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.
Beyond the Beaten Path
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).
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.
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.
For a fun, scenic and relaxing paddle adventure in British Columbia’s Kootenay Rockies region, look no further than the Invermere to Radium float. This lazy novice-friendly 17km long paddle trip takes around four hours to complete and features spectacular mountain vistas and wildlife watching opportunities.
As winter approaches, Boundary Country’s golden hills turn white and beckon adventurous travellers to explore. Three characterful ski hills occupy the mountains; one of BC’s biggest and also one of the smallest. While we already knew that that Boundary had plenty to offer in both summer and fall, we recently returned in winter to see if the coldest season could deliver as well (yes!)
Looking for an off the beaten path driving adventure in Nova Scotia? Let me introduce you to a beautiful lesser known route – the Cape George Scenic Drive, also known as the ‘Mini Cabot Trail.’ This picturesque driving route follows the edge of a triangular shaped piece of land that juts into the Northumberland Strait. The curving path passes several lighthouses, rocky coves, working wharfs, tall rugged cliffs, small rural communities and a number of golden sand beaches.
Antigonish is easy enough to miss when travelling to Cape Breton Island from Halifax. Do so, however, and you’d be missing out. This small coastal town in Nova Scotia is rich with natural beauty as well as influences from the past. Discover the best things to do in Antigonish in one day as well as the best places to eat and sleep!
Two rail lines once crossed the length of British Columbia’s Boundary Country – the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) and the Columbia and Western (C&W). Now converted into multi-use paths, the KVR and C&W connect in the town of Midway to provide an uninterrupted 170km hiking and biking route, also part of the Trans Canada Trail.
Grasslands National Park is one of the most unique national parks in Canada and yet is also one of the quietest. We left the park kicking ourselves that we hadn’t visited more of Saskatchewan sooner. Don’t do the same – put Grasslands National Park on your priority list and get ready to be amazed.
Featuring more than 2000 lakes and 500 portages, Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park is a canoe tripping paradise. Paddlers have the ultimate freedom to plan their own route through 1.2 acres of wilderness, choosing a trip length and preferred style to suit, camping at 2,200+ rustic campsites along the way. Canoeing doesn’t get much better than this!
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 best hikes aren’t always the longest ones, as proven by the Jumbo Pass Trail near Kaslo, British Columbia. There’s only 5km of distance between the parking lot and Jumbo Pass itself, yet the reward is immense – a beautiful subalpine landscape, backdropped by huge peaks and glaciers. Here’s what you need to know.
A Vancouver to Calgary road trip offers a highlights reel of BC and Alberta. This post features our top five Vancouver to Calgary road trips, including the classic Highway 1 route as well as three beyond the beaten path alternatives and our ultimate round trip itinerary.
British Columbia’s beautiful southern Okanagan Valley has a lot to offer residents and visitors all year round. Discover 80+ amazing things to do, as recommended by a local, to help you have the BEST visit!
The Heather Trail is one of British Columbia’s premier backpacking paths, offering huge rewards for relatively little effort. Featuring sweeping mountain views, vibrant wildflower meadows, great camping facilities and minimal elevation gain, it’s the ideal destination for a first time backpacking trip.
Two gorgeous aquamarine alpine lakes set into a mountain bowl, sparkling in the summer sun. This is Twin Lakes, a tranquil hiking destination in the Monashee Mountains near Cherryville, British Columbia. This post will tell you everything you need to know to hike to beautiful Twin Lakes.
Hidden in the deep green valleys of Vancouver Island’s Strathcona Park is the Della Falls trail to Canada’s highest waterfall. Read about our experience and follow the guide to visit Della Falls yourself
A high alpine wonderland with wildflower filled meadows, delicate larch trees, crystal clear lakes and endless vistas of immense glaciers and jagged peaks, Monica Meadows is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places in British Columbia.
The Acadians, were the first permanent settlers of Canada from Europe. This post will explain you everything you need to know about the Acadian people and Acadian history.