30+ of the Best Intermediate Hikes near Vancouver
Table of Contents
One of the great things about hiking around Vancouver is that there is something for everyone. Whether you want to spend an entire day scaling a mountain from sea level to summit, or you just want to spend a couple of hours sauntering through the forest enjoying the views, you don’t have to go far here to find what you’re looking for.
Previously I’ve written a list of 25 easy hikes that are suitable for beginners, most of which only take a few hours and don’t involve a significant commitment. However, sometimes you might be looking for something a little more ambitious, and with additional effort you’re usually rewarded with better views.
Below is a list of 30 of my favourite intermediate hikes in and around SWBC that hit that sweet middle ground of offering a moderately difficult challenge, yet more rewarding views.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.40Km
Elevation Gain: 670m
Highest Elevation: 2,112m
Average Gradient: 15.95%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4.5 – 5.5 Hours
– Moderate: 3.5 – 4.5 Hours
– Fast: 2.5 – 3.5 Hours
Towering high above the Fraser Valley, Mount Cheam has steadily risen in popularity in the local hiking community thanks to its moderate stats and incredibly rewarding panoramic views. At just 8.4km round trip and 670m elevation gain, Mount Cheam is a straightforward hike for a summit standing over 2,100m high, and in the summer it becomes one of the Fraser Valley’s most sought after peaks. The biggest challenge (by far) is the drive to the trailhead, which is infamous for its long, steep and rough FSR that requires 4×4 high clearance vehicles.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8Km
Elevation Gain: 750m
Highest Elevation: 1,432m
Average Gradient: 18.75%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4 – 5 Hours
– Moderate: 3 – 4 Hours
– Fast: 2 – 3 Hours
Another favourite of the Fraser Valley, Elk Mountain is a year-round hike known for its short but steep climb to the top. At just 8km and 750m elevation gain, this hike doesn’t take too long, but it can pack a punch with several steep stretches throughout. For adventurous parties it’s also possible to continue beyond Elk Mountain to Mount Thurston and even Mount Mercer
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.20Km
Elevation Gain: 580m
Highest Elevation: 1,449m
Average Gradient: 14.14%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4 – 5 Hours
– Moderate: 3 – 4 Hours
– Fast: 2 – 3 Hours
With a plethora of trails from the parking lot, Mount Seymour Provincial Park is one of the better North Shore parks for hitting the trails, and Mount Seymour itself is the best of the bunch, clocking in at 8.20km and 580m gain. This trail passes over Pump Peak and Tim Jones Peak before culminating in the highest of the lot, Mount Seymour itself. Mount Seymour is only really safe in the summer when snow has thawed from the region, otherwise hikers will want to stop at Pump Peak.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 22Km
Elevation Gain: 821m
Highest Elevation: 1,602m
Average Gradient: 5.45%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 7 – 9 Hours
– Moderate: 6 – 7 Hours
– Fast: 5 – 6 Hours
At 22km Elfin Lakes is one of the longer hikes on this list, but it’s still well within the boundaries of an intermediate hike thanks to a relatively manageable 821m elevation gain. The initial 5km of the hike is a relatively steep and mindless plod through the forest, but from then on hikers will enjoy constant panoramic views in the beautiful Garibaldi Provincial Park. The trail culminates at the stunning Elfin Lakes, where it’s possible to camp overnight with a reservation. Capable parties can optionally extend the hike to include the Gargoyles, though this would certainly increase the difficulty and make for a long and tiring day.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 18Km
Elevation Gain: 850m
Highest Elevation: 1,501m
Average Gradient: 9.4%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 6 – 8 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 6 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours
Garibaldi Lake is one of the most popular hikes near Vancouver thanks to its stunning, glacier fed turquoise hue and mountain backdrop that has become famous thanks to its ease of access and beginner friendly trail. At 18km and 850m elevation gain, this is a fairly long hike but the entire trail is easy to follow and well maintained thanks to being within a provincial park. More ambitious hikers can continue on to Panorama Ridge or the Black Tusk, though these are both considerably more difficult than stopping at Garibaldi Lake.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 16.50Km
