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.
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Regional Hiking Areas in BC:
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Vancouver Island: Mountains, meadows, rivers, beaches and the famous West Coast Trail.
Victoria: Year-round hiking in BC's capital city.
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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.
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Thompson Okanagan: Berg Lake Trail is a must-do for spectacular views of Mount Robson.
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Kootenay Rockies: An alpine lover's dream. Glaciers, lakes, wildflowers and epic peaks. National parks also offer short, easy interpretive trails.
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Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Historic trails along the old Gold Rush Trail make nice day trips, while large parks offer rocky terrain and rolling grasslands.
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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. Click on one of the resorts below to learn more (or use the Search bar at the top of the page to find a resort not listed here).
BC Hikes to Mountain Peaks and Alpine Meadows
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.
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.
Hiking Trips Along Pacific Coastlines and Sandy Beaches
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.
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.
Hiking Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler
These bustling cities 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.
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.
Had a Great BC Hiking Experience?
We want to know about it! Let other visitors in on the secrets of the best hiking experiences in BC. Write a short blog about them!
Or click on the links below to learn more about some of the province's hiking businesses and operators.