Hiking Groups and Clubs in Vancouver, BC (2026 Guide)

Vancouver has some of the best hiking in Canada right on its doorstep, but heading out alone is not for everyone. Joining a hiking group is one of the easiest ways to explore new trails, learn from experienced hikers and meet people who enjoy the same things you do.

The good news is that Vancouver has a long tradition of hiking clubs, some going back more than a century, as well as free and casual groups that are easy to try. This guide covers the main hiking groups and clubs in Vancouver, BC, how to choose one, and what to expect on your first group hike.

Hiking groups vs hiking clubs: what's the difference?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a useful difference.

• Hiking clubs are usually membership-based, volunteer-run organizations. Members pay an annual fee, trips are led by experienced volunteers, and many clubs offer courses, gear to borrow and social events.
• Hiking groups are usually more casual. They are often free, organized online, and you can join a single hike without a long-term commitment.

Neither is better. A club suits you if you want structure, skills and a regular community. A casual group suits you if you want to try group hiking first or your schedule changes week to week.

7 hiking groups and clubs in Vancouver

Membership details and fees change, so check each group's website for current information before you join.

1. North Shore Hikers

Formed in 1958, North Shore Hikers is one of the largest hiking clubs in southwestern BC, with hundreds of adult members. Volunteer leaders run trips at a range of levels, from local North Shore hikes to destinations further afield, and the club stays active through winter with snowshoeing.

It is a good fit if you want a large, established club with regular trips and a strong focus on safety. Visit North Shore Hikers

2. Alpine Club of Canada, Vancouver Section

The Vancouver Section of the Alpine Club of Canada welcomes members at any experience level. Alongside hiking, it runs trips for snowshoeing, mountaineering, rock climbing and backcountry skiing, and offers courses for people who want to build their skills. Members can borrow some club gear and use the section's backcountry huts.

It is a great choice if you want to progress from day hikes to bigger mountain objectives over time. Visit ACC Vancouver

3. BC Mountaineering Club

Founded in 1907, the BC Mountaineering Club is one of the oldest outdoor clubs in the province. Members organize hiking, climbing, mountaineering and backcountry ski trips, and the club is active in conservation, trail work and mountain safety education.

It suits hikers who want to give back to the trails as well as explore them. Visit the BC Mountaineering Club

4. Wanderung

Wanderung is a free, email-based community for group outdoor trips in the Vancouver area. Members post their own trips and others sign up to join, so you will find a wide variety of hikes as well as skiing and cycling outings.

It is a low-commitment way to try group hiking without paying a membership fee. Visit Wanderung

5. Meetup hiking groups

Meetup has many active hiking groups around Vancouver, ranging from slow-paced social walks to fast, challenging hikes. Some focus on specific communities, such as newcomers, younger adults or people over 40.

Because each group is run by its own organizers, quality varies. Read the group description, check recent events and reviews, and start with a hike rated for beginners.

6. Varsity Outdoor Club (UBC)

If you are a UBC student, the Varsity Outdoor Club is one of the most active student outdoor clubs in Canada. It runs hiking, climbing, skiing and paddling trips, and is a great way to learn mountain skills with other students.

7. More clubs across the Lower Mainland and BC

The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC keeps a list of its member clubs across the province, including the North Vancouver Outdoors Club and clubs in the Fraser Valley, on Vancouver Island and in the Interior. It is a useful starting point if you live outside Vancouver or are planning a move.

How to choose the right hiking group

Before you join, think about what you want from it:

• Pace and difficulty. Look for groups that rate their trips clearly, and start with an easy one.
• Schedule. Some clubs hike mostly on weekends, others midweek. Pick one that fits when you are actually free.
• Group size. Large clubs offer more trips; smaller groups make it easier to get to know people.
• Activities. If you want to snowshoe in winter or try scrambling later, choose a club that offers those too.
• Cost. Free groups are easy to try. Paid clubs often include training, gear and insurance.

It is fine to try a few groups before settling on one.

What to expect on your first group hike

A little preparation makes your first outing much easier:

• Read the trip description carefully and ask the organizer if you are unsure whether it suits your fitness.
• Bring the essentials: water, food, layers, rain gear, a headlamp and suitable footwear.
• Arrive a few minutes early so you can meet the leader and the group.
• Tell the leader if you have any concerns, such as a recent injury or a slower pace.
• Stay with the group and follow the leader's turnaround decisions.

Most groups are welcoming to newcomers. Everyone was new once.

Hiking with a group in winter

Many Vancouver hiking clubs keep going through winter with snowshoe trips on the North Shore mountains. Hiking with an experienced group is one of the safest ways to try winter trails, as leaders check conditions and choose suitable routes. See our winter activities guide for ski dates and beginner snowshoe trails this season.

Prefer smaller, more flexible plans?

Clubs are a great fit for many people, but not everyone wants a membership or a fixed trip schedule. Sometimes you just want to find one or two people for a hike this Saturday at your own pace.

That is why we are building AKTIVPAL: to help adults discover, create and join outdoor activities together, starting in British Columbia. Hosts share where they are going, the expected pace and the experience needed, so you can find a plan that fits you.

For more tips on meeting people to hike with and staying safe, read our guide on how to find hiking partners in Vancouver, and follow our Movement page for activity updates.

Frequently asked questions

Are there free hiking groups in Vancouver?

Yes. Wanderung is free to join, and many Meetup hiking groups are free or ask only for a small contribution. Established clubs like North Shore Hikers and the Alpine Club of Canada charge an annual membership fee.

Are there hiking clubs for beginners in Vancouver?

Yes. The Alpine Club of Canada's Vancouver Section welcomes members of any experience level, and many clubs and Meetup groups label trips by difficulty so beginners can choose easy hikes.

Do Vancouver hiking clubs run trips in winter?

Many do. Clubs such as North Shore Hikers and the Alpine Club of Canada run snowshoe and winter trips, usually on the North Shore mountains.

Is it safe to hike with people I meet online?

Start with established groups that have clear organizers, meet in public places, share your plans with someone you trust and choose a well-used trail for your first outing.

Want to find your people for the next hike? [Join the AKTIVPAL early access waitlist](/waitlist).