British Columbia Hiking Trails and Adventure Treks!
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Let's look at some popular hiking and backpacking spots in British Columbia. We'll break down a number of different adventures and activities that can be explored throughout the province.
Is it for me? BC has many different trails that all can enjoy. Easy treks can be found on most of the well known trails and take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to complete. There are also many intermediate hikes that take up a full day.
And if you're really passionate about the outdoors, British Columbia has some of the most demanding and challenging hikes in North America! You can arrange for advanced treks that last up to 7 or 8 days. If you're looking for a family getaway, the choices are really endless. You can combine hiking with kayaking, rafting and camping that will keep the whole family entertained for that perfect weekend outing! British Columbia Hiking Trails - Where to GoOne of the most popular areas for hiking and backpacking is the Sunshine Coast Trail. It extends all the way from Saltery Bay to Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park. There are 5 different sections that take you through deep forests and provide excellent views of the ocean and coast. Camping is allowed or you can base yourself in Powell River where there are a number of bed and breakfast accommodation options. Garibaldi Lake Trail between Squamish and Whistler is a great place for families to explore. Plan on hiking a full day through glaciers and old growth forests. There's campsites to stay at overnight if you want to continue on to Black Tusk. (Advanced Trail)
Within the province, there's a good selection of short hikes that beginners to experts can enjoy. They only take a few hours to walk and you really get a good dose of BC's wilderness and wildlife. The Rainbow Range Trail close to Bella Coola is a fantastic intermediate hike that takes about 3 hours, winding through mountain ranges and alpine lakes. Close to the Alberta border is the spectacular Berg Lake Trail. The hike is a long one, around 25 kilometers, but it shows off some of the most beautiful scenery in British Columbia. You'll have excellent views of Mount Robson, with vistas that include waterfalls, thick forests and the blue/green waters of Berg Lake. Reserve ahead for camping! Further south, full-day hikes can be can be arranged in Cathedral Provincial Park in the southern Okanagan Valley. This area is great for families as you can book a Jeep-type tour that will transport you in to the heart of the park. Here you can base yourself in a cabin or lodge and take short half day hikes in and around Lakeview Trail. In the southeast region of the province, there are many advanced hikes including loop circuits on the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park. Yoho National Park has hundreds of kilometers of trails that range from intermediate to expert. They're tough but the scenery is unforgettable! Close to Terrace is a wonderful 6 kilometer walk in Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Park. You can arrange a guided tour with an interpretive guide to get the most out of the area. Two other longer hiking trails in the North are the Wokkpash Trail and the Monkman Pass Memorial Trail. Both are rated as more difficult to walk and take at least 3 or 4 days to explore each. Without a doubt one of the most outstanding trails in all of BC is on Vancouver Island. The West Coast Trail located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve takes hikers along remote and wild coastal cliffs, beaches and suspension bridges. This 75 kilometer trek is not for the faint of heart. You'll need your "strength and will" to make it across rivers and cliff ledges through this remote coastal area! Look here for West Coast Trail information including reservations and services. In the southern part of Vancouver Island you'll find easy and shorter day hikes that everyone can do on the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. You can access this trail at different points, and you'll find convenient campsites along the way.
British Columbia Hiking Trails - Planning
As with any land adventure, you have 2 options available when planning your British Columbia hiking holiday.
You can choose to do it yourself on a 'Self-Guided Tour' or you can arrange a 'Guided Excursion' that will usually include other activities like whitewater rafting or cycling.
Whatever you decide to do is up to you! If you're interested in doing some multi-day treks, a guided tour can certainly help out with overnight stays and even help you to get the most out of the area you're exploring. If you like to go it alone, don't forget to use the trail maps and information that's available at Park Entrances and Visitor Information Centers. And always be prepared for the unexpected!
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