Hikes in British Columbia
Beautiful British Columbia is a great place for a hiking holiday. Fly into Vancouver and from there explore everything from the rugged BC coast to the interior mountain peaks. In between, stop for a glass of wine in the vineyards of the Okanagan or some lake kayaking on one of the great lakes of the BC interior.
BC has a little bit of everything for visitors. There are stunning coastal walks on Vancouver Island and near Vancouver, where you can also combine some sea kayaking. Surfers flock to the village of Tofino, for big waves surrounded by forests.
In winter, BC is home to great ski resorts. Famed for the light champagne powder that falls here, you can choose world-class Whistler or any number of smaller regional resorts, all of which boast great ski terrain and wonderful, fun little towns nearby. Consider a trip ski touring or snowshoeing while in the mountains, a great way to enjoy some serenity in a busy world.
Summer sees hikers, climbers and mountain bikers descend on the BC mountains. Famous mountain ranges, like the Island Alps, Coast Mountains, Monashees, Purcells, Selkirks and Rockies provide enormous opportunities to explore. Many of these mountains are crossed by only a single road, providing the ability to truly get off-grid and explore.
20 Greatest Hikes in British Columbia
British Columbia may be one of the most beautiful hiking destinations on earth! With countless options, there is something for everyone regardless of skill level, time or fitness level. From family-friendly hikes, to post-work jaunts, to epic, multi-day hikes, British Columbia has it all in terms of stunning trails.
- Elfin Lakes: Find this popular trail within Garibaldi Provincial Park, as you traverse to two pristine lakes perfect for an alpine dip.
- Jocelyn Hill from Caleb Pike: This underrated trail is a moderately challenging, but immensely rewarding climb. Follow the path as it undulates up and down to Holmes Peak, then steeply climbs to breathtaking Saanich Arm— our favourite spot for an epic picnic.
- Elk Lake: This family-friendly trail weaves in and around glistening Beaver Lake for a picturesque walk. Continue through scenic and shaded woodlands before spotting stunning Elk Lake off in the distance.
- Fry Creek Canyon: If you’re looking to hike in B.C during the shoulder season, Fry Creek Canyon is the perfect spot. Pass by beaches, canyons and forests on this unique trail hiking through varying landscapes.
- Kokanee Glacier Cabin: This epic hike makes for a great overnight trip with older children to experience the magic of the Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. Snuggle up in a cabin overnight, then spend the next day exploring the surrounding wildflower fields and wilderness.
- Panorama Ridge Hike: Making for an ideal long day or multi-day hike, this trail will provide ridge views you’ll never forget. Prepare for lots of switchbacks, wildflower fields and alpine meadows on this unforgettable adventure.
- Lake O'Hara All Souls Route: This is one of the standout hikes located directly in the Canadian Rocky Mountains! This circuit trail passes beautiful lakes and amazing views from the ridgeline, all kept pristine by the limited access to the trail.
- Stawamus Chief: One of the most popular hikes in the Squamish area, this is a can’t miss hike! With multiple peaks, this trail is perfect for hikers of all skill levels and rewarding views regardless of which peak you choose to summit.
- Mount Loki: Prepare for an incredible challenging feat at Mount Loki, the highest peak seen from the highway between Nelson and Kaslo. This mountain is only to be hiked during the summer season and offers 360 degree views as far as the eye can see.
- Capilano River Regional Park: For an easy, but beautiful urban hike, check out Metro Vancouver's oldest park. With multiple trails spanning over the beautiful Capilano Canyon, this stroller-friendly trail makes for a quick, but adventurous day spent in nature.
- Widgeon Falls: This epic hike starts out with a canoe or kayak paddle to reach the starting point. Widgeon Falls is especially spectacular during the fall season with leaves dazzling in brilliant colour.
- Macbeth Icefield: Set out on an incredibly challenging, but rewarding hike traversing through forests, staircases, rockface and marshland--all with the icefield towering above.
- Emerald Lake Circuit: Perfect for families, this quick 1-2 hour hike features a B.C. highlight-- kool-aid blue Emerald Lake. Be sure to have your camera ready, you’ll want to grab a snap or two at this picturesque spot.
