Opinion: Normally I find this trail to be quite easy and enjoyable but some days your body lets you know just how many switchbacks there are between the trailhead and the first place with a view. (The answer is too many!) It's definitely a trail that requires perseverance, especially in the snow. But seeing everything … Continue reading Garibaldi Lake, 22 Jan 2023
Opinion: A classic hike for exceptional wildflower displays and eye-popping views, Elk Mountain is well worth the stiff climb. The best turnaround spot is the cairn with a panoramic view over the Chilliwack River valley, there's really little point continuing to the viewless summit of Mount Thurston - unless, like me, you are keen to … Continue reading Elk-Thurston, 2 Jul 2022
Opinion: A great destination when short of time, Hollyburn is ideal for a quick workout and I think it has some of the nicest trees on the North Shore when they're covered in snow. Heading up later in the day avoids the crowds too. Fact We had no issues parking along the road leading to … Continue reading Hollyburn Mountain, 18 Feb 2023
Opinion: What can I say about Lake O'Hara that hasn't already been said? It's an absolutely stunning area with the most amazing trail network that threads over and through a very intimidating landscape. Three nights is absolutely required to see it all but with less time the priority has to be the Alpine Circuit, which … Continue reading Lake O’Hara, 14-17 Sep 2022
Opinion: Mount Seymour is a fitting place to kick off our 2023 hiking season, especially to catch the sunset on a fine afternoon. Care is needed to stay on the trail when descending in the dark but the opportunity to see the city lights and a sky full of stars makes it worthwhile. Fact Day … Continue reading Pump Peak, 14 Jan 2023
Opinion: A five star trip with a few one-star moments. Another stunning week of exploration in the South Chilcotin mountains that was inspired by last year's visit to Lorna Lake. Hiking here never gets any easier as much of the area we explored had no trails, but the rewards were immense: endless mountain views, stunning … Continue reading Grant Creek Circuit, 13-20 Aug 2022
Opinion: It's only been a fortnight since we were last up here but a lot can happen in that time in winter. Fresh snow always transforms even a familiar hike into a fun adventure. Early starts are mandatory for optimum peace and the best snow, although we got lucky today with our more leisurely timing … Continue reading Hollyburn Mountain, 11 Dec 2022
Opinion: This was not a fun hike. "Rocks, roots, and misery" was our tagline. True, we picked a bad day to do it, hoping the clouds would lift but they never did. We also did it as an out and back ensuring we were subjected to the gruelling ascents and descents in each direction. I … Continue reading Mount Elsay, 27 Aug 2022
Opinion: One of the few truly easy hikes near Vancouver with excellent trails. Although it's not dramatic or exciting, the forest greenery is soothing and at the right time of year, there's a pretty good flower show, including a selection of lesser-known blooms. Today, it was a perfect recovery hike for me and it felt … Continue reading Alice, Edith, and Fawn Lakes, 18 Jun 2022
Opinion: One of my favourite fallback areas to explore, especially when I'm out of other ideas or options. An easy hike in to the lake, although good camping spots are at a premium (especially when conditions are as damp as they were at the time of our trip), with several great destinations to visit. A … Continue reading Blowdown Lake, 2-3 Oct 2021
Being. Outdoors. 