Hiking Golden Ears - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in the Golden Ears: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Coast Mountains • British Columbia

4.8 Appreciated by 40 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2013 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
24 km
Elevation
1,500 ft
Duration
8h30
Max altitude
1,897 ft

Tackle the 24 km Golden Ears Summit trail in British Columbia's Vancouver Coast Mountains—a hard, full-day challenge with 1,500 m elevation gain rewarding hikers with 360-degree views from twin peaks that glow gold at sunrise. Located east of the Fraser Valley, this 8.5-hour expedition combines dense rainforest, alpine meadows, and rocky scrambles.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Golden Ears? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

The ultimate test in the park is the Golden Ears Summit trail, a demanding 24-kilometer round-trip expedition with 1500 meters of elevation gain that typically takes around 11-12 hours to complete. This hard-rated trail separates casual hikers from serious mountaineers, beginning with a steady climb through dense forest before transitioning through subalpine meadows and finishing with a challenging scramble over rocky terrain to reach the summit.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Golden Ears, British Columbia V0M 1H0, Canada
GPS coordinates
49.3627777, -122.5074999
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at the golden ears is to take the Trans-Canada Highway to exit #122. From there, follow the signs to golden ears Provincial Park.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
49.3627777, -122.5074999
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
22 Reviews
D
David
Feb 18, 2026
Winter conditions transformed this into a more demanding experience than expected. Snow coverage obscured trail markers in several sections, extending the typical timeframe considerably. Only suitable for hikers experienced with winter gear and navigation. The snowy landscape offered stunning beauty, but careful planning and proper equipment are essential for safe passage during colder months.
L
Lisa
Jan 28, 2026
Attempted this during winter conditions which significantly increased the challenge level. Snow coverage made navigation trickier and extended our hiking time considerably. The duration estimates become more accurate when you factor in winter variables. Trail markers can be obscured by snow, so winter hiking experience is essential. Beautiful winter landscapes reward those properly prepared.
J
Jennifer
Nov 5, 2025
A serious undertaking that demands respect and preparation. The 1500m elevation gain tests your endurance significantly, but the well-maintained trail and varied scenery make it worthwhile. Starting early helps you finish with daylight to spare. Layer your clothing as temperature shifts dramatically with altitude. This hike is perfect for building strength and confidence for more ambitious mountain pursuits.
J
James
Nov 3, 2025
A serious physical challenge that rewards committed hikers. The continuous 1500 m elevation gain tests your endurance significantly, but the well-maintained trail and diverse terrain keep motivation high. Starting early morning provided magical changing light throughout the day. Temperature variations with elevation require layering, and this hike serves as excellent training for larger mountain objectives.
S
Sarah
Sep 15, 2025
An epic full-day adventure that exceeded expectations. The 24 km distance felt shorter thanks to stunning scenery and good company. Late spring conditions were ideal with well-maintained trail surfaces throughout. We took a leisurely 9-hour pace with frequent photo stops, and the organized parking situation at the provincial park made logistics straightforward. Definitely planning a return visit.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
1500.00 m
1897.00 m
8h30
No
No
No, the Golden Ears trail is rated as hard difficulty and is not suitable for beginners. With 24 km distance, 1500 m elevation gain, and an estimated 8h30 duration, this trail requires good physical fitness and hiking experience.
Yes, there are fees for both parking and park access at Golden Ears Provincial Park. Check the current rates and payment methods with BC Parks before your visit.
Didn't find your answer?
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Update : June 2026