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
Pierce Lake Trail
Hike along the Pierce Lake Trail to experience a challenging hiking route that will tire out your legs and test your endurance. As you work your way uphill along this 15.8 km out-and-back trail, you will have amazing views over the Fraser Valley before arriving at two picturesque mountain lakes. This area is often used as a backcountry camping spot- just make sure to pack out anything you bring in.
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Brohm Lake Interpretive Forest Loop
The Brohm Lake Interpretive Forest Loop is a scenic trail through the woodlands north of Squamish that allows hikers to explore the area around the lake and visit several viewpoints overlooking the Tantalus Mountain Range. This 8.5 km trail skirts around the northern half of the lake before turning south on a course that runs through the dense forest cover of the Brohm Lake Interpretive Forest. With some moderate changes in elevation and variations in terrain, this route is a great option to explore the amazing trails around Squamish with the added bonus of being able to cap your day off with a refreshing swim.
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5040 Peak
The trek up 5040 Peak is a 6.9 km out-and-back hiking route that will lead you uphill past the serene shores of Cobalt Lake for some breathtaking views across the rugged Vancouver Island landscape. While out on the trail, hikers will experience beautiful forest scenery, charming waterfalls, and stunning alpine views as they work their way alongside the Effingham River towards the rugged summit. Pair this hike with an overnight stay in the ACC 5040 Alpine Hut for a memorable experience up in the mountains.
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Beaver River Trail
The Beaver River Trail is a 22.5 kmout-and-back hiking route that travels into the backcountry of Glacier National Park and provides some amazing views of the nearby mountains. Along the route, you will hike alongside the coursing waters of the river, while catching views of the natural beauty found within the park. This lengthy route is an awesome way to explore Glacier N.P. while building up the experience to try out some of its more difficult hikes.
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Francis Point Lighthouse Trail
The Francis Point Lighthouse Trail is a 2.6 km out-and-back hiking route in Francis Point Provincial Park that will take you through a beautiful grove of arbutus trees and along the coastline to arrive at a small lighthouse beacon. Along the trail, you will experience a tranquil forest setting and have amazing views stretching across the strait to Texada Island. Make sure to wear proper hiking footwear, as some parts of the trail are rocky and can become quite slippery when wet.
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Scatchard Mountain Switchbacks
The Scatchard Mountain Switchbacks follow a 6.6 km out-and-back hiking route in Chase, BC, that can be used year-round due to its popularity with hikers, cross-country skiers, and horseback riders. Along the trail, you will climb up the hillside via a series of switchbacks and experience some amazingly scenic views overlooking Chase, Little Shuswap Lake, and the mountains behind. Although there is a bit of an incline, this trail is great for hikers of almost every skill level.
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Witty’s Lagoon with Tower Point
The family-friendly Witty’s Lagoon hike gives everyone a chance to enjoy a splendid, pleasant day outdoors! Not only that, but the gentle trail will keep kids entertained, thanks to the mighty Sitting Lady Falls and the low tide beach resting just outside the forested path. Bring a picnic, splash in the water, and enjoy basking in nature on this mild out-and-back route.
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Olive Lake
The hike to Olive Lake takes you to a beautiful emerald lake in Kootenay National Park. This hike is located only 13.0 km north of Radium Hot Springs. The trail is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, making this hike a great place to spend time with the whole family. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at the picnic tables near the trail.
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Yoho Lake Hike
Yoho Lake is one of the shorter hikes in Yoho National Park, and it’s a great opportunity to get away from the crowds. You’ll find excellent views of Takakkaw Falls - for those who don’t want to make the trip up to the Iceline Trail - and it finishes at a peaceful backcountry lake. It’s rare to find an easy hike with low crowds, so take advantage of this awesome trail!
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Hardy Falls Hike
The Hardy Falls Hike has you following a series of bridges—eight to be exact—to a waterfall, making it a fun, adventurous outing for everyone! Plus, the almost-zero elevation gain and short 1.0 km distance will help to hinder any cries of “are we there yet?” from your kids. This hike, located in Hardy Falls Regional Park, is a great way for locals and visitors in Peachland, BC, to immerse themselves in nature!
