
Best Backpacking Destinations in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
1. Stanley Park
Vast urban park with a beautiful coastline, lush evergreen forests, and numerous hiking trails.
- Natural Beauty: Provides a peaceful escape from city life while offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean
- Size: Over 400 hectares in size, allowing for endless exploration and discovery
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by public transportation or bike rental services within the park
2. Grouse Grind
Iconic hiking trail up Grouse Mountain with challenging staircases and breathtaking vistas.
- Adventure: Offers a unique challenge for experienced hikers seeking an exhilarating experience
- Scenery: Provides panoramic views of Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains
- Rewards: Access to cafes, restaurants, and activities at Grouse Mountain upon completion
3. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Attraction featuring a high-wire suspension bridge over the Capilano River, with hiking trails and treetop walks.
- Thrill-Seeking: Offers an adrenaline rush as you walk across the wobbly suspension bridge
- Nature Experience: Provides close encounters with ancient trees and the lush rainforest ecosystem
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Capilano River, surrounding forests, and Vancouver's North Shore mountains
4. Lynn Canyon Park
A free alternative to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge.
- Budget-Friendly: No admission fee for the park or suspension bridge, making it an affordable option
- Nature Immersion: Provides a quieter and more secluded experience compared to Capilano Park
- Activities: Offers opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and birdwatching alongside hiking
5. Cypress Provincial Park
Hiking, skiing, and mountain biking destination with scenic viewpoints and the famous Hayes Meadow.
- Seasonal Variety: Offers activities for all seasons, from hiking in summer to skiing in winter
- Scenery: Features panoramic views of Vancouver and the Gulf Islands on a clear day
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for spotting local wildlife, such as black bears, deer, and eagles
6. Deep Cove
Charming seaside village with a protected harbor, perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Water Activities: Provides opportunities for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding
- Food Options: Offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and ice cream shops to refuel after activities
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a serene and picturesque setting for relaxation and escape from city life
7. Lions Bay
Quaint coastal village with beautiful beaches and a historic one-lane tunnel.
- Beach Access: Offers picturesque beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking
- Historical Attraction: Features the iconic Lions Bay one-lane tunnel, a vestige of the area's early transportation history
- Scenery: Boasts stunning views of Howe Sound and the coastal mountains
8. Anvil Island Marine Provincial Park
Island park with camping, kayaking, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Camping Experience: Provides an isolated and immersive camping experience on a small island
- Wildlife Encounters: Offers opportunities for spotting marine life, such as seals, sea lions, and porpoises
- Paddling Adventure: Accessible by kayak or canoe, providing a unique paddling experience
9. Kayaking the Gulf Islands
Multi-day sea kayaking adventure exploring the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
- Adventure: Provides a multi-day paddling experience, immersing you in nature
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities for spotting marine mammals, birds, and other wildlife
- Island Hopping: Allows exploration of various islands with unique landscapes, cultures, and histories
10. Sea to Sky Gondola
Cable car ride offering panoramic views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning, unobstructed views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails for various skill levels
- Adventure Activities: Provides additional adventure activities, such as ziplining and guided forest walks
11. Squamish Spit
Beach area with hiking trails, perfect for birdwatching and picnicking.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides opportunities for observing a variety of coastal birds, including herons and eagles
- Relaxation: Offers a peaceful, picturesque setting for picnicking or sunbathing
- Beach Access: Provides easy access to the beach for swimming and wading
12. Whistler Backcountry
Backcountry hiking and skiing in Whistler's alpine wilderness with stunning mountain views.
- Nature Immersion: Provides an immersive experience in the breathtaking alpine wilderness of Whistler
- Scenery: Offers unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes
- Adventure: Provides a challenging and exciting backcountry experience for the more adventurous traveler
13. Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Glacier-fed lakes surrounded by towering mountains, ideal for hiking and camping.
- Natural Beauty: Features glacier-fed lakes and stunning mountain vistas
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty levels
- Camping Experience: Provides opportunities for backcountry camping among the breathtaking scenery
14. Della Falls via Owikeno Lake
Multi-day hike to Della Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada.
- Adventure: Provides a challenging and rewarding multi-day hiking experience
- Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of the remote wilderness and Della Falls
- Wildlife Encounters: Potential opportunities for spotting wildlife, such as bears, wolves, and moose
15. Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park
Visit the impressive Takakkaw Falls within Yoho National Park, accessible via a short hike.
- Natural Wonder: Features one of the highest waterfalls in Canada
- Hiking Trails: Offers a short and easy hike to reach Takakkaw Falls
- Scenery: Provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and alpine landscapes