Beautiful British Columbia
40 of the most spectacular trails in the province — from coastal rainforests to glacial alpine peaks, Gulf Islands summits to remote northern wilderness
Moderate1Sea to Sky
Garibaldi Provincial Park
One of BC's most iconic hikes, Garibaldi Lake rewards you with impossibly turquoise glacial waters framed by volcanic peaks. The trail winds through old-growth forest before opening onto a stunning alpine basin.
Must See
Battleship Islands viewpoint at the lake shore
Strenuous2Northern Rockies
Mount Robson Provincial Park
The Berg Lake Trail leads to the base of Mount Robson — the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Icebergs calve from Berg Glacier into the lake year-round, creating a dramatic and ever-changing scene.
Must See
Berg Glacier and the Emperor Falls cascade
Expert3Vancouver Island
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Legendary among hikers worldwide, the West Coast Trail follows a rugged stretch of Vancouver Island's outer coast. Expect sea caves, suspension bridges, tidal pools, and unforgettable Pacific sunsets.
Must See
Tsusiat Falls — a waterfall that drops directly onto the beach
Moderate4Sea to Sky
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Three glacially fed lakes stacked up a valley, each more vivid than the last. The upper lake sits directly beneath the Matier Glacier, offering one of the most photogenic alpine scenes in all of BC.
Must See
Upper Joffre Lake with the glacier reflected in the water
Moderate–Strenuous5Sea to Sky
Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
The second-largest granite monolith in the world looms over Squamish. Three separate summits offer different perspectives of Howe Sound, the Sea-to-Sky corridor, and the Tantalus Range.
Must See
First Peak viewpoint overlooking Howe Sound and Squamish
Strenuous6Sea to Sky
Garibaldi Provincial Park
The panoramic view from the ridge — Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk, and the volcanic landscape of the Garibaldi Plateau — is considered one of the finest in Canada. A true bucket-list destination.
Must See
The 360° summit view over Garibaldi Lake and Black Tusk
Strenuous7Okanagan
Cathedral Provincial Park
A remote alpine plateau in the Okanagan Highlands, Cathedral Park features a cluster of crystal-clear lakes, bizarre rock formations like the Stone City and Giant Cleft, and sweeping views into Washington State.
Must See
Quiniscoe Lake and the Smoky the Bear rock formation
Strenuous8Metro Vancouver
Cypress Provincial Park
A challenging ridge traverse above West Vancouver with continuous views of Howe Sound, the Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island. The trail passes over multiple peaks and through stunning subalpine terrain.
Must See
The Lions — twin granite peaks visible from Vancouver
Expert9Kootenay Rockies
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
Known as the "Matterhorn of the Rockies," Mount Assiniboine rises to 3,618 m above a pristine wilderness park. The multi-day approach through meadows and past turquoise lakes is an unforgettable Rocky Mountain experience.
Must See
Lake Magog with Assiniboine's pyramid peak reflected in the water
Moderate10Sea to Sky
Garibaldi Provincial Park
A classic overnight hike to a BC Parks hut perched above two small alpine lakes. The trail offers sweeping views of the Tantalus Range and the Squamish Valley, with the Diamond Head volcanic area as a backdrop.
Must See
Red Heather Meadows in late July when wildflowers peak
Strenuous11Fraser Valley
Golden Ears Provincial Park
The summit of Golden Ears offers a bird's-eye view over the Lower Mainland, the Fraser Valley, and the Gulf Islands. The trail passes through lush coastal rainforest before breaking into open alpine terrain.
Must See
The summit ridge view stretching from Vancouver to the Cascades
Easy – Strenuous12Thompson / Cariboo
Wells Grey Provincial Park
BC's "Waterfall Park" offers a network of trails through ancient volcanic landscapes, old-growth forests, and past thundering waterfalls. Helmcken Falls — Canada's fourth-highest — is the crown jewel.
Must See
Helmcken Falls viewpoint and the Murtle Lake backcountry
Moderate–Strenuous13Fraser Valley
Manning Provincial Park
A stunning ridge walk through Manning Park's high country, the Skyline Trail traverses open meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer. The views across the Cascade Mountains into Washington State are extraordinary.
