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Vancouver, British Columbia

Looking for the best chillin in Vancouver? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Vancouver. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Vancouver

  • Whistler, British Columbia

    Camp Out at Elfin Lakes Hut

    15 mi / 1900 ft gain
    The cabin at Elfin Lakes is a beautiful well maintained shelter in the heart of the Garibaldi Provincial Park. It is nuzzled between two lakes (one for drinking water, and the other a swimming hole), and the Gargoyle Peaks.  The cabin itself is fully stocked with 8 gas burners, tables, a fireplac...
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  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Backpack to Lake Lovely Water

    3.7
    6.24 mi / 3714 ft gain
    This adventure is one of the best kept secrets in the Whistler area, let alone, British Columbia. The trailhead for Lake Lovely Water is located on the west side of the Squamish River. There is no road access to the trailhead so you need to cross the river via boat. Make reservations with the jet...
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  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Camp at Alice Lake Provincial Park

    5.0
    Alice Lake Provincial Park is located just North of Squamish.  To get here, exit right off Highway 99 when coming from the South onto Alice Lake Rd.  The campground is located under 5 minutes up the road and is first come first serve during low season.  From late Spring to Early fall, make sure y...
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  • Nanaimo, British Columbia

    Scramble Down to Nanaimo's Hidden Cove

    Firstly, use google maps to take you to Stephenson Rd in Nanaimo. About a mile down, the road forks, follow the left road (It says no exit, but the road just ends at a property so you will need to turn around to get back out). Continue down the road another half mile or so and you will see a smal...
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  • Ferndale, Washington

    Take a Stroll through Hovander Homestead Park

    5.0
    1.4 mi / 0 ft gain
    Driving up to the park entrance: take a right to drive towards the barnyards, playgrounds, covered picnic areas, historic house and community gardens, and access to the Snoqualmie River.  Or, drive straight and park outside of the fragrance gardens and historic house/ museum, and take a walk to a...
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  • Nanaimo, British Columbia

    Catch a Sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain

    You can easily put Sugarloaf Mountain Park into your GPS when in Nanaimo, but lets, just say you have an old school map. First make your way from the Island Highway onto Departure Bay Rd. Just before you get to Hammond Bay Rd turn onto Little John Way and take your first left, then take your firs...
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  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Swim & Relax at Brohm Lake

    5.0
    This lake is popular with the locals for a reason - it's right off the highway and has lots to offer. There are a few 40+ foot cliffs on the east side, and some smaller ones if you're not feeling that adventurous, as well as a rope swing on the west side of the lake. It only takes about 15 minute...
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  • Friday Harbor, Washington

    Hike to Lovers Leap on Stuart Island

    5 mi / 200 ft gain
    This hike is only doable if you are already on Stuart Island! There is no public transportation to Stuart Island, so you must already be there or have a plan to be there in order to complete this hike.I frequent this island during the summer months and it is one of my favorites. I always stay in ...
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  • Fraser Valley F, British Columbia

    Hike to Cascade Falls, British Columbia

    4.8
    0.5 mi / 131.2 ft gain
    When you get to the parking lot go past the access gate and follow the very well maintained trail. The hike to the viewing platform is all uphill, but short. After a couple minutes you will reach wooden stairs that take you to a viewing platform as well as to the suspension bridge where you can c...
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  • Cowichan Bay, British Columbia

    Photograph Cowichan Bay

    There is a reason the town of Cowichan Bay is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. The town boasts stunning views across the bay, of the Cowichan River estuary, the beautiful marina, and has a variety of restaurants, a candy shop and bakery. Start off by grabbing a bite to eat at ...
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  • Moran State Park, Washington

    Camp at Moran State Park

    Moran State Park is an true gem within the beautiful San Juan Islands. The park takes up a large portion of the East side of Orcas Island, the largest of all the San Juans. There are multiple campgrounds within the park along the shores of Cascade Lake and Mountain Lake. For the most relaxing exp...
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  • Nanaimo, British Columbia

    Hike to Ammonite Falls

    4.8
    2.69 mi / 558 ft gain
    The falls cascades off of a sheet of rock that is filled with Ammonite fossils, thus the name Ammonite Falls! The trailhead is very distinct and has a parking lot close to the start of the trail. From the Nanaimo Parkway (#19) head onto Jingle Pot Road. Follow that for a few kilometres and turn ...
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  • Eastsound, Washington

    Go Whale Watching from Rosario Harbor

    No visit to the San Juan Islands is complete without taking a whale watching tour and Rosario Harbor on Orcas Island is uniquely situation to allow for trips east into the Rosario Straight, south into Lopez Sound, or west into the Haro Straight. Such flexibility is useful when on the looking for ...
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  • Bellingham, Washington

    Explore Locust Beach (Bellingham, WA)

    5.0
    0.25 mi
    The trail to Locust Beach is very easy to find. Parking on Locust Avenue is available from dawn to dusk on the side of the road, and in a small gravel lot. Follow the road towards the water, and continue right on a small but well-marked trail down to the beach. Be careful - the stairs are kind of...
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  • Bellingham, Washington

    Pixie Falls

    2.0
    0.45 mi / 125 ft gain
    Pixie Falls can be accessed during any season; however it’s most enjoyable during the spring and summer months. This waterfall and swimming hole combo is the perfect way to escape the heat and the crowds. On any given day, there will typically be less than 10 people who access the falls. Pixie is...
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  • Friday Harbor, Washington

    Hike to Young Hill

    4.0
    1.2 mi / 650 ft gain
    From the main parking lot at English camp, follow the wide path east and cross West Valley road to the trailhead of Young Hill. The trail switchbacks several times and leads you past the English Camp cemetery. Continue left on the main trail through the forest of Pacific Madrone trees until you r...
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