Swimmers in Garibaldi Lake. Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca
Beat the heat with a hike that will keep you cool. These Vancouver area trails have shaded forests, rushing creeks, and refreshing lakes – perfect for a hot day.
Hot Weather Hiking Tips
- AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every hike.
- Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.
- Check the forecast and bring appropriate clothing for the weather, including sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Avoid the hottest time of the day. Start early when temps are still cool.
- Bring lots of water and drink frequently.
- Read our tips for safe summer hiking in Vancouver for more advice.
Norvan Falls, North Vancouver
This moderate 14-kilometre-long hike is a great choice for a hot day since it is in the shade next to the rushing waters of Lynn Creek. Take a break at the end to admire 30-meter-tall Norvan Falls. If you want to cool off, you can wade in the creek. Allow 5 hours for the return trip. Use our Norvan Falls trail guide to plan your trip.
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Norvan Falls in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. Photo: Taryn Eyton/happiestoutdoors.ca
Whyte Lake, West Vancouver
The easy hike to Whyte Lake takes just two hours as you climb up a gentle hill through a gorgeous old-growth rainforest. Your destination is tiny Whyte Lake, a great swimming hole complete with a floating dock. Our Whyte Lake trail guide has all the details.
Whyte Lake in West Vancouver. Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca
Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver
With a cooling breeze blowing in off the ocean, West Vancouver’s Lighthouse is a great destination for a hike on a hot day. Follow trails through the shady forest to visit seaside viewpoints and giant trees. Our Lighthouse Park trail guide has directions for an easy 6 km loop hike that takes 2.5 hours.
Lighthouse Viewpoint. Photo: Yann Allegre/ Unsplash
Jug Island Beach, Belcarra
Hike through the forest to tiny Jug Island Beach in Belcarra Regional Park. It’s a secluded spot in a quiet part of Indian Arm, an ocean inlet that stretches away into the wilderness to the north. The 2-hour hike covers 5.5 kilometres round trip. Get more details in our Jug Island Beach trail guide.
The view of Jug Island from Jug Island Beach. Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca
Buntzen Lake, Anmore
The easy 10-kilometre loop around Buntzen Lake is a popular hike year-round. But it’s especially nice on hot days since the trail is mostly in the shade of the forest. There are also lots of options to cool off with a swim in the lake – at South Beach near the parking lot, at North Beach halfway along, or at several rock outcroppings along the trail. For summer 2022, this hike requires you to reserve a free parking pass ahead of time. You can also take the 182 bus. Our Buntzen Lake trail guide has all the details.
Buntzen Lake. Photo: Taryn Eyton/ HappiestOutdoors.ca
Gold Creek Canyon Loop, Maple Ridge
Hike next to the rushing waters of Gold Creek in the heart of Golden Ears Provincial Park. Use the bridge to connect the shady East and West Canyon trails to make a 12 km loop. Or detour a little further north to Viewpoint Beach to cool down by fording the creek in knee-deep water. For summer 2022, this hike requires a free BC Parks day pass, which you can reserve ahead of time. Get more details in our Gold Creek Canyon Loop trail guide.
Gold Creek from the bridge. Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca
Lightning Lakes Loop, Manning Provincial Park
Manning Provincial Park is a great day trip from Vancouver. Park at Lightning Lake day use area, then make the easy 8.5 km loop around the lake. The entire route is shaded. Finish your hike with a swim at the day-use area. Our Lightning Lakes Loop trail guide has more info.
View from the Lightning Lakes Loop. Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca
Four Lakes Trail, Squamish
Head to Alice Lake Provincial Park in Squamish to hike the Four Lakes Trail. The easy and shaded 6 km loop passes by Stump, Fawn, and Edith Lakes before finishing at Alice Lake. Celebrate the end of the hike with a dip in Alice Lake at one of two beaches. Get directions in our Four Lakes Trail guide.
Alice Lake. Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca
Garibaldi Lake, Squamish
The 18-kilometre-long hike to Garibaldi Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish is tough. But thanks to lots of shaded switchbacks, it’s doable for fit hikers. The huge lake at the top has incredible views of the nearby mountains and glaciers. Cool off with a dip in the frigid waters… if you dare! For summer 2022, this hike requires a free BC Parks day pass, which you can reserve ahead of time. See our Garibaldi Lake trail guide for more info.
Hikers at the boat dock on Garibaldi Lake. Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca
By Taryn Eyton
Source Inside Vancouver
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