- Black Tusk: This long and arduous journey will take you up one of Whistler’s famous mountain peaks--the Black Tusk. From the top, revel in the views over Garibaldi Provincial Park and down to Garibaldi Lake.
- Jug Island: Perfect for those with older-children (we’d avoid strollers on this one!), Jug Island offers plenty of shoreline to explore. With picturesque coves surrounding the island and a fantastic beach for a dip--this trail is an ideal summer hiking spot.
- Brandywine Falls Hike: Those looking for a quick and easy hike in Whistler or those who are new to hiking will love this trail. In just a short walk from the parking lot, hikers can take in a cascading waterfall that feeds into Daisy Lake below.
- Mount Finlayson: This short, but steep hike will have you sweating for a quick cardio challenge! Prepare for a bit of scramble on all fours, but that’s half of what makes this trail so fun.
- Mt. Albert Edward: This dramatic ridge is an iconic view from Mt Washington ski hill and only the most daring hikers should take on this gargantuan mountain. Set out on a full day's climb to reach the peak, but find mesmerizing views over all of Strathcona Park.
- Dog Mountain: This incredibly popular trail is known for its easy grade and stunning views. A win-win combination! Push onwards to the tip top of the mountain to spot Mount Baker, the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland, Stanley Park and the Strait of Georgia.
- Howe Sound Crest Trail: Arguably one of the best trails in the Vancouver area, if not all of B.C., this incredible hike takes on average two days to complete-- but it’s plenty worth it for the multiple peaks you’ll conquer.
When is the Best Time to Hike in British Columbia
British Columbia is beautiful across multiple seasons, but the best time for hiking is during the warmer and drier months of April through October. While trails are at their most beautiful during the summer months, they’re also often flooded with tourists. Our favourite time is the shoulder seasons, spring and fall, which offer beautiful temperatures and no crowds.
Best Regions to Hike in British Columbia
British Columbia is bursting with stunning locations for avid hikers to lace up their boots. Kootenay National Park is one of the locations that make up the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site and is popular for good reason. Here, you’ll find countless natural attractions that are a feast for the eyes. Squamish is easily accessible, just a skip, hop and a jump from both Vancouver and Whistler. With multiple mountain ranges, there are plenty of options for all skill levels in this adventurous town.
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, Strathcona Provincial Park is a hidden gem located on Vancouver Island, home to a pristine chain of mountains and lakes. And if you’re short on time or want to keep close to the big city, just East of Vancouver is the new hotspot for hiking with plenty of famed parks in close proximity. For hidden coves and beaches to watch the sunset from, the North Shore is home to stunning waterfront trails.
Visiting B.C’s capital city? Victoria offers plenty of rugged trails. For exceptional hiking, the mountain towns of West Kootenays are a must visit. And for a lesser explored destination in the Rocky Mountains, Yoho National Park offers peace and tranquility far from the crowds.
Other Activities in British Columbia
British Columbia is an outdoor adventure playground, with endless opportunities to experience the natural beauty of Canada. From rock climbing to hiking, backpacking, road biking, mountain biking and horseback riding, there’s something for everyone. If you’re more into the winter sports, British Columbia is home to plenty of world-class ski resorts where you can practice everything from downhill skiing, backcountry skiing, snowboarding…or even just dabbling in the après ski life.
British Columbia's Adventure Tours
If you’d rather skip the headache of planning your own trip, why not let 10Adventures help? With our wide-range of tours in British Columbia, all you have to do is pack your bag—the rest is taken care of! From fresh powder ski safaris to trekking the remote rocky mountains, our 10Adventure tour options are guaranteed to be epic and worry-free.
How to Plan a Trip to British Columbia
Convinced you need to hit the trails in beautiful British Columbia? We’ve got you covered with our complete guides on planning a trip to B.C, outlining the best spots across the province for food and a pint (or two), cozy hotels, and fun activities to fill your day. From Squamish, to The West Kootenays, to Kananaskis Country, to Strathcona Provincial Park, to Whistler, to Yoho National Park, to Victoria—we took out all the guesswork, leaving more time for daydreaming.
