Hikes in British Columbia

The hike to Bear Creek Falls is a short out-and-back hiking route in Glacier National Park that is family-friendly and visits a truly awesome waterfall. Travel through the dense forest along the 1.1 kmkm path and make your descent to approach the violent waters that rush over this scenic rock formation. This quick hike is easy to tack onto your agenda if you are planning a trip to the park and definitely should not be skipped.

The Quarry Rock Hike from Deep Cove is a short, 3.7 km out-and-back route that is a popular destination for family hikes and school trips due to its easy terrain and scenic views. The trail includes several newly built wooden bridges to improve accessibility. Catch the stunning views of the Indian Arm and Belcarra Mountains to the east before heading back down the trail to Deep Cove for a treat at Honey Doughnuts and Goodies.

Begbie Falls is a densely forested 5.0 km hiking route near Revelstoke, BC that traverses the woodland landscape alongside the winding waters of Begbie Creek to arrive at a scenic waterfall. With a well-maintained and easy-to-follow trail and small changes in elevation, this route is a great option for hikers of most skill levels. Remember to pack your swimwear and spend the afternoon hanging by the beach at the Begbie Falls Recreation Site.

The hike to Thompson Falls is an 11.9 km out-and-back route that runs alongside the Blaeberry River and allows you to experience its mighty, rushing waters as they flow through a canyon. The trail is largely forested, which blocks many views of the surrounding area; however, the woodland atmosphere is relaxing, and the portions of the trail close to the river will provide some magical scenery. Bears are known to frequent this area, so make sure to bring bear spray along for this hike.

Mount Baldy is an 8.4 km hiking route near Fernie, BC, that will provide hikers with some fantastic views overlooking the valley. You will have a sightline over Island Lake below and the surrounding mountain peaks from your hilltop perch. This is an excellent trail for both experienced and casual hikers due to the combination of moderate elevation gain and easy-to-navigate terrain.

The Bee Line Trail is a 4.5 km lollipop hiking route in Cranbrook, BC, that will lead you uphill through a scenic stretch of forest to an amazingly scenic lookout. From the viewpoint atop the hill, you will have panoramic views of the landscape surrounding Cranbrook, including the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Purcell Mountains to the West. This is a very well-marked trail that is perfect for a fun family outing.

The Frosty Mountain Trail is a scenic 21.2 km out-and-back hiking route in E.C. Manning Provincial Park that will take you through picturesque forests and alpine meadows on a course leading to the summit of Frosty Mountain. Along the trail, you will be able to see the natural beauty of the landscape, including wildflowers, golden larches, and awesome mountain views overlooking the Canada-United States border. This hike is definitely a contender for the best route in the area.

The Deja View/Old Coach Trail Loop is a 15.4 km hiking route near Invermere, BC, made up of several trails to form a multi-use circuit along the Columbia River Escarpment. Along this meandering route, you will have some phenomenal views overlooking the river and out to the majestic Purcell Mountains. As there are some steep drop-offs along the trail, hikers should be cautious when hiking near the edge of the escarpment to prevent any serious injury.

The Boucherie Rush Trail is a popular hike situated in West Kelowna! This hike is a total bang-for-your-buck: it’s short, gets your heart rate up, and nothing beats the shimmering Okanagan Lake views flanked by the sprawling metropolis and rolling hills at the top.

The Chinese Mountains Loop is a 4.2 km lollipop hiking route on Quadra Island that will take you uphill to the summit of the north and south Chinese mountains for a sightline across the coastal landscape. Along the trail, hikers can expect a variety of terrain types including gravel roads, dirt, rock, and creek beds that climb up the mountainside to lookouts with views of both mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island. This hike has some of the best views on Quadra Island, so make sure to add it to your list for the next time you find yourself exploring coastal BC.

The Takakkaw Falls Hike is really more of a short walk than a true hike; however, the views that can be found on this quick adventure in Yoho National Park will produce some amazing photo opportunities and memories to last a lifetime. The 1.3 km out-and-back route initially crosses over a bridge that spans the rushing waters of the Yoho River before climbing slightly uphill along a pathway that leads to a viewpoint over Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second tallest waterfall. You likely won’t drive all the way to Yoho just to complete this brief journey, but if you find yourself hiking other trails in the area - especially if you have kids - then you might as well come take in the jaw-dropping views!

Hiking the Moul Falls Trail is a great family-friendly adventure in Wells Gray Provincial Park that takes you to a viewpoint overlooking a beautiful waterfall. This 5.5 km out-and-back trail is made up of fairly easy terrain and can be completed by hikers of most skill levels; however, the descent to the falls is a bit steep and slippery so make sure to wear proper hiking footwear and watch your footing. For an added bit of adventure on this hike, make sure to head into the cave behind the falls to get the full misty experience of the water crashing down onto the rocks.

The Neck Point Park Loop Trail follows a 1.8 km hiking circuit along the coast that offers amazing views across the Strait of Georgia toward mainland British Columbia. Along the trail, hikers will enjoy a nice mix of coastal and forested landscapes with the opportunity to spot local wildlife, such as eagles perched high up in the trees and seals lounging on sun-warmed rocks. This is a fun, easy-to-navigate trail with amazing views that is suitable for both casual and experienced hikers alike.

The trek up Mount Arrowsmith via the Judges Route follows a 6.0 km out-and-back trail that leads through the forest and up some rugged, exposed terrain to the summit of Mount Arrowsmith. The trail is a steep and gruelling uphill climb; however, the views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking and provide a panoramic sightline of the surrounding Vancouver Island terrain. If you are looking for a relatively short but physically intense hike with epic views, then a day atop Mount Arrowsmith should certainly make it into your schedule.

The Assiniboine Lodge to Nub Peak Loop is a great hiking route in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park that offers some challenging terrain and stunning views of the alpine landscape. While on the hike, you will pass by a number of gorgeous lakes and climb up to the summit of a rugged peak for views of Mount Assiniboine. This route is a great day-hike option, as the return along a different trail will allow you to take in as much scenery as possible.

The Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail is a 12.2 km out-and-back hiking route near Gibsons, BC, that will take you up to a viewpoint overlooking Bowen Island and Howe Sound. This challenging route is a bit of a leg-burner, as it climbs sharply uphill with an elevation gain of 1,065 m. Although steep, the trail is very well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it suitable for casual and experienced hikers that are looking for a tough hike.

The McConnell Lake Trail is a 3.7 km hiking circuit south of Kamloops, BC, that will allow you to explore the natural beauty of the woodland landscape within McConnell Lake Provincial Park. Along the trail, you will experience a tranquil forest setting that offers some picturesque views across the calm waters of the lake. Featuring flat terrain and amazingly scenic views, this trail is a fun, family-friendly experience that will get you out enjoying the wonderful trails in the Kamloops area.

Wander in one of Metro Vancouver’s oldest parks, the Capilano River Regional Park. Choose from trails spanning over 26.0 km, featuring highlights like the incredible Capilano Canyon, the Cleveland Dam, the Capilano River, and a salmon hatchery. Feel small among the impressive canyon walls of jutting cliffs then observe the rushing white-water of the river for a quick outdoor adventure.

For endless breathtaking vistas, embark on the Opal Cone hike, located within Garibaldi Provincial Park. While long in nature at 35.0 km, the hike is not overly challenging, with a gently rolling trail rising in elevation.

The Golden Ears Summit is one of the most difficult, yet rewarding hikes in all of the Vancouver region. Located in Golden Ears Provincial Park, this popular hike provides 360 views over stunning vistas and is often completed over two days.