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
Helmcken Falls
Hiking to Helmcken Falls is a quick adventure that will take you along a 1.0 km lollipop route to a viewpoint overlooking the falls. Along the trail, you will pass through a lovely forest setting and experience some amazing views looking out across the gorge to the western escarpment of the Murtle Plateau and the torrenting water of Helmcken Falls. This trail features easily traversable terrain and is well-suited for hikers of all skill levels.
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Hole in the Wall
The Hole in the Wall Trail is a 1.3 km out-and-back hiking route just outside of Port Alberni, BC, that allows hikers to explore a wonderful creekside landscape within a beautiful stretch of West Coast temperate rainforest. Along the short trail, you will be able to relax as you stroll through the peaceful atmosphere of the forest and visit the cascading waterfall that passes through the Hole in the Wall, as well as a tranquil spot along the creek that is adorned with rock cairns. Many people drive by this magical spot everyday to access other areas on the island without even knowing what they have missed, so make sure to stop in the next time you are in the Port Alberni area for a bit of fun exploration.
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Lake Magog Campground to the Niblet Hike
The trail from the Lake Magog Campground to the Niblet is a fairly easy and beautifully scenic hike that will reveal some panoramic views of the surrounding forests, mountains, and lakes of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. While out on the trail, you will hike past several lakes and traverse some tranquil woodland terrain before experiencing unforgettable views of Mount Assiniboine from the Niblet. This is a fantastic hike requiring very little effort for a great payoff.
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Smuggler Cove
The trail to Smuggler Cove is a 3.7 km lollipop hiking route that will take you through the forests of Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park to arrive at a viewpoint overlooking the coast. Along the trail, you will experience a charming forest setting with a wooden boardwalk and breathtaking views across the Strait of Georgia. With relatively easy terrain and picturesque scenery, this scenic hike is sure to be a family favourite where you can create lasting memories on the Sunshine Coast.
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Stake Lake Cartwheel Trail
The Stake Lake Cartwheel Trail is a 2.6 km hiking circuit within McConnell Lake Provincial Park that will take you along the edge of a beautiful woodland lake for some scenic views looking out across the water. Along the trail, you will experience an amazing forest setting of mature trees, as well as charming stretches of grassland meadows that feature wildflowers in the summer months. With flat terrain and gorgeous views, this is a quick hike that can be enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts of any skill level.
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Mount Loki
The Mount Loki hike is a classic West Kootenay Hike. Mount Loki is the highest peak seen from many points along the highway between Nelson and Kaslo, and it towers above its neighbouring mountain tops. Snow covered for most of the year, Mount Loki is conquered only in the height of summer and rewards hikers with unbelievable 360 degree views, far removed from the small towns you came from. From up here, Kootenay Lake is barely noticeable, it feels like you are on top of the world.
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Elfin Lakes
The Elfin Lakes hike is located within Garibaldi Provincial Park, which is a great home base for accessing surrounding hiking destinations. Tackle the hike to two stunning lakes, one of which you can take a refreshing dip in, and enjoy the surrounding subalpine area.
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Sendero Diez Vistas
For a challenging walk around Buntzen Lake, try the Sendero Diez Vistas Trail hike. Find ten incredible viewpoint along the ridge walk, overlooking the North Shore, Burrard Inlet, the Indian Arm and even Vancouver Island.
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Iceline
The Iceline hike is a wonderful trail up past tree line to and along a ridge presenting beautiful vistas across the Yoho Valley of Takakkaw Falls as fast-receding glaciers teeter above you. You can make this longer or shorter depending on your energy.
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Floe Lake
The Floe Lake hike in Kootenay National Park takes you to one of the highlights of the Rockwall Trail – Floe Lake. The initial part of the hike to Floe Lake takes you through a burnt forest with stunning views and lots of wildflowers. As the trail steepens, you switchback your way up to the stunning vistas and gorgeous Floe Lake - which is perfect for a well-deserved cool down after a big hike!