Elevation Gain: 965m
Highest Elevation: 1,884m
Average Gradient: 11.70%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5.5 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 4.5 – 5.5 Hours
– Fast: 3.5 – 4.5 Hours
Perhaps a lesser known trail on this list, Hannegan Peak is actually located in Washington, just over the Canadian Border. Despite this, it’s still only a 2 hour drive and is more than feasible as a day trip from the Lower Mainland. At 16.50km and 965m elevation gain, Hannegan Peak is a beautiful hike, especially in the fall when the colours in the region are breathtaking. The views from the top of Mount Shuksan and Ruth Mountain offer fantastic bang for your buck.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8Km
Elevation Gain: 935m
Highest Elevation: 888m
Average Gradient: 11.70%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4 – 5 Hours
– Moderate: 3 – 4 Hours
– Fast: 2 – 3 Hours
The Sea to Summit trail is a popular hike beginning at the base of the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish. After a brief yet steep climb up on a shared trail with the Chief, the Sea to Summit trail branches off and mellows out, becoming a fun and intermediate climb to the top of the gondola. Many complete this as a one-way hike, taking the gondola back down (at a fee) after soaking in the panoramic views at the top, often after grabbing a bite to eat on the Summit Lodge viewing deck. While still an intermediate hike, this is perhaps leaning closer towards a difficult hike versus others on this list.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.80Km
Elevation Gain: 410m
Highest Elevation: 1,228m
Average Gradient: 12.06%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 3 – 4 Hours
– Moderate: 2 – 3 Hours
– Fast: 1.5 – 2 Hours
Continuing in the Sea to Sky Gondola area, Al’s Habrich Ridge is one of the popular backcountry trails you can follow from the top of the gondola. Note that this will only be an intermediate hike if you take the gondola up and down, as hiking up the Sea to Summit trail followed by Al’s Habrich Ridge will be a difficult day. This hike offers plenty of viewpoints as you gain elevation high above the Howe Sound and town of Squamish below, culminating in a stunning panoramic view from a massive granite bluff. Adventurous parties could feasibly continue on to Peak 1,632m, however this is far more involved backcountry travel that will require self navigation.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12.5Km
Elevation Gain: 500m
Highest Elevation: 692m
Average Gradient: 8.00%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4.5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 3.5 – 4.5 Hours
– Fast: 2.5 – 3.5 Hours
Tunnel Bluffs is a lookout point over the Howe Sound near the village of Lions Bay on the Sea to Sky Highway, providing one of the best views of the Howe Sound in the region. This hike has grown in popularity over the years thanks to its moderate stats, easy to follow trail and rewarding viewpoint at the end. It’s also a decent year-round hike, typically snow free for much of the year, and even when snow does reach these elevations it usually isn’t too much. At around 12.5km most people will finish this hike within around 4 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10.5Km
Elevation Gain: 580m
Highest Elevation: 1,371m
Average Gradient: 11.04%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4.5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 3.5 – 4.5 Hours
– Fast: 2.5 – 3.5 Hours
St. Marks Summit is a peak located in Cypress Provincial Park offering a stunning viewpoint of the Howe Sound. Due to its ease of access, proximity to Vancouver, moderate difficulty and panoramic summit views, St. Marks Summit is one of the most popular hikes near Vancouver. On a sunny summer weekend you can be sure this hike will be extremely well trafficked with all sorts of ability levels. Adventurous parties have the option of continuing further to Unnecessary Mountain, though this becomes a more difficult outing.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 24.10Km
Elevation Gain: 1,231m
Highest Elevation: 1,361m
Average Gradient: 10.22%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 8 – 10 Hours
– Moderate: 7 – 8 Hours
– Fast: 6 – 7 Hours
Alouette Mountain is a peak located in Golden Ears Provincial Park that is relatively well trafficked. There are two traditional routes up Alouette, a very steep route via Evans Peak, or a longer but more moderate route from Mike Lake. While a long 24km round trip, with an average gradient of just 10%, this route is approachable for most abilities. If you’d rather take a more direct approach, the route via Evans Peak is just that, though it’s much more difficult.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8Km