Must See
Frosty Mountain summit and the wildflower meadows in August
Easy–Moderate14Columbia Mountains
Mount Revelstoke National Park
Drive to near the summit then hike through one of BC's most spectacular subalpine meadow systems. The Meadows in the Sky Parkway leads to a plateau carpeted with wildflowers and ringed by Columbia Mountain peaks.
Must See
Eva Lake and the panoramic view from the summit fire lookout
Moderate–Strenuous15Kootenays
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains above Nelson, Kokanee Glacier Park is a hidden gem of the Kootenays. Turquoise lakes, remnant glaciers, and a historic backcountry cabin make this a favourite multi-day destination.
Must See
Kaslo Lake and the glacier viewpoint at Kokanee Pass
Strenuous16Vancouver Island
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
A rugged coastal trail along the southwest tip of Vancouver Island, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail offers dramatic sea stacks, old-growth Sitka spruce, and wild Pacific beaches without the permit pressure of the West Coast Trail.
Must See
Botanical Beach tidal pools — some of the richest in Canada
Easy17Thompson / Cariboo
Wells Grey Provincial Park
A short but spectacular hike along the rim of a volcanic canyon carved by Spahats Creek. The viewpoints reveal a dramatic 60-metre waterfall plunging into a lava-walled gorge — perfect for families and casual hikers.
Must See
Spahats Falls from the canyon rim viewpoint
Moderate–Strenuous18Sea to Sky
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler's summer hiking network spans both mountains with trails ranging from leisurely ridge walks to challenging summit scrambles. The Peak 2 Peak gondola gives access to high-alpine terrain with minimal effort.
Must See
Harmony Lake and the Musical Bumps ridge traverse
Easy – Expert19Vancouver Island
Strathcona Provincial Park
BC's oldest provincial park covers the rugged heart of Vancouver Island. From the accessible Lupin Falls loop to the challenging summit of Mount Albert Edward, Strathcona offers wilderness hiking for every level.
Must See
Della Falls — Canada's highest waterfall at 440 metres
Easy – Moderate20Fraser Valley
Skagit Valley Provincial Park
The Skagit Valley is BC's best-kept hiking secret — a lush river valley bordering the North Cascades with wildflower meadows, old-growth forest, and the stunning Rhododendron Flats bloom each spring.
Must See
Rhododendron Flats in late May when the wild rhododendrons flower
Strenuous21Northern BC
Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site
Walk in the footsteps of the Klondike Gold Rush stampeders on this legendary cross-border trail. The route climbs through boreal forest, alpine tundra, and over the infamous Chilkoot Pass into the Yukon.
Must See
The Golden Staircase — the steep final push to Chilkoot Pass
Moderate22Haida Gwaii
Naikoon Provincial Park
One of Canada's most remote and otherworldly hikes, the Naikoon beach walk follows the wild northeast coast of Haida Gwaii. Ancient Sitka spruce forests, shipwrecks, and vast empty beaches define this unforgettable journey.
Must See
The rusting hull of the Pesuta shipwreck half-buried in the sand
Easy–Moderate23Fraser Valley
Manning Provincial Park
The Heather Trail from Blackwall Peak is Manning Park's most celebrated wildflower walk. In late July and August, the open subalpine meadows explode with colour — paintbrush, lupine, and heather as far as the eye can see.
Must See
The Three Brothers viewpoint and the wildflower meadows at peak bloom
Strenuous24Kootenay Rockies
Yoho National Park
The Iceline Trail traverses the lateral moraine of the Emerald Glacier with jaw-dropping views of the Yoho Valley, Takakkaw Falls, and the President Range. One of the finest day hikes in the Canadian Rockies.
Must See
Takakkaw Falls — one of Canada's highest waterfalls at 373 metres
Strenuous25Kootenays
Valhalla Provincial Park
A stunning backcountry destination in the Selkirk Mountains, the Gwillim Lakes basin sits in a dramatic cirque beneath the Valhalla peaks. Crystal-clear lakes, wildflower meadows, and near-total solitude await.
