British Columbia is a dream destination for multi-day hiking. Not sure where to go? Whether you’re experienced hiker or a first timer, I’ve got you covered with this guide to British Columbia’s best backpacking trails!
Outdoor Adventures
Fall is a magical time to travel British Columbia. The air cools, the colours change, most visitors leave and the bugs also disappear. Many BC residents consider fall to be the best time to travel. Here are our top picks for a memorable fall getaway in BC.
The Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit is a truly spectacular high elevation hiking experience in Yoho National Park. This 11km loop trail offers a highlights reel of the Lake O’Hara area, one of the Canadian Rockies most beautiful alpine landscapes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A contrast of landscapes awaits on this transcontinental adventure, starting with the forested lakes of Ontario, the endless fields of the Prairies, the rugged Rocky Mountains and the temperate rainforests of British Columbia. This Toronto to Vancouver road trip guide highlights the top roadside stops on the 4,400km long journey across Canada.
Spirit Island; a name as captivating as the destination itself. Situated in the middle of a turquoise-coloured lake, this tiny island is surrounded by soaring mountains on three sides. Only accessible by water, Spirit Island is one of the most unique places to see in the entire Canadian Rockies.
Can’t choose between visiting Vancouver Island or the Canadian Rockies? You don’t have to! This two-week BC Coast and Rockies road trip route showcases both ocean and mountain regions as well as lush temperate rainforest and dry grasslands. Expect to see turquoise lakes, deep canyons, gorgeous sandy beaches, huge waterfalls and more.
January arrives and with it, the frenzy for summer backpacking reservations. The good news is that it is still possible to go backpacking in BC without a reservation.