Elevation Gain: 435m
Highest Elevation: 1,217m
Average Gradient: 10.8%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4 – 5 Hours
– Moderate: 3 – 4 Hours
– Fast: 2 – 3 Hours
Another popular hike in Cypress Provincial Park, Eagle Bluffs is a year-round route culminating at a bluff overlooking the Howe Sound, Bowen Island and the City of Vancouver. At just 8km this a moderately challenging route, though it does begin with a bit of a steep grind up to Cabin Lake. From then on most of the trail is simple and scenic.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.60Km
Elevation Gain: 590m
Highest Elevation: 1,459m
Average Gradient: 13.72%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4.5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 3.5 – 4.5 Hours
– Fast: 2.5 – 3.5 Hours
Cypress Provincial Park is a haven for easily accessed, moderately challenging hikes, and Mount Strachan is perhaps one of the better ones they have on offer. There are a couple of routes up Strachan, either following the ski slopes (summer only), or going up via Christmas Gulley. The latter involves steep avalanche terrain, so is best saved for the summer when the route is snow free. At just 8.60km Strachan offers rewarding views for moderate effort.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12.70Km
Elevation Gain: 630m
Highest Elevation: 560m
Average Gradient: 9.92%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
Diez Vistas is a popular hike beginning in the Buntzen Lake Recreation Area, and it’s easily combined with a looped hike around Buntzen Lake itself. While the name translates to 10 viewpoints, unfortunately most of these have overgrown to the extent that there is really only one nice viewpoint left. Still, this is a good intermediate hike not far from the city, with plenty of people around.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 20.4Km
Elevation Gain: 830m
Highest Elevation: 2,272m
Average Gradient: 8.14%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Medium / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 7 – 9 Hours
– Moderate: 6 – 7 Hours
– Fast: 5 – 6 Hours
Three Brothers Mountain is a popular trail in Manning Provincial Park, especially in the middle of summer when much of the trail fills with beautiful alpine flowers. At 20.4km this is a fairly long outing, however with 830m elevation gain over this, and an average gradient of around 8%, this is a pretty manageable hike. Since you park at almost 2,000m elevation, most of the hike offers beautiful scenery from the get go.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 16.80Km
Elevation Gain: 910m
Highest Elevation: 910m
Average Gradient: 10.83%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 6 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 6 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours
Sumas Mountain is a summit located between Abbotsford and Chilliwack, and is one of the more familiar summits in the Fraser Valley. There are many trails and sights in Sumas Mountain Regional Park, such as Chadsey Lake, the Abby Grind, Taggart Peak and of course the mountain itself. This intermediate hike covers two of the more popular spots within the park, Sumas Mountain and Chadsey Lake, and makes for a nice outing year-round.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.5Km
Elevation Gain: 690m
Highest Elevation: 1,869m
Average Gradient: 16.24%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4 – 5 Hours
– Moderate: 3 – 4 Hours
– Fast: 2 – 3 Hours
Zoa Peak is one of many summits accessible from the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area. This is a popular winter outing for both skiers and snowshoers, though there is also a summer trail to follow for those that prefer to avoid snow. At just 8.5km this is a fairly short outing, though with 690m elevation gain the average gradient is on the higher end for an intermediate hike at 16%. Still, the views are worthwhile, especially in the winter.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 20Km
Elevation Gain: 1,050m
Highest Elevation: 2,107m
Average Gradient: 10.50%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 8 – 10 Hours
– Moderate: 7 – 8 Hours
– Fast: 6 – 7 Hours