Must See
The upper Gwillim Lake basin ringed by jagged Valhalla peaks
Strenuous26Kootenay Rockies
Waterton Lakes National Park
Rated one of the top hikes in Canada, the Crypt Lake Trail involves a boat ride, a ladder, a tunnel, and a chain-assisted ledge traverse before revealing a hidden lake nestled in a spectacular limestone cirque.
Must See
The natural tunnel and the emerald-green Crypt Lake at trail's end
Strenuous27Fraser Valley
Manning Provincial Park
The highest peak in Manning Park, Frosty Mountain rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Cascade Range, the Okanagan Highlands, and on clear days, Mount Baker in Washington. Larch forests glow gold in October.
Must See
The larch forest below the summit in late September and early October
Easy28Sea to Sky
Nairn Falls Provincial Park
A short and accessible trail through old-growth forest leads to the thundering Nairn Falls, where the Green River drops 60 metres through a narrow basalt canyon. A perfect stop on the drive to Pemberton or Lillooet.
Must See
The main falls viewpoint where the river squeezes through the canyon
Strenuous29Sea to Sky
Garibaldi Provincial Park
One of Garibaldi Park's most rewarding — and demanding — day hikes. The steep climb through forest and boulder fields opens onto a brilliant turquoise lake beneath the Wedge Glacier, with a backcountry campsite for overnight stays.
Must See
Wedge Glacier calving into the lake on warm summer afternoons
Strenuous30Metro Vancouver
Grouse Mountain
Vancouver's most famous urban hike — and one of its most brutal. The Grouse Grind climbs nearly 900 metres in under 3 km through dense coastal forest. A rite of passage for locals and a bucket-list challenge for visitors.
Must See
The summit views of Vancouver, the Burrard Inlet, and the Gulf Islands
Moderate – Expert31Thompson / Cariboo
Cariboo Mountains Provincial Park
A vast and seldom-visited wilderness park in the northern Cariboo Mountains. Glaciers, alpine lakes, and old-growth spruce forests define this remote destination — one of BC's true backcountry gems.
Must See
The Cariboo Lake basin and the glaciated peaks of the Cariboo Range
Strenuous32Sea to Sky
Garibaldi Provincial Park
A quieter alternative to the Panorama Ridge crowds, the Helm Creek Trail winds through the volcanic Garibaldi Plateau past Helm Lake and up to the base of Black Tusk — one of BC's most recognizable volcanic spires.
Must See
Black Tusk rising above the plateau — a sacred landmark of the Squamish Nation
Easy33Kootenay Rockies
Kootenay National Park
A short but spectacular walk along the rim of Marble Canyon, where Tokumm Creek has carved a series of dramatic potholes and narrows through pale limestone. Seven bridges cross the gorge at progressively greater heights.
Must See
The final bridge viewpoint where the canyon narrows to just a few metres wide
Easy – Moderate34Sunshine Coast
Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park
Accessible only by boat, Desolation Sound is BC's largest marine park. Forested trails wind between warm-water inlets, granite outcrops, and sheltered coves — a paradise for hikers who arrive by kayak or water taxi.
Must See
Unwin Lake — one of the warmest swimming lakes in BC
Moderate35Kootenay Rockies
Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park
A remote ridge hike in BC's southernmost corner, Akamina Ridge straddles the Continental Divide with views into Montana and Alberta. Grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats are frequently spotted here.
Must See
Forum Lake — a vivid turquoise tarn at the base of the ridge
Moderate36Vancouver Island
Strathcona Provincial Park
Named from a Comox First Nations legend, the Forbidden Plateau is a high alpine meadow system above Courtenay with a network of trails connecting small lakes, tarns, and viewpoints over the Strait of Georgia.
Must See
Lake Helen Mackenzie and the view west to the mainland Coast Mountains
Expert37Northern BC
Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park
One of BC's most remote wilderness hikes, the Spatsizi Plateau is a vast subarctic landscape of rolling tundra, caribou herds, and pristine rivers. Fly-in access and total self-sufficiency are required.
