Best hikes on the West Coast.

[Pretty_Priya]

One of my favorite summer activities is hiking, and I love discovering new trails. We are lucky to live in an area of the world with lots of lush, pristine forest, breathtaking ocean views, and gorgeous mountains.

So, my fellow PERBies, tell me...what are your favorite West Coast hikes on both Vancouver Island, and the mainland?

And, bonus question because I love to eat--what are your favorite snacks to bring along with you?

This hike to Keeha Beach (Vancouver Island) was one of the most memorable I've ever done. It was raining intensely that day, and luckily I was wearing rubber boots because the mud in some areas was knee-high. It was worth it, though. And the beach at the end, was majestic. I remember sitting on a huge throne made out of driftwood, watching the sun set and just being so grateful to be alive.

https://www.theoutbound.com/canada/hiking/hike-to-keeha-beach

Fave snacks: coconut water, almonds, dried apricots, chocolate macaroons, fresh fruit.

 

[Gardener]

Joffre Lakes north of Pemberton
Garibaldi Lake south of Whistler

Favourite snacks trail mix, fresh fruit

 

[Dave pescod]

Quarry Rock hike in Deep cove. Beautiful short and easy hike. Stunning view looking down at the water and Deep Cove from Quarry Rock. Not very hard but very rewarding view at the top. I start early morning but can see it getting really busy on my way down.

 

[summerbreeze]

bunzen lake, love to swim at the far end in the deep pools and sun dry on the large chained logs

trail goes right around the lake, go picnic... walk off the feast.... swim at far end to cool off a bit and back to the main area for follow on bbq for dinner

UBC endowment lands have several trails, pick the steep one which goes down towards the beach, the other trails are hogged by mountain bikes these days

bowen island, snug cove have several hikes.... take the ferry over from horseshoe bay (just walk on, cheaper that way) short or long hike, make sure you try the fish and chips at the steam ship company restaurant on their porch with an ice cold micro brewery beer or local cider

 

[sybian]

Joffre Lakes north of Pemberton
Garibaldi Lake south of Whistler

Favourite snacks trail mix, fresh fruit

I second that.....Joffre is amazing.
Three lakes to view and at the top is an immense Glacier that feeds the three lakes with aqua blue waters.
Go on a weekday to avoid all the tourists trying out their new cross trainers they've just bought from Vallhalla Pure.
The top lake is barren of trees and will remind you of a base camp on Everest....it just has large granite rocks, and if you camp overnight and do the last few very steep Klms in there, bring a very good sleeping mattress.....you'll thank me later.

 

[Johnny Railz]

I did Garibaldi Last May and August. Wow what a difference in time it takes when there is no snow. Majestic scenery similar to Joffre Lakes (I've yet to go). Last time I went I got the priviledge of feeding whisky jacks out of my hand.

Like sybian stated, avoid these places on the weekend. I'm not born and raised here, but a local buddy said hiking all of the sudden became a fad 3-4 years ago, now everybody is doing it.

I did Dog Mountain a couple years back, that is behind Grouse Mountain. It was a foggy day, felt like the land before time with the quails running around (got no views due to the fog unfortunately).

There is so many good hikes to do, ranging from all levels of difficulty. Lynn Peak is a less intense Grouse Ground style hike, but the views aren't as good as say Quarry Rock.

Eagle Bluffs has nice views up top, it's not too intense. There was an angry swarm of wasps we had to run through near the top, people got a good laugh at my reaction when I ran through them.

 

[Johnny Railz]

bunzen lake, love to swim at the far end in the deep pools and sun dry on the large chained logs

bowen island, snug cove have several hikes.... take the ferry over from horseshoe bay (just walk on, cheaper that way) short or long hike, make sure you try the fish and chips at the steam ship company restaurant on their porch with an ice cold micro brewery beer or local cider

I did the Bunzen Lake loop, it was good. The water was nice and refreshing on a hot day

I now have an excuse to go to Bowen Island.

 

[badbadboy]

One of my favorite summer activities is hiking, and I love discovering new trails. We are lucky to live in an area of the world with lots of lush, pristine forest, breathtaking ocean views, and gorgeous mountains.

So, my fellow PERBies, tell me...what are your favorite West Coast hikes on both Vancouver Island, and the mainland?

And, bonus question because I love to eat--what are your favorite snacks to bring along with you?

