If you can tackle only a single trail on a visit to Vancouver, the Grouse Grind should be it. The Grouse Grind is the most iconic Vancouver hike. It is often referred to as "Mother Nature’s Stairmaster." The trail courses 853m up Grouse Mountain in only 2.9km of trail, which is made of 2,830 stairs. The Grouse Grind is, understandably, also the most popular hike in Vancouver.

The trail from Deep Cove to Quarry Rock is an easy, enjoyable run that offers a great stint of lush singletrack in dense forest and a halfway point that overlooks Deep Cove and the harbor. The trail courses nearly 2km of the fairly technical and rooty Baden Powell Trail – relying on the same section of trail on both directions.

The Pacific Spirit Regional Park offers an expansive natural space with numerous trails to run. The park is situated just east of the University of British Columbia campus on the west end of Vancouver proper. Pacific Spirit is an excellent option for those wanting a trail run but who are stuck in the city. Furthermore, Pacific Spirit would be the perfect go-to for those trail runners visiting or studying at nearby UBC.

Stanley Park is the one park that I visit if I only have an hour or two to spare to run while in Vancouver. It is situated between downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver is home to mature old-growth forest, including massive cedar trees, a lake and lagoon, paved paths, singletrack, and seaside paths to run. Apart from mountains, it has everything! There are also cafes and even the Vancouver Aquarium within this large park.