Energizing Hikes

Nothing clears the mind like a hike! Most people (including me) feel much better after spending some time in nature. It can make you feel more creative and inspired.
Now, before you go off to climb Mt. Everest, make sure to match your hike to your skill level. My friend Brad Mistry has made hiking his own personal challenge and has completed well over a hundred hikes in and around the Vancouver area. I have asked him to share his favourite easy, intermediate and advanced hikes and I am happy to introduce you to some of his recommendations:
 

​


Easy hike: 
Pitt Wildlife Loop
Distance: 15 km
Time: 4 h
Brad's comment: "I recommend doing one of the West sections of the hike - not all. The worst part was the flies didn't understand social distancing as they swarmed around me and made me run for a solid kilometer. The best part was the epic scenery as several mountains from two separate ranges would converge into 1 single point."
 
Intermediate hike:
Elk Mountain - Mount Thurston
Distance: 16.5 km
Time: 7 h
Brad's comment: "Don't stop when reaching the peak of Elk Mountain; the path to Mount Thurston is along the ridge of the mountain offering the best views as you reach the viewpoint at Thurston. Thurston had views revealing snow capped mountains in the distance taking your imagination to places you think were only in movies."
 
Advanced hike:
Slesse Memorial Trail
Distance: 12 km
Time: 6 h
Brad's comment: "Deep into the protected lands of Mount Slesse, paying respects to the Trans Canada Flight 810 crash site where 62 passengers and crew lost their lives on Dec 9, 1959. There are long sections of the trail that have the best views and even the car ride to the location seemed like footage from Jurassic Park. The wreckage of the plane was at the peak with excellent views."
 
Try it out and let me know what you think :)

---