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
Lake of the Hanging Glacier
The trail leading to the Lake of the Hanging Glacier is a 15.9 km out-and-back hiking route that will take you on an amazing adventure through forests and over scenic river crossings to reach a picturesque glacial lake with surrounding mountains framing the backdrop. More technical than steep, this route is a challenging hike that will reward you with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable memories. It’s best to make the drive in with a 4x4 high clearance vehicle, as the road to the trailhead is fairly rough and rugged.
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Mount Aeneas
The trail up to Mount Aeneas is an 8.5 km out-and-back hiking route that will lead you through the alpine terrain of Pedley Pass and up the rocky summit for some breathtaking views over the surrounding mountain peaks. Hikers should bring poles and helmets for this trek as they will need to climb up rocky scree slopes to reach the summit. Only attempt the drive into the trailhead if you have a 4x4 high clearance vehicle—regular cars are not suitable for the rough terrain.
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Ellison Park Nature Trail
The Ellison Nature Park Trail is a fantastic family-friendly hike in Ellison Provincial Park, which sits just outside of Vernon, BC. Expect to follow a scenic trail, flanked by lush forest greenery and fairytale-like wildflowers, to picturesque views of the postcard-worthy Okanagan Lake. The trail ends at a swimming cove—so don’t forget your bathing suit!
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Courtenay Riverway Heritage Park
Hiking the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Park Trail will take you along a 4.7 km lollipop hiking route that runs parallel to the flowing waters of the Courtenay River. Along this trail you will experience a blend of urban and natural beauty as you make your way through the heart of the city towards Comox Harbour. This hike is a great way to get some exercise and experience scenic views, all without leaving the city.
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Canim Falls Trail
The Canim Falls Trail is a 2.3 km out-and-back hiking route in Wells Gray Provincial Park that will take you to viewpoints overlooking two breathtaking waterfalls. Along the trail, you will hike through the forest alongside the Canim River to first reach the scenic Mahood Falls before continuing onto the picturesque Canim Falls. Try timing this hike for the spring when water levels are higher and the falls are even more magnificent.
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Bings Creek Trail
The Bings Creek Trail is a 4.7 km lollipop hiking route west of Duncan, BC, that will lead you through a picturesque stretch of forest on the way to a small but charming waterfall. Along the trail, you will need to utilize some amateur route-finding skills to avoid traversing private property and complete the loop portion of the trail; however, the entire experience is worth the effort due to the peaceful setting and beautiful scenery. The terrain along this trail is not overly difficult or technical, making it suitable for casual hikers.
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Mount Cokely
Hiking up Mount Cokely is an amazing - if challenging - experience near Port Alberni that will take you uphill to reach the saddle below Mount Arrowsmith. While out on this hike, you will climb up the rugged terrain of the mountainside to reach a lookout atop Mount Cokely, with views of neighbouring Mount Arrowsmith and the jagged peaks of the interior off in the distance. This trail is only accessible on weekends due to logging operations in the area.
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Windy Ridge Hike
The Windy Ridge Trail is a challenging 14.2 km out-and-back trail in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park that will lead you up to an exposed ridge for gorgeous views overlooking the surrounding alpine landscape. An absolutely stunning sightline to the south of Mount Assiniboine framed by a sea of rugged mountain peaks is the highlight of this adventure. The ridge at the top of the trail is very exposed, so exercise caution when hiking this part of the trail.
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Mount Gardner Hikers Trail
The Mount Gardner Hikers Trail is a 7.7 km out-and-back hiking route on Bowen Island that offers an alternate route to reach the viewpoint at the summit. Although it is a bit more steep and challenging, once you reach the top, you will have the same amazing views looking out across the water to mainland British Columbia. Make sure to bring a trail map/GPS, as there are intersecting trails that can make navigation on the mountain a bit tricky at times.
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Deep Lake Hike
The Deep Lake Hike is a 3.4 km hiking circuit in Kamloops, BC, that will take you through the grassland terrain to a small hillside lake. Along the trail, you will have some amazing views looking over the city and surrounding mountains, and of course the picturesque lake that is framed by the green grass and blue sky above. While the trail is fairly easy overall, the initial stretch is quite steep and may limit mobility for some hikers.
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Kokanee Glacier Cabin
The Kokanee Glacier Cabin hike is a stunning hike in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. Starting at Gibson Lake, the hike to Kokanee Glacier Cabin is a beautiful way to explore the wilderness, not too far from the towns of Nelson or Kaslo.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mount Seymour
The Mount Seymour hike is home to three unique trails leading to peaks, each offering their own panoramic vista. After a heart-pumping workout to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with views of Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and the Indian Arm.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Murrin Park
The Murrin Park Loop Trail, also sometimes referred to as the Quercus Trail, can be found in Murrin Provincial Park, Squamish. The park has it all—hiking, fishing, rock climbing and even swimming. Those who want a view of Howe Sound, without the elevation of The Chief, will delight in the Murrin Park Loop hike. .
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Munro Lake & Dennett Lake
For a challenging hike, explore two amazing lakes near Coquitlam, BC: Munro Lake and Dennett Lake, which can be accessed via a steep hike in Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, Coquitlam. Be sure to pack your swimsuit so you can run straight for the water at the end of the hike during the summer months.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mount Work from Ross Durrance Road
This hike may be short, but it will have you working up a sweat! It’s a fantastic option for those seeking an afternoon amid fresh air, where a path twists through lush forest to remarkable views from atop Mount Work. Expect to encounter other hikers, joggers, and even mountain bikers as you meander this out-and-back route!
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Paget Lookout & Sherbrooke Lake
We love the combination of hiking to Sherbrooke Lake and Paget Lookout. Start with a classic Yoho leg-burning hike up to Paget fire lookout with stunning views. Then come down and take the mellower hike to Sherbrooke Lake, a beautiful alpine lake. You can also do each of these hikes for a shorter day.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mt Becher
The hike to Mt Becher is a fantastic half-day in Strathcona Provincial Park. This hike has unbelievable access to the alpine and yields amazing views over to the Comox Glacier and Mt. Albert Edward. The sloping dome of Mt. Becher is the easternmost peak in the park.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
High Note Trail
Save your legs and get whisked to the peak of Whistler Mountain by the gondola and the Peak Chairlift to embark on the High Note Trail. This wonderful walk has stunning views of Garibaldi Provincial Park and Cheakamus Lake and makes for a very memorable hike.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
One Mile Lake Trail
Hiking around One Mile Lake will take you on a 6.9 km trek through the woodlands south of Pemberton. Along the trail, you’ll have scenic views over the charming lake before heading through the forest cover on a loop that will reveal viewpoints overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains. This easy trail is great for families looking to experience the outdoors—just remember to bring bug spray!
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Abby Grind Trail
The Abby Grind Trail is an out-and-back hiking route that climbs a sharp 424 m over a short distance of 3.4 km. While not as difficult as its Vancouver cousin the Grouse Grind, this trail is definitely a great workout on the more challenging side of moderate. From the top of the trail you’ll be able to look out over the Fraser Valley and spot the many mountain peaks that frame the landscape.