Hi, I am looking for some useful information about trails and hiking destinations in and around Vancouver. I can spend about 3 weeks in that region and I would like to try sea kayaking with a guide and walk around the large forests there. I’m not quite sure if I go alone or with others.
Hi I am a born traveller, I love all countries, seasons and most cultures. For my job I go all over the world (see my blog). Now im planning for a nice and adventurous trip in Canada around British Colombia/ Vancouver.
Im looking for nice hiking trails (I can go with my tent) but I prefer in the beginning to be near some hostels where I can meet people and hear stories. I have some hiking experience in Europe, this is more challenging.
The first week I would like to go for sea kayaking with a group, organized and hopefully to observe some sea mammals. So if people have good experiences in this region or are interested in the same kind of travels let me know.
Thank you already and enjoy travelling in your own way,
Harold van Oorschot
Reply to this Hi Haroldje,
I have been living in Vancouver for over a year and I love to check out the local area. I have written an article on one of my favourite things I have done since being here which is hiking the Stawamus Chief. ,
It is a beautiful area and I am sure you will love your time here 😊
Alison Reply to this Hi Alison,
Thanks for this very intresting trail. Did you see any wild life over there or is it more a nice trip for the view?
Do you still live in Vancouver? or did you travel to a new destination?
Are there any tips you have for me?
Harold
Reply to this It is an amazing view at the top. At the top of the rock and along the way there are lots and lots of chipmunks! Only time I have seen them so that was pretty amazing. Besides birdlife, didn't really see any other wildlife on the hike.
Still living in Vancouver until the end of the year and planning a big trip across Canada before heading home to Australia.
For Kayaking in Vancouver, there is a place called Deep Cove. The hostels in Vancouver are pretty good, I stayed in the HI Vancouver Downtown which is nice location, close to transportation and attractions. Definately check out Stanley Park while you are here which you can walk to from the hostel. You are guaranteed to see some racoons and squirrels and other wildlife there.
Enjoy!
Alison Reply to this I have lived in Vancouver my whole life, so I hope I can help a bit. Alison's advice is pretty much the same that I would give. The Chief is spectacular, (it is a bit of an adventure outside of Vancouver) if your looking for a day trip or something to frequent a bit more on a regular basis there's Grouse Mountain. They have a hiking path there called the 'Grouse Grind' which is pretty grueling. We have three local mountains, Grouse Mountain, Cypress Bowl, and Seymour. Grouse and Seymour (in my opinion) are the best of the three.
Stanley park is awesome!
Deep Cove is very good kayaking and quite well known, if you get the chance to go out into the suburbs a bit, there's a small city called White Rock (it's on the way to the Canada/US border), fairly nice beach walk, bit of a different feel from the beaches in Vancouver, plus there's some kayaking in the summer and some excellent fish and chips!
Another great place if your not strapped for time is the west coast of Vancouver Island (last stop before Japan ocean wise). there's a very small old hippie sort of town there called Tofino, you can go out on day trips in some wicked boats for some great whale watching tours, we went a few years ago and saw loads of whales, killer whales and humpback are the ones that stick out in my mind (one humpback got within 15 or 20 feet of us), and seals. I believe there is hiking there as well, and surfing (if that's your thing).
it takes about a day to get out there, ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo, and then a drive across the island (it's not that big).
When are you planning on coming over here? and for how long are you planning on staying? (if you don't mind my asking)
Reply to this Hi Scott and Kristy,
Thanks for your advice, the old hippie town sounds very intresting.
I am also looking for some more day hikes or kayak adventures,
Do you have some maps and trails for me? Or do you have names of trails in the area?
Normally I have 3,5 weeks to visit one place (than i need to go back to work 😊
But I am not sure if it will be this summer or next summer.
again Alison and Scott ands Kristy thanks for the advice
Kind regards, Harold
Reply to this www.vancouvertrails.com
I actually just found this myself!!
there's also this site
www.hiking.meetup.com
if you go there and enter in Vancouver, there are a number of hiking groups around here with newbies to experts in the area!!
Hope those help a bit!!
I 110%!r(MISSING)ecommend going to Tofino especially if you are coming in the summer.
Reply to this Thank you for the great sites
Both can be realy good to visit and are a good help.
Always good to be informed or to join some experts in the region.
Reply to this You can experience world-class salmon and trout fishing, landing in secluded coves with white sand beaches or spending an afternoon on a secret lake north of Vancouver enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch. You can also check out <snip> for special charter in the Pacific Northwest including dropping off or picking up in the U.S.A.
[Edited: 2012 Mar 08 08:34 - Administrator E:231376 - No dropping commercial links on this forum]
Reply to this Hey buddy! How about trying an UrbanQuest while in Vancouver? It'll just take you an hour or two. It's like Amazing Race, you’ll explore parts of Vancouver solving clues and puzzles to unlock your final answer. You can do your Quest for fun and learn about the city along the way. Or, you can choose to end your Quest at a mystery restaurant, where a reservation has been made for you or your group. What do you think? For more details check out the website at urbanquest.com . You'll surely enjoy it like I did.
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