Hotel Blog

Image by Annelaure Artaud
 
You may have heard the phrase “Beautiful British Columbia” somewhere before - maybe on a touristy pamphlet, or even on Instagram, but we think most of the beauty resides in our hometown of Vancouver! Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned pro, Vancouver offers the world’s most beautiful hikes and trails that are sure to impress. Most easy hikes are transit-accessible, but if you are in the mood for more of a challenge, you’ll want to drive to find the right terrain. Here’s a few of our favourites:
 
Quarry Rock - Easy - 3.8k roundtrip
This one is a local favourite, since it’s easy, offered year-round, and transit-accessible. Also known as the Baden Powell Trail, it’s suitable for all fitness levels too - there is some elevation, but it is minimal, with very soft ground - perfect for trail-running! It’s also dog-friendly, offers a variety of terrain along the way, and boasts a beautiful view of the Deep Cove Marina at the end. After the hike, reward yourself with a doughnut from Honey’s, or extend your workout by renting kayaks near the beach!
 
Pacific Spirit Regional Park - Easy - 10k roundtrip
If you’re looking for a relaxed stroll through the forest with the dog, or a scenic, low-elevation trail run, this one is for you! It is located in the West Point Grey area; just a 20-minute drive or a 45-minute bus ride from our inn, making this a nice quick getaway to reconnect you with nature just in time for summer! There is 750 hectares of forest ready to explore, so make sure to bring snacks! It’s also not far from the famous Wreck beach in UBC if you fancy a short (but steep!) hike and stunning views afterwards.
 
The Chief - Intermediate - 11k roundtrip
This mountain is busy for so many reasons - a scenic drive along the Sea to Sky Highway, unbeatable views at the top, and it’s a hotspot for climbers! This hike should take you 3-5 hours roundtrip, and offers rewarding views no matter how much you can take - there’s 3 different peaks, with views of Howe Sound and Squamish surrounding you, or an alternate easier hike called Shannon Falls. The hike offers plenty of shade so you don’t overheat even on the hottest days, and you can even bring your dog (on leash), and camp if you so desire! If you’re travelling with non-hikers, we recommend the Sea to Sky Gondola, so they don’t miss out on the beauty of the Chief. Some pointers: bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and get there early - there is no concession stand, and very limited parking available!
 
Golden Ears - Difficult - 24 k roundtrip
It is believed that this beautiful mountain near Maple Ridge gets its name from the twin summits that characterize the mountain, and their golden tint from the setting sun. This hike is for the seasoned pros, and since snow covers the mountain most of the year, it’s only available from July until September. Most of the hike is uphill, which gets even steeper after the halfway mark. Many people decide to make this hike into a two-day trip, and camp at Alder Flats along the way. It also can get chilly at the top, even in the heat of the summer, so pack a light jacket and adequate footwear at least! If you decide to hike Golden Ears in a single day, be mindful that the park opens at 7 am and closes at 11 pm, so leave ample time to get there, and for yourself to finish unless you’d like to be locked in! This one is an hour and 20 minutes from Vancouver by car – but well worth it and by far the most challenging route close to Vancouver.
 
If you’re going to take yourself to new heights in YVR this summer, then you’ll want to book with the Days Inn Vancouver! You’ll not only be central to all the great hikes but also in close proximity to all the entertainment downtown Vancouver has to offer. Be sure to come back in time for dinner at the charming Chelsea’s Restaurant too, located on the ground floor of the Days Inn Vancouver. We hope you enjoy your trip!