1. The Lions: Distance: 15km, Elevation gain: 1280m, Time: 7 hours return. This is what West Coast hiking is all about. The Lions are the twin peaks that are seen from downtown Vancouver. They are also known as the Twin Sisters. The hike begins in Lions Bay. Click here for more info…

2. Black Tusk: Distance: 29km, Elevation gain: 1740m, Time: 11 hours return, Season: July- Oct. The dark, jagged edges of Black Tusk make it one of the most scenic and unique hikes in south western British Columbia. Located in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Black Tusk is the most spectacular mountain in the area. While many hikers do complete this trail in a day, the distance and elevation gain make for a very long day. For this reason, some people prefer to hike to Garibaldi Lake or Taylor Meadows and camp overnight, and then hike to Black Tusk the following day. It is up to you which you prefer, however if you do decide to do this in a day, make sure to leave plenty of time to return to the parking lot during daylight hours. Click here for more info…

3. Hanes Valley: Distance: 16km, Elevation gain: 1130m, Time: 7 hours. I have done this trail usually as a run/hike. I most look forward to the summer weather because I know the snow will have melted enough to depart on this adventure. This trail starts in the Lynn Headwaters in Lynn Valley and finishes at the top of Grouse Mountain. Click here for more info…

4. Golden Ears: Distance 24km, Elevation gain: 1160m, Time: 6 hrs. Golden Ears Provincial Park is located 11km North of Maple Ridge and is one of the largest parks in the province. I have not done this hike myself but I have heard a lot of great things about it. Click here for more info…

5. Coliseum Mountain: Distance: 23km, Time: 8 hours. This hike also starts in the Lynn Valley Headwaters (my backyard). Click here for more info…

There you have it, 5 hikes all within a 45 minute driving distance from one another. Always remember to be prepared, which means bring adequate amounts of food (ELEVATE ME BARS) and water and perhaps more in case you find yourself lost. Let a friend or family member know where you are going, wear proper footwear, bring something warm to wear in case it gets cold, and bring bear spray in case you see on in the wild.

People keep asking me what I am going to do during the Olympics. I honestly have not put too much thought into it. I had pondered the idea of Volunteering, and then at least I could see some of the games. But, that involved time off work and I didn’t want to give that up. I fantasized about going away somewhere exotic and warm, but that also involved taking time off work. I concluded that I was just going to watch the Olympics live on my T.V with everyone else who could not afford to buy tickets!

I hiked up to Grouse Mountain this morning via the BCMC Trail. The BCMC parallels the grind and is approximately 10 minutes longer on average. I prefer this route because it doesn’t feel like a stair master and is less crowded. However, at this time of year, neither trail is crowded. Once I got to the top, I ate my Elevate Me Energy Bar and boarded the gondola to get down the mountain. On the way down, the gondola conductor (as I named him) told us about the plans Grouse Mountain has for during the Olympics. He told us that Grouse Mountain will be open 24/7 for the entire duration of the Olympic Games!!!!! That’s not all, NBC is going to be taping live from the top of the mountain (or the chalet area)

This means that you can literally ski everyday all day for 2 straight weeks! The gondola and restaurants will be open for 24 hours. You can snowshoe, hike, and even zip line at night. They have been planning this for 3 years and it sounds like it will be an amazing and entertaining adventure. I can’t wait to be a part of it.

My couch and television may remain empty during the games as I plan on hiking up the mountain to listen (to NBC reporters) and watch the games live (on big screens). Come try something different this year and experience something you will never forget!

Nicola Gildersleeve