Must See
The Spatsizi River headwaters and the caribou migration routes
Moderate38Okanagan
Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park
A network of trails through the dry ponderosa pine forests above Okanagan Lake, offering sweeping views of the lake, the valley, and the distant Monashee Mountains. Rattlesnakes, mule deer, and osprey are common sights.
Must See
The Divide Trail viewpoint overlooking Okanagan Lake from 1,200 m
Moderate39Sea to Sky
Seton Lake Recreation Area
A lesser-known gem above the turquoise waters of Seton Lake, this trail climbs through dry Interior forest to dramatic bluffs with panoramic views of the Fraser Canyon, the Bridge River Valley, and the surrounding peaks.
Must See
The bluff viewpoint over Seton Lake — one of BC's warmest lakes for swimming
Moderate–Strenuous40Northern BC
Babine Mountains Provincial Park
The Babine Mountains rise dramatically above the Bulkley Valley near Smithers, offering some of the finest alpine hiking in northern BC. Wildflower meadows, glacial lakes, and views of the Hudson Bay Mountain make this a standout destination.
Must See
Cronin Creek basin and the panoramic view from the Babine Ridge
Easy41Sea to Sky
Garibaldi Provincial Park
One of Garibaldi Park's most accessible gems, the Cheakamus Lake trail winds through ancient old-growth forest to a stunning glacially fed lake ringed by peaks. The flat, forested walk is perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful escape without a gruelling climb.
Must See
The lake's vivid turquoise colour at the far end where the glacier meltwater enters
Moderate42Metro Vancouver
Mount Seymour Provincial Park
Just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Mount Seymour offers a surprisingly wild alpine experience. The trail climbs through subalpine forest and open rocky terrain to three summits with sweeping views of the city, the Gulf Islands, and the Coast Mountains.
Must See
First Pump Peak — the easiest summit with the best views of Indian Arm
Easy–Moderate43Metro Vancouver
Crippen Regional Park
A 20-minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay delivers you to Bowen Island's network of forested trails. Killarney Lake loop, the Dorman Point viewpoint, and the ridge above Snug Cove offer a genuine wilderness feel just minutes from the city.
Must See
Dorman Point — a rocky bluff with views of Howe Sound and the mainland peaks
Moderate44Gulf Islands
Mount Maxwell Provincial Park
The highest point on Salt Spring Island, Mount Maxwell rewards hikers with one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Gulf Islands — a sheer cliff edge overlooking Burgoyne Bay, Sansum Narrows, and the mountains of Vancouver Island.
Must See
The Baynes Peak escarpment — a sheer drop with a 180° view over the southern Gulf Islands
Easy–Moderate45Thompson / Cariboo
Ancient Forest Provincial Park
One of BC's most remarkable and accessible old-growth experiences, the Ancient Forest protects a rare inland temperate rainforest of massive western red cedars — some over 2,000 years old. Boardwalks wind through cathedral groves and past a stunning waterfall.
Must See
The "Shovel Handle Bog" and the ancient cedars along the lower loop boardwalk
Moderate–Strenuous46Thompson / Cariboo
Kamloops Area Crown Land
The most prominent summit visible from Kamloops, Mount Lolo offers a classic Interior BC hike through dry ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests to an open rocky summit with panoramic views of the Thompson Valley, Kamloops Lake, and the surrounding plateau.
Must See
The summit fire lookout site with 360° views of the Thompson Plateau
Moderate47Thompson / Cariboo
Cariboo Region Crown Land
Rising above the Cariboo Plateau near 100 Mile House, Mount Timothy offers a rewarding hike through subalpine meadows to a summit with sweeping views of the plateau lakes and the distant Coast Mountains. Wildflowers carpet the upper slopes in July.
Must See
The summit plateau view over the Cariboo lake district stretching to the horizon
Strenuous48Northern BC
Smithers Area Crown Land
The dominant peak above Smithers, Mount Pope is a challenging but rewarding hike through the Bulkley Valley's boreal forest and alpine terrain. The summit offers a commanding view of Hudson Bay Mountain, the Bulkley River valley, and the distant Babine Range.
