Outdoor Vancouver Newsletter

June 30, 2022
Edition #113

In this issue:

Long Weekend Hikes
Outdoor News
Book of the Month
Buntzen Lake Update
Current Gear Deals

1. Long Weekend Hiking

At long last, we have some great hiking weather! After a long and cold spring, it appears the weather is cooperating just in time for the Canada Day long weekend.

But, let's not get ahead of ourselves this weekend. The snowpack is still above normal levels for this time of year. This means many trails at elevation are still buried deep in snow. Dog Mountain, for example, is still under shoulder-season closure by Metro Vancouver.

Avalanche.ca still lists our local mountains as being under 'Spring Conditions' which means "avalanche danger may be variable and can easily range from Low to High throughout the day. In general, reduce your exposure to avalanche terrain during periods of solar radiation, daytime warming, or rain.

Even though it’s spring, we can still get winter-like storms with corresponding storm slab and wind slab avalanche problems. And don’t forget cornices—they’re always an issue in the spring!"

For this reason, it's probably best to wait a few more weeks before you tackle the highest elevation hikes. To help with some suggestions for the long weekend, here are a few hikes that should be snow-free, yet still offer great views. These hikes should also be a little less busy than the most popular local trails like the Grind or the Chief (though these aren't exactly hidden gems either, so expect trail traffic over the weekend).

Abby Grind (Abbotsford)
Diez Vistas (Anmore)
Hope Lookout Trail (Hope)
Mount Gardner (Bowen Island)
Mount Thom (Chilliwack)
Smoke Bluffs Park (Squamish)

2. (Mostly) Local Outdoor News

1. Injured North Shore hiker rescued by helicopter on busy weekend for SAR crews. @CTV News
2. Rescuers find lost hiker who spent the night stuck on Grouse Mountain. @DH News
3. Injured hiker airlifted after 20-foot fall during Baden Powell hike. @Global
4. Backcountry skier rescued from Strathcona park after becoming stranded. @Castanet
5. Food-habituated bear prompts partial closure of B.C. provincial park. @CTV
6. Road to popular Coquitlam park closed due to bear activity. @TriCity News
7. Day pass program returns to three B.C. parks. @Global News
8. Bear sniffs woman's leg and follows her on Whistler walking trail. @DH News
9. Whistler SAR mourns death of volunteer Toby Salin, 51. @CBC
10. Access to B.C.’s outdoors limited by washroom, parking access. @VIA
11. Hike with children and see the trails through fresh eyes. @Georgia Straight
12. 'Significant change': B.C. trails that usually see most SAR calls had no deployments over May long weekend. @CTV News

3. Book of the Month - Let’s Go Biking: Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast

In follow up to the popular guidebook, Let's Go Biking: Around Vancouver, author Colleen MacDonald has just released a version for Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast.

The book is available in paperback and eBook formats, and has tons of great biking route suggestions for all levels of ability. The book features 58 maps, which are beautifully illustrated to help you plan your ride.

"In this book you’ll discover over a hundred easy, interesting and adventurous routes on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast. Meander along rivers and lakeshores, explore mountain and valley trails. With distances ranging from 5km to more than 75km, these routes are fun for families, seniors and explorers of all ages who like to stop and smell the roses.

There’s something for everyone to discover on foot or bike from flat scenic rail trails, city greenways, quiet country roads, mountain trails and exciting new e-bike routes! With its mild climate and stunning scenery, there’s no better way to see this amazing region. This is the must-have guidebook for those looking to discover exciting British Columbia destinations."

Learn more about the book here.

We compile the books we feature every month in our Book Store.

4. Buntzen Lake Update

Two important things to note for those heading to Buntzen Lake this summer.

1. Reserved parking is now in effect for Buntzen Lake. If you plan to visit Buntzen Lake, you'll need to pre-book a free parking spot, reservable 1 day in advance. This is now mandatory for all vehicles during the summer season, ending September 5. You can book a morning, afternoon, or all-day spot.

To reserve a parking spot or get more details, see here.

2. The suspension bridge near North Beach has been repaired and you can once again complete a full loop around the lake!

If you head to Buntzen Lake this weekend, be sure to check our guide for the Diez Vistas hike!

(Swan Falls remains inaccessible at this time)

5. Current Gear Deals

There's some good summer deals going for the long weeked!

Mountain Equipment Co-op

Canada Day Deals. 25% off All MEC Label gear, Watersports up to 20%, and save up to 25% off on warm weather styles for pint-sized adventurers.

Columbia Canada

Summer Sale - Up to 30% off

Hurley

30% Off Sitewide with Code THEFOURTH30 June 30 - July 4

PrAna

25-30% Off Select Styles + Free Shipping! (sale starts July 1)

Until next month!
Karl

GREAT HIKES FOR JULY

Sawblade Falls (Coquitlam)
Crooked Falls (Squamish)
Teapot Hill (Chilliwack)
Browse our trail database