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
Conrad Kain Hut Trail
The Conrad Kain Hut Trail is a 9.0 km out-and-back hiking route near Invermere, BC, that climbs through beautiful forests and over steep rocky terrain to visit the Conrad Kain Hut and the Applebee Dome Campground. Along this hike, you will be blown away by the absolutely breathtaking views of the rugged peaks, spires, and glaciers that make up the surrounding alpine landscape. For an unforgettable overnight trip, try reserving a spot at the hut to spend the night up in the mountains.
User Ratings
Twin Lakes Hike
The Twin Lakes Hike, carved in the Monashees in the North Okanagan, is a must-do hike if you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast! If you’re staying in Vernon or Kelowna, you will have to drive slightly further than the more popular tourist hikes stretched across the Okanagan Valley. Still, the unreal view of the intimidating mountains surrounding glistening lakes makes the entire drive (and intense walk up) so worth it.
User Ratings
Nymph Falls Trail
The Nymph Falls Trail is a 2.6 km lollipop hiking route just west of Courtenay, BC that will take you through an amazing example of West Coast temperate rainforest to eventually reach a viewpoint overlooking a cascading waterfall. In addition to the scenic views of the falls, along the trail you will meander past a variety of plant life, including large moss-covered trees, different species of wild mushroom, and copious vibrant green ferns scattered across the forest floor. With easy to navigate trails and spectacular views, this is the perfect trail for a day trip with the entire family.
User Ratings
Spahat Falls
The trek to Spahats Falls follows a 3.1 km out-and-back trail that will take you along the edge of a canyon to reach several viewpoints overlooking the waterfall. Along the trail, you will experience a serene forest setting, views across the Clearwater Valley, and of course the two-tiered waterfall that stands at roughly 75 m tall. If you aren’t looking to complete the entire hike, you can utilize the main parking lot for a shorter trip to the viewpoint overlooking the falls.
User Ratings
Ammonite Falls Regional Trail
The Ammonite Falls Regional Trail is a 5.0 km out-and-back hiking route west of Nanaimo, BC that features a wonderfully scenic forest environment and a cascading waterfall. The trail itself is made up of well-maintained pathways that are wide and easy to navigate, making this route ideal for hikers of almost every skill level. Be prepared for a bit of climbing if you want to reach the falls, as there are ropes to help you descend to the water’s edge.
User Ratings
Little Qualicum Falls Trail
Hiking to the Little Qualicum Falls is a family-family adventure that follows a 2.9 km out-and-back trail through the forests east of Port Alberni. Along the trail, hikers will be immersed in an amazing example of the West Coast temperate rainforest before arriving at a scenic gorge along the Little Qualicum River with views of the gushing falls. With flat, well-maintained, and easy-to-navigate trails, this route is perfectly suited for adventurers of all skill levels and ages.
User Ratings
Kinsol Trestle Trail
The Kinsol Trestle Trail is a 3.4 km out-and-back hiking route near Victoria, BC, that will allow you to visit the historical site of the British Commonwealth’s tallest railway trestle. Standing at 44 m tall and spanning 187.0 km across the Koksilah River, the trestle is a true engineering marvel that will surely leave you in awe. The trail leading to and across the trestle is well-maintained and surrounded by picnic areas, making it perfectly suitable for hikers of all skill levels to enjoy a fun day outdoors.
User Ratings
The Niblet & Nublet from Assiniboine Lodge Trail
At only 6.4 km, the hike to the Niblet & Nublet from Assiniboine Lodge is a fairly short adventure that will produce some truly amazing views. While out on the trail, you will pass through the peaceful atmosphere of the woodlands and meadows of the area before climbing uphill along a small ridge for views of nearby peaks. There are several other routes that lead up Nub Peak; however, this one is the most direct.
User Ratings
Skookumchuck Narrows
The Skookumchuck Narrows trail is a 7.7 km out-and-back hiking route within Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park that will take you from the town of Egmont to a scenic viewpoint looking out over the Sechelt Islets and the rushing water of the narrows. Along the trail, you will experience an amazing forest setting and pass by the calm waters of Brown Lake before arriving at the viewpoints overlooking violent rapids and swirling whirlpools. Make sure to time your hike with the tide for the best viewing experience along this unique stretch of water.