Must See
The ridge traverse with views of the Bulkley Valley and Hudson Bay Mountain
Moderate49Sea to Sky
Duffey Lake Provincial Park
The Duffey Lake corridor between Pemberton and Lillooet is one of BC's most scenic drives — and its trailheads lead to some of the most underrated alpine hiking in the province. Turquoise lakes, wildflower meadows, and glacier views with far fewer crowds than Garibaldi.
Must See
Cayoosh Creek canyon and the alpine lakes above Duffey Lake
Easy – Strenuous50Fraser Valley
Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park
Tucked in the Cascade Mountains near the US border, Chilliwack Lake is surrounded by a network of trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging ridge hikes with views of the Skagit Range. The Centennial Trail connects to Manning Park for a multi-day adventure.
Must See
Post Creek trail to the Radium Lake basin — a hidden alpine gem
Moderate–Strenuous51Vancouver Island
Goldstream Provincial Park
The most popular summit hike near Victoria, Mount Finlayson is a short but steep scramble over bare rock and through Garry oak meadows to a summit with sweeping views of the Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands, and the Olympic Mountains of Washington.
Must See
The bare rock summit with views of Finlayson Arm and the Malahat
Moderate52Vancouver Island
Strathcona Provincial Park
Accessed from the Forbidden Plateau area of Strathcona Park, Mount Becher offers a rewarding hike through subalpine meadows to a summit with panoramic views of the Comox Valley, the Strait of Georgia, and the mainland Coast Mountains.
Must See
The summit view east over the Comox Valley to the mainland on a clear day
Moderate–Strenuous53Kootenay Rockies
Columbia Valley Crown Land
One of the finest viewpoints in the Columbia Valley, Mount Swansea rises above Invermere with a trail that climbs through open pine forests to a summit overlooking Lake Windermere, the Rocky Mountain Trench, and the Purcell Mountains.
Must See
The summit view of Lake Windermere and the Rocky Mountain Trench stretching north and south
Expert54Kootenay Rockies
Purcell Wilderness Conservancy
One of BC's most demanding and rewarding multi-day wilderness routes, the Purcell Wilderness traverse crosses the heart of the Purcell Mountains between Kimberley and Argenta. Glaciers, remote alpine lakes, and total solitude define this legendary backcountry journey.
Must See
Earl Grey Pass — a high alpine crossing with views of the Purcell and Selkirk ranges
Easy – Strenuous55Haida Gwaii
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
The trails of Gwaii Haanas lead through ancient Haida village sites, old-growth Sitka spruce forests, and along wild Pacific beaches. Accessible only by boat or floatplane, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a profound wilderness and cultural experience unlike anywhere else in Canada.
Must See
SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island) — a UNESCO site with standing totem poles
Easy56Northern Rockies
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Not everyone can tackle the full Berg Lake Trail, but the Robson Viewpoint trail offers a short, accessible hike to a stunning vantage point of the "Monarch of the Canadian Rockies." On clear days, the full 3,954 m peak is visible in all its glaciated glory.
Must See
The Kinney Lake viewpoint with Mount Robson reflected in the water
Expert57Northern BC
Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park
Part of the largest protected wilderness area in the world, the Tatshenshini-Alsek is BC's most remote and spectacular wilderness. The river corridor passes through a landscape of surging glaciers, grizzly bears, and peaks that have never been named. A true once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
Must See
Alsek Lake — a vast iceberg-filled lake at the foot of the Alsek Glacier
Strenuous58Sea to Sky
Pemberton Area Crown Land
The dramatic granite walls of Mount Currie dominate the Pemberton Valley skyline. The approach trail climbs through old-growth forest and open subalpine terrain to a viewpoint that looks directly up at the 2,591 m peak, with the Pemberton meadows and Lillooet River valley spread below.
Must See
The upper viewpoint with the full face of Mount Currie rising above the valley
Strenuous59Kootenay Rockies
Purcell Mountains Crown Land
A spectacular high-alpine hike in the heart of the Purcell Mountains, the Jumbo Pass trail climