you can make the hike shorter or longer based on your mood.
Link: Read more here.
Honorable mentions for Sea to Sky
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
6. Capilano River Regional Park
Where: West Vancouver
Time needed: 1 Hour +
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Capilano River Regional Park offers something for everyone. There are many different trails within the park, so you can meander ‘choose-your-own-adventure’. The massive trees are something to behold, and the flow of water over the Cleveland Dam is always a spectacle. The salmon hatchery is educational and fun for kids and adults alike.
One will discover something new every time they walk through this beautiful park.
Link: Read more here.
7. Lynn Loop & Norvan Falls
Where: North Vancouver
Time needed: 2 – 5 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Lynn Loop is located in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. The trail is typically completed in a loop by completing the upper and lower trails, which parallel Lynn Creek. For those that want to carry on further, you can hike all the way to Norvan Falls.
Link: Read more here for Lynn Loop and here for Norvan Falls.
8. Whyte Lake
Where: West Vancouver
Time needed: 2 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: 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 the hike in through the forest is always enjoyable.
Link: Read more here.
9. Jug Island
Where: Belcarra Regional Park, Anmore
Time needed: 2 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: This peaceful hike takes you through a mostly flat trail to a beach, sitting at a point within the Indian Arm. The beach overlooks nearby Jug Island, and is a great hike for those wanting some fresh, ocean air.
Link: Read more here.
10. Gold Creek Falls
Where: Golden Ears Provincial Park, Maple Ridge
Time needed: 2 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes, on leash
Details: The Lower Falls Trail is a popular hike within Golden Ears Provincial Park, which takes you to Gold Creek Falls. The beautiful forest of Golden Ears makes for a pleasant walk with minimal elevation gain in any weather conditions.
Link: Read more here.
11. Cypress Falls
Where: West Vancouver
Time needed: 2.5 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Cypress Falls Park is a lesser known, yet impressive area of forest in West Vancouver. A walk through the trails of Cypress Falls Park takes you amongst some of the biggest trees you can find on the North Shore. Walking through parts of this canyon almost feels like you’re in a tropical jungle. The trail leads to two seperate waterfalls, and can be completed in a loop.
Link: Read more here.
Honorable mentions for Metro Vancouver
Fraser Valley & East
12. Bridal Falls
Where: Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, Chilliwack
Time needed: 15 minutes
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Bridal Falls is a short hike from the parking area just off the Highway 1. However, the are several trails in the area that you can walk around to make it a longer outing. The waterfall is beautiful anytime of year, and should be flowing with a little extra power during rainfall.
NOTE: Bridal Veils Provincial Park is closed during the winter.
Link: Read more here.
13. Mount Thom
Where: Chilliwack
Time needed: 2.5 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: There is a lookout at the top of Cultus Lake and the Fraser Valley, which may not be visible on a rainy, overcast day. However the hike up is enjoyable and worth the outing even if there aren’t the normal views.
Link: Read more here.
14. Teapot Hill
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 the trail has various tea pots scattered along the way (please don’t stray from the trail looking for tea pots). The trail leads to a small but obstructed view of Cultus Lake.
Link: Read more here.
15. Steelhead Falls
Where: Hayward Lake, Mission
Time needed: 1 hour
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Steelhead Falls is a short hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall.
The trail can be a short out-and-back along Hayward Lake, or a long loop around the entire lake.
Link: Read more here.
16. Flood Falls
Where: Hope
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Details: Flood Falls is an easy hike starting alongside Highway 1 in Hope.
As the entire hike can be completed casually in about 30 minutes, it’s a great option for families, and anyone wanting to stretch their legs during a long drive through Hope.
Link: Read more here.
Honorable mentions for the Fraser Valley
Hiking Vancouver: Exploring Southwest British Columbia’s Most Beautiful Trails
Want all 130+ of Outdoor Vancouver’s hiking guides in one eBook? From the classics like The Chief and Black Tusk to the hidden gems, they’re all here in over 500 pages!
Hiking Vancouver is your guide to the best hikes in southwest British Columbia.
Only $8.99 (or included with OV Patron membership)
Dave
Hi Karl
It looks like you’ve put a ton of work into your website and the e-book. Congrats. We truly live in paradise with so many options. I’m curious as I could not find it on the site or even the e-book sample, does each of the trails include the actual trail map? With altitude lines etc.
Thanks, Dave