Top Fall Hikes Near Vancouver: Hidden Gems for Nature Lovers

Last Updated on November 12, 2023 by Aisha Aslam

Are you looking to brighten up your hikes and social feeds with some fall colours? Well, I have listed some of the best fall hikes near Vancouver that have the prettiest fall foliage that you can do! Fall in the mountains makes the bushes and trees pop with different reds, yellows, and orange hues, it is the perfect time to get away from the city and explore fall near Vancouver.

Top Fall Hikes Near Vancouver for Nature Lovers

The following hikes are some of my favourite best fall hikes near Vancouver that I have done over the past few years and I look forward to doing them each year. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do and get a chance to experience fall colors in Vancouver!

1. Lindeman Lake

Lindeman Lake is located in Chilliwack and while it’s a gorgeous hike itself, it is so endearing when the subtle fall colours hit. Even with the popular stunning views of the changing blue water colour, Lindeman Lake is a short easy hike up to see the fall colours that you need to add to your list. This area is pretty in all seasons but I would say that fall is a different vibe!

2. Elk Mountain

Elk Mountain is a gorgeous hike to do in the fall, while I enjoy hiking it seasonally, I think it looks the best with the fall colours. This hike is located in Chilliwack which is about an hour’s drive from Vancouver. You can complete the hike within 4 hours round trip. The mountain has a trail that leads up to a small viewpoint and then an alpine meadow with views of Mt. Baker and the North Cascades in the distance. You can continue hiking along the Thurston trail if you want to see more of the mountain views.

3. Flora Peak

Flora Peak is a stunning hike to do during the fall near Vancouver. Be sure to bring your camera! It’s not an easy trail by any means as the elevation gain is a lot making it steep, but it is worth it, just take your time and start early. This hike takes you to an elevation of 1307 meters and offers panoramic views of the Fraser Valley and the surrounding mountains.

The trail starts at the Lindeman Lake parking lot and winds its way through the forests and opens up to the alpine. As you ascend, you’ll be greeted by the vibrant hues of fall foliage, creating a stunning contrast against the clear blue sky and lake in the distance. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, as this area is home to black bears.

Once you reach the summit of Flora Peak, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of mountains, the lake, and the valley! Take a moment to soak in the beauty of the Fraser Valley. This is a hike that will leave you feeling inspired and connected to the natural world.

4. Frosty Mountain

One of my favourite and most classic larch hikes to do on the lower mainland. Frosty mountain trail is the closest to Vancouver where you can see the golden larches. Note that this trail gets crazy busy during larch season so make sure you plan to get to the parking lot early, especially on weekends. The best time to see the larches are beginning of October to mid-October, you can check the Manning Park Resort for more information as they usually post updates on their social media of when the larches start turning yellow.

The trail is not that challenging until you reach the meadows with the larches, if you decide to continue to the summit of Frosty, then be mindful of falling rocks. It is quite steep and there are lots of big loose rocks on your way up. Be advised this is not for people who have a fear of heights. Once you are in the meadows, you will have views of the larches, surrounding mountains, and the cascade mountains. It is totally worth it do this hike just for the larches.

5. Zupjok Peak

Here you can see vibrant shades of red and orange from the bushes, it is unique compared to the other hikes in this list. The Coquihalla region always comes to life in the fall and it is the perfect time to explore this area if you are new to it. It is about 2 hours drive from Vancouver but definitely worth the trip!

6. Yak Peak

Also located in the Coquihalla recreation area this is a more challenging hike that has the same vibrant fall shades as Zupjok. This hike is quite steep and should not be done in wet conditions. If you are afraid of heights I would not recommend this. But if you are looking for a short challenge with amazing views, give this one a try.

When we got up to the summit we saw a paraglider with his dog which was pretty cool! You can also hike to Nak Peak which is right beside it or just to the saddle of the two peaks as you still get amazing views and the fall colours.

7. Yellow Aster Butte

I wanted to include this here as this hike had me stunned when I did it for fall with the amazing colours. This hike is only about a 2-hour drive from Vancouver (you do need to cross the border into Washington from Abbotsford.) To get to Yellow Aster Butte trail, you can make it in pretty much any vehicle as long as you are slow and careful (we took my VW Golf). You also need to get a recreation pass which you can purchase an online day pass for by clicking here.

While not difficult but moderate, the Yellow Aster Butte trail has views of the surrounding Mt Baker area. stunning fall colours, along the trail as you go up, and you get to hike up to a viewpoint with massive peaks in the background.

8. Cathedral Provincial Park (Rim Trail)

Update – Cathedral Provincial Park is currently closed due to wildfire

Nestled in the heart of the Okanagan-Similkameen region, Cathedral Provincial Park is a hidden gem that truly comes alive during the fall season. With its rugged terrain and stunning alpine meadows, this hike offers a mesmerizing display of the golden yellow larches. As you hike through the park, you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and vibrant foliage.

One of the most popular trails in Cathedral Provincial Park is the Rim Trail. This 18.8-kilometer loop takes you along the rim of the park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. There are no cars allowed in the park so you will need to book a shuttle to get in. There is also camping and lodging available. You can get more details by clicking here.

Map of the Top Fall Hikes Near Vancouver

Essential Items to Pack for Fall Hikes

Planning what to wear when you are hiking for fall is important as it is a shoulder season, and you want to be prepared for sun exposure, unexpected cold drafts, wind, rain, and snow. Especially since climate change has made the weather quite wonky recently. When you start hiking it may be warmer at the bottom and colder as well as it being windier at the top, so layers are important here! 

You can check out my high-altitude backpacking checklist for more details on what kind of clothes you would wear hiking or backpacking in higher elevations and what to bring here. But as you embark on your fall hiking adventures, it’s essential to pack the right gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. For fall I recommend some essential pieces: 

✅ Layered clothing: Fall weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer, and top it off with a waterproof outer layer to protect against rain. I usually run hot so I still wear leggings, but you can get fleece-lined or thicker leggings. You can also bring a fleece as it is an easy layer to pack and keeps you warm while wicking away moisture. I also bring a beanie with me during the fall hiking season and long warm socks.

✅ Sturdy hiking boots: A good pair of hiking boots with ankle support is essential for navigating uneven terrain and providing stability.

✅ Snacks and water: Stay fueled and hydrated during your hike by packing lightweight snacks and plenty of water.

✅ Navigation tools: Bring a map, compass, or GPS device to ensure you stay on the right track and don’t get lost.

✅ First aid kit: Accidents can happen, so be prepared with a basic first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.

✅ Microspikes: There could be snow at higher elevations already in the fall so make sure to take your micro-spikes on your fall hikes.

✅ Gloves: It’s always good to keep some warm gloves and hand warmers with you as it can be chilly in the fall hiking in the mountains.

Remember to check the weather forecast before heading out and let someone know about your hiking plans for safety purposes as well as practice leave no trace principles while you are out on the trails.

Conclusion: Top Fall Hikes Near Vancouver

The best part about these Fall hikes near Vancouver is that they are all really different with all the fall foliage. I hope that you are inspired to explore these hidden gems that await you this season for the best Fall Hikes near Vancouver.

Fall is just such a magical time to immerse yourself in nature, as the vibrant colors of the foliage create a breathtaking backdrop for your local adventures. I always love seeing the changing landscapes in the fall. Whether you choose to hike to a serene lake, conquer a challenging summit, or simply stroll through the forest, Vancouver offers a variety of trails that cater to every level of hiker.

Happy Hiking!