Spring hiking trails in Metro Vancouver for mountain enthusiasts

Outdoor enthusiasts eager to get to the mountains, given Vancouver's early spring conditions, need to be mindful that some local trails are still covered in snow and ice.

Several climbers were recently rescued after they tried to climb Crown Mountain, north of Grouse Mountain.

"At this time of the year, although there isn't as much snow as usual, you still need to be prepared as if there was full-on snow and ice," says Tim O'Hearn, co-owner of Trail Ventures.

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Trails that start off looking clear can quickly turn into an adventure that hikers hadn't bargained for, O'hearn said. A lot of ice remains at higher elevations and on the shaded portions of mountain tops.

O'hearn recommends hikers bring mini-crampons that can be added to sturdy hiking boots, in addition to the usual 10 essential items to bring when hiking.

For keeners itching to get an early start on local mountain trails, he recommends the following hikes:

Brothers Creek Loop

This four-hour, intermediate hike near West Vancouver's British Properties is a local favourite and is accessible by public transit.

Hollyburn Mountain

A 3.5 hour intermediate hike that usually is only accessible in the summer, Hollyburn Mountain is a gorgeous little hike on Cypress Mountain that offers views of Vancouver and Burrard Inlet.

Black Mountain / Eagle Bluffs

A four-hour, intermediate circle route that can also be accessed from the Cypress ski resort and offers gorgeous views of Howe Sound.

Mount Seymour (first peak)

There are many trails around Mount Seymour with breathtaking scenery. O'Hearn recommends avoiding excessive ice and snow by not going too far up the mountain.