Mount Frosty Trailhead, Manning Park

"Type: Hike Level: Moderate-Hard Bus: No We are definitely breaking the 1.5h drive limit from Vancouver, with this park being 2.5-3h away from the city. But trust me, it's a must do for the Fall season! It's the closest place from Vancouver to see golden larches, that you are more likely to see in the Rockies. For this reason, it's a very popular hike, so plan to leave early, as parking can already be full by 8:30am! You must know that this is a very LONG hike (20km) with a significant elevation gain. For the most part it's not particularly technical or extremely steep, but there is definitely a steady incline all the way. The section where you can see the larches, also called the meadows, is only starting after 3/4 of the trail is behind you. But after you reach it, it's a real fall wonderland with thousands of larches everywhere! If you feel like going all the way to the top of Frosty Mountain, it becomes more like scrambling than hiking, and a bit sketchy with loose rocks. To me the best part is about the larches, so I didn't mind turning around without making it to the top! A great thing about this hike is that "the journey is the destination". You're not hiking for a specific viewpoint at the end of a trail, as all the trail is filled with beautiful views all around."