The Sunshine Coast Trail is an incredible 180km hut-to-hut hiking route in south-west British Columbia, Canada. Read on to discover our own experience hiking the SCT plus a comprehensive planning guide so you, too, can organise your own adventure on this magnificent trail!
By the end of winter, I can’t wait to get back onto the hiking trails again. BC’s mountainous terrain, however, means that many popular backpacking routes are under snow until at least June. But not all of them! Here are 13 of the best shoulder season backpacking trips in BC
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.
Boasting as many as 41 spectacular waterfalls, Wells Gray Provincial Park is a must-see destination for waterfall chasers, nature lovers and adventure seekers everywhere. From the iconic Helmcken Falls and wide Dawson Falls to lesser-known gems, each cascade is uniquely beautiful.
Uncover the essence of BC’s beautiful Salish Sea on a Coastal Circle Route road trip, taking in both Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. The Coastal Circle Route is an ideal road trip for anyone looking for a satisfying and scenic driving loop located slightly off the beaten path.
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.
Want to explore both sides of the Canadian Rockies (Alberta and British Columbia) and drive a circular road trip route? This 9/12 day route showcases some of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic sights as well as some beautiful off-the-beaten-track locations
Embark on a relaxing escape with our guide to the best hot springs in BC. Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, British Columbia has an abundance of natural hot springs. Some remain in their natural state, while many have been developed into wellness destinations featuring modern amenities.
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!
Subalpine meadows filled with vibrant wildflowers and backdropped by snow capped mountains. Boulderfields squeaking with impossibly cute marmots and pikas. And finally, a turquoise-coloured lake with mirror-like reflections. The Eva Lake Trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park offers all this and more!
Travel from Vancouver Island’s east coast to west through its mountainous core, alongside huge lakes and waterfalls on a Campbell River to Gold River road trip. The 100km drive to the terminus of Highway 28 beckons adventurous travellers to disconnect and revel in the beauty of nature, with no phone signal or Wi-Fi in sight.
Shopping for a nature enthusiast? Discover our curated collection of the best gifts for people who’d rather be outside. From nature-inspired art prints and books to handmade jewellery and mugs, there’s a little something for most outdoor enthusiasts here.
North of Campbell River, Vancouver Island becomes a much wilder place to explore. A Campbell River to Port Hardy road trip is the best starting point for an unforgettable North Vancouver Island adventure.
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.
Looking for a Vancouver Island adventure further away from the beaten path? Consider a Nanaimo to Campbell River road trip. This coastal adventure offers the chance to stroll along spectacular sandy beaches, take in dramatic waterfalls, eat local seafood and hike through the temperate rainforest.
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!
As the Pacific salmon swim from the ocean to the spawning grounds of their birth, British Columbia becomes the host of one of the most breathtaking wildlife migrations in the world. The annual salmon run is an impressive sight and one definitely not to miss when travelling the province in autumn – here’s where to go!
The Iceline, Yoho National Park’s signature hiking trail, showcases breathtaking alpine panoramas, spectacular waterfalls and lush subalpine meadows. It’s a true feast for the eyes, especially if you love glaciers and snow capped mountains. For all these reasons and more, we rate the Iceline Trail as one of British Columbia’s best day hikes.
Most visitors to Vancouver Island see only Tofino and Victoria – great combination – but Vancouver Island has MUCH more to offer! Experience the magnificence of Vancouver Island without the crowds on these three road trip itineraries.