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Bedwell Lake
The hike to Bedwell Lake is one of the best maintained trails in Strathcona Provincial Park. The hike up to Baby Bedwell and onto Bedwell Lakes is made easier by the highly engineered bridges, staircases and boardwalks. The views of Big Interior Peak and Mt Tom Taylor amidst the stunning ambiance of Bedwell Lakes is nothing short of fantastic. This is a great hike!
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Nairn Falls Trail
The Nairn Falls hike is a 2.6 km out-and-back route through Nairn Falls Provincial Park that follows closely along the banks of the Green River and ends up at the picturesque falls. This short trail will take hikers along a forested trail within earshot of the rushing waters of the river and visit several vantage points overlooking the cascading falls. This scenic route just off the highway is a great hiking option that the entire family will enjoy.
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Bridal Veil Falls
The hike to Bridal Veil Falls is a very short 1.0 km out-and-back hiking route that passes through the dense forests of Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park on the way to see the cascading water of the falls. Due to the short distance of the hike and minimal elevation gain, this hike is an extremely popular outdoor destination for families and hikers of all skill levels. Even if you are just passing through the area, this is a quick detour that you won’t want to miss.
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Wild Pacific Trail – Lighthouse Loop
The Wild Pacific Trail – Lighthouse Loop is a fantastic hiking route near Ucluelet, BC, that offers several beach access points, breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, and the chance to visit a functional lighthouse. This 2.9 km trail is well-maintained and features no stairs or steep sections, making it ideal for hikers of all skill and mobility levels. This hike is perfect for those who love scenic ocean views, hanging out by the beach, or visiting historical sites.
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Abbott Ridge Trail
The Abbott Ridge Trail is a 15.9 km out-and-back route in Glacier National Park that will take you on a tough uphill climb to witness awesome views from atop the ridge. Visit the pristine waters of Marion Lake before pushing on to the ridgeline, where you will have a vantage point over the entire alpine valley. This trail is known for having some of the best views in the entire park.
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Grouse Grind Trail
The Grouse Grind Trail is a physically demanding route in North Vancouver that attracts over 150,000 hikers annually. Affectionately known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” this short 2.9 km hike has an elevation gain of 789 m, meaning you will need to be on top of your strength and endurance game to enjoy the spectacular views from the summit of Grouse Mountain!
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Skunk Cabbage Trail
Hiking along the Skunk Cabbage Trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park is a short but fun experience that the entire family will be sure to love. The trail traverses some flat terrain and a boardwalk through a lush wetland area that is brimming with different types of local vegetation. Make sure to spend some time reading the informative signs that can be found along the length of the trail.
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Gorman Lake Trail
The Gorman Lake Trail is a 5.8 km out-and-back hiking route through a beautiful alpine valley west of Golden, BC, that ends at the picturesque edge of Gorman Lake. The trail itself isn’t very difficult; however, the drive up to the trailhead is challenging, so make sure you have a 4x4/high clearance vehicle for the trip. If you can successfully reach the lake, the stunning views and relaxing atmosphere are sure to make you forget all about the trouble of getting there.
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Mount Proctor Trail
The Mount Proctor Trail is a challenging 15.6 km loop route in Fernie, BC, that will take hikers on a steep uphill climb to the summit. This route is physically demanding and climbs along some exposed sections of the trail, making it more suitable for experienced hikers than beginners. From the summit, you will be able to enjoy fantastic views overlooking the Fernie area, including a sightline over the valley and the beautiful Three Sisters Peak to the northwest and Mount Fernie to the southwest.
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Ram Creek Hot Springs
Hiking to the Ram Creek Hot Springs will take you on an 11.1 km out-and-back trail that runs along a forest service road to the Ram Creek Ecological Reserve. Here, hikers will find a series of relaxing thermal pools in which they can submerge themselves and take in the beautiful mountain scenery. The road into the trailhead is a bit treacherous but you will forget all about the rough journey and reconnect with the outdoors once you reach the hot springs.