Best Metro Vancouver hikes and cafes: Perfect pairings for your next adventure

Warmer weather is inbound, and that means the influx of texts from your friend group wanting to go on a hike. For some, this sounds like a great opportunity to hang out with friends in the great outdoors. However, others may need a bit more of an incentive to get out the door.That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of Metro Vancouver’s most popular walking trails and hikes with cafes nearby to reward yourself with a sweet treat after working so hard. Keep reading to learn where to take your friends for your next hike and cafe visit.CASUAL WALKSBURNABY LAKE REGIONAL PARKThis 11 km loop around Burnaby Lake has little-to-no elevation gain, and you can do as much or as little of it as you’d like.If you plan ahead and end your walk by the Burnaby Nature House, you’re just 10 minutes away from Chef’s Cafe, which offers a wide range of breakfast, sandwiches, and coffee.IONA BEACH REGIONAL PARK> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Pacific Autism Family Network (@pacificautism)For those who prefer an even terrain with absolutely zero incline, the Iona Beach Regional Park is the place to go. Specifically, the Iona Jetty is a 4km stretch that goes right out into the water.After walking, head over to YVR Airport to grab a relaxing coffee and watch the planes come and go. We’re particularly fond of the recently opened Paper Planes Cafe, which staffs individuals with a diverse range of abilities from the neurodiverse community.ƛ̓ÉXƏTƏM REGIONAL PARKEnjoy a nice walk along the Coquitlam River, where you can catch some great bird sightings. Then, head over to Kim’s Cafe at 91 Golden Dr., Coquitlam, for some tasty lunch fare. Menu items include burgers, sandwiches, breakfast, chicken chow mein, and chicken curry rice.BOUNDARY BAY REGIONAL PARK> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by L’aromas (@laromas2015)This waterside walk is great during the nice weather and is only improved with the promise of a sweet treat afterwards. Make your way to L’aromas to enjoy one of its many pastries. Personally, we’re fond of the cinnamon buns, but you really can’t go wrong with any of its offerings. And don’t worry; they have more substantial food options like sandwiches in case you’ve worked up an appetite. You might also like:- White Spot is landing at YVR Airport once again: Here's when and where- Eat like Michael Bublé: His go-to restaurants in and around Vancouver- Mahony’s Tavern False Creek to close in six months to make way for new Tulum-inspired restaurantMORE SERIOUS HIKESQUARRY ROCK> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Honey’s (@honeysdoughnuts)It’s no secret that Quarry Rock and Honey Doughnuts go hand in hand. Heck, even the celebs know about this winning combo with the likes of Kate Winslet, Harry Styles, and John Cena all seen at the donut shop.Enjoy the views at the top of Quarry Rock, then treat yourself to some delicious donuts once you head down.LYNN HEADWATER’S REGIONAL PARK> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Tommy’s Cafe est. 1990 ☕ (@tommyscafenv)Whether you’re looking to do one of the easier trails at this park (like the Varley Trail or the Lynn Loop Trail) or take on something more difficult, like the trail that takes you to Norvan Falls, there are plenty of hikes for all sorts of skill levels here.Plus, once you’re done, you can stop at the Lynn Canyon Cafe for some grub. If you still have the energy for it, you can also make your way into town and hit up Tommy’s Cafe to sit on the patio and dig into some hearty breakfast plates.GROUSE GRIND> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Grouse Mountain (@grousemountain)Known as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster, the Grouse Grind is not for the faint of heart (2380 steps is one too many if you ask us). But once you get to the top, you will find plenty of tasty bites to enjoy. Whether it’s a quick bite at Lupin’s Cafe, a pint at Altitude’s Bistro, or a fancy dinner at The Observatory (who said hiking couldn’t be romantic), there are plenty of options. Plus, once you reach the top, you don’t have to worry about climbing down.Still hungry? Discover Dished Vancouver on TikTok

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Warmer weather is inbound, and that means the influx of texts from your friend group wanting to go on a hike. For some, this sounds like a great opportunity to hang out with friends in the great outdoors. However, others may need a bit more of an incentive to get out the door.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of Metro Vancouver’s most popular walking trails and hikes with cafes nearby to reward yourself with a sweet treat after working so hard. Keep reading to learn where to take your friends for your next hike and cafe visit. Casual walks This 11 km loop around Burnaby Lake has little-to-no elevation gain, and you can do as much or as little of it as you’d like.



If you plan ahead and end your walk by the Burnaby Nature House, you’re just 10 minutes away from Chef’s Cafe , which offers a wide range of breakfast, sandwiches, and coffee. A post shared by Pacific Autism Family Network (@pacificautism) For those who prefer an even terrain with absolutely zero incline, the Iona Beach Regional Park is the place to go. Specifically, the Iona Jetty is a 4km stretch that goes right out into the water.

After walking, head over to YVR Airport to grab a relaxing coffee and watch the planes come and go. We’re particularly fond of the recently opened Paper Planes Cafe , which staffs individuals with a diverse range of abilities from the neurodiverse community. Enjoy a nice walk along the Coquitlam River, where you can catch some great bird sightings.

Then, head over to Kim’s Cafe at 91 Golden Dr., Coquitlam, for some tasty lunch fare. Menu items include burgers, sandwiches, breakfast, chicken chow mein, and chicken curry rice.

A post shared by L’aromas (@laromas2015) This waterside walk is great during the nice weather and is only improved with the promise of a sweet treat afterwards. Make your way to L’aromas to enjoy one of its many pastries. Personally, we’re fond of the cinnamon buns, but you really can’t go wrong with any of its offerings.

And don’t worry; they have more substantial food options like sandwiches in case you’ve worked up an appetite. More serious hikes A post shared by Honey’s (@honeysdoughnuts) It’s no secret that Quarry Rock and Honey Doughnuts go hand in hand. Heck, even the celebs know about this winning combo with the likes of Kate Winslet , Harry Styles , and John Cena all seen at the donut shop.

Enjoy the views at the top of Quarry Rock, then treat yourself to some delicious donuts once you head down. A post shared by Tommy’s Cafe est. 1990 ☕ (@tommyscafenv) Whether you’re looking to do one of the easier trails at this park (like the Varley Trail or the Lynn Loop Trail) or take on something more difficult, like the trail that takes you to Norvan Falls, there are plenty of hikes for all sorts of skill levels here.

Plus, once you’re done, you can stop at the Lynn Canyon Cafe for some grub. If you still have the energy for it, you can also make your way into town and hit up Tommy’s Cafe to sit on the patio and dig into some hearty breakfast plates. A post shared by Grouse Mountain (@grousemountain) Known as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster, the Grouse Grind is not for the faint of heart (2380 steps is one too many if you ask us).

But once you get to the top, you will find plenty of tasty bites to enjoy. Whether it’s a quick bite at Lupin’s Cafe , a pint at Altitude’s Bistro , or a fancy dinner at The Observatory (who said hiking couldn’t be romantic), there are plenty of options. Plus, once you reach the top, you don’t have to worry about climbing down.

Still hungry? Discover Dished Vancouver on TikTok.