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June 16, 2006
A walk in the woods
An avid hiker shares his favorite trail routes.
ROBIN ESROCK
When Joe Kalmek immigrated to Vancouver in 2001, the avid hiker
turned to the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver to help
him continue his passion.
Being an enthusiastic hiker with more than 20 years of experience,
he soon found Teva, a group that had been set up by and for Jewish
hikers. Unfortunately, Teva disbanded in 2004 but, by then, Kalmek
had familiarized himself with some of the best day hikes in and
around Vancouver.
"Walking in the forests is different to walking on the hot,
dry veldt in South Africa," said Kalmek. "It's nice not
worry about the snakes!" Although he has come close to a bear
in the woods, Kalmek laughed when he recalled being chased by baboons
in a reserve outside Johannesburg.
Here are some of his favorite local day hikes, categorized according
to difficult, intermediate and easy, for those looking for a gentle
stroll in the woods.
For easier walks, sneakers will suffice."
Easy Hikes
Deep Cove Lookout Point
"I've always loved Deep Cove," said Kalmek, "because
not only is the view stunning, but it's great to get a coffee after
the walk. The trail is well-marked and starts east of the parking
lot above the park. It starts with quite a steep climb, but you
can walk at your own pace until you find the famous lookout. The
walk shouldn't take you more than an hour there and 45 minutes back,
depending on your pace."
Fraser River
"With all the housing development along the Fraser River, I
imagine this walk is going to be getting quite busy in the near
future. If you drive down Kerr Street, off Southeast Marine Drive,
park your car and walk towards the pathway that runs alongside the
river. Either way is pleasant, flat, and a break from the forest
walks."
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
"Capilano might get all the tourists, but locals know it's
just as beautiful (and free) to walk in Lynn Valley. The walk to
the suspension bridge is easy and well-trodden, and a place I usually
take most visitors to Vancouver who want to discover our beautiful
forests."
Intermediate Hikes
Mosquito Creek
"This starts off at the same spot as the Grouse Grind,"
Kalmek pointed out, "but instead of crunching up the mountain,
you travel east along the Baden Powell Trail. It undulates with
some steep sections, but after about an hour, depending on your
pace, you'll reach Mosquito Creek, which is a beautiful area to
have lunch. The return journey can follow the same route or you
can have an easier descent by following the power line road."
Black Mountain, Cypress
"Here is a medium walk that takes about two hours to get there,
passing several mountain lakes, deviating to Eagle Bluff, where
you get a magnificent view of Horseshoe Bay, the Howe Sound and
as far as the Sunshine Coast. Park at the Cypress Mountain downhill
ski parking lot and follow the signs. Another great walk from the
same starting point is Hollyburn Mountain, which also takes about
two hours to reach the peak, and is fantastic on a clear day."
Difficult Hikes
Unnecessary Mountains
"Here's a wonderful yet challenging walk," said Kalmek.
"I'm told the mountains got their name because local climbers
had to make their way over them on their way to the Lions. Start
at the downhill ski parking lot on Cypress Mountain and take the
Howe Crest Trail, which is well signposted. This is a full-day hike
and will take about seven to eight hours."
Petgill Lake
"This is one of my favorite walks, and takes about six hours.
It begins in Murrin National Park, which is just past Brittania
Beach on the way to Squamish. It's quite a steep climb up the bluffs
that overlook the highway, but then it's a lovely walk through the
forest to the lake."
The Stawamus Chief
"Whenever I take a visitor up to Whistler, they often see the
climbers on the steep granite cliff outside Squamish. Although climbing
the Chief is steep, the hiker is rewarded with a breathtaking view
at the top, and the excitement of using the chain ladders. It's
become a very busy hike of late, and for good reason. The views
of the mountains and Howe Sound are among the best I've ever seen!"
Often accompanied by his wife and friends, Kalmek believes that
walking is as much a social as it is a physical activity. "There's
often more talking than there is walking," he said.
Whatever walk you decide you to go on, Kalmek urges you to be prepared
for anything, as the weather is on the West Coast is famous for
changing rapidly – and you can never be too careful.
Robin Esrock is a Vancouver freelance writer.
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