The Shuswap is a firm favourite for summer vacations in BC. It has it all – a huge lake, hot weather, endless water recreation opportunities, beautiful scenery, easy highway access and more. But what about outside of summer? Well, not only does this region remain just as accessible, but it still has plenty to offer in terms of things to do.
Every year, reservations for the West Coast Trail disappear within minutes. The great news is that there are so many amazing alternative coastal BC backpacking trails to enjoy! Here are eight of the best WCT alternatives.
Discover the best things to do in Keremeos, an agricultural community tucked away in BC’s Similkameen Valley. A common stop for travellers driving between Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley, Keremeos has more to offer than the fruit stands that line the highway.
A small town on the edge of Highway 1 in British Columbia, Revelstoke is often overlooked by travellers heading between Vancouver and Calgary. But this is a mistake. The truth of it is that Revelstoke should be the destination, not the rest stop. Discover 17+ incredible things to do in the Revelstoke area.
Every autumn, E.C. Manning Provincial Park plays host to a little colour changing magic. This is all thanks to the Frosty Mountain larches, which turn a gorgeous golden yellow before the needles drop. Read on to discover everything you need to know about visiting the Frosty Mountain larches in Manning Park including when to go, how to hike there and what to bring.
The Columbia Valley offers a wealth of classic Rocky Mountain landscapes and experiences, including sparkling lakes (some with striking hues), dense forests, soaring mountain peaks, soothing hot springs, scenic hiking trails and cute communities. But the Columbia Valley has many unique aspects too, especially when visiting in the fall – warmer temps, affordable accommodation, quiet golden larch hikes and more!
The North Coast Trail is an exciting yet difficult 43km long coastal hiking adventure along the northwestern coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This guide features a detailed trail description, with comprehensive campground information, itinerary inspiration and more.
Traversing some of the muddiest and wettest terrain anywhere in British Columbia (and indeed, in North America!), the North Coast Trail has the reputation of being one of the most difficult backpacking trips around. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare to hike the North Coast Trail including shuttle details, fee information, safety tips and more.
Hiking is undoubtedly one of the best ways to take in the true beauty of the Vernon area. If you’re looking for some of the best short Vernon hiking trails, this is the list for you!
Hidden within the rugged landscapes of Monashee Provincial Park, Little Peters Lake and Big Peters Lake showcase a pristine subalpine environment. The lakes reflect the surrounding peaks, bright wildflowers bloom in the meadows and marmots chirp in the rockpiles. From here, it is possible to explore further into the alpine and summit the park’s most prominent peak (Mount Fosthall, 2679m).
Clearwater Lake and Azure Lake – the names couldn’t be more apt.
Located in Wells Gray Provincial Park, these beautiful glacier-fed lakes are two of British Columbia’s most approachable canoe trip destinations. Connected by the Clearwater River, paddlers can choose to visit just one lake or stay a little longer and discover both.
For a thrilling, unpredictable and memorable whitewater rafting experience, head just beyond the beaten path to REO Rafting Resort near Boston Bar, British Columbia. REO is the only rafting company operating on the jade-coloured Nahatlatch River, a destination that stands out for its exciting, continuous wild water action yet is suitable even for first-time rafters.
Perched at the very edge of North America, St John’s, Newfoundland, offers a unique blend of maritime heritage and breathtaking yet accessible coastal landscapes. Best known for colourful downtown houses and one of the most naturally sheltered harbours in the world, St John’s has a lot to offer visitors, including some of the best urban hiking we’ve ever found!
The East Coast Trail is a remarkable 336km long coastal hiking trail on Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula. Stretching from Topsail Beach to Cappahayden, the path weaves along the top of high cliffs, next to waterfalls, behind windswept beaches and through many small and large communities (including St John’s).
The Okanagan Valley – lakes, wineries and…waterfalls? Yes, there are plenty of must-see Okanagan Valley waterfalls! This post showcases nine beautiful Okanagan Valley waterfalls, from Vernon and Kelowna to Peachland and Naramata.
2171m high and featuring a massive exposed slab of granite rock, Little White Mountain is a unique summer hike destination in BC’s Okanagan Valley region. The summit offers spectacular 360 degree views of Kelowna, Okanagan Lake, rolling hills and distant mountain ranges.
The South Downs Way is a 160km long distance trail from Winchester to Eastbourne on England’s south-eastern coast. The only national trail in the UK to be entirely situated within a national park, the South Downs Way is also considered one of the most approachable.
With beautiful views, well-maintained facilities, a convenient location and just the right amount of challenge, the Sayward Canoe Circuit is a great choice for a paddling trip for novices and veterans alike. It’s a unique Vancouver Island paddling experience to rival other canoe trip experiences in British Columbia.
The Cape Scott Trail is a 47km hiking adventure through lush rainforest, sand dunes, stunning beaches and interesting history in Cape Scott Provincial Park, at the very northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. Discover everything you need to know about this spectacular multi-day hike!
The Sunshine Coast Trail is one of Canada’s best long-distance hiking paths. Located in British Columbia, the trail features 13 free-to-use huts. This post will share all the details you need to know about the Sunshine Coast Trail huts, including location, nearest water sources, facilities, available tent space and more.