Fall brings cooler weather and less crowded trails, which is the perfect opportunity to head out on the trails around the area.
During the Fall months of October and November, the trees and bushes in the Metro Vancouver area turn pretty colours of gold, yellow, orange and red and provide walkers with the chance to enjoy hiking in a different type of atmosphere.
Metro Vancouver is home to the City of Vancouver, along with 20 other municipalities and hundreds of parks and outdoor areas to explore, so it’s time to get out and enjoy the autumn.
Norvan Falls
Located in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park in North Vancouver, this is a fantastic place to take a fall hike. The gorgeous 14-kilometre trail is lovely at any time of year, but especially when the spectacular fall colours show up.
You need about 5 hours in total to enjoy this fairly level walk that parallels Lynn Creek. Make sure you allow time to take lots of pictures as you soak up the autumn atmosphere.
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Maplewood Flats
Another phenomenal area in North Vancouver is Maplewood Flats, a 311-acre conservation zone managed by the Wild Bird Trust of B.C.
There are 3-kilometre of trails to be explored here, with plenty of opportunities to wander through the falling golden and red leaves and watch for the multitudes of birds and animals that can be seen here.
The tidal marsh area is perfect for families and fall lovers of all ages to spend some time.
Address: 2649 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver
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Elk Mountain
This great hike in Chilliwack will give you an elevation gain of 800 meters, so which means that you will have a spectacular view of not only Chilliwack, Cultus Lake, and the surrounding Fraser Valley area but also the gorgeous fall colours.
The path wanders its way up through stunning forests and comes with scenic viewpoints along the route.
Be prepared with good walking shoes, a picnic lunch, appropriate clothing and lots of water.
You will need about 4 hours to do this round trip 7-kilometer trek.
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Lindeman Lake
Another fantastic place in Chilliwack; you definitely need to check out the fall colours in this lovely area. The gorgeous turquoise lake in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park is a popular place to walk and an easy trail to enjoy.
You need about two hours to complete the in and back 3.5-kilometer walk. The reflections of the autumn colours on the waters of the lake will make you want to sit there forever.
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Crystal Falls
While a hike to a waterfall may not be on the top of your list in the fall months, due to the lesser amount of water flowing, this walk should still be considered as it has some phenomenal opportunities to get yourself immersed in the fall.
This is a fairly easy 6-kilometer trail that takes you along the Upper Coquitlam River.
It’s a great hike for walkers of all ages but be aware that this trail is also used by mountain bikers, so make sure to share the trail.
Address: 1392 Oxford St #1400, Coquitlam
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The High Knoll
Coquitlam is full of incredible short hikes, and this 5-kilometer round trip trail is a nice stroll with only an elevation gain of 180 meters. The elevation gain may not be as much as some of the other trails, but the view from the Knoll will take your breath away.
The red, yellow and oranges that come out in the autumn create a lovely atmosphere for you to enjoy while you walk.
Take a snack and enjoy the view.
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Kanaka Creek
A nice short walk that is usually not crowded in the fall, the round-trip trail takes about two hours and is 4 kilometres long.
Only an hour outside of Vancouver, Maple Ridge offers up some lovely autumn colors and pretty views. There is little elevation gain here, but the vista of Cliff Falls and the views from the bridges are amazing.
As well you can check out the hatchery, which has salmon on site all year round. The peacefulness of the area will make you want to come back and soak up the quiet atmosphere time and time again.
Address: 11450 256 St, Maple Ridge
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Lighthouse Park
Located in West Vancouver, this is an easy-access place to enjoy some outdoor time as you explore the trails in the park.
Not only does this park have some of the tallest Douglas Firs that you will ever see, but it is also a National Historic Site of Canada. There are incredible views of the water and a variety of trails that take you through the forest to soak up some of the atmosphere.
This iconic area is well worth a day of exploring.
Address: 4902 Beacon Ln, West Vancouver
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Dog Mountain
This hike is only 3 kilometres long, but the views of the city of Vancouver is outstanding.
