Looking for some local hikes that get the heart pumping and challenge the cardio? Well look no further, we have five hikes from Whistler to Abbotsford that are guaranteed to get the heart pumping.
The Grouse Grind – North Vancouver
Perhaps the most famous of hikes in the North Vancouver area, the Grouse Grind, boasts that it is the original ‘stair master hike’. Located at the top of Capilano Road, you can’t miss the trailhead entrance from the main pay parking lot at the base of Grouse Mountain. Be aware that you will need a tram ticket to get down from the top.
Length: 2.9 km
Elevation Gain: 853 m.
Base: 274 m. above sea level
Summit: 1,127 m.
Total Stairs: 2,830
Statistics: Annually, over 150,000 people hike the trail.
Average Time: It takes up to an hour and a half to complete the hike. For novice hikers, two hours is recommended.
Dogs: No
Velodrome Trail – Burnaby
A trail referred to as Burnaby’s Grind, this hike involves walking up more than 500 wooden stairs before it leads into the Pandora Trail for the rest of the route. The trailhead is located at the northeast corner of the Velodrome on Barnet Road. To get to the trailhead, walk from the gravel parking lot to the traffic lights, then cross the street and walk up the driveway. At the first opportunity, go left and walk in front of the Velodrome to the far end where a gravel trail heads into the forest, marking the start of your climb.
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 3 km
Elevation Gain: 240 m.
Dogs: Yes
The Coquitlam Crunch – Coquitlam
The Coquitlam Crunch is a shorter, less intense version of the Grouse Grind with the sole purpose of exercise. The steep, urban trail is set under the large hydro power lines and is a great efficient workout. Located on Lansdowne Drive there is a gravel road with a parking lot at the bottom. The trail begins at the wooden sign board. Let the large power lines overhead guide your way!
Time: 1.5 hours
Distance: 4.5 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 244 m.
Dogs: Yes
The Abby Grind – Abbotsford
While not as steep as the Grouse Grind, the Abby Grind is still a good workout and a popular hiking trail. The trail is part of the route to Taggart Peak, also known as the Glen Ryder Trail. From the gravel parking lot area, the trail begins to the right by the bushes, immediately climbing up the hill. With the start of the trail being located near the Abbotsford Fish & Game Club off McDermott Road. Perfect for families.
Length: 2 km
Elevation Gain: 390 m.
Summit: 410 m.
Average Time: It takes up to an hour and a half to complete the hike. For novice hikers, two hours is recommended.
Dogs: Yes
The Blackcomb Ascent Trails – Whistler
“These trails have been designed to showcase the beauty and diversity of Blackcomb Mountain while offering an exhilarating uphill hike with the option to download using our lift system. This allows guests to maximize the health benefits of a continuous uphill climb while avoiding the pounding of downhill hiking.” says Arthur De Jong, Mountain Planning and Environmental Resource Manager at Whistler Blackcomb
Three interconnected uphill hiking trails meander through beautiful old growth coastal rain forest terrain from the base of Blackcomb to the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain.
Length: 5.2 km
Elevation Gain: 1,200 m.
Trails: Little Burn, Big Burn and Heart Burn
Dogs: No
Tickets: The Blackcomb Ascent Trails are designed as an uphill hiking experience. For guests who want to access the Blackcomb chairlifts on the way up or down, the Blackcomb Ascent ticket is $15 and free for Whistler Blackcomb Season Pass or Day Ticket holders. Blackcomb Ascent tickets include one download on Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain and must be purchased from Guest Services at the base of Blackcomb Mountain prior to hiking.
These 5 Grind Hikes are a great way to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors while getting in a fantastic cardio workout! So get those water bottles filled, shoes laced up and hit the trails!
Tick season is upon us, make sure you know what to look for and how to help prevent and deal with tick bites. Looking for some hikes that are great for the whole family? Check out our list of the Top 7 Family Friendly Fraser Valley Hikes!
Is this a sponsored post?: No, we were not paid for this post. We simply want to share amazing experiences and adventures with our followers! We hope this inspires you and your family to get outside and try something new!
Article Written By: Sarah McConnell
