Top 5 Hikes in the Tri-Cities (Vancouver Suburbs)

Updated: February 2024

When I’m abroad and someone asks where I’m from, I always say “Vancouver, Canada!” Most people know where Vancouver is and have heard something about it—Vancouver is the land of beaches and mountains, the 2010 winter Olympics, and Lululemon.

But the truth is that I actually grew up in Port Coquitlam, a small suburb city about 30km east of Vancouver. Port Coquitlam is one part of the Tri-Cities, with the other two cities being Coquitlam and Port Moody. The Tri-Cities aren’t as well known as Vancouver, but are definitely worth a visit in their own right!

Though I no longer live there, one of my favourite parts of the Tri-Cities—and why I often go back, are the many hiking opportunities.

There are honestly so many different hiking options in this area. It’s full of gorgeous lakes, forests, and mountains—so beautiful. And, the best part is that they aren’t as busy as many of the popular Vancouver hikes.

Here are my top five hikes in the Tri-Cities:

1. Buntzen Lake Loop

This is one of my all-time favourite hikes. Buntzen Lake is located just outside of Port Moody, in the township of Anmore. It is a beautiful lake with cold, glacial-fed water (you can still go for a post-hike dip, though!).

The loop is very easy to follow – just start right on the beach at the trailhead and follow the well-marked path all the way around the lake. You’ll have beautiful views of the lake the entire way and will love walking through the dense West Coast rainforest.

If you want to level up this hike, you can add on the Diez Vistas trail. This section takes you up to a higher elevation and will add on about three hours to the hike.

Buntzen Lake Trail stats:

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 10 kilometer loop
• Elevation Gain: 110 meters
• Time to complete: 3 hours (you might also want to budget some time to visit Brewer’s Row—a street with multiple craft breweries near Buntzen Lake in Port Moody)

2. High Knoll

This hike is one of the best views for not too much work—totally my kind of hike! It is located in Minnekhada Regional Park in Port Coquitlam. There are a few walking, hiking, and biking trails throughout the park, but this one is my favourite.

You’ll start by parking in the Quarry Road parking lot and will see the trailhead right from the lot. Follow the signs towards the High Knoll trail (there is also a Low Knoll—also nice, but less impressive views). The trail is fairly easy, with some ups and downs, and a final ascent at the end to the viewpoint, which is simply stunning!

High Knoll stats:

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Distance: 6.5 kilometers out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 180 meters
• Time to complete: 2 hours

3. Jug Island Beach Hike

One of the most popular hikes in Vancouver is Quarry Rock, located in Deep Cove, with gorgeous views over the Indian Arm inlet. Well, just on the other side of that inlet—with many of the same views—is Belcarra Park, home to the Jug Island Beach Hike! This is one of my favourite hikes because it’s also the perfect place to go for a mid-hike picnic and swim.

The trail starts in Belcarra Park, where you can start the hike right from the parking lot. The hike is well-marked and takes you through a beautiful forest. There is some elevation gain, but not too much. The hike ends at the beach with a view of Jug Island, a tiny little rocky island that is very picturesque. You should definitely bring a picnic lunch and maybe your swimsuit to go for a swim.

Jug Island Trail stats:

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Distance: 5.5 kilometers out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 100 meters
• Time to complete: 2.5 hours (plus more time to swim!)

4. Sasamat Lake Trail

Okay, I’m a sucker for a hike and swim combo, and this is another great option! Sasamat Lake is located in White Pine Beach near Port Moody and is one of the warmest lakes in the area, perfect for a sunny beach day after your hike. The hike is quite short, just one hour, and many people will use it for trail running. The hike is a beautiful jaunt through the forest with great lake views!

I definitely recommend you bring your beach gear to enjoy a day relaxing in the sun afterward. There is also a concession stand at Sasamat Beach so you can get a little snack!

Sasamat Lake Trail stats:

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 3.2 kilometer loop
• Elevation Gain: minimal
• Time to complete: 1 hour (plus another few hours to enjoy the beach)

5. Coquitlam Crunch

While less scenic than other hikes on this list, the Coquitlam Crunch is a classic when visiting the tri-cities. Considered the “Grouse Grind” of the area, this popular trail is mainly used for exercise and training.

The trail is located under the powerline clearing in central Coquitlam and features a steep elevation gain at the beginning, leveling out closer to the top. You can continue the trail up into the mountains, or turn around and head back down. It’s great to get outside for a quick workout (and some pretty nice views from the top, too!).

Coquitlam Crunch stats:

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Distance: 4.5 kilometers out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 244 meters
• Time to complete: 1.5 hours

My favourite hikes are those that aren’t too long or too hard, but offer tons of great views, a peaceful environment, and somewhere to hang out and relax afterward.

What are your favourite hikes? Let me know.