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    Hiking in British Columbia, Canada

    Hikes in British Columbia

    State in Canada

    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.

    Download the 10Adventures App

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    Hiking regions in British Columbia

    Best Hikes in British Columbia

    Showing 161 to 180 of 852
      Open details for Big Tree Trail

      Big Tree Trail

      Easy
      3.2 km
      114 m
      1h

      The Big Tree Trail is a 3.2 km hiking loop near Tofino, BC, that will take you through the rainforests of Meares Island to view several massive, ancient trees. The atmosphere along the trail will almost feel magical as you hike along the wooden boardwalk and look out onto the large trees and thick underbrush that blankets the forest floor. This trail is only accessible by boat, so hikers will need to make arrangements to reach the island.

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      Open details for Rockgarden Trail

      Rockgarden Trail

      Very Easy
      0.6 km
      21 m
      0.5h

      The Rockgarden Trail is a quick little hike along the side of Highway 1 in Glacier National Park that features a beautiful stretch of rainforest and a unique boulder field. Thanks to the easy terrain and interesting setting this hike can be utilized by almost anyone, including families and experienced hikers. Walking along this forested trail is a calming experience, and likely a welcome one if you’ve been on the road for a while.

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      Open details for Moe’s Canyon Loop

      Moe’s Canyon Loop

      Moderate
      4.7 km
      165 m
      1.5-2h

      Moe’s Canyon Loop is a 4.7 km lollipop hiking route just west of Kimberley that sets out from the Kimberley Nordic Club and traverses some forested and rocky terrain. You can expect to experience an amazing forest setting with wild berry bushes and some rock falls scattered across the area along the route. Although a tiny bit overgrown, this trail is still accessible for the majority of hikers.

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      Open details for Lightning Lake Loop

      Lightning Lake Loop

      Very Easy
      8.5 km
      206 m
      2-3h

      The Lightning Lake Loop is a scenic woodland hike in E.C. Manning Provincial Park that takes a waterside route to some nice viewpoints over the lake. This 8.5 km loop trail has some easy terrain and small changes in elevation, making it a great day hike option for families to get out and enjoy nature. This trail is the perfect way to take in the beauty of the park without tackling one of its tougher climbs.

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      Open details for Mount Nelson Trail

      Mount Nelson Trail

      Very Hard
      10.6 km
      1,897 m
      7-10h

      The Mount Nelson Trail is a rugged and challenging 10.6 km out-and-back hiking route that travels into the backcountry of the Purcell Mountains and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. The route climbs very steeply uphill before working through a basin and up the scree towards the summit. The final approach will involve some scrambling; however, the panoramic views from the summit are definitely worth the effort.

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      Open details for Rattlesnake Point Trail

      Rattlesnake Point Trail

      Very Easy
      2.3 km
      70 m
      0.5-1h

      Tack on a short hike to Rattlesnake Point in Kalamalka Provincial Park amid your day at Juniper Bay Beach. The best part about the Rattlesnake Point Trail—other than the exceptional view of the blue-green, glistening Kalamalka Lake—is that it connects to a network of different paths. You can spend hours walking around Kalamalka Provincial Park, stopping at various swim spots as you explore! If you’re looking for a short jaunt to get your legs moving, the Rattlesnake Point Trail is a great stand-alone adventure, too.

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      Open details for Seal Bay Horse and Bike Loop

      Seal Bay Horse and Bike Loop

      Moderate
      8.7 km
      166 m
      2-3h

      The Seal Bay Horse & Bike Loop is an 8.7 km hiking circuit near Courtenay, BC that passes through the temperate rainforest environment that can be found within the Seal Bay Nature Park. While out on this trail, hikers will be able to utilize well-groomed paths that showcase the large, moss-covered trees and variety of other flora within the pristine forest atmosphere. Remember to keep an eye out while on the trail as this route is also used by horseback riders and mountain bike enthusiasts.

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      Open details for Skutz Falls to 66 Mile Trestle

      Skutz Falls to 66 Mile Trestle

      Moderate
      6.9 km
      142 m
      1.5-2.5h

      The Skutz Falls to 66 Mile Trestle trail is a 6.9 km hiking circuit west of Duncan, BC that loops around the Cowichan River to provide views of a beautiful old railway trestle. While out on this hike, you will enjoy a peaceful forest setting with breathtaking views across the rushing water of the river, gushing waterfalls, and of course the mammoth wooden structure of the trestle standing high above the valley floor. Combine this hike with a weekend of camping at the Horseshoe Bend Campsite for a fun multi-day adventure filled with amazing sights and exploration of the trails.

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      Open details for Trophy Meadows Trail

      Trophy Meadows Trail

      Moderate
      10.5 km
      473 m
      3-4.5h

      The Trophy Meadows Trail is a 10.5 km out-and-back hiking route in Wells Gray Provincial Park that will take you uphill through various types of terrain to a viewpoint overlooking Sheila Lake before descending down to its calm shores. Along the trail, you will hike through a beautiful subalpine meadow and traverse a small ridge, where you will have some amazing views of the surrounding mountains. For the moderate amount of effort required, this is a fantastic day-hike from Clearwater that should be on your list.

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      Open details for Mount Wesley Trail

      Mount Wesley Trail

      Hard
      15.3 km
      1,048 m
      5.5-8h

      The journey to the summit of Mount Wesley is a tough uphill hiking route near Port Alberni that will see you traverse a rugged ridge for views overlooking Cameron Lake. While out on the trail, you will climb a series of switchbacks to reach the top of the ridge for some scenic views of the lake before continuing on to reach another lookout at the end of the trail. Make sure to bring bug repellant to stay comfortable on this forested hike.

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      Open details for Wonder Pass Viewpoint Trail

      Wonder Pass Viewpoint Trail

      Moderate
      14.6 km
      540 m
      4-5.5h

      Hiking the Wonder Pass Viewpoint Trail is an amazing experience in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park that requires little effort for the breathtaking views. While the overall distance of the trail is a bit longer than some other routes in the area, the terrain of the pass is fairly mild, allowing you to make good time in either direction. The highlight of this fun hike is making your way through the pass for the stunning views overlooking Marvel Lake.

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      Open details for Cliff Gilker Park Loop

      Cliff Gilker Park Loop

      Very Easy
      2.1 km
      53 m
      0.5h

      The Cliff Gilker Park Loop is a 2.1 km lollipop hiking route near Sechelt, BC, that is part of a dense network of trails through the forest. Along the hike, you will experience an amazing West Coast temperate rainforest setting, make your way over scenic bridge crossings, and visit a charming waterfall. Due to the easy terrain and well-maintained park trails, this route is perfectly suitable for hikers of all skill levels; however, you should make sure to bring a trail map or GPS to avoid straying from the main path on one of the intersecting trails.

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      Open details for Coyote Crossing Hike

      Coyote Crossing Hike

      Easy
      2.9 km
      119 m
      1h

      The Coyote Crossing Hike is a 2.9 km out-and-back hiking route in Kamloops, BC that will take you through the Valleyview Nature Park for some elevated views of the Thompson Valley. Along the trail, you will gradually climb uphill through the beautiful grassland landscape and experience views of the surrounding hills and mountains that frame the valley. This trail is also popular with mountain bikers, so keep an eye out on the trail and leave enough room for them to safely pass.

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      Open details for Idaho Peak

      Idaho Peak

      Easy
      3.4 km
      276 m
      1.5-2h

      Important Notice: The road leading to Idaho Peak trailhead is currently washed out by a mudslide and might take a long time to repair. Please check here for the up to date information.

      The Idaho Peak hike is a relatively quick and easy walk along the ridgeline, through colourful wildflowers to an old fire lookout on the top of Idaho Peak. This classic local hike is not one to be missed! From the top of Idaho Peak you are rewarded with exceptional views of Slocan Lake and panoramic mountain ranges – you can see as far as Kokanee Glacier just outside of Nelson.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      10.0
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Al’s Habrich Ridge

      Al’s Habrich Ridge

      Moderate
      7.0 km
      443 m
      2.5-3.5h

      Head up the Sea to Sky Gondola for one of the most popular hikes at the top of the ridge—Al's Habrich Ridge. With stunning panorama views from the top of the mountain, it’s worth the ride up.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      10.0
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Sawblade Falls

      Sawblade Falls

      Easy
      9.3 km
      333 m
      2.5-3.5h

      Explore woodland trails on the Sawblade Falls hike, which leads to a scenic waterfall located on Burke Mountain in Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, Coquitlam. Pass by smaller falls and beautiful alpine forests to enjoy fresh mountain air on the way to the main attraction.  

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      10.0
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for St. Mark’s Summit

      St. Mark’s Summit

      Moderate
      10.4 km
      560 m
      3.5-4.5h

      St. Mark’s Summit gives hikers unparalleled views of the beautiful Howe Sound. Hiking to Saint Mark’s Summit can be a great hike to complete in one afternoon. From the peak, you can see the islands of Howe Sound, the Tantalus Range and even Vancouver Island.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.9
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Intermediate (Square)
      Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
      Open details for Wapta Falls

      Wapta Falls

      Very Easy
      4.8 km
      83 m
      1-1.5h

      Wapta Falls is a family and pet-friendly hike in the quiet, west end of Yoho National Park. The easy, well-maintained trail to Wapta Falls travels gradually through the forest to the “Niagara of Yoho,” a 150 m wide, 30 m high, thundering waterfall on the Kicking Horse River.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.9
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Lake Helen MacKenzie

      Lake Helen MacKenzie

      Easy
      8.9 km
      249 m
      2.5-3h

      The hike to Lake Helen MacKenzie is a quintessential Vancouver Island hike. The well-maintained hiking trail out to Lake Helen MacKenzie comes fully equipped with board walks and wide, gravel walkways. As you venture through old growth forests, the incredibly beautiful ambiance of the plateau fills your heart with delight and wonder.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.8
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Open details for Brandywine Falls

      Brandywine Falls

      Very Easy
      1.5 km
      35 m
      0.5h

      Brandywine Falls hike is only a stone throw from the parking lot. Who would imagine that a 70 m cascading waterfall that eventually fills Daisy Lake is tucked just out of sight? This wide, flat trail is also perfect for inexperienced hikers in the Whistler region.

      User Ratings
      Overall Rating
      9.4
      Technical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
      Physical Difficulty
      Easy (Circle)
      Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

      Other Activities in British Columbia

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