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
Jocelyn Hill From Caleb Pike
The Jocelyn Hill from Caleb Pike hiking trail ascends and descends through the hills, passing the ever-so stunning Holmes Peak before the scenery unfolds into the Ridge Trail. After a steep climb, Saanich Arm will emerge, granting a magnificent view and an epic picnic spot. You can start this hike from a few different places, but the trekking from Caleb Pike unveils the best scenery.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Black Tusk Hike
The trail up to the base of Black Tusk takes you to an iconic mountain in the Whistler region. The hike is a long one, but rewarding, with incredible views into Garibaldi Provincial Park and down to Garibaldi Lake.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Whitewater Canyon
The Whitewater Canyon hike take you along the inside of the canyon wall, through a deep Selkirk valley, up through the meadows and finally reaching the alpine lakes. Grizzly bears are frequently spotted on the other side of the canyon and this is a beautiful hike to do during wildflower season in July. The lakes at the top of Whitewater Canyon are turquoise blue and green and you can often see ice caps even in the height of summer.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Emerald Basin
Emerald Basin is a moderate hike, taking you on a tour of Yoho’s fantastically varied terrain. You’ll hike along Emerald Lake and then up an avalanche-scoured glacial bowl ringed by waterfalls, towering peaks, and glaciers.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Lady Falls
The hike to Lady Falls is a nice family-friendly hike for families camping in Strathcona Provincial Park. The stunning Lady Falls is nestled deep in the enchanted forest of the Cervus Creek Valley. Cascading water down 30 m, the lush surroundings add to the beauty, yielding a magical feel to the air.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Elk Mountain Trail
The Elk Mountain Trail can be found southeast of Chilliwack and climbs uphill through the beautiful forest and over an exposed ridgeline to reach the summit of Elk Mountain. Hikers will have amazing views over the green land of the valley below and can spot numerous mountain peaks in all directions. Make sure to arrive early for this popular hike in the Chilliwack area.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Marriott Basin Trail to Wendy Thompson Hut
The Marriott Basin Trail to Wendy Thompson Hut is a technical trail near Pemberton that will pass by scenic lakes and climb up a ridgeline for some fantastic mountain views. Along this 17.7 km out-and-back trail, you will need to traverse some technical terrain, as the stretch of land between the hut and the ridge is made up of scattered boulder fields. When combined with an overnight stay at Wendy Thompson Hut, this trail is a perfect way to spend a weekend in the backcountry near Pemberton.
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Cox Bay Lookout
The Cox Bay Lookout is a quick 1.0 km out-and-back hiking route near Tofino that will allow you to climb up to a vantage point with a commanding view overlooking the entire bay. This trail is no walk in the park as you will have to scramble exposed rocks and roots to reach the lookout; however, the short adventure and incredible views are worth the trouble as you will have the best sightline in the entire area. You’ll need some basic route-finding skills to locate the trailhead.
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Meeting of the Waters
The Meeting of the Waters is a 6.1 km hiking route through Glacier National Park that climbs uphill along the Illecillewaet River to experience a majestic waterfall. Along the trail, hikers will be exposed to some amazing views overlooking the entire watershed and its surrounding mountains. This is a great medium-length hike in the park that the entire family is sure to love.
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Mount Begbie Trail
The Mount Begbie Trail is a challenging out-and-back hiking route that can be found just south of Revelstoke, BC within the Begbie Lake Recreation site. The trail initially climbs very steeply uphill and levels out somewhat once you reach the camp. Here, hikers will have amazing views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below, allowing you to fully appreciate the Revelstoke area's natural beauty.
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Canyon Creek Loop
The Canyon Creek Loop is a 14.5 km hiking route through the Moonraker Trails Recreation Site that utilizes several multi-use trails to form a loop around the most scenic highlights in the area. Along the trail, you will pass by the beautiful waters of the Cedar Lakes before hiking through the wetlands toward a lookout over Canyon Creek. This lengthy hike will allow you to get the most out of your day within this dense network of hiking and mountain bike trails.
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Mount Fernie Trail
The Mount Fernie Trail is a 7.6 km out-and-back hiking route that will take you along a forested route up the mountain to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Elk Valley. This steep trail is well-maintained for most of the route, with the last portion being a bit more rugged and requiring some light scrambling. Although challenging, this hike is a great option for casual hikers looking to build up their experience for longer and more difficult routes.
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Fish Lake
The trek to Fish Lake follows a 12.6 km out-and-back hiking route that will allow you to experience the impressive scenery within Top of the World Provincial Park. The route travels south through a dense stretch of forest that runs closely alongside the Lussier River before arriving at the calm waters of Fish Lake. Once there, you will be surrounded by an amazingly serene atmosphere with views of Mount Doolan and the peaks of Mount Dingley.
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Apple Pie Loop
The Apple Pie Loop is a 7.1 km hiking route in Invermere that forms a circuit within a dense network of multi-use trails in the area. This route will have you climbing gently uphill to reach a scenic lookout with views over the valley and Windermere Lake, with the Swansea and Four Points mountains in behind. Make sure to bring a GPS or trail map to stay on the correct course during your hike.
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Myra Canyon Trail
Myra Canyon Trail, located in Myra Bellevue Provincial Park, just over 30 minutes from Kelowna, BC, is an easy-going hike, tailor-made for families, mountain bikers, along with hikers seeking a relatively flat but long route. You can create your own itinerary by turning around whenever you want, which is what makes this a kid-friendly walk! However, those craving hours and hours in nature will fall in love with tunnels, trestles, wildflowers, and Okanagan Valley views painted across this hike.
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Ripple Rock Trail
The Ripple Rock Trail is an 8.0 km out-and-back hiking route near Campbell River, BC that will take you out to a scenic lookout with views of Menzies Bay and the Seymour Narrows. In addition to featuring breathtaking scenery, this is also the historic site of one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, when the Canadian government reshaped the waterway to make it safer for ships to pass. Whether you are hiking the trail for the views or the history, the well-maintained and easy to navigate trails are sure to make this a pleasant hike for every member of your party.
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Dawson Falls
The trek to Dawson Falls is a short 1.4 km out-and-back trail that will take you to two separate viewpoints from which you can view this scenic waterfall. The trail meanders through a wonderful forest setting along the edge of the Murtle River until you arrive at the vantage point overlooking the horseshoe-shaped waterfall that is reminiscent of a miniature Niagara Falls. With a short overall distance, well-maintained trails, and breathtaking views; this trail is a perfect way to start your adventure in Wells Gray Provincial Park.
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Westwood Lake Trail
The Westwood Lake Trail is a 5.8 km hiking circuit west of Nanaimo, BC that will lead you around the edge of this stunning woodland lake for a fun, family-friendly adventure. Along the trail, you will experience a peaceful forest setting and have access to some amazing views that stretch out across the calm lake and the surrounding woodland landscape. This trail is perfect for a quick outdoor getaway to reconnect with nature without needing to leave the city.
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Nile Creek Trail
The Nile Creek Trail is a 10.0 km out-and-back hiking route near Port Alberni, BC, that travels uphill alongside Nile Creek to visit several stunning waterfalls. Along the trail, hikers will experience a breathtaking temperate rainforest setting that is packed full of vibrant green vegetation on the way to the cascading falls that have an almost mystical feel in the atmosphere of the dense forest. The trail follows a fairly gradual incline for the majority of the route until you begin to approach the falls, where the trail will steepen; however, it is still manageable for casual hikers
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Marvel Lake Trail
The Marvel Lake Trail is a scenic adventure that will take you between two camping sites within Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. While out on the trail, you will hike past several charming lakes and traverse the rugged terrain of Wonder Pass, enjoying the beautiful views of the park as you cross over the British Columbia-Alberta border. This is a point-to-point trail, so make sure you plan on staying overnight at the Marvel Lake Campground or else you will be in for a very long 30.0 km day on the trails!