Great trails for hikers of all levels run through Vancouver's dramatic environs. Good trail maps are available from International Travel Maps and Books, 539 Pender St. (tel. 604/687-3320; www.itmb.com), which also stocks guidebooks and topographical maps. You can pick up a local trail guide at any bookstore.
If you're looking for a challenge without a longtime 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.
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 (3,609 ft.). The trail north of Goat Mountain is well marked and takes 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 snowcapped 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.
A little farther outside the city, the 6- to 10-hour hike to Black Tusk is one of the finest day hikes in North America. The trail head is located in Garibaldi Provincial Park (tel. 604/898-3678), located 13km (8 miles) north of Squamish, which is 97km (60 miles) north of Vancouver along Highway 99 on the road to Whistler. The park has five access points; Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake is the second marked turnoff; it takes about an hour to get there. The trail switchbacks up 1,000m (3,281 ft.) in about 6km (3.7 miles), then levels onto a rolling alpine plateau with fabulous views. The best time to make this climb is from July to October.
Doin' the Grouse Grind
The "Grouse Grind" trail, a popular 2.9km (1.8-mile) trail commonly referred to by locals as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster," generally opens late spring or early summer. Over 110,000 hikers per year take on the challenge of the rugged terrain and steep climb. By the time you reach the plateau, your ascent will have gained 853m (2,800 ft.). Average completion time is usually 1 1/2 hours, with the fastest completion time just over 26 minutes. The best part is that once you reach the top, you can then take the tram back down for just C$5 (US$4/£2.25).
