Choose the Right Trail for Your Experience and the Conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Beginners should start with short trails rated easy, then work up to longer and more challenging hikes. This list of the best beginner hikes around Vancouver<\/a> is a great starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trail guides list the best months to attempt each hike to avoid ice, snow, and flooding. The weather forecast may also influence trail choice – on a rainy day you may prefer the shelter of a forested trail instead of an open mountain top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Start your hike early so you don\u2019t get caught out after dark. Trail guides provide time estimates, but with experience, you may find that you are faster or slower than average. In general, hikers walk 4-5 km\/hour on flat ground. Add 15 minutes for every 100 m of elevation. And keep in mind that travel times will be much slower on trails that have lots of roots, rocks, and technical terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you get lost or injured, will anyone know to look for you? Many trails do not have cell phone reception, so you may be unable to call for help. Leave a trip plan with a friend or family member who can call 911 to deploy search and rescue if you don\u2019t come home on time. AdventureSmart\u2019s Trip Plan app<\/a> spells out all the info you should include.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ten essentials are a list of safety items that can help you survive an emergency, like getting lost or hurt. They include a flashlight or headlamp, communication device, fire starter, warm clothes, knife, emergency shelter, first aid kit, navigation device, sun protection, food, and water. Learn more about what to bring on a day hike<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring layers of clothing you can add or remove to adapt to temperature changes. Keep in mind that it can be much colder and wetter in the mountains than it is in the city. A rain jacket should be in your pack on every hike – it can be helpful if the weather turns unexpectedly or if you need to wait for rescue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose quick-drying clothing made of wool or synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. Avoid cotton as it holds moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes and consider waterproof ones for Vancouver\u2019s wet weather. Regular shoes don\u2019t have enough support, won\u2019t grip on slippery terrain, and get soaked easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose hiking socks made of merino wool or synthetic materials. Avoid cotton as it soaks up sweat and will give you blisters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiking is hard work so bring a little more food and water than you think you\u2019ll need. Most hikers drink about 500 ml of water per hour of activity, but pack more in hot weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many trails are well-marked and have signs at each junction, but some are not. Learn how to use a map and compass and practice each time you go out. You can also use a GPS device or GPS trail app, but bring extra batteries and a paper map and compass as backup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In an emergency, your phone could be a key lifeline. Bring a power bank and cable so you can keep it fully charged. Put your phone in airplane mode while you hike to save its battery. (If you\u2019re using a trail navigation app, you can leave GPS or location services on.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n We all share the same trails, so take a few minutes to learn about hiker etiquette<\/a>. A few key tips for beginners: Be friendly. Move aside to give others space when passing and at viewpoints. And skip the music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respect the wilderness by minimizing your impact on every hike. You have probably heard the saying \u201cpack it in, pack it out\u201d. The seven principles of Leave No Trace<\/a> build upon that philosophy to give us guidelines on how to prevent trail erosion, respect wildlife<\/a>, go to the bathroom<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Cheakamus](\"https:\/\/www.vancouvertrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/CheakamusLakeTaryn.jpg\")
Give Yourself Enough Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Leave a Trip Plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bring the Ten Essentials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dress in Layers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Whyte](\"https:\/\/www.vancouvertrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/WhyteLakeBridge.jpg\")
Keep Your Feet Happy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pack Extra Food and Water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Learn How to Navigate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Rainbow](\"https:\/\/www.vancouvertrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RainbowLakeShannon.jpg\")
Save Your Phone Battery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Follow Hiker Etiquette<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Learn How to Leave No Trace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Be Bear Safe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n