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!
The 16 hikes
Sea to Sky
4 hikes
1. Whistler Train Wreck
01
Easy2 km30 m gain1 h
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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.
A bench and sign commemorating the opening of the Murrin Loop Trail in 2014
03
Moderate2 km160 m gain1.5 h
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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!
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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!
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
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.
