Scrambles in British Columbia

The Brandywine Mountain Trail is a stunningly scenic route near Whistler that takes hikers along a woodland path to the picturesque Brandywine Meadows before summiting Brandywine Mountain itself. The last portion of the hike is fairly technical, with steep slopes and some scrambling required, meaning that this is not a hike that should be undertaken by amateur hikers. Those that do trudge their way up the peak will be rewarded with spectacular views of Garibaldi Provincial Park and the Whistler area.

The Joffre Peak via Cerise Creek Trail is a 15.3 km out-and-back climbing route near Pemberton that will take you uphill alongside Cerise Creek to summit the intimidating Joffre Peak. This trail requires mountaineering experience and proper climbing gear to complete, so do not attempt the route unless you are prepared. Those that do make it to the summit will have spectacular views looking out over the surrounding mountain peaks.

The Face Mountain Trail is a challenging out-and-back hiking route near Pemberton that takes hikers on a difficult scramble to the summit of the mountain. You’ll pass by the scenic Semaphore Lakes along the trail before heading on a route up the mountain that will take you to the rock slab peak. This peak has some truly stellar views for those who can navigate the route, but it should be noted that only experienced adventurers should attempt this trail.

The Place Glacier Trail is a difficult 10.9 km hiking route near Pemberton that climbs steeply uphill to some overnight huts located at the foot of Place Glacier. Hikers will grind their way uphill, passing by some superb views of a scenic waterfall before scrambling a rock slab to reach the glacier. This is a challenging hike that should be treated with caution, and only experienced hikers should attempt it.

Lady Peak Trail is a 6.9 km out-and-back hiking route near Bridal Veil Falls Park that features several creek crossings and a rocky scramble to the summit. From Lady Peak, hikers will be able to look out over the entirety of the Cheam Mountain Range and view several chilly glaciers that lay nestled amongst the mountains. The views from the summit are amazing and the trail is less populated than others in the region, making for a fun (if exhausting) half day adventure.

The Mount Robie Reid Trail is an extremely difficult and technical trail that should only be attempted by hikers who have thoroughly researched the route, have a wealth of mountaineering experience and proper climbing equipment. The final ascent to the summit contains two 4th class climbs, which leave little room for error and make this a dangerous route for inexperienced hikers. Those who are able to scramble their way up this imposing rocky massif will be rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding area and the right to say they have conquered this iconic Fraser Valley peak.

The Polar Peak Ridge Trail is a challenging 5.6 km route near Fernie that traverses an alpine ridge and should only be attempted by experienced climbers. Along the route, you will climb up the ridge and traverse its rugged length to a scenic viewpoint before making a technical descent with fixed ropes. This route is only open on weekends and holidays and will need to be accessed by a chairlift or the Rumplestumpskin Trail.