As , we’ve obtained a agency and really deep love of all issues Canadian! Past the scrumptious Poutine in beautiful Quebec and the perfect locations spots to see in Vancouver, there’s one factor that retains drawing us again; the nice open air! That is very true with regards to British Columbia, with its huge and unspoilt pure magnificence. Even higher, there’s a heap of the perfect hikes in British Columbia that’ll take you proper to them.


After visiting the perfect places British Columbia, driving from Vancouver to Calgary and hopping over from Alaska (through the White Go and Yukon Railroad); we’ve come to see BC as our Canadian house. That is precisely why I needed to share a number of the finest hikes in British Columbia to expertise in your journey.
To make issues simpler, I’ve listed comparatively (easy-to-visit) climbing trails and nothing too far north (which will be completely exhausting to go to). Most of those ought to be inside easy-ish attain of larger and common spots in British Columbia; which means you need to discover a truthful few that’ll work in your journey.
Have a look, under, at the perfect hikes in British Columbia to expertise. Have the perfect time exploring this completely epic province.
1.) Sunshine Coast Path, Sunshine Coast
We cherished the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia and had probably the most unimaginable time exploring as a part of our journey to Vancouver.
Plus, the Sunshine Coast Trail is certainly one of British Columbia’s two hottest multi-day hikes to expertise.
Starting in Sarah Level and ending in Saltery Bay, this 180-km hike is just not as ridiculously tough as its competitors (even when very lengthy). You see, the North Coast Path, however it’s over 3 times as lengthy and does have areas that may be extraordinarily strenuous.
As you’d count on on this unspoilt space the province, the sunrises and sunsets are nothing in need of spectacular, and the chance to expertise backcountry life implies that you will notice many animals alongside the best way, starting from seabirds to black bears and even the occasional timber wolf.
There are a selection of huts situated alongside the best way, which implies you should have a minimum of some semblance of shelter, however nonetheless, make sure to take all crucial precautions with regard to storing meals to keep away from attracting nighttime wildlife gatecrashers.
2.) Al’s Habrich Ridge Path, Squamish
Take the Sea to Sky gondola (see their web site for when it is going to reopen) to the city of Squamish to the place to begin of this reasonably tough hike. Not essentially for the novices, this hike can get steep at sure factors.
Alongside the best way, you’ll stroll by outdated forests and cross thriving streams earlier than arriving at a big rock that should be conquered through a rope ladder. Belief me, although, it’s not as scary because it sounds.
From right here, you’ll expertise a heart-pounding stroll by glacial fields earlier than you might be rewarded with a completely unforgettable view of Howe Sound on the summit. This alone makes it top-of-the-line hikes in British Columbia.
Taking round 5-6 hours to hike, one of many highlights of Al’s Habrich Ridge Trail comes on the very finish, because the stroll leads you out close to the majestic Neverland Lake. You wish to make sure to take the time to cease right here and discover, as it’s price a day journey for itself alone!
Read more: Our day exploring Squamish
3.) Black Tusk, Garibaldi Provincial Park
Probably the most spectacular mountain in Garibaldi Provincial Park, it is a pretty tough, 29-km hike that’s powerful!
Taking the path on the left leads you Taylor Meadows, which is a very beautiful sight within the late summer time, when the alpine wildflowers are at their absolute peak, whereas the precise path leads you to the breathtaking Garibaldi Lake, a pristinely scenic physique of water well-known for its untouched magnificence.
Each paths converge onto the primary path, which takes you to the bottom of Black Tusk itself. Right here, there are unparalleled views of Garibaldi Lake under, together with sweeping panoramas of Garibaldi Park itself!
Remember to pay shut consideration to the place you might be climbing or strolling, because the rocks up on the summit will be fairly free, inflicting severe damage and even loss of life if you happen to occur to misplace your step.
Additionally, if you happen to do resolve to camp, you have to to use for a paid-for allow (which will be obtained, here).


Lastly, if you happen to’re not feeling like a hike, fly over Garibaldi via a seaplane tour that takes off from Vancouver.
We did this one certainly one of our journeys (together with a cease in Whistler) and completely cherished it.
Read more: Our trip, taking a seaplane over Garibaldi
4.) Brandywine Falls, Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
Some of the well-known landmarks situated on British Columbia’s spectacular Sea to Sky Freeway, it’s properly situated between Squamish and Whistler.
An absolute must-see for explorers of all ages, the trek to the falls is brief (roughly 1-km) and comparatively straightforward.
Although, don’t let the flat terrain idiot you! When you arrive on the viewpoint, you’ll find your self gazing on the majestic falls, that are over 70-m tall!
Come early to keep away from the crowds and make sure to spend a while taking pictures and easily soaking within the majesty that is without doubt one of the most lovely waterfalls and finest hikes in British Columbia that’s comparatively straightforward.
Read more: Best things to do in Whistler
5.) Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Provincial Park
Positioned in Garibaldi Provincial Park (Are you able to inform we find it irresistible?), it is a very fashionable hike that may be fairly lengthy.
Roughly 23-km spherical journey, the reasonably paced Elfin Lakes Trail takes you thru the exceptional pink heather meadows alongside a scenic alpine pathway that gives beautiful views of the mountains and even some fairly little waterfalls as properly.
The crown jewel is the Elfin Lakes themselves, that are clear and glowing with primitive magnificence.
Whilst you can’t camp on the shores of the lakes themselves, there’s loads of accepted campsites obtainable a few mile or so away. Remember to guide your spot early, as these websites can refill rapidly, significantly within the summertime!
