Mount Elsay is one of those rare hikes that for some reason is not crazily popular, despite being easy to reach, close to Vancouver and incredibly fun. This might just be because you can’t see Mount Elsay from Vancouver. I was keen to climb all the mountains I could see from home first, maybe everyone else feels this way too? Anyway, if you are happy to challenge yourself and visit a quieter, less famous peak, this one is a doozy….
Crown Mountain is basically *the* crowning glory of any peak-baggers list of hikes near Vancouver. It is one of the most distinct mountains that you can see from all over Vancouver so if you live here, it calls to you, saying “come and visit meeeee.” The views are incredible both down to the city and looking out to the surrounding North Shore Mountains. You know sometimes hikes can just feel like a slog up to a good view? Well, hiking…
Mount Strachan is one of the three Mountains that make up Cypress Bowl (and the Cypress Mountain Ski resort) near Vancouver, Canada. However, for some reason it receives far less attention than the other two, Black Mountain and Hollyburn Mountain. This trail involves hiking up a beautiful (if tiring) gully and then scrambling up to two peaks. Then, on the return journey you go past a airplane crash site before hiking through some truly gorgeous old growth forest. It really…
A hike to the Lions has to be one of the most iconic adventures you can try in Vancouver. The Lions (or the Two Sisters) are the two bumps that loom over Vancouver like a giant Totoro. Only experienced climbers should attempt to climb up above the West Lion, as it is a technical climb and falling from that height would kill you. However you can walk/scramble up to the base of the West Lion as long as you have…