User Ratings
Margaret Falls Upper Loop Trail
The Margaret Falls Upper Loop is a 5.5 km hiking circuit in Herald Provincial Park that climbs uphill through the forest along Reinecker Creek and offers some amazing views of the falls. Along the trail, you will experience a scenic forest setting filled with mature trees and other types of vegetation, as well as some amazing views of Margaret Falls and Shuswap Lake. This route is made up of wide paths that are well maintained, so while some stretches are a bit steep, they are easily manageable for hikers of most skill levels.
User Ratings
East Sooke Coast Trail
While the East Sook Coast hike is relatively close to Victoria, it still totally immerses you in the wild. Animals dot the land, the salty Pacific Ocean breeze is in the air, and the views stagger throughout the hike, whether you're snaking through the forest or walking along the rugged shoreline. You may have to do some Class 2 scrambling to get up some rocks, but it’s all a part of the adventure, right?
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Watersprite Lake
Discover what was once considered the hidden gem of the Squamish area on the Watersprite Lake hike. Here, you’ll find a draw-dropping lake with pristine, turquoise waters, surrounded by picturesque peaks.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Gold Creek Falls
Gold Creek Falls hike is a great walk for those camping nearby in Golden Ears Provincial Park or visiting Alouette Lake. With an easy, well-maintained path leading to a beautiful waterfall, this makes for a great family hike.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Jumbo Pass and Horseshoe Glacier
The Jumbo Pass hike is spectacular. Jumbo Pass, famous from Patagonia’s Jumbo Valley documentary and the indigenous history of the Northern Purcell Range, is one of the last remaining wild mountain ranges in B.C. On the hike to Jumbo Pass you can expect to see a stunning valley full of glaciers, meadows and mountain peaks. It is an extremely beautiful place to hike.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Ball Pass
Perhaps the most underrated hike in the entire Canadian Rockies is the Ball Pass hike in Kootenay National Park. This hike goes up along Hawk Creek and is perfect for a challenging day hike. Head up to Ball Pass through a rugged and exposed regrowth forest with a lovely mountain meadow as a destination. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views and then head back or make it an overnight and continue to Shadow Lodge or Ball Pass Campground.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mt Albert Edward
The Mt Albert Edward hike is commonly seen from the Mt Washington ski hill. The dramatic sloping south ridge and sharp north point of Mt. Albert Edward has become an iconic part of Vancouver Island hiking, climbing, and skiing history. At the very edge of Forbidden Plateau, this enchanting summit can be hiked in a very long day, but don’t worry, the view from the top looking into the heart of Strathcona Park is well worth the climb!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Garibaldi Lake Hike
The beauty of the blue of Garibaldi Lake is hard to overstate. The reflection of snow-capped peaks and glaciers in the twinkling teal water is deeply inspiring. This is one of the best hikes in the Whistler region for a reason!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mount Currie Trail
The Mount Currie Trail is a tough uphill grind that will take hikers through a series of gruelling switchbacks before a technical scramble to the summit. This 19.8 km out-and-back trail leads through beautiful forests and spectacular alpine terrain, capping off with unbeatable mountaintop views from the summit of this rugged peak. This route is physically exhausting, so remember to pack lots of water for the journey.
User Ratings
Cascade Falls
The trail to Cascade Falls is a short 0.6 km out-and-back hiking route north of Mission, BC that takes you to a suspension bridge overlooking the beautiful waterfall. The trail climbs briefly uphill before ascending a set of wooden stairs to the falls. A parallel gravel road also offers easy access to the suspension bridge for those not wanting to take the stairs. This is a great hike for families with young kids.
User Ratings
Radar Hill
The hike at Radar Hill is a 0.5 km loop trail that will take you on a short journey from the parking lot and through the forest to a beautiful lookout over the rugged woodland landscape around Tofino. Along the trail, you will be able to check out a few historical sites from the Cold War Era and explore the area atop the hill. This is a brisk hike great for those who love charming scenery and historical sites.