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
Upper Myra Falls
The hike to Upper Myra Falls is a stunning, family-friendly hike in Strathcona Provincial Park. This hike takes you through impressive old growth forest to the beautiful Upper Myra Waterfall. The trail is well maintained and is never too steep, perfect for the whole family.
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Twin Falls and Whaleback
We love the hike to Twin Falls. It’s worth the extra effort to hike up and over Whaleback, one of our favourite places in Yoho. This walk also takes in Twin Falls Chalet, a charming backcountry cabin.
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Lost Lake
Popular among locals, the Lost Lake Hike starts from Whistler Village and brings you to a small yet pretty lake. Views of Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains are plentiful, as is the beauty of the lush West Coast rainforest throughout the trail.
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Lindeman and Greendrop Lakes Trail
The Lindeman and Greendrop Lakes Trail is a 10.9 km out-and-back hiking route in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park that will take hikers through the forest and over stretches of rocky terrain to reach two picturesque woodland lakes. The turquoise waters are likely too cold for swimming, but the scenic views over the water are reward enough for setting out on this technical trail. Both Lindeman and Greendrop lakes offer the opportunity to camp overnight, making this trail perfect for multi-day treks in the backcountry.
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Rainforest Trail
The Rainforest Trail is a 3.2 km circuit through the temperate rainforests near Tofino, BC, that will provide a fun and educational experience. Along the trail, you will find interpretive signs with information about the diverse plant life found in this precious ecosystem. This boardwalk trail is a perfect outing for families and hikers that are interested in their natural surroundings.
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Perley Rock Trail
The Perley Rock Trail is a tough uphill hiking route in Glacier National Park that crosses over several rivers and streams on the way to a ridge that offers a viewpoint over the immense Illecillewaet Glacier. Along the trail, you will experience beautifully scenic views of the valley and surrounding mountains before visiting the glacier for an up-close view of its frosty surface and unique ice caves. Make sure to pack adequate layers, as it can be very chilly up by the glacier.
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Chief Isadore Trail
The Chief Isadore Trail is a 10.3 km point-to-point hiking route that will take you from Ha Ha Creek Road to the town of Wardner along a scenic route that runs parallel to the Kootenay River. Hivers along the trail will experience some amazing views across the valley, including the imposing Bull Mountain and The Steeples to the northeast. This route guide is for a one-way trip only, so hikers will need to either hike the return 10.3 km to their vehicle or arrange a pickup in the town of Warden.
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East Skyline Trail
The East Skyline Trail is a 19.8 km out-and-back hiking route through the forests west of Lightning Lake that will take you on an uphill climb to traverse a ridgeline with amazing views. From here, you will be able to look out over the mountains of E.C. Manning Provincial Park as you traverse the exposed length of the ridge. The initial stretch of this trail is a bit of a grind that can easily be forgotten once you experience the scenic views of the surrounding area.
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Hoodoo Trail
The Hoodoo Trail is a quick 3.2 km out-and-back hiking route south of Invermere, BC, that will take hikers to a cliffside lookout over the headwaters of the Columbia River. From this scenic vantage point, you will have views that stretch across the valley and include nearby mountains, including Fairmont Mountain and Mount De Smet, to the southeast. This trail can become icy later in the season, so make sure to bring microspikes
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Bluenose Mountain Hike
The Bluenose Mountain Hike is the perfect place to hike near Vernon if you want to intertwine heart-pumping exercise with top-notch valley views. Expect to admire the carved-out acreages tucked into the valley while the Monashees line the backdrop at the first view and rolling hills, laden with trees, at the other vantage point. The switchbacks can be challenging, but most families can definitely tackle this one!
