British Columbia is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty. Like most travel destinations, however, a bit of careful planning is sure to make your trip a lot easier. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know!
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
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.
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.
Until recently, we had never visited Vernon in fall. But what we discovered on our recent trip has convinced me that Vernon is one of the best places in British Columbia to visit at this time of year! This is particularly true if you like fall activities on the spooky side…
There’s more sun, sea and sand in British Columbia than you may expect. Here are some of the best beaches we have come across in this beautiful province, ranging from rugged and wild black rock studded beaches to long swathes of sand ideal for sunbathing!
Set into rolling grasslands, bordered by three lakes and backdropped by mountains, Vernon is surrounded by gorgeous scenery. There are so many fun things to do in this area. This is especially true in the summer, with long, hot days offering endless outdoor opportunities!
Since the 1990s, the KVR Trail has been a multi-use (cycling, hiking, horse riding) path, taking users around the mountains, vineyards and lakes of the beautiful Okanagan Valley. A walk on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a must when visiting Penticton
Surrounded by three lakes and a gorgeous landscape of rolling hills and mountains, the city of Vernon in British Columbia has all the beauty, amenities and activities you want and need on a short break. Here are our tried and tested accommodation recommendations in Vernon, BC.
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!)
Giant’s Head Mountain, Summerland, is one of our favourite quick hikes (3.2km return) in southern British Columbia, Canada. It’s a workout with an awesome payoff – a must try when visiting the area!
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.
With breathtaking views of Vancouver Island and the Salish Sea, this shoreline is lined by vibrant coastal communities and backdropped by mossy temperate rainforest and the coastal mountain range. Despite this, it’s hugely underrated. Discover 14 unique things to do on the Sunshine Coast, BC.
Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park is one of the best places to climb in Canada with over 1000 climbs found in three canyons. Complete climbing guide written by a Penticton local with recommended climbs and insider tips.
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.
Striking McIntyre Bluff rises 300m above beautiful Vaseux Lake, providing awesome panoramic views of vineyards, orchards and arid lands to those who take the time to hike it. It’s a must do Okanagan Valley trail!
Famed for rugged, untouched coastal scenery, the West Coast Trail is a legendary 5-8 day backpacking experience. But this wilderness setting does mean that the West Coast Trail (WCT) is somewhat tricky to access. This post will explain everything you need to know about West Coast Trail transportation to plan your ideal hike!
The West Coast Trail is one of Canada’s most iconic hiking trails. Most hikers spend 6-8 days traversing the challenging 75km long trail, camping at their choice of 13 designated campgrounds. In this post, I’ll share the lowdown on each and every West Coast Trail campground, as well as other accommodation options.