Hiking
Hiking in Glacier National Park, Tourism BC/David Gluns photo
There are hundreds of hiking trails in British Columbia, and they are located in spectacular natural settings. After all, BC has more than 850 parks and protected areas along with year-round resorts. Every type of excursion is available, from short walks on well-marked nature trails to thigh-burning multi-day wilderness backpacking trips.
The best-known trail in British Columbia is the internationally acclaimed West Coast Trail on southern Vancouver Island. Hikers come from all over the world for this challenging 75km/47mi coastal route, known for both its beauty and physically demanding nature.
Soft sandy beaches, rainforests, and the sound of the Pacific Ocean await hikers along the Vancouver Island coast. Tide pools burst with marine life at Botanical Beach along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, while the remote broad sandy beaches of Northern BC's Naikoon Provincial Park stretch for approximately 100km/60mi. The Sunshine Coast Trail provides hikers with ocean views and the cool environment of old-growth forest.
See vivid red, yellow, orange-tinted volcanic mountains from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast's aptly-named Rainbow Range trail. Towering grey cliff walls are found along the Rockwall Trail (in Kootenay National Park), and craggy pointed peaks dusted with snow greet visitors to Mount Robson's Berg Lake Trail.
The cities of Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler have quick access to quiet forests and great hiking and walking trails. Try the easy Galloping Goose Trail from Victoria, the myriad trails in Cypress Provincial Park near Vancouver, or the scenic Lost Lake Trail in Whistler.
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Regional Hiking Areas in BC:
Vancouver Island: Mountains, meadows, rivers, beaches and the famous West Coast Trail.
Victoria: Year-round hiking in BC's capital city.
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: Plenty of variety here, from short walks in the woods to back-country treks.
Vancouver: Explore three local mountains, or hike through Stanley Park or Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
Whistler: A world-class, four-season destination. Gondola access to alpine ridges as well as quiet trails.
Thompson Okanagan: Berg Lake Trail is a must-do for spectacular views of Mount Robson.
Kootenay Rockies: An alpine lover's dream. Glaciers, lakes, wildflowers and epic peaks. National parks also offer short, easy interpretive trails.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Historic trails along the old Gold Rush Trail make nice day trips, while large parks offer rocky terrain and rolling grasslands.
Northern BC: Waterfalls, volcanic features, and wildlife. Perfect for those seeking a true back-country experience.
Hiking BC's Resorts
Many BC resorts have summer hiking opportunities, which range from family-friendly destinations with ocean-to-alpine views to massive verticals in the Rockies.
Hikes to Mountain Peaks and Alpine Meadows
Alpine colours are typically quite brilliant, with seasonal bright wildflowers, golden larch trees, turquoise lakes or white glaciers. Tackle the elevation using the tried-and-true method of hiking up in a sturdy pair of boots, or look into easier access with the help of heli-hiking operators or ski resort lifts that remain open in summer.
Wildlife Along the Trails
Keep an eye out for pikas, marmots, bears, deer, or a wide variety of birds. Along coastal hiking trails, it's possible to spot the water spray from a migrating whale or an osprey diving for fish.
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For the Wildlife Enthusiast to the Adventure Seeker...
Are you looking to enjoy an outdoor experience at your pace, without the burden of large groups? Then why not let ACT Adventures custom design you the experience of a lifetime!
Maybe you'd like a three day hiking adventure through the rocky mountains to see our majestic lakes, glaciers & waterfalls, a day trip through the forest in search of elusive wild animals, like bears & deer, or simply an eco-friendly camping holiday. Whatever your style, we can plan your outdoor adventure, your way. Includes transportation, meals, accommodations, guides and more!
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Get off the beaten path & go where no one else can. CMH Summer Adventures offers 3-6 day lodge-based guided hiking, walking & ambling adventures in the rarely-visited ranges of the Canadian Rockies of eastern British Columbia. Based from luxurious remote mountain lodges, daily helicopter flights take you to otherwise inaccessible alpine lakes, mountain ridges & ancient glaciers to explore at your own pace in the company of professional mountain guides. Come for the mountaineering, via ferrate, walking tours or zip lining while enjoying the trademark hospitality of CMH - Canada's oldest adventure tourism company.
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425E Yellowhead Hwy
Clearwater, British Columbia
V0E 1N1
Unforgettable Wilderness and Wildlife Experiences in Wells Gray Park. Open your eyes to the secrets of one of the largest tracts of wilderness in southern BC. Discover Wells Gray offers interpretive and adventure guided hikes and nature tours to suit all ages and abilities in varied landscapes from river gorges to alpine peaks. We lead small groups that allow us to provide personalized interpretation and intimate contact with nature. Half to full day trips include guide, snacks or lunch and 4WD transport.