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Helmcken Falls Rim Trail
The Helmcken Falls Rim Trail is an 8km out-and-back hiking route that will take you along the edge of the canyon for scenic views of the falls. When measured by its straight drop of 141 m without a break, Helmcken Falls is one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls, making it a must-see if you find yourself in Wells Gray Provincial Park. With well-maintained trails and easy roadside access, this route is perfectly suited for hikers of all skill levels; just make sure to give yourself plenty of space from the edge of the lookout for safety reasons.
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Piper’s Lagoon Park Trail
The trek through Piper’s Lagoon Park follows a 1.8 km lollipop hiking route in Nanaimo, BC, that travels along the coast for some amazing views across the Strait of Georgia. Along the trail, hikers will be able to relax in the wonderful coastal atmosphere with a chance to spot local wildlife like seals and various species of birds. While the trail is family-friendly, it is also a bit rugged, which might make travel difficult for less mobile hikers or families with strollers.
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Port Alberni Inlet Trail
Hiking the Port Alberni Inlet Trail is an amazing experience near Port Alberni that will allow you to experience the rugged terrain and beautiful views along the edge of this lengthy body of water. While out on the trail, you will make your way through vibrant forests along the edge of the water and experience views of passing ships and floating timber along the shoreline. Hikers should take note that this is a point-to-point trail, meaning they will need to either arrange a pick up at the end of the route or backtrack along the trail, increasing the overall distance to a gruelling 40.0 km
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Inland Lake Loop Hike
The Inland Lake Loop is a 12.9 km hiking circuit near Powell River, BC, that will take you around the shores of this beautiful woodland lake. Located in Inland Lake Provincial Park, the trail passes through a scenic stretch of forest and skirts along the edge of the lake to provide amazing views across the water. Made up of relatively easy-to-navigate terrain, this trail makes for a perfect day-hike with little need to physically exert yourself.
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Rivers Trail
The Rivers Trail is a 12.9 km out-and-back hiking route in Kamloops, BC, that follows closely alongside the Thompson River to provide scenic views of the mountainous landscape. The hike borders the Tranquille Wildlife Management Area to the west and passes through the narrow tract of land between the river and the airport, reaching its terminus at Crestline Park. This route features flat, well-maintained trails that are suitable for hikers of all skill levels, including dogs.
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Pulpit Rock & the Flagpole
The Pulpit Rock hike, and the optional extension to the Flagpole, is a great hike when staying in Nelson. Getting to Pulpit Rock is an easy hike, however, the extra elevation to get to the Flagpole make this an intermediate hike. Pulpit rock offers a beautiful panoramic view of the town of Nelson and west arm of Kootenay Lake. If you make the extra trip to Flagpole you can see down the river towards Castlegar. Perfect for an afternoon trip all year round!
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Thetis Lake with McKenzie/Phelps
This pleasant half-day hike around Victoria, BC immerses you in nature without inducing buckets of sweat! Enjoy a charming loop—with a brief out-and-back jaunt along Phelps Trail—along Upper and Lower Thetis Lakes. The calming scenery paired with a low elevation tends to attract joggers, dog walkers, and hikers of all ages.
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Widgeon Falls
Get ready for some paddling fun, since you’ll need to canoe or kayak to reach the starting point for the Widgeon Falls hike. This trail can be a great all-seasons hike, but is especially spectacular in the fall, as the leaves change colour all along the shallow waters of Widgeon Slough.
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Marble Canyon
The Marble Canyon hike in Kootenay National Park is a beautiful hike that follows Marble Canyon, which has been cut by Tokkum Creek. This hike is easily accessible for anyone wishing to get out and enjoy the beauty and power of nature. Several bridges cross over the creek below and really showcase just how much the water has carved deep into the land to create Marble Canyon. This is a great walk in Kootenay NP.
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Augerpoint Beach
The family-friendly walk along Augerpoint Beach is an easy walk in Strathcona Provincial Park. While the hike on Augerpoint is easy, it also yields some of the best highway accessible views in the centre of Strathcona Provincial Park. On sunny days the beach is also a perfect spot to relax, suntan, and swim.
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