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.
Hiking
The Turbine Canyon Backpacking Loop offers a golden opportunity to savour the magnificence of the Canadian Rockies in relative solitude. Also known as the North/South Kananaskis Pass Loop, this 3-day backpacking adventure offers breathtaking panoramas of huge snow-capped mountains, multiple glaciers, wildflower-studded alpine meadows, deep forested valleys and pristine lakes.
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is a true backcountry wilderness area, an alpine hiking and skiing paradise. Located in the West Kootenays and accessed by unpaved roads, solitude is easy to find in this park. More than a dozen trails lead across the rugged high-elevation landscape. Here’s what you need to know to go!
The Glacier Crest Trail is a tough yet gratifying hike in British Columbia’s awe-inspiring Glacier National Park. The destination of this challenging trail is the top of a naturally carved ridge, with the Illecillewaet Glacier on one side and Asulkan Glacier on the other. Numerous waterfalls cascade hundreds of metres down into the valleys below. It’s an extraordinary sight!
The Northumberland Coast Path is a 100km long journey along some of England’s most beautiful shorelines. Offering a blend of pristine coastal scenery, rich history and coastal village comforts (pubs, seafood, cosy accommodation), the Northumberland Coast Path is an unforgettable picture perfect coastal walking experience.
Stanley Glacier sits atop of a spectacular hanging valley in Kootenay National Park in British Columbia, Canada. The relatively short and approachable Stanley Glacier Trail leads to a wide basin with impressive vistas of the glacier itself as well as surrounding mountains, tall waterfalls and impossibly steep cliffs. It’s one the best half day hikes in BC!
The Juan de Fuca Trail is a 47km coastal hiking trail on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The challenging route traverses technical forest and beach terrain, with the roaring Pacific Ocean as an ever present backdrop. Read on to discover the essential details you need to know to explore this beautiful coastal trail.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll alongside Okanagan Lake or an adrenaline-pumping trek up one of the local mountains, Kelowna has hiking trails for everyone. This post reveals all of our favourite quick Kelowna hiking trails, ranging from easy rail trail paths to more challenging mountain routes.
The beautiful lakes, vineyards, mountains, pine forests and golden grasslands of the South Okanagan are best seen from the region’s many hiking trails. This list showcases our top picks for South Okanagan hiking trails, from easy rail trail paths to challenging subalpine routes.
While the rewards of the West Coast Trail are plentiful, hikers need to be completely self sufficient and prepared to endure potentially extreme weather conditions. Bringing the right equipment is key!
Backdropped by towering peaks and shining a bright turquoise in the sun, Floe Lake is one of the most spectacular places in the Canadian Rockies. This detailed guide includes a trail description, safety information, campground reservation tips and more.
British Columbia is a hiker’s paradise. From the snow capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the lush forests of Vancouver Island, there are endless day hiking trails to explore across the province. Discover our all time favourite day hiking trails in British Columbia
As rewarding as it is challenging, the Top of the Giant Trail offers an unique all day hiking experience in northwestern Ontario. The path ascends the ‘knees’ of the Sleeping Giant, an impressive formation of volcanic rock rising above beautiful Lake Superior, revealing wide ranging vistas of the water as well as the parks’ boreal forest and a deep natural gorge.
Mount Assiniboine is a jewel in the crown of the Canadian Rockies and a hiker’s dream. This comprehensive hiking guide will explain everything you need to know about planning a backpacking trip to this magnificent provincial park
The Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park is, without a doubt, one of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. The highlight of the 54km long path is the chance to walk alongside the huge limestone cliff that lends its name to the trail. But that’s just the beginning of the beauty found on this spectacular backpacking route.
Stretching 1,123km along the formidable Rockies, the Great Divide Trail is Canada’s ultimate long distance hiking adventure. Discover a brief history of the trail, a route rundown and essential planning info as well as a summary of our own GDT section hike
The mountains of British Columbia become even more breathtaking in autumn, when a golden glow appears in the alpine meadows. This magical display of colour is provided by larch trees, which turn a vibrant yellow before shedding their needles for the winter. This post covers everything you need to know about larch season in BC, including the best places to see larch trees, what to bring and when to plan a trip.
Québec is a supremely underrated hiking destination. The varied landscape of mountains, rugged coast and dense pine forests on Québec’s Gaspé Peninsula, in particular, is the perfect mix for great hiking opportunities. Here are six fast and fun Gaspesie, Quebec trails to try out!
Backpacking is all about balance – keeping your pack weight low while still ensuring you have everything you need to be self sufficient and comfortable in the backcountry. This post features a comprehensive multi-day packing guide detailing every single item to bring on a short backpacking trip.
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!