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.
Best of Outdoor Adventure
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
The 35km long Nootka Trail offers a wild coastal backpacking experience on what feels like the edge of the Earth. Discover more about the Nootka Trail, with our own five day trip report and comprehensive hiking guide.
Discover our top five snowshoeing trails in and around the city of Penticton, British Columbia, ideal for beginner or novice snowshoers.
Explore the BC’s dramatic mountains and misty forests from a different perspective – the classic Canadian canoe. Here are 17 of the best BC canoe trips you need to paddle ASAP.
The West Coast Trail is one of Canada’s most iconic hiking trails. The demanding 75km journey along Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline traverses windswept sandy beaches, gnarled old growth forest, slippery boulder fields, surge channels and tidal pools. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare to hike the legendary West Coast Trail.
Glacier-fed and surrounded by impossibly high mountains, Maligne Lake offers the most epic multi-day canoe trip in the Canadian Rockies. In this post, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about planning a Maligne Lake canoe trip.
Crossing the Cascade Mountains by foot has been made possible with the restored 74km Hudson’s Bay Company Heritage Trail (1849) from Hope to Tulameen, British Columbia. The reinstatement of this historical trail enables hikers to step into the footsteps of First Nation and European traders.
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.
The Rim Trail is one of British Columbia’s best one-day hikes. Stunning vistas, interesting rock formations, azure lakes, moderate difficulty hiking and the potential to see mountain goats….what more could you want?