Just Another Mountain

1) Tent Ridge, Kananaskis [10.1 KM ~ 843 M]

Experienced larch season at its peak! This hike is a loop which immediately gets bonus points. You start and finish walking through a forest and eventually it opens up into a gorgeous larch meadow where you will see the whole ridge that you will be trekking across. It’s not an easy climb and it is very steep in parts. It was also really windy when we did it which added to the challenge. This is one that keeps on giving, with so many mountains surrounding you this has epic 360 views and is worth every step!

2) Sarrail Ridge via Rawson Lake, Kananaskis [11.4 KM ~ 1048 M]

The trail to Rawson Lake is nice and easy, not flat but not very steep. I guess you could call it flat in comparison to what is to come to get to Sarrail Ridge 😅 This was HARD. But so hard that it somehow kind of made it even more enjoyable? I was filthy from scrambling up this avalanche chute. But just look at that view.

3) Elfin Lakes [22 KM ~ 800 M]

How is this gorgeous trail so close to Vancouver yet I didn’t hear about it until over a year after moving here??? This is one everyone needs to do! It is moderately steep at the beginning but it evens out and is fairly easy. I cannot describe how beautiful the views are. This is one where you don’t hike for the view, because the hike itself is the view.

4) Pump Peak, Mount Seymour [6.8 KM ~ 480 M]

Do this one as early in the morning as possible – Mount Seymour is open for skiing so the parking lot gets FULL. We caught the sunrise from the bottom which was magical. Kudos to all the backcountry skiers!

5) 5040 via Cobalt Lake, Vancouver Island [14 KM ~ 928 M]

This one was a CLIMB. You are pretty much scaling rocks until it eventually evens out at Cobalt Lake. Then to get to 5040, it honestly felt like the trail would never end lol. But you are surrounded by mountains galore! And you can go for a swim when you get back to lake. (Bring lots of water or fill up at the waterfall, lake water is a no go!!)

6) The Gargoyles, Elfin Lakes [5 KM ~ 350 M]

This one is really short starting from Elfin Lakes, but it is STEEP. Loved the last scramble to get to the top. The views were incredible, really feels like you’re on top of the world.

7) Niobe Meadows, Lake Lovely Water [5 KM ~ 200 M]

Lake Lovely Water is just a magical place, especially when you are the only people there!! (still can’t believe how lucky we were – taking a gamble with the weather by booking this for mid June paid off). This trail is short but plenty of uphill and climbing over rocks. Following a stream to a meadow surrounded by snowy mountains, the fog lifted just as we arrived which made it seem even more magical. (Picture does no justice)

8) Mount Seymour [9 KM ~ 575 M]

Unfortunately we did this on a rainy, cloudy day and had 0 view 😔 But the hike itself is really enjoyable and pretty easy. I remembered Pump Peak being more difficult when we did it in winter, but without the snow I would definitely rate this as easy. I am excited to do it again and hopefully be able to see the view!

9) Garibaldi Lake [20 KM ~ 850 M]

Everyone knows Garibaldi is famous for its switchbacks. The hike itself isn’t anything special. Definite points for being so sheltered among the trees to keep the sun from beating down. Hiking to a lake on a hot day is always a treat! We did it in late May when it was still frozen, but two weeks later a lot of the ice/snow had melted so we could have a (very quick) dip!

10) Mount Gardner, Bowen Island [10 KM ~ 685 M]

The site of Mount Baker made this view really special. Every single time I see that mountain when we cross the Lions Gate Bridge I am astounded by its proud presence in the sky. This is a fun day hike and starts from the second you step off the ferry in Snug Cove. The hike itself has a fair bit of an uphill pull, but the view of the city followed by dinner at Doc Morgan’s makes it more than worth it!

Bring on 2026!