The Outsider’s Guide: You’ve Conquered the Chief… Now What?

If you’re tired of slogging up Squamish’s Stawamus Chief trail while looking at the backsides of the 100 other people in front of you who decided to rise and grind on a Sunday morning, it’s time to consider some alternative weekend hikes. And there’s no better person to ask than Stephen Hui, author of Best Hikes and Nature Walks with Kids in and Around Southwestern British Columbia, who has an encyclopedic knowledge of all the region’s best hiking routes. Whether you’re a fair-weather forest-walker or a hardcore hike afficionado, Hui’s got your next great hike covered.

Find a New Grind

Whistler’s Blackcomb Burn boasts more elevation gain than any other lift-serviced ascent trail in southwestern B.C. Make sure to dress for sweat-cess,  because Whistler Blackcomb engineered the Burn to provide a virtually continuous uphill climb. Along the way, you’ll enter an alpine snow forest with cedar trees that are hundreds of years old. Take time to savour the valley views and colourful wildflowers from the snowless ski runs. Before downloading on the Blackcomb Gondola, celebrate with a pint at the Rendezvous Lodge.

Pursue Some Flower Power

While the turquoise waters of Lindeman Lake are the big attraction for hikers in Sx̱ótsaqel/Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, nearby Flora Pass is just as worthwhile a destination. Starting from the same busy trailhead, you’ll climb to meadows bursting with bright flora. In open terrain, earn sweeping views of Chilliwack Lake. From your ridge crest destination, peer down at gleaming Flora Lake and enjoy the peace and quiet, far from the hustle and bustle of Lindeman.

Plan an Island Getaway

An island day trip can feel as invigorating as a week away. The ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island (Nex̱wlélex̱wm) takes only 20 minutes. Foot passengers can scale the island’s tallest peak and be back in Vancouver for dinner. From the ferry dock, a pleasant stroll in Crippen Regional Park leads to the foot of Mount Gardner. Navigate the web of forest trails to surmount the north summit. Bask in the big Salish Sea views from the helipads up top. Back at Snug Cove, reward yourself with ice cream before boarding your return ferry.

Take the Kids Out

You may not see Goldilocks in the Chilliwack Community Forest, but you’ll find Three Bears. Like a river on a floodplain, this delightful path meanders through lovely woods, offering a relaxed grade and plenty of opportunities for snack breaks. Interpretive panels will engage inquisitive young minds. The forest lies in Stó:lō territory, and a few of the trails have names in the Halq’eméylem language.