How to Find Hiking Partners in Vancouver (Beginner's Guide)
Want to hike but have no one to go with? Here's how to find hiking partners in Vancouver, stay safe, and start with easy North Shore trails.
Hiking is better with company, but finding someone who wants to hit the trail at 8 AM on a Saturday is harder than it sounds. If you have ever said "we should do that sometime" and then never went, you are not alone. This guide covers how to find hiking partners in Vancouver, how to stay safe when you meet someone new, and a few easy trails that are ideal for a first hike together.
"We should do that sometime" is the most common hiking plan that never happens.
Why hike with a partner?
A hiking partner does more than keep you company.
- Safety: someone knows where you are and can help if something goes wrong.
- Motivation: a plan with another person is much harder to cancel.
- Better trails: you can try routes you might skip on your own.
- Friendship: shared trail time is one of the fastest ways to make friends in a new city.
Where to find hiking partners in Vancouver
There is no single best place. Most people use a mix of these.
Hiking clubs and outdoor groups
Long-running clubs such as the BC Mountaineering Club and university outdoors clubs run regular trips and often teach basic skills. Membership or trip fees may apply, and trips are usually graded by difficulty, so check that one matches your experience.
Meetup and social media groups
Search Meetup and Facebook for Vancouver hiking groups. They are free and easy to join, but quality varies. Read the trip description, check the group's rules, and start with a shorter, easier outing.
Friends, coworkers and classmates
Ask around. Plenty of people want to hike more but never plan it. Suggest a specific trail and date instead of "we should go sometime."
Activity-partner apps
AKTIVPAL is being built for exactly this: finding people who want to hike, trail run, walk, camp, ski, kayak or swim together, starting in British Columbia. It is in early access, and you can join the waitlist to help shape it.
Easy trails to try with a new hiking partner
Start short. An easy trail is a low-pressure way to find out whether your pace and style match before you commit to a bigger day. Check current conditions and closures on the official park or trail page before you go.
- Quarry Rock (Deep Cove): roughly 4 km return through forest to a rock viewpoint over Indian Arm. It is popular, so arrive early.
- Lynn Canyon Park (North Vancouver): forest paths, waterfalls and a free suspension bridge, with short and longer loops.
- Lighthouse Park (West Vancouver): old-growth forest and coastal viewpoints on gentle trails.
- Shannon Falls (Squamish): a short walk to one of BC's tallest waterfalls.
- Stanley Park Seawall and Third Beach: flat and scenic, ideal for a walk-and-talk first meetup.
How to stay safe when hiking with someone new
Meeting a stranger outdoors deserves the same care as any first meetup.
- Meet at the trailhead or another public place, and travel separately for the first hike.
- Tell a friend or family member which trail you are on, your partner's name, and when you expect to be back.
- Chat before you go. Share your experience, pace and fitness so nobody is surprised.
- Check the weather, sunset time and trail conditions the day before.
- Carry the essentials: water, food, an extra layer, a headlamp or flashlight, a first aid kit and a charged phone.
- Agree on a turnaround time, and agree that either person can call it off at any point.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it is fine to leave.
For the basics of preparing for any outdoor trip, see AdventureSmart's Three Ts guide: trip planning, training and taking the essentials.
What to agree on before you go
A quick conversation beforehand prevents most awkward moments on the trail.
- Pace: relaxed, steady or fast
- Distance and a firm turnaround time
- Breaks, snacks and photo stops
- Who is driving, and how you will split parking or gas
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to hike alone near Vancouver?
Many people do, but a partner adds a safety margin, especially on longer or quieter trails. If you go solo, stick to popular trails, share your plan with someone, and turn back early if conditions change.
Do I need to be fit to find a hiking partner?
No. Be honest about your level and pick a trail to match. Easy trails like the ones above are a great way to start.
Can I find hiking partners as a beginner?
Yes. Look for groups and trips labelled beginner-friendly, or tell potential partners upfront that you are new.
Where is AKTIVPAL available?
AKTIVPAL is starting in British Columbia. Join early access and check the Movement page for listed activities.
Ready to stop saying "sometime"?
AKTIVPAL helps you find people who want to move outdoors with you, make a plan, and go. We are starting in British Columbia. Join early access and be among the first to find your hiking people.