Read more: Best places to see in British Columbia
6.) Joffrey Lakes, Joffrey Lakes Provincial Park
This can be a very fashionable climbing spot, significantly within the summertime, when you may spend time enjoyable on the shores of a number of the most lovely lakes in all of British Columbia.
Now, the Joffrey Lakes Path is pretty straightforward and family-friendly, because the drive to the trailhead takes up nearly all of any elevation achieve.
Your trek will lead you previous three lakes, all of that are completely spectacular, with their crystalline-blue waters framed by the alpine forest and a backdrop of looming mountains.
Your complete hike takes about three to 4 hours (extra if you happen to stroll), however you’ll want to enable further time for soaking in these vistas of the lakes.
7.) Juan de Fuca Path, Vancouver Island
Positioned within the Vancouver Islands, the Juan de Fuca Trail is an extended and tough, 47-km hike that usually takes round 4 days to finish. That is the type of hike that’s suited to these wanting a problem.
Although, concern not, you are able to do small part and never full all the path in a single go. This fashion, you’ll get a taster of the route and hike at your personal tempo. Don’t really feel obliged to complete all of it!
When you do, start can start your journey on the southern trailhead, which is situated on the spectacularly lovely China Seaside. Alternatively, you may start within the north at Botanical Seaside, which is equally scenic and well-known for its teeming tidepools. Each are nice and it doesn’t actually matter which you select.
Alongside the route, there’s loads of alternatives for viewing marine wildlife alongside the trail as properly, together with orcas and proper whales (if you happen to’re fortunate). You will need to remember that you might be in very remoted terrain right here, and there are many land animals to think about, together with bears and even the occasional cat. Subsequently, make sure to hike in teams, carry bear spray and retailer all meals correctly.
Lastly, I don’t wish to sound like a nag however the climate right here can change rapidly on the island. This implies it’s completely important to pack gear for cooler and/or very moist situations. Waterproof layers are at all times a win!
Read more: Best places to see in British Columbia
8.) The Lions Path, Lions Bay
Some of the spectacular hikes you’ll ever undertake anyplace on the planet, it is usually not for the fainthearted. This 15-km trek situated close to Vancouver is tough, significantly on the finish of the path.
If you’re as much as the problem, the stroll by the pristine forest offers option to a completely breathtaking view of Howe Sound and Lion’s Bay. That is the purpose within the hike through which you might be well-advised to cease and benefit from the well-deserved panoramic view earlier than heading again the best way you got here.
Whereas probably the most skilled hikers could elect to undertake the damaging scramble that leads you the very prime of the summit, the view is gorgeous sufficient the place you might be with out taking pointless dangers. Nobody likes a reckless hiker!
Read more: How to spend a week in and around Vancouver
9.) Mount Cheam (peak) Path, Bridal Feil Falls Park
Whereas attending to the preliminary trailhead can powerful (requiring a four-wheel drive), as soon as you start the Mount Cheam Path, you’ll assume you could have been transported to a different world!
Whereas the preliminary summit could look intimidating, the elevation achieve is pretty average. Although, that is nonetheless a tricky and significantly exhausting hike that’s actually just for skilled hikers.
Right here, you’ll catch spectacular views of Mount Baker in Washington as you climb as much as the highest, but nothing can put together you for the sweeping, panoramic sights ready for you on the prime.
From gazing down upon the Fraser Valley, maybe even catching a glimpse of Harrison Lake on the clearest days. That is an epic trek to take your time on.
10.) North Coast Path, Cape Scott Provincial Park
Positioned in Cape Scott Provincial Park, this 43-km hiking trail is tough in tempo, but completely legendary with regard to surroundings, variety and alternative for wildlife viewing.
Not solely can the pathways be steep in sections, however there are additionally many factors that change into very slim and muddy, significantly throughout the wet season. To be ready, make sure to come ready with good footwear, and watch the place you might be stepping.
The stroll alongside the shoreline of the North Coast is totally jaw-dropping in its ruggedness and is definitely top-of-the-line hikes in British Columbia to expertise.
Alongside the best way, you should have the chance to discover tide swimming pools and even hold a watch out for orcas and seals within the ocean waters. Bears are additionally quite common on this space, so make sure to give them loads of area and retailer meals accordingly.
11.) Three Brothers Mountain Path, Manning Park
This is without doubt one of the hottest day trails and finest hikes in British Columbia to attempt.
The reasonably tough path spans roughly 20-km, so it’s a strong day hike, but the great thing about the world is a significant purpose why this trek is so close to and pricey to the hiker’s coronary heart.
The vast majority of the trek happens on the aptly named Heather Path, and as you would possibly count on, the meadows of wildflowers you’ll expertise are completely out of this world. Additionally, the summit of the First Brother is nothing in need of spectacular for views. It’s post-card good, with the flowering meadows under properly framing the beautiful Cascade Vary within the distance.
Read more: How to explore the Three Brothers Mountain Trail
12.) Stawamus Chief, Stawamus Chief Park
Recognized amongst locals merely as “The Chief” this is without doubt one of the hottest hikes within the beautiful Sea to Sky Hall.
The Chief itself is without doubt one of the largest granite monoliths in all of North America to see! Whereas the 7-km hike is pretty brief, it’s fairly steep (and exhausting) for almost all of the best way up. This makes it top-of-the-line hikes in British Columbia for extra skilled hikers to beat!
When you attain the highest, you might be finely rewarded for all your exhausting work, as you should have a panoramic view of the Squamish Valley and Howe Sound.
The summit is an superior spot to spend an hour or two enjoyable, taking in refreshment and absorbing the wonderful surroundings throughout you.
Read more: Best things to do in British Columbia