Year-round hikes to help you stay in shape & get your hiking fix:

~Brae Island...a nice flat well groomed 4 km trail walk in Fort Langley that follows The Fraser River. Add Fort to Fort to make it longer.
~Burnaby Lake...a nice spongy flat 10 km trail walk that circles the lake crossing a few bridges. There are also a few other trails around to make it shorter or longer.
~Campbell Valley...several short and longer trail walks to choose from. Some with rolling hills.
~Green Timbers...a nice quick trail walk get-a-way right in the city. There are many flat walks you and your best furry buddy can choose from.
~Tynehead...one if my favorite trail walks. Choose the perimeter loop 5 km walk/run/jog that is wide with a few hills or step into the trails that crosses over bridges and has rolling hills ending in a dog park.
~Houston Trail...feels like you are a real 4 km hike. I like to do it twice. It has one nasty butt kicking & thigh burning hill at the end as you loop around.
~Sunny side Urban Forest... A beautiful trail walk that loops around. It is flat and you can do it twice to get a good walk in or add in other trails.
~Quarry Rock...a great hike 4 km without a far drive that takes you up to a beautiful rocky outcrop with an amazing view of Indian Arm & Deep Cove.
~Sasamat Lake...an up to 8 km loop around the lake and over a floating bridge. Add the side trails in to make it this long or just circle the lake for 3.2 km. there are some hills if you go up the side trails.
~Jug Island...a 5.5 km hike that has a few steep sections, stairs and takes you onto a small beach and back to the parking lot.
~Bunzten Lake...Lake View trail walks in the forest and along the river for 5.2 km...there are some hills to keep you fit for the up-coming hiking season.

Just because there is snow on the mountains doesn't mean you can't get out.

Did you ever think of snow shoeing? It's super fun! Check out my safe, snow shoeing trails that are free. It's a way to get up to the mountains and this offers a great workout! I also have safety tips when traveling in the snow.

As always happy & safe trails! Lori Pederson aka Scaredy Cat

Keeping your feet blister free is the most important thing during a hike. Your feet take a lot on. They carry your backpack and you on sometimes un-even, rocky & terrain with roots that sometimes goes on and on. 
Making sure your hiking boots or trail runners fit well is very important. When coming down off the mountain your shoes should be tied tight, almost too tight to provide good support. I have lost toe nails before from my toes pushing against my shoes that did not fit well. If you go to a good shoe store (Atmosphere, MEC, REI are some of my favorites) they will make sure the shoes fit right and are good quality. Some store have a big rock so you can climb up and down to see how your shoes are in different conditions. Expect to pay at least a hundred for good quality shoes (unless you find a good sale but even then I never seem to pay less).
Socks are the next important part of hiking. I wear a long pair of wool hiking socks. Yes my feet are a little hot (you can buy thinner pairs and thicker ones). The reason why they are long and not ankle sock is so I can fold them down and my ankles are protected from my boots rubbing on my exposed skin. I made that mistake once and I was miserable. A good idea if you are prone to blisters is a pair of dry wicking socks under your wool pair. Both socks should fit to your feet. Bring an extra par and small towel. Soak your feet in a fresh body of water at the half way point, dry well and put your dry, clean extra pair on. I also carry a blister kit. 
Blisters are no laughing matter. It can ruin your hike and that's no fun. Follow these few east steps and you can have a great hiking experience. Remember your feet take it all and happy feet equals a happy hike! Happy & safe trails! 
Lori aka Hiking for the Scaredy Cat.