This hike to Keeha Beach (Vancouver Island) was one of the most memorable I've ever done. It was raining intensely that day, and luckily I was wearing rubber boots because the mud in some areas was knee-high. It was worth it, though. And the beach at the end, was majestic. I remember sitting on a huge throne made out of driftwood, watching the sun set and just being so grateful to be alive.

https://www.theoutbound.com/canada/hiking/hike-to-keeha-beach

Fave snacks: coconut water, almonds, dried apricots, chocolate macaroons, fresh fruit.

West Coast Trail is world famous given the number of tourists who book it regularly. I did it years ago with 3 other guys and thought late May would be a warm and sunny time of year to do it. We had days of driving rain coming at us. We thought seven days would be a perfect stroll over 44 km. With the rain so intense, we elected to do it in four days. I'd gladly do it again now that I own adequate rain gear and footwear.

https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/activ6a

Locally on the North Shore is the Baden Powell Trail which goes from Deep Cove to just beyond Horseshoe Bay. You can do all or parts of it with various entry/exit points given the length of hike you prefer. Quarry Rock is at the Eastern most point of access.

 

[Lady Vanessa]

I thrive with outdoor activities! With hiking being one of my faves.
As a child, I remember my parents taking us to Shannon Falls in Squamish.
Now that I live on Vancouver Island, Mt Finlayson, Ammonite Falls and my hikes up Mt Benson are my faves so far. Priya!! I'm still waiting for you to take on Benson with me, Woman!! I've already gone up twice without you. My desire is to challenge the Grouse Grind and West Coast trail.

 

[wintersurfer]

Sunshine Coast Trail 180k with fully stocked cabins roughly every 16km.
Manning park: keremeos-Lightning Lake via Simolkimin Valley 200k with amazing alpine views and no cell service in Manning, favourite trail food is pretty much anything I can wrap in a tortilla...

 

[Oldfart]

For a great day trip, drive out to Harrison, and enjoy the easy walk around Hicks Lake. You will probably have the area all to yourself, although there may be a Sasquatch watching you from the woods.

The best splurge hike is the boardwalk trail that leads to Hot Springs Cove. It's a boat trip from Tofino to get there. At the end of the walk, you will be rewarded with a clothing-optional soak in the best hot springs in BC.

 

[Pretty_Priya]

Vancouver Island, Mt Finlayson, Ammonite Falls and my hikes up Mt Benson are my faves so far. Priya!! I'm still waiting for you to take on Benson with me, Woman!! I've already gone up twice without you. My desire is to challenge the Grouse Grind and West Coast trail.

I know, I know! I'm a little afraid of Benson, but I'll work up the courage.

I had an awesome hike up to a summit just outside of Nanaimo, in Lantzville today, complete with a sexy picnic and a very juicy dessert at the summit. So, I am working on building my endurance, and getting my pretty ass in gear.

 

[Amuse0ne]

East Sooke Regional park is another great Van. Isle spot. The 10 Km Coast trail is as challenging as parts of the West Coast trail without the commitment.

 

[Bridge]

East Sooke Regional park is another great Van. Isle spot. The 10 Km Coast trail is as challenging as parts of the West Coast trail without the commitment.

I'm with you there East Sooke Park is quite the grind and if you hike in from the Sooke end you can almost have it to yourself.

 

[Cognoscente]

I know, I know! I'm a little afraid of Benson, but I'll work up the courage.

I had an awesome hike up to a summit just outside of Nanaimo, in Lantzville today, complete with a sexy picnic and a very juicy dessert at the summit. So, I am working on building my endurance, and getting my pretty ass in gear.

This is one of the best and less used trails on southern Vancouver Island. Kludahk Trail which travels along the San Juan Ridge. Sub-Alpine Meadow. Easy hiking in the summer once you climb up to the trail. You can look straight up to see the mountains in Strathcona Park and on a clear day you can see Vancouver. Two hour drive from Victoria. The whole trail is 48km's long. Truly a GEM! http://kludahk.com/kludahkclub/the-trail/ You can get on the trail at Jordan River Main Line, heads up and ends at Port Renfrew.

 

[jamesdean]

PUBLIC SERVICE SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT

If you are thinking of having some sexy fun during an awesome hike under the warm summer sun.....PLEASE do yourself a favour, bring along some sunscreen and have your partner liberally apply on all those parts that don't regularly see the light of day! That in itself could be a lot of fun.

Alas, it's too late for me.......but it was SO worth these toasted buns!!! :flame:

 

[80watts]

PP and Vanessa: if you need company on hikes on the island let me know, Assuming you will be hiking together. I usually try to take pics of the trail also scenic pics of the hikes I do.