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Mount Slesse Memorial Trail
The Mount Slesse Memorial Trail is a 15.3 km out-and-back hiking route that travels through the dense forest to visit the crash site of Trans Canada Flight 810. This popular hiking route climbs uphill to the memorial where hikers can still see remnants of the 1959 crash before working up to the end of the trail to experience views of Slesse Mountain and Mount Rexford. This trail is perfect for anyone looking to mix in a bit of history with their hike.
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Cat Lake Trail
The Cat Lake Trail is a short 1.4 km hiking route that loops around Cat Lake and offers scenic woodland views. With a short overall distance, easy terrain, and minimal elevation changes, this trail is a perfect hiking option for families with young children that are looking to get out and explore the outdoors. This route is also dog friendly, making it a great place for your best friend to play in the water after a leisurely walk.
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Tonquin Trail
The Tonquin Trail is a 3.2 km out-and-back hiking route near Tofino, BC, that passes through a lovely stretch of forest terrain on the way to several beach lookouts. The trail is primarily made up of well-maintained gravel paths along relatively flat terrain, making it ideal for hikers of all skill levels. Combine this hike with a fun day at the beach or time it perfectly to enjoy a picturesque sunset over the water.
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Bostock Creek Trail
The Bostock Creek Trail is a 15.3 km out-and-back hiking route that climbs uphill alongside the rushing waters of the creek and traverses a mix of terrain that includes forested trails and an alpine meadow. Along this route, hikers will largely be surrounded by a beautiful forest setting, but will be able to catch glimpses of nearby mountains through the tree cover and when they break into the alpine.
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Emerald Lake Circuit
The Emerald Lake circuit is a family-friendly hike packed with amazing scenery. Hiking around Emerald Lake should be on your list of must-do’s on your next trip to the Canadian Rockies. It will be a highlight, trust us!
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Eaton Lake Trail
The Eaton Lake Trail is a difficult out-and-back trail that climbs 11.9 km uphill through the forest to the picturesque landscape around Eaton Lake. In the mirror image reflecting off the lake you will be able to see the majestic frames of nearby Eaton Peak and Mount Grant towering high over the woodland landscape. This awesome trail with scenic views is perfect for a day trip up to the lake on a hot summer day.
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Lone Cone Trail
The Lone Cone Trail is a 5.8 km hiking route on Meares Island that can only be reached by boat from Tofino and offers the chance to get a bird’s eye view over the rugged and beautiful coastal landscape. The trail is a difficult uphill climb through the dense forests that will leave you feeling exhausted and rewarded by the fact that you were able to accomplish the feat. From the summit, you can look out over the blue expanse of the ocean, the numerous islands of the surrounding area, and the city of Tofino far below.
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Avalanche Crest Trail
Hike along the Avalanche Crest Trail to experience beautiful mountain top views and spot many of the frigid glaciers that can be found within Glacier National Park. Along the trail, you will hike through scenic rainforests of cedar and hemlock on the way to an amazing lookout over the alpine landscape. The end of this trail is a bit technical and challenging, but the views along the way are definitely worth the effort.
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Naramata Creek Falls Hike
The Naramata Creek Falls Hike winds through a thick forested area along a semi-maintained trail that forces you to cross the creek two times en route to the roaring waterfall. You can take kids on this hike, but there are few hindrances peppering this trail worth noting, such as poison ivy and roots.
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South Beach Trail
The South Beach Trail is a 1.7 km out-and-back hiking route near Tofino that takes hikers through the thick coastal forest to arrive at several scenic viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The trail leads down to the white sands of South Beach, a secluded oceanside retreat where you can watch large waves crash on the massive rock formations. Certain viewpoints are great for whale-watching and spotting surfers as they ride the waves along Wickaninnish Beach.