Norvan Falls is the perfect hike for those wanting a longer, but not too difficult a hike. Round…read moretrip is 14km and it takes about 5 hours, but don't let the distance scare you -- the first (and last) 4km is a walk on nearly flat ground, with only the last 3km being moderately challenging. I have hiked to Norvan Falls a couple of times, and yesterday was the first time in five or six years. Norvan Falls is located in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, and the first 4km of the hike consists of half of the Lynn Loop Trail and the Cedars Mill Trail*, which are classified as easy. The Lynn Loop Trail and Cedars Mill Trail are flat and people with mobility issues would have little trouble, although there are some boardwalks and a couple of steps. It took my friend and I an hour to walk these two trails at an unhurried pace. After 4km, you get to a clearing where the Cedars Mills Trail meets up with the Headwaters Trail. You can either turn around and walk 4km back to the park entrance via the Lynn Loop and Cedars Mill Trail, making for a nice two hour walk (or you can take the more challenging Headwaters Trail instead of the Cedar Mills Trail), or you can continue for 3km up the Headwaters Trail to Norvan Falls. While the Headwaters Trail is classified as "intermediate", it is on the easier side of intermediate. It's not a walk in the park (as is the Lynn Loop and Cedars Mill Trail), as there are some steep parts, rocks, and flowing water to walk through, which requires a little bit of scrambling (someone with mobility issues could not do this hike), but it's not extremely difficult. It took us just over an hour to hike the 3km and reach the falls. Once we got to Norvan Falls, we stopped for a quick lunch and to take some photos of the waterfall. On our way back, once we got to the clearing, instead of taking the Cedar Mills Trail, we continued along the Headwaters Trail for a more challenging hike, connecting back up with the Lynn Loop Trail. (See the map for our route.) The Headwaters Trail was a nice challenge, and a great workout, with several stairs and some steep parts I had to scramble up. Including a 20 minute stop for lunch, the hike took five hours, and despite being an easier-intermediate hike, I was exhausted after! (My legs are feeling it today!) Norvan Falls is a good hike for someone who is transitioning from easy hikes to intermediate hikes and who is starting to do longer hikes -- over the years I have been on several five or six hour hikes, and this is one of the easiest. I look forward to doing this hike again to get some much needed exercise and to work towards more challenging hikes. *Instead of going along the Cedars Mill Trail, you can take the harder Headwaters Trail, which we took on our way back. [Yelp collections: Hiking]

The hike isn't as fun when the weather is poor or the view is covered with clouds so I'd recommend…read morechecking the cypress mountain cameras to ensure you get a view of Vancouver at the bluff! If it's cloudy or windy, it might be colder at the top so bring an extra layer or keep warm with an emergency blanket. This is a great quick hike that's easily accessible from Vancouver. There's lots of room to sit and enjoy the view at the bluff and plenty of parking! Make sure to park outside of the parks gate if hiking for sunset views because they close early!

One of the best views for intermediate hike! The beginning is very rocky and slippery when coming…read moredown but rest is beautiful forest trail. You can go via black mountain for view of the lions and stop by canine lake for a swim Value 5/5 Atmosphere 5/5 Service 4/5 Quality 4/5 18/29

Very nice leisurely hike (~1.5 km each direction) from the Mount Seymour parking lot. This hike is…read morelike a flatter version of Quarry Rock. Parking is plentiful here during the summer months, which is nice. To get to the trail, just go towards the chair lift (bear hut), and down the road N of the parking lot. There is a gentle dip where the trail begins. There is also a trail map at this point. The walk is actually quite leisurely, without much of an elevation change. Great for socializing, and not strenuous at all. The trail can be a bit narrow for large sections (only room for single file), so traffic jams are unfortunately quite common. This is probably the single biggest downside to the trail. There is a random lake (large puddle?) about halfway along the trail, with a viewpoint dock. The view from the peak is pretty nice. On a clear day, one can see Vancouver and SFU. There are lots of birds (whiskey jacks and ravens) who like human food. Bring a granola bar or other suitable food and they'll eat the food right out of your hands if you stick your arm out. Makes for some great photos if desired. Great place to bring friends from out of town if they want to sample the West Coast lifestyle.