You will hike past a lovely lake, over wooden bridges and trickling streams, and up to a rocky point where you will have the best view of the city that you can imagine (on a clear day, of course).
Ensure you have at least an hour and a half to enjoy this walk. The hike starts and ends at the parking area of Mount Seymour and will give you plenty of opportunities to breathe the fresh fall air and take some amazing pictures.
Address: 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver
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Eagle Bluffs
A slightly harder hike than some of the others, it is well worth it when you get to the top and have the views of the Lions and Brunswick Mountain, as well as Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast.
The colours will pop out at you from near and far. Take a picnic and enjoy some of the last lovely days before winter.
The steep hike will take you about 4 hours to complete the 8-kilometer round trip trek. The trail starts and ends at the Cypress Mountain ski area parking lot.
Address: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver
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Whyte Lake
During the summer, this is a great place for taking a dip, but in the fall, this peaceful spot in West Vancouver has incredible views of the trees around the lake, which turn a gorgeous shade of golden orange.
This is an easy 5-kilometre trail with only an elevation gain of 238 meters. Make your way up the trail through a beautiful grove of cedar and fir trees and enjoy the old-growth giants along the way.
You need about 2 hours for this walk.
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Mount Strachan
Within Cypress Provincial Park, you will adventure on a slightly longer, more technical hike to enjoy the fall weather and colours. This 7.2-kilometre hike takes you into the Cypress ski resort area to experience the gorgeous fall foliage, mountain views and challenging terrain.
Not to mention the fact that you will see a historical crash site of a Royal Canadian Navy T-33 Jet on your way up.
There are some steep scrambles along the route, so this isn’t a great trek for the inexperienced. You should be able to see Howe Sound and the mountains as far north as Garibaldi Provincial Park from the top, as long as it is a clear day. Allow for 5 to 6 hours for this round trip.
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Elfin Lakes
Located in Garibaldi Provincial Park in Squamish, this trail is a bucket list hike that offers up red and gold meadows and gorgeous views.
Be prepared; this is a longer hike – 22 kilometres in total – with a 600-meter elevation gain, so lots of water and food are must-haves for this trip. Your destination is two pretty lakes with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Of course, if the distance is too much for you, there is the choice of only hiking to Red Heather Meadows, which is only 5 kilometres in. You need about 7 hours to do the entire round-trip trek.
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Velodrome Trail
Burnaby Mountain offers up a great place to hike that is close to Vancouver and still allows visitors the chance to soak up the colors of fall.
This is only 3 kilometers round-trip hike but has 500 stairs to climb to the top of the mountain. Autumn is the best time to enjoy this “grind” when the forest is alive with orange and red tones. This is considered a moderate hike with a 240-meter elevation gain.
Make sure to take some photos at the top as the trees near Horizons Restaurant are spectacular in the fall months.
Address: Eastbound Barnet Rd @ 7600 Block, Burnaby
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Stanley Park
It’s hard to mention any kind of hikes or walks in or around Vancouver without including the famous Stanley Park. You can’t beat the Park at any time of year, but in fall, it is one of the most spectacular places you can walk in the city itself.
Pleasant trails lead through a variety of landscapes and along the seawall. The colourful leaves provide a unique ambiance that you will fall in love with.
There are 27 kilometers of trails that lead through the park, so there are plenty of areas to wander through.
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Queen Elizabeth Park
We know this may not be the most exciting (or longest) place to walk, but there is no denying that it is one of the most spectacular areas in the city to enjoy the fall foliage, so if you are short on time and want to immerse yourself in some nature, this is the place to go.
The stunning autumn colours can be enjoyed on the short walks that lead through this park, which is also the highest point in the city at 125 meters above sea level.
To enjoy the view from the highest point, just hike up the 824 steps!
Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver
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Trout Lake
The short 1.2-kilometer walk around John Hendry Park and Trout Lake takes you through the beautiful, colourful trees and leaves and brings you a chance to enjoy the season without hurrying or trying to complete a long hike.
