5 Lower Mainland hikes to fall in love with

It would be a shame to spend all of these sunny days indoors, and in an arealike B.C.'sLower Mainland, opportunities to get outside are everywhere.

KarlWoll,a local hiking enthusiast and author of the e-bookThe Great Hikes of Vancouver, says hiking is a popular outdoor activityand its one with few barriers for tenderfeetwho want to get started.

I think one of the unique opportunities in Vancouver is you have so many day hiking opportunities in such close range to an urban environment, that you dont have in a lot of places in the world, saysWoll. Theres this vast array of backcountry wilderness right on our doorstep.

If you want moregood reasons to become a Metro Vancouver-area adventurer, here are five of Woll's favourite high-reward day trips for the beginner-to-intermediate hiker:

• The Chief,Squamish.

North of Vancouver, the granite monolith known as TheChief is one of the most distinctive features in the Sea-to-Sky region.

Three separate peaks can be hiked individually or all at once.

You can go from the Sea-To-Sky and see over Howe Sound and all ofSquamish, saysWoll. You can see what you can accomplish with your legs over a short time.

• Dog Mountain, near Mount Seymour.

This ones really beginner-friendly, with little change in elevation and easy-access from the Mount Seymour parking lot area.

Its un-intimidating and has a great view to MountBaker and beyond, saysWoll.

• Crown Mountain, North Vancouver.

This ones more challenging, with an exposed rockscramble at the end.

Woll said viewpoints along the trail to Crown Mountain providea unique perspectiveon the North Shore, including Hanes Valley, and lookback all the way to Vancouver Island and over Grouse Mountain itself.

It really gives you a sense of being remote, he says.

• Garibaldi Lake, near Squamish.

Though it is a strenuous hike, the trail itselfis beginner-friendly. Hikers travel up on a non-technical, well-groomed trail that even young kids can handle to a glacier-fed lake.

The hike might be hard, but the turquoise-coloured lake is a reward at the top and the provincial park offersopportunities for backcountry camping.

• Joffre Lake, North of Pemberton.

This one takes you to a remote location, but its not too strenuous. The route goes past creeks, lakes and waterfalls and the water comes from Matier Glacier.

You can literally walk up to Matier Glacier. Many people havent seen a glacier up close, saysWoll.

Wollwants anyone considering heading out on a hiketo have funand enjoy new and known trailssafely, and to do research to judge the trail's difficulty-level for themselves.

And, if you plan on exploring hisfavouritefive Lower Mainland spots, or any other great trails, make sure you bring what Woll calls the 10 essentials for safety.

Woll's 10 essentials:

1. Illumination:a flashlight is good, but a headlamp is better.
2. Fire making kit:waterproof matches or a waterproof lighter are essential. Consider bringing some firestarter such as dryer lint.
3. Nutrition and hydration:bring at least a litre of water and some high energy snacks.
4. Clothing:be prepared for different weather, and layer. Bring clothing that would allow you to survive the night should something go wrong.
5. Navigation:a compass and map should be brought on any trip that isnt on a well-marked trail. Make sure you know how to use them!
6. First aid kit:these can be purchased prearranged. Consider adding some pain killers.
7. Emergency shelter:a bivy sack (a small, lightweight, waterproof shelter), orange tarp or a space blanket are good, as they are visible at a distance.
8. Pocket knife:this is invaluable, as is a multitool like a Swiss army knife.
9. Sun protection:this is important for avoiding heat stroke. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are highly recommended.
10. Signalling device:a whistle or mirror can save your life if search and rescue needs to find you.

Is there a B.C. trail that got you hooked on hiking? Tell us about it in the comments below.