Golden Ears Park in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, hosts the annual Mountain Festival, an outdoor event that blends spirited celebration with rugged outdoor adventure. At the heart of it is the challenge of the surrounding peaks—especially the trails leading up to Golden Ears Mountain, which invite hikers of all backgrounds to test their limits while soaking in raw, unfiltered wilderness.

The main hiking route to the summit covers approximately 22 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of around 1,700 meters—a substantial climb that demands stamina and focus. The trail unfolds through dense Douglas fir and cedar forests, where you can feel the trees breathe around you and listen to streams daring you onward. As you push higher, the vegetation thins, and the air sharpens. Sweeping views over Alouette Lake and the Fraser Valley open up, giving a practical reward for every upward step.

The terrain varies: expect rocky sections, muddy patches where creeks challenge your footing, and some steep switchbacks that ask for careful pacing. The trail’s variable conditions mean sturdy footwear with good grip is essential. Timing your hike based on weather and daylight is critical; starting early avoids the afternoon heat and leaves ample room for rest stops.

The Festival itself adds life to the park, with gear demos, outdoor workshops, and local mountain culture celebrations that create a practical context for your adventure. It’s a chance to meet experts, learn new skills, and gear up correctly for the mountain’s demands.

Hydration is another practical focus here. The physical exertion can sap energy quickly, so carry at least 2 liters of water. Trail refill points are limited during peak hiking zones. Light, layered clothing will keep you adaptable to shifting mountain temperatures, which cool sharply near the summit even in summer.

Golden Ears Mountain hikes through terrain that’s fiercely itself—challenging yet accommodating, wild yet accessible. It's not a quest to conquer but an engagement to respect, blending physical effort with the attentive appreciation of nature’s shifting moods. The Mountain Festival brings this dynamic to life, making it both a practical and memorable introduction to the region’s outdoor character.