Jim Kelly Peak and Illal Mountain are a duo of peaks near the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area. Many people like to camp in Illal Meadows and summit these two peaks (and possibly Coquihalla Mountain) over a weekend in the summer, however they also make for an excellent and moderate day hike. While 20km in distance, the average gradient of just 10.50% is very approachable for an intermediate hike. If you want to step things up a notch, Coquihalla Mountain is a worthy addition, but doing all 3 in one day will be a difficult one.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 19.8Km
Elevation Gain: 760m
Highest Elevation: 1,705m
Average Gradient: 7.68%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Medium/Medium
Time Needed:
– Slow: 8 – 10 Hours
– Moderate: 6 – 7 Hours
– Fast: 5 – 6 Hours
Ring Lake is a beautiful alpine lake set in the Callaghan Conservancy, and is a lesser populated trail. The hike has stunning views throughout, passing through stunning alpine meadows, multiple tarns, another lake (Conflict) and culminating at the shores of the glorious Ring Lake, set beneath Ring Mountain and Mount Callaghan. More adventurous parties can summit Mount Callaghan and even Ring Mountain, though this would be beyond an intermediate outing.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 26.20Km
Elevation Gain: 800m
Highest Elevation: 2,181m
Average Gradient: 6.11%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 10+ Hours
– Moderate: 8 – 10 Hours
– Fast: 7 – 8 Hours
Russet Lake is another stunning alpine lake set within Garibaldi Provincial Park near Whistler, offering impressive views of many nearby mountains and glaciers. There are a couple of ways to reach Russet Lake, with the easiest being from the top of the Whistler Gondola and following the High Note / Musical Bumps trail. A more challenging route would be up via Singing Pass, but this would likely tip the scale more into a difficult outing. More adventurous groups can continue beyond Russet Lake to Whirlwind Peak, Overlord Mountain and/or Fissile Peak. These would likely benefit from an overnight stay at the lake.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 15.10Km (9.4 miles)
Elevation Gain: 960m (3,150ft)
Highest Elevation: 1,600m (5,250ft)
Average Gradient: 12.70%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 7 – 8 Hours
– Moderate: 6 – 7 Hours
– Fast: 5 – 6 Hours
While not in BC, Gothic Basin is a breathtaking region along Mountain Loop Highway in Washington, a little under 3 hours away from Vancouver. This is a breathtaking area bespeckled with a myriad of lakes, none more stunning than Foggy Lake. Gothic Basin is a popular area for camping, so if you are put off by the long day, you can always make a weekend trip of it. There’s lots to explore there, as well as a couple of peaks (Gothic Peak & Del Campo Peak), though both of these require exposed scrambling and should be left to experienced parties.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 24.70Km
Elevation Gain: 1,365m
Highest Elevation: 1,807m
Average Gradient: 11.05%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 7 – 8 Hours
– Moderate: 8 – 10 Hours
– Fast: 10 – 12 Hours
Mount Brew and Keg Peak are a duo of peaks located between Squamish and Whistler, slightly east of Cypress Peak and south of Brandywine Mountain. The trail will pass by Brew Lake on the way, which is a somewhat popular summer hike in its own right. At almost 25km and 1,365m, this is perhaps the most challenging hike on this list, however you can easily skip one of the peaks to reduce the stats. Either way, with an average gradient of just 11%, this is a more than approachable intermediate hike.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 15.60Km
Elevation Gain: 915m
Highest Elevation: 1,986m
Average Gradient: 11.73%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 8 – 9 Hours
– Moderate: 7 – 8 Hours
– Fast: 6 – 7 Hours
Perhaps one of the most scenic hikes on this list, Seagram Lake is an absolutely stunning turquoise lake situated between Squamish and Whistler, typically accessed from Squamish Valley via the Tricouni Peak trailhead at the end of the Branch 200 FSR. For those able to park at the end of this road (4×4 HC necessary), Seagram Lake is a very manageable hike, and adding on Seagram Peak makes this one of the finest intermediate hikes in SWBC. You can freely camp up here as well, giving you plenty of time to explore the area.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 16.20Km
Elevation Gain: 1,044m
Highest Elevation: 2,117m
Average Gradient: 12.89%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 7 – 8 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 7 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours
In a similar manner to Seagram Lake, Blanca Lake is another stunningly beautiful lake situated deep in the Squamish River Valley. Requiring over 40km of driving on FSR’s, reaching the trailhead is perhaps the hardest part of the day, as the hike itself is straightforward and beautiful. Many people opt to camp in the area, which is an explorers paradise of alpine lakes dotted around. Blanca Peak is an optional addition that many won’t bother with, but it does provide nice panoramic views from the top.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.50Km
Elevation Gain: 850m
Highest Elevation: 1,844m
Average Gradient: 17.90%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
Hope Mountain and Wells Peak are a duo of summits situated near Hope, accessed via the Hope Mountain FSR. On their own, each of these peaks is a moderate outing that can be completed in a few hours, however some parties opt to tackle both in the same day, which will be a difficult but efficient outing. If you had to pick one, Hope Mountain would take the nod thanks to its views above the town of Hope down below.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12.50Km
Elevation Gain: 910m
Highest Elevation: 1,666m
Average Gradient: 14.56%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
There aren’t too many trips in the Chilliwack River Valley that would be considered intermediate, but Spencer Peak is one of them, and it’s an excellent hike for that matter. It does require a long drive down a rugged FSR, but for those that can make it they will be rewarded with a beautiful hike to some stunning views, especially of the nearby Border Peaks and Tomyhoi Mountain. At just 12.50km this is a pretty moderate trip as well.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11.50Km
Elevation Gain: 800m
Highest Elevation: 2,055m
Average Gradient: 13.91%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
Thanks to being able to park at almost 1,400m (4×4 HC necessary), Sootip Peak near Whistler offers stunning alpine views for a moderate amount of effort. This hike can be completed as a loop, sauntering around a number of alpine lakes and tarns, before climbing up to the summit for a 360 degree view reward. At just 11.50km this is a straightforward outing.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.00Km
Elevation Gain: 800m
Highest Elevation: 2,039m
Average Gradient: 22.85%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
Another classic hike in the Coquihalla, Yak Peak is a (very) steep but short trail at 7km and 800m elevation gain. This is a hands-on hike, with plenty of stretches of simple scrambling, and it’s by far the steepest hike of this list at almost 23% average gradient. Still, the views from Yak Peak are stunning, and given the hike can be completed in around 4 – 5 hours at an average pace, this ranks as an intermediate hike, albeit on the more challenging end. Parties can optionally add on the nearby Nak Peak if they want to extend the outing.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10.90Km
Elevation Gain: 814m
Highest Elevation: 2,457m
Average Gradient: 14.94%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 6 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 6 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours
Another incredibly scenic hike on this list is Blackcomb Peak and the Spearhead in Whistler. For this to be an intermediate hike, hikers will need to take the Blackcomb Gondola up and down, but that allows you to easily reach exceptional views with the minimum of fuss. This hike is off-trail and self navigated, so only experienced parties should attempt it. At just 11km though, this is one of the highest bang for your buck hikes on this list, even with the cost of the gondola.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13Km
Elevation Gain: 926m
Highest Elevation: 2,421m
Average Gradient: 14.24%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 6 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 6 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours
Starting from the same spot as Blackcomb Peak, Decker Mountain is another accessible summit from the top of Blackcomb Gondola. This is perhaps a little easier than Blackcomb and The Spearhead as more of the route follows an established trail, but the views from the summit are not quite as breathtaking (though still very nice!). It’s theoretically possible to combine Blackcomb, the Spearhead and Decker into one trip, but this is a difficult outing that has to be completed at a breakneck pace due to the gondola time restrictions.
Other Intermediate Hikes Near Vancouver
While the above is a fairly comprehensive list of intermediate trails in and around Vancouver, there are a few others you may want to check out if you’re still looking for more: