5 Hikes for Your Taylor Swift Concert

November 8, 2023

Woman enjoying the beautiful Canadian Winter Landscape during a snowy day. Taken near Squamish and Whistler, North of Vancouver, BC, Canada.

1, 2, 3… Let’s Go Hiking!

Okay Swifties, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: Taylor Swift is coming to Canada in 2024.

It’s time to summon all your folklore fairy forest prowess and immerse yourself in the most enchanted landscapes by heading into the woods. In the days surrounding Taylor Swift’s concerts in Toronto and the newly released Vancouver shows, take some time to clear your mind to be fully present and enjoy the concert that you survived the Ticketmaster Great War for. There’s no better place to get in the zone than out in nature, so we’ve compiled a list of wintery wonderland hikes to combine with your Taylor Swift concert in Toronto (November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23) or Vancouver (December 6, 7 and 8). It’s been a long time coming but finally Canada is getting our turn, it’s our Era!

So summon a hiking buddy/fellow Swiftie, gear up with snowshoes, crampons or winter hiking boots, grab your scarf from your sister’s house and make the friendship bracelets, because ’tis the damn season.

… Are you ready for it?

Grouse Mountain Explore Magazine — Beautiful view of a Gondola during a vibrant winter sunset Taken in Grouse Mountain North Vancouver BC Canada

Grouse Mountain Light Walk, North Vancouver, BC

A dazzling draw for Swifties of all ages, the Grouse Mountain Light Walk elicits scenes from Taylor’s Evermore era, an album associated with winter sentiments and forested landscapes. Much like how the Evermore setlist kicks off with a mesmerizing performance complete with glowing orbs floating atop the stage, the Grouse Mountain Light Walk will leave you wonderstruck with the lights and all you’ll want to do is stay.

Distance: 1.5 km
Time: 30 – 45 minutes
Elevation gain: 20 m
Eras soundtrack for this hike: Evermore

^{Kellie Paxian}

Chilliwack Lake & Lindeman Lake, Chilliwack Provincial Park, Chilliwack, BC

If you’re craving to be taken to the lakes where all the poets went to die… okay thankfully no poets died here that we know of, but you will still get all the mystical Folklore fairy forest vibes in stunning Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park. Take the short walk from the parking lot to admire the lake, nestled amidst old-growth forest and surrounded by majestic snow-covered peaks, easily accessible even in the snow. Or take your hiking buddy’s hand and dive headfirst, fearless into the park’s surrounding trail network such as the 3.4 kilometre hike to Lindeman Lake.

Distance: 3.4 km
Time: 2 hours
Elevation gain: 218 m
Eras soundtrack for this hike: Folklore

Dog Mountain, Mount Seymour, North Vancouver BC

Obviously Taylor Swift will be the most beautiful thing you’ll see all week (/month/year), but the vistas from Dog Mountain will be a close runner-up—you’ll be taken by the view like you were in Paris. You’re likely to pass multiple dogs on the trail and witness snow softly falling on evergreen branches. You will definitely feel like more of a sexy baby than a monster on a hill as you take in the expansive views of the surrounding mountains, Burrard Inlet and the twinkling city skyline in the distance.

Distance: 5.6 km
Time: 1-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 165 m
Eras soundtrack for this hike: Midnights

^{Kellie Paxian}

Vista Trail, Rouge National Urban Park, Toronto, ON

If you’re in Toronto for the Eras concert but are drawing a blank space where you’ll get your nature fix, look no further than Vista Trail in Rouge National Urban Park. With forest, meadows and valley views, this short loop is the perfect outdoor escape just outside of the city. Parts of the trail can get a little slippery when wet so wear proper footwear, but if you do slip and slide a little, try to keep your balance and shake it off.

Distance: 1.3 km loop
Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Eras soundtrack for this hike: 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

^{Conservation Halton}

Track and Tower Trail, Mew Lake, Algonquin Park, ON

Summer may be cruel, but winter can be crueller (in the best way possible) in Ontario’s winter wilderness. Located about a three-hour drive from Toronto (read: three more hours to blast Taylor Swift on your drive), a trip to the wilderness paradise of Algonquin Park is the best way to complete your forest fairy transformation. Rally your lover or friend and make an adventure out of it by staying in one of the campsites or yurts at Mew Lake Campground or one of the park’s 11 backcountry cabins and explore the trail network. You’re sure to have a marvellous time.

Distance: 8 km loop
Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 273 m
Eras soundtrack for this hike: Lover

Swifties, you are now on your way to experiencing the perfect night, happy, free, confused and lonely in the best way, supplemented by some nature therapy to elevate your experience. With these wilderness walks and the ultimate Eras soundtrack, you will have the time of your life.