Although a quick walker can complete the trail in about 25 minutes, you will definitely want to take your time and enjoy the view over the pretty lake and breathe in the autumn air.
If you happen to be out before the middle of October, you might be able to catch the Farmers Market before it closes for the season.
Address: 3300 Victoria Dr, Vancouver
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Rocky Point Park
There is no denying that Rocky Point Park is one of the most scenic parks in the Lower Mainland. By far, it is the loveliest park with fall colours in Port Moody, so if you are in the area and want to take a lovely walk, the Shoreline Trail is an easy walking route to enjoy.
This trail wraps around the easternmost section of Burrard Inlet, starting from the pier at Rocky Point Park and ending at Old Orchard Park and offers up amazing views of the area and the beautiful colours of the season.
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Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
Located in North Vancouver, this is definitely one of the most spectacular parks in Metro Vancouver no matter what time of year, so it makes sense that it should be a destination for walks in the fall as well. There are plenty of options for hikes here, so make your walk as long or as short as you like.
The shorter Cedars Mill and Lynn Loops trails will take you alongside the creek, or try out the intermediate-level Headwaters Trail.
Everywhere you trek, you will be accompanied by the sound of the running creek waters, along with amazing scenery and colours in every direction you look.
Address: 4900 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver
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Pacific Spirit Regional Park
On the west side of Vancouver, you can enjoy this humongous park, which has more than 55 kilometres to enjoy and explore.
Some of them will take you through the beautiful forest of evergreens, but the trails on the north side of the park have some incredible fall colours to view.
The Admiralty and Canyon trails near Spanish banks and the Salish, Spanish and Vine Maple trails near the golf course are favourites at this time of year.
Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver
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Frosty Mountain
The drive out to Manning Provincial Park is worth it when you catch a look at the amazing fall colours there.
The park is home to the spectacular, unique golden larches that turn from their summer green to an incredible gold in the fall months.
Larches look like pine trees, but they have soft needles that turn yellow and then fall off before winter. You can try the challenging hike that will take you to the top of the mountain, which is the highest peak in Manning Park and offers phenomenal views. This trek will take you between 7 and 9 hours, with an 1150-meter elevation gain and a total length of 22 kilometres.
Grab a Golden Larch guide and hiking trail map from the visitor’s center before heading out.
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Quarry Rock
This is a popular North shore trail in North Vancouver, which should be on everyone’s to-do list in the fall. It’s less crowded than in the summer and is a relatively easy hike that is only 3.8 kilometres long.
Estimate about an hour and a half to enjoy this walk. The trail leads you to stunning viewpoints of Deep Cove and the surrounding area, where you can enjoy the fall colors mixed with the year-round greens.
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Buntzen Lake
Just north of Port Moody, you will find a pretty sport that offers up at least one easy hiking trail with a length of 8 kilometres, with just an elevation gain of 110 meters. You need about three and a half hours to complete the round-trip hike, but you might want to allow for more than that, as it is guaranteed that you will stop many times just to soak in the awe-inspiring scenery.
The fall colours and the region’s beauty will make this destination a favourite. There are plenty of other hikes to enjoy here as well, depending on how long or short you want to make your walk.
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Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls Trail
You need to be prepared for a more rugged hike than most of the others listed here. This trail takes you into the backcountry, across creeks and fallen trees, past old-growth cedar trees, and ends at a spectacular waterfall.
This is a good trail all year round, but during the fall months, it takes on a special atmosphere with the beauty of the yellows, oranges and reds mingling with the year-round greens.
You need about 5 hours to complete the 10-kilometer trail.
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St. Mark’s Summit
West Vancouver is home to an intermediate trail which is a popular hike throughout the month of October due to the views and the amazing fall foliage. This route takes you partly along the Howe Sound Crest Trail and offers spectacular views of Howe Sound, the Tantalus Range and even Vancouver Island on a clear day.
The 11-kilometer hike has an elevation gain of 460 metres, so it is not the easiest, but also not the hardest.
You need to allow for at least 5 hours to complete the round-trip trek, but the view at the top makes it all worth it.
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