Vancouver hiking is mostly wet, cool and changeable. Wear synthetic or wool layers, carry a waterproof shell on every hike, and add warm layers and traction for anything above the snow line from fall to spring.

all year

• Avoid cotton next to the skin. It stays wet and cold.
• A base layer, an insulating layer (fleece or light puffy) and a waterproof shell.
• Footwear with grip. North Shore trails are rooty and muddy most of the year.
• A hat, gloves and a spare warm layer in the pack, even in summer for alpine trails.

november to march

Expect rain at sea level and snow higher up. Waterproof boots, rain pants, warm gloves and a toque. On snowy trails, microspikes or snowshoes as conditions need. Carry a headlamp: daylight is short.

april to june

Low trails dry out; mid-elevation trails often still hold snow. Pack for both. Waterfalls and creeks run high, so trails near water are slick.

july to september

Sun protection, more water and a light warm layer for summits. Alpine weather can turn fast; keep the shell.

october

Shorter days, first snow up high, slick leaves. Bring a headlamp and warm layers.

Also carry the Ten Essentials. See shoulder season and snow.

sources

• AdventureSmart (checked October 24, 2026)
• Environment Canada weather (checked October 24, 2026)