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
Old Coach Trail
The Old Coach Road Loop is a 4.7 km hiking route near Invermere, BC, that follows along the Columbia Escarpment and provides a great sightline across the valley. The trail is relatively flat and made up of easy terrain, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels. Bring some binoculars for the chance to view some wildlife along the Columbia River below the bluff.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mel DeAnna Trail Loop
The Mel DeAnna Trail Loop is a 5.3 km hiking route near Castlegar, BC, that loops through the forest to visit the shores of a marshy woodland lake. The trail features interpretive signs that provide information on the surrounding area, as well as a good variety of terrain that includes forested paths, rocky sections of trail, stairs, and wet areas of marsh around the lake. This family-friendly trail is suitable for hikers of almost every skill level and the interesting terrain will make it feel like a full-on adventure for anyone travelling with kids.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
King’s Peak
The trek up to King’s Peak is a challenging 14.2 km hiking route that will take you across a variety of terrain to reach the amazing viewpoint at the summit. Along the trail, you will hike through dense forests, beautiful valleys and traverse rugged mountain terrain to reach the final destination. From the summit, hikers will have amazing views looking out over the Strathcona high country.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mary’s Lunch Room
The Mary’s Lunch Room trail is an 11.4 km hiking circuit just outside of Kimberley, BC, that winds through the dense forests of the Kimberley Nature Park to arrive at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Rocky Mountains. Along the way, hikers can expect well-maintained trails, a tranquil forest setting, and amazing views that sweep across the valley. Remember to bring bear spray and make plenty of noise along the trail, as black bears are frequently spotted in the area.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mount Hunter Lookout Trail
Hiking the Mount Hunter Lookout Trail is a fun but challenging experience in Yoho National Park that will take you up to a scenic vantage point along the slopes of Mount Hunter. Parts of this trail are a bit overgrown in the initial stages; however, after a bit of light bushwhacking you will come out onto a well travelled route leading sharply uphill to the summit. Although it is a tough journey, this hike will produce some breathtaking views overlooking the majestic mountains of Yoho National Park.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Little Huson Caves
Hiking to the Little Huson Caves is a short adventure that will take you through the forest to explore a series of naturally occurring karst caves in the rugged Vancouver Island landscape. This quick 0.8 km out-and-back hiking route is well-maintained and lets you get up close and personal with the caves, making it an ideal excursion for hikers of all skill levels, especially families with young children. For little required effort, this hidden gem of a trail is an amazing outdoor adventure that you won’t soon forget.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mount Mulligan Trail
Hiking along the Mount Mulligan Trail is a difficult affair due to the steep incline of the route, but this is offset by the amazing views that hikers will find on the summit. This 15.3 km hiking route climbs uphill along a forest service road and through the forest cover to provide a manageable path to the top of the peak. From there, you will have a commanding view over the Squamish Valley and its surrounding mountainous landscape.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Florence Lake
The hike around Florence Lake follows a 3.1 km out-and-back route in Langford that travels around the southern edge of a quaint woodland lake. In addition to the nice scenery surrounding the calm waters of the lake, hikers will likely be able to spot the various bird species that call the area home. Made up largely of sidewalks and a boardwalk, this is an easy hike that can be utilized by hikers of every skill level.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Grizzly Den Trail
The Grizzly Den Trail immerses you in the ultimate backcountry setting, where wild, untamed scenery transports you to another world that magically keeps out the stress and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This walk is moderately challenging and takes you past two cabins; both are available for booking through the PGBRS website—and it’s super inexpensive to stay in one of these cabins for a night.
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Ferguson Lake Interpretive Trail
The Ferguson Lake Interpretive Trail circumnavigates a calm lake flanked by a scenic, wild setting! Enjoy walking under canopies of trees while you soak in lakefront views. This walk remains relatively quiet, making it an easy outdoorsy escape.
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Bear Lake Trail
The Bear Lake Trail makes for the ultimate summer-ready, family-friendly adventure. On a sizzling summer day, head to this short but sweet trail and circumnavigate a wild lake before picking a spot on the 460 m stretch of sandy beach to spend the rest of the day. Enjoy the picnic tables, firepits, and motorboat-free water.
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Hixon Falls Trail
Gather the entire family, hop in the car, and make the worthwhile road trip to Hixon Falls, where an incredible, 30 m waterfall tumbles into a deep pool below. In the summer, bring your bathing suit and spend some time relaxing in the water! The Hixon Falls Trail is definitely a fun, memorable outdoorsy adventure.
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Cottonwood Island Loop Trail
The Cottonwood Island Loop Trail is a lighthearted family-friendly adventure that takes you around Cottonwood Island Park, passing along soothing riverside views, tree carvings, and a scenic railroad track!
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Teapot Mountain Trail
The Teapot Mountain Trail may be short, but some steep sections elevate its ranking from easy to moderate. However, the huffing and puffing comes with a remarkable reward! Revel in stunning views of Summit Lake shimmering below once you reach the top.
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Raven Lake and Ridge Trail
Craving an epic hike near Prince George? Look no further than the incredible Raven Lake and Ridge Trail, which immerses you in a wildly scenic, featuring a remote lake and a phenomenal ridge walk, where stunning views of the valley fading in the horizon await.
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Ancient Forest Trail
The Ancient Forest Trail is a boardwalk route granting up-close views of a historic rainforest in BC's Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park. This new BC park boasts three trails, with two easier trails, Ancient Forest Trail (or Ancient Forest Boardwalk Trail) and Universal Access Trail, a wheelchair-accessible route, and one challenging 15.5 km route Driscoll Ridge Trail. The Ancient Forest Trail may be open year-round, but double-check this information for possible closures or unsafe conditions before travelling here during winter.
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Shane Lake Loop
The Shane Lake Loop is one of the many adventures in Prince George’s Forest for the World park, where 18.0 km of trails carve through 1.5 square kilometres, making it easy to extend your walk and create your own exploration!
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Greenway Trail to Shane Lake Hike
The Greenway Trail to Shane Lake Hike is an easygoing lollipop-styled route in Prince George’s Forests for the World. Here, you can find 18.0 km of trails, making it fun to get “lost” and spend a whole day exploring the area. Or, if you aren’t in the mood to veer from a route guide, you can follow our GPS and revel in stunning views of Shane Lake and beyond!
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Blackcomb Peak Hike
The hike up to Blackcomb Peak is an amazing day hike from Whistler Village that climbs uphill along a ski run to summit the iconic peak. Hikers will need to make their way up to the trailhead, either by trail or gondola, to set out on a path along the Green Line toward the summit. From there, you will traverse a rocky ridgeline and experience stunning panoramic mountain top views.
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Alta Lake Hiking Loop
Tracing along the edges of Whistler’s largest lake, the Alta Lake Hiking Loop is a 7.2 km trail that passes through a residential area of beautifully constructed homes before working around the lake to provide stunning views of the surrounding area. Make your way around the pristine waters of the lake and take in the scenic mountainous backdrop from one of the many docks located along its shores or rent a boat to get out and enjoy the water. This trail is only a short distance from Whistler Village and offers access to a number of fun outdoor activities.