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1706 Dogwood Dr
Revelstoke, British Columbia
V0E 2S1
Heli-hiking, walking, ambling in Revelstoke? It's here, among the lakes & peaks, that the day's adventures will unfold under the watchful eye of your highly qualified guide. Whether you've chosen the quiet peace of hiking, fishing or backpacking, the adrenaline boost of rock climbing, mountaineering, or backcountry skiing, or even the relaxation of picnicking, the mountains are now yours. Except, of course, that after a day spent on the slopes, searching for the perfect photograph or watching the wildlife as it watches you, it may well be you who belongs to the mountains. Just imagine.
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Summer 2012 Savings
10% off multi day packages for 2 to 8 guests paid for before April 2012.
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8696 Airport Rd
Fort St. James, British Columbia
V0J 1P0
We are a multi-faceted tourism company situated near the beautiful shores of Stuart Lake. Located in the scenic Northern Interior of BC, we offer eco-tourism wilderness adventure tours and horsemanship services that best fit your interests and travel plans. We offer guided Wilderness Driving Tours, Hiking Tours and Boat Tours for all ages and physical abilities. We offer Horsemanship Lessons, Colt and Horse Development and Horsemanship Schools. Enjoy an unforgettable journey with experienced and certified guides on land, water or horseback. Let the great outdoors take your breath away and connect you with nature and your true inner self.
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1500 Kicking Horse Trail
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, British Columbia
V0A 1H0
Kicking Horse is known for spectacular summer adventure and kids under 12 are free. Visit our Grizzly Bear Refuge, home to Boo, our resident grizzly - a conservation, education and research center, and Canada's largest enclosed and protected grizzly habitat. Challenge the downhill mountain bike trails in the bike park and hike the alpine mountain paths on weekly Rambler's Hikes. Enjoy culinary delights at one of the Summer Dinner Concert Series events at Eagle's Eye Restaurant. Mountain biking, horseback riding, river rafting, hiking, dining, sightseeing, interpretive bear programs, - it's not "what to do?", it's "what to do first!"
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Mid-Week Sweet Deals Package!
Come explore Kicking Horse Mountain Resort during the week and receive great savings! From $75
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Helicopter Access Only
Golden, British Columbia
V0A 1H0
Located in the Canadian Rockies between Banff & Yoho National Parks. Mistaya is an eco-friendly wilderness adventure destination. The secluded, cosy lodge is surrounded by a panorama of pristine peaks, glaciers & alpine meadows. Activities include hiking, skiing, snowshoeing & mountaineering at all levels. Or just relax in the beauty & peace; it's an artist & photographer's paradise. Families are encouraged to come, learn & explore. Certified guides will lead you on informative hikes while the cook prepares a wonderful meal. Helicopter access only, small groups & superb food. Memories for a lifetime.
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Explore... Escape... Experience... the fun & exhilaration of hiking! Spend the day high above Vancouver's skyline & experience a different point of view. Only 30 minutes from downtown, we take you there. All you need is a camera. No experience necessary. Tours include hiking poles, snack, hot/cold beverage & a souvenir photo.
Or choose one of our Best of Vancouver Shore Excursion city tours. These tours are great for people who are visiting Vancouver for the first time and don't have a lot of time. As your private tour guide, we can adjust the schedule and activities to meet your needs.
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Award-winning fun, adventurous and informative walking, hiking & snowshoeing tours on Silver Star Mountain, at Mabel Lake and other natural areas in and around Vernon.
Join naturalist, Roseanne Van Ee, on a guided tour into wildflower meadows, mushroom fields, snow-covered forests, spectacular mountain-top views, nature parks and more.
Prescheduled tours for individuals, couples, families and friends. Private, semi-private, custom-designed and group tours can be arranged.
Special event tours to celebrate memorable holidays and occasions too.
"A photo is worth a thousand words. Great experiences are worth thousands of photos." ~ Roseanne Van Ee.
Bring a camera!
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37977 Fourth Ave.
Squamish, British Columbia
V8B 0B2
Sea to Sky Expeditions has been providing quality wilderness experiences since 1988. We offer a wide variety of activities & locations throughout BC. We are British Columbia's hiking experts, come join us on the West Coast Trail or take in a stunning mountain vista. Sea kayak in Johnstone Strait with the orcas or paddle a canoe through the world-class Bowron Lakes circuit. Amazing scenery, great food, certified guides & new friends await! No previous experience required.
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