Hiking regions in British Columbia
- Courtenay (10)
- E.C. Manning Provincial Park (9)
- East Kootenays (51)
- East of Vancouver (49)
- Fernie (24)
- Fraser Valley (62)
- Glacier National Park, BC (17)
- Golden (21)
- Invermere (28)
- Kootenay National Park (15)
- Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park (9)
- Mount Revelstoke National Park (22)
- Nanaimo (21)
- North Shore (61)
- North Thompson Valley (36)
- North Vancouver Island (15)
- Okanagan Valley (47)
- Pemberton (14)
- Port Alberni (15)
- Prince George (10)
- Squamish (35)
- Strathcona Provincial Park (28)
- Sunshine Coast (55)
- Tofino (20)
- Victoria (32)
- Wells Gray Provincial Park (18)
- West Kootenays (52)
- Whistler (45)
- Yoho National Park (31)
Best Hikes in British Columbia
Hike to Rohr Lake
The hike to Rohr Lake is a fun 8.5 km out-and-back trail that traverses a variety of terrain, including flat service roads, dirt trails, and boulder fields to access the lake. Along the path, you’ll pass through a beautiful stretch of forest before crossing over a technical boulder field to arrive at the turquoise water of Rohr Lake and the surrounding mountains. This is a moderate hiking route near Pemberton that will provide hours of outdoor fun.
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Teapot Hill
Hiking along the trail to Teapot Hill is a unique experience due to the numerous old tea sets that adorn the side of the path. The 4.8 km route climbs through the forest and provides educational signs about the flora and fauna of the area before summiting the stout hill. Along the trail there are several scenic lookouts with views of Cultus Lake and the Canada/United States border.
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Willowbrae Trail to Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a beautifully scenic stretch of beach near Tofino, BC, that can be accessed through a 4.2 km trail through the forest. The route is mainly made up of wooden boardwalks and features many stairs on the descent to the beach. Because of this, hikers with limited mobility might find this route difficult to traverse.
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Hemlock Grove Boardwalk
Stroll along the well-maintained paths of the Hemlock Grove Boardwalk to experience the scenic woodland views that can be found within Glacier National Park. Along this fun interpretive trail, you will have access to a host of information on the plants and animals that can be found in the area, including the cedar and hemlock trees that give the trail their name. This short trail is great for roadside stops or as an add-on for other hikes in the area.
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Mount Stevens and Teepee Mountain
The trek to Mount Stevens and Teepee Mountain is a steep 13.5 km out-and-back hiking route east of Wasa, BC, that will take you through the scenic alpine terrain to traverse these two majestic summits. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time for this hike and bring lots of water, as the steep incline is relentless, offering little in the way of easy terrain to catch your breath. As the road into the trailhead is very rough, only make the journey with a 4x4 high clearance vehicle.
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Poland Lake Trail
The Poland Lake Trail is a 14.5 km out-and-back hiking route in E.C. Manning Provincial Park that takes you on a steady uphill climb through meadows and woodlands to a scenic lakeside spot. Along the trail you will see beautiful wildflowers and rugged mountain peaks and have the opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters of the lake. Hikers will also be able to take advantage of the campsite beside Poland Lake for a great weekend of outdoor living in the backcountry.
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Lower Bugaboo Falls
Lower Bugaboo Falls is a 2.6 km out-and-back hiking route northwest of Invermere that will allow hikers to experience the beauty and power of this majestic waterfall. This is a quick hike along easy terrain; however, there are some steep drop-offs along the trail, so watch your footing and keep an eye on children. Make sure to arrive early, as parking at the trailhead is limited, and the narrow trail can become quite busy during peak hours.
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Sugarloaf Mountain Hike
Not many tourists know about the Sugarloaf Mountain Hike, making it a phenomenal, quiet hiking option for anyone seeking a scenic, secluded walk to an overlook of the shimmering Okanagan Lake and the valley sprawled below. Even though we’re bringing this hike to light now, we bet that you still won’t encounter a lot of people on the trail!
