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!
Backpacking
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.
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).
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 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 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.
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.
Lake O’Hara really is the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. With pristine turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, soaring mountain peaks, giant glaciers, hanging valleys and more (!), Lake O’Hara has it all. If you only have time to explore just one place in the Canadian Rockies, Lake O’Hara would be an excellent choice.
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 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.
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.
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!
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
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.