After my friend and I hiked Mystery Lake, we decided to hike the Dog Mountain trail. I had never…read morehiked Dog Mountain before, and while my friend has snowshoed up Dog Mountain, he had never hiked it when there wasn't snow, so it was a new experience for him. Once again the trail was marked as "easy", but it was far from it. While "only" a 5km round trip, the trail was NOT easy. (Length of trail does not dictate the difficulty, in my opinion.) The first 15 minutes or so of the trail are deceptively easy -- smooth, flat ground that is suitable for all abilities. A literal walk in the park. But shortly before getting to First Lake (which is at the 1km mark), there are some inclines and roots and rocks, which, while not difficult for an experienced hiker, someone with mobility issues would likely have to turn back at this point. From First Lake to the peak of Dog Mountain, it's another 1.5km. Not a far distance, but it took us about an hour just to hike from First Lake to the peak, as the terrain was quite a challenge. There were a lot of inclines, and we had to do a lot of scrambling over rocks and roots (while on the inclines) as well as walk along several logs crossing over creeks. Not impossible by any means, but not easy. Definitely not appropriate for someone's first hike. To add to the difficulty of the terrain, I am only five feet tall, so hiking is a lot more difficult for me than for a taller person, as I can't just step down or step over a log/rock/root, as my legs are shorter. My inability to easily step down or over something has nothing to do with my ability, but with my physical stature, and due to this, it puts a lot of pressure on my knees, and it just takes me longer to complete a hike. (I really need to invest in hiking poles!) While a taller person can just step over something, I have to scramble on all fours, or instead of just stepping down from a rock, I will have to step sideways or, like a toddler, sit down and then scoot down on my butt, in order to avoid falling and twisting my ankle. So because of the terrain and my height, the hike was slow going, and the entire hike, there and back (including a brief 15 minute stop at the top for a snack and photos) took about 3 hours, while the website and signs, which must have been written by a 6'5" man, says it is an easy two hour hike (NOT TRUE!). All in all it was a fun and challenging hike, and there was a lovely view at the top, but it it is NOT easy, and people with mobility issues would not be able to complete it. Walking to First Lake and back would make a nice little hike for a beginner hiker, though. My friend, who had only snowshoed up Dog Mountain, was surprised at the terrain -- covered in snow, he wasn't aware of all the roots and rocks. Things to note: there were fewer bugs than on the Mystery Lake trail, and dogs are allowed, although they must be on a leash. [Yelp collections: Hiking]

Overall 4 Stars So…read morethe Baden Powell Trail is not for the faint at heart! It is considered a beginners trail however the trail is steeped with a lot of steps up and down the mountain trails. If you have weak knees or back, I recommend not to do it due to the steps and the distance to the No Name Rock - I made this up. Can find a name of the Rock peak anywhere ( the rock at the peak where you have a beautiful view of Deep Cove. You will "huff and puff" throughout the trail. Also, we saw people having to carry their pets with them because they were hot, short winded, or were the short legged breed. The trail itself is decently manicured with a lot of pressure treated wood for the steps and bridges. But the trail itself can be steep. I believe you will cross about 6 bridges before reaching the peak. It will take about 45 minutes (if you are in top shape) or more to reach the peak. I believe it took about 75 minutes due to popularity of the trail. Went around 4:30 PM on a Saturday during peak season. BRING WATER!!! We brought One 1Litre of Water each which was sufficient. Also, some snacks when you reach the "no name" rock. I really don't know if there is a name of the rock. I just call it that. The snacks is your reward with the view of the cove. It is spectacular! And we forgot ours! Don't make our mistake. I didn't take pictures of the steps and trail and I regret it now. However the trail itself is pretty and there are sections where the salty breeze feels lovely on your glistening skin. HAHA! The trail is about 2.2 kilometers or 1.37 miles from beginning to the No Name Rock - aka the Peak then 2.2 miles back. It is quicker coming down. Just give yourself rest during the train. It can get narrow and there are limited bench seats. Cons: 1. Limited bench seats 2. No signs to tell how far you come along or how far you have to go. I wish they will add a sign in the bridges as a Marker Point. The trail only has a beginning and ending sign 3. Trails on the steps can be narrow. Take your time. It is not a race. Advice: 1. Wear good comfortable shoes. Trail can be rocky and soil slippery at times. 2. Be courteous to other people on the trail. Some were oblivious on the people on the trail taking selfies or videos by blocking certain areas. Be patient and let the other people pass before you become an "influencer". When it is busy, it is not respectful. 3. Wear long sleeves early in the morning or later in the evening due to mosquitos. They seem to appear during those times. And when they saw me, it was "Asian Buffett" time! However, these mosquitoes were nothing like the ones in Alaska wear they will take you away for their feast or down in the South where they add some hot sauce on ya' before enjoy the entree'. Eat some Kimchi or garlic and they will stay away from you and maybe everyone else. Hmmm, that's not a bad idea!

Wonderful hike in Lynn Valley near the Suspension bridge. There's lots of parking, and a great hike…read morefor those looking for a leisurely hike, and all the inclines have been fixed with stairs so you don't need to worry as much about tripping on roots or slipping when it's wet. For those looking for a longer hike, the trail also leads/around Rice Lake for some beautiful views. Good hike for beginners looking to get into hiking. It can get pretty busy during the summer time, but we went on a weekday afternoon and it was empty and so peaceful!

A mutual friend living in Vancouver described this trail as "endless" and "disgusting". "You should…read morego if you're into that sort of thing." With that glowing endorsement, this was by far top on my list which probably speaks volume. I had originally planned on going a day after arriving, though the weather was near perfect so that I couldn't resist going after checking into my room. I took the 236 bus up which conveniently stopped at the base of the mountain. Folks were performing deep stretches and breathing exercises at the trailhead in preparation, a sign of things to come. When I started, I paced a hiker in front of me for a while before overtaking her. Naturally, another hiker came up from behind and steadily passed me. Intense concentration from everyone made the hike a fairly quiet one with occasional nods of empathy from those taking an extended break. Markers along the way tell you when you are 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 of the way up along smaller fractional markers out of 40. Beyond the 1/4 marker, downhill hiking is no longer permitted, though I noticed a handful of hikers doing just that. In total, my time was 1:07. In between the sweating and the panting, lush forest trees and bright purple foxgloves made the experience a visual delight. Heading back down via gondola, I had a chance to talk with someone who has been doing the grind for years and still loves it. Next time I would try the BCMC to compare but consider me a fan.

THE BIG: Located in North Vancouver, past the capilano bridge. Plenty of parking in the paid lots…read moreand free street parking down the hill. THE BLACK AND WHITE: This is a grueling hike. Think stairmaster but for an hour. The first time my wife and I did it, we got 59 minutes. This second round, we beat our time. I channeled my inner billy goat and hiked it in 56 minutes. There is a scanner at the bottom of the hike and top of the hike that you can scan to get a more accurate reading of your hike. I recorded everything on my apple watch. The trail is beautiful, plenty of temperate rainforest to see and markers to show half way, 3/4 way and it gets brighter as you approach the top. THE FINAL BAMBOO: Overall, this is a very hard hike but the reward is worth it. Free to hike up and there is no way down except to buy a tram ticket that is around 20 CAD.

The only park with in the mountain,this is actually heavily visoted by locals and tourist,very…read moreclean,restaurants in the moddle,lots of trails if you want to walk this is the best bet. While walking some of the area you cam enjoy the burrard inlet and some side you can look at the downtown area that is all visible in the sight.The restaurant in the middle is by reservations only. In the heart of the moutain theres a lot of totem poles that is really unique and very instagrammable. Parking is free,for kods there ia a designated play area for them,summer it will bring you a lot of flowers,and spring will be the amazing cherry blossoms. I also visited here winter time and another awesome place to chill and captured good photos. Its not open 24 hours There is no fee to enjoy the park. Of restaurant is close then washroom can be challenging. This is one of the best spot in Burnaby.

Gorgeous surroundings but very limited parking.. also quite dangerous at times due to sudden bursts…read moreof mountain bikers or runners charging down the hills.. not ideal when one side of the trail is basically a cliff.. the incline makes for good exercise

If you're looking for a hike that ends with a swim, Mystery Lake is hard to beat…read more The lake itself is incredibly clean. I was expecting the water to be absolutely freezing, but it was surprisingly comfortable once you got in. It still has that hidden locals' spot feeling, which is becoming harder and harder to find. If you're visiting on a warm summer day, don't forget your swimsuit. There's nothing better than cooling off in the lake after the hike, and that's what makes this place stand out from so many other trails around Vancouver.

Beautiful lake but can't swim cause the water is murky! The…read moretrail was beautiful would say it's a beginner trail since you can finish within 30mins

On Saturday, I went back to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park for another hike, this time with my…read morehusband. We had planned to do a combination of the Lynn Loop, Cedar Mills, and Headwaters trails, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to cut our hike short. However, we decided to take the Varley Trail out of the park instead of walking the tedious 1.5km down Lynn Valley Road, past all the parking lots. I had never hiked the Varley Trail, and even though our day started off badly, we ended up having a great time, having discovered this lovely little trail. At 1.5km and approximately half an hour, Varley Trail is short and sweet. It is very easy with little elevation, however, there are a few stairs here and there, so it may not suitable for those who have difficulty with stairs. The trail is well maintained with boardwalks as well as a few benches if you need a rest or just want to have a seat and enjoy the sights of nature. The Varley Trail runs along Lynn Creek and is parallel to the section of Lynn Valley Road that leads from Dempsey Road (where the End of the Line General Store store is located) to the park entrance. For non-drivers (yes, we exist!) who did not drive to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, it is an alternative to walking 20 minutes down the side of a road. Drivers can also take advantage of the trail, as in each parking lot there are wooden steps leading down to the trail, so one can enter and exit it at several points. Now that I have discovered how to get to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park by transit, I plan on doing a lot more hiking in the area, and I will never walk down that awful road to the entrance of the park; I will now walk along the far more pleasant Varley Trail. [Yelp collections: Hiking]