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Numa Creek Trail
Hiking the Numa Creek Trail is a great adventure in Kootenay National Park that will take you past a number of scenic highlights on the way to the Numa Creek Campground. While out on the trail, you will pass by the rushing waters of the Numa Falls and hike alongside Numa Creek, as you work your way in between dramatic mountain peaks for stunning views of the rugged landscape. This is a great day-hike with easy access from Highway BC-93.
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Bailey’s Chute
The trek to Bailey’s Chute follows a 1.3 km out-and-back hiking route that will take you along the edge of the Clearwater River to a waterfall with rapids. Along the trail, you will be able to experience a peaceful forest setting that contrasts with the powerful river before taking in the sights of the torrenting water crashing over the rocks. For very little effort, this is an amazingly scenic route that can be enjoyed by hikers of every skill level.
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Nanaimo River Trail
The Nanaimo River Trail follows a 2.7 km lollipop hiking route along the edge of the coursing river that will provide hikers with some decent opportunities to look out of the water and the surrounding woodland landscape. Along the trail, hikers will be immersed in a fantastic forest setting and the low volume of foot traffic will make you feel like you have the entire area to yourself. With flat and very well-maintained trails, this route is perfectly suited for hikers of every skill level.
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Alberni Valley Lookout Trail
The Alberni Valley Lookout Trail is a great family-friendly adventure on Vancouver Island that will see you make your way up the hillside for views of the Alberni Valley. While it isn’t the most challenging route, this charming forest hike makes for a pleasant afternoon on the trails with the family. Although steep in some areas, this trail follows a logging road, making it easy to navigate all of the way until the end.
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Battle Bluff Trail
The Battle Bluff Trail is a 5.3 km out-and-back hiking route in Kamloops, BC that will take you uphill to a rocky bluff with some amazing views overlooking Kamloops Lake and the North Thompson Valley. Although the route does have some steep sections, overall, it is a pleasant hike with well-maintained trails that make it perfect for a family-friendly excursion with some scenic views. This trail is also dog-friendly, meaning that you won’t need to leave your canine companions at home while the rest of the family is out exploring the beautiful outdoors.
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Og Lake Trail
The hike to Og Lake is a great activity within Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park that will take you from the Assiniboine Lodge to the shores of the charming lake. While out on the trail, you will pass through scenic meadows and experience views of the dramatic mountain peaks that characterize the park. This is a fantastic trail to complete on a rest day between more challenging hikes.
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Soames Hill Loop Hike
The Soames Hill Loop is a 2.6 km lollipop hiking route in Gibsons, BC, that climbs uphill to a lookout over Howe Sound. From the summit of the hill, you will have an amazing view across the water to Keats Island, Bowen Island, and mainland British Columbia in the distance. There are a number of stairs along the route, which may restrict usage of this trail for less-mobile hikers.
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Fry Creek Canyon
The Fry Creek Canyon hike is a great shoulder season hike through the impressive Fry Creek Canyon. The canyon itself is impressive and can be followed for as long as you like, although it was partly washed out in 2018. There are plenty of options to explore the beaches, forest and canyon on this hike and head off trail.
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Squamish Smoke Bluffs
Find over 400 granite climbing routes and peaceful trails at Squamish Smoke Bluffs Park. Set out on a hike that is ideal for a family-fun outing, with views overlooking Squamish and Howe Sound. With multiple trails to choose from, you can make your adventure as long or short as you’d like!
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Steelhead Falls
The Steelhead Falls hike is an ideal year-round trail with little to no snow due to the low elevation. The waterfall is spectacular and has upper and lower viewing platforms, making the Steelhead Falls a great option for families and solo hikers alike
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Paint Pots
The Paint Pots hike in Kootenay National Park is a great hike to do with your kids. Located a 40-minute drive from the town of Banff, this is a picturesque walk for those who want great views without all the effort. The yellow pools are an interesting site to see and were culturally significant to the aboriginals in the area.
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Hanes Valley
The Hanes Valley Trail hike makes for a hard and strenuous day, but the view at the top will make it all worth it. Starting from Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, you’ll travel past steep valleys, glistening lakes and wildflower fields to reach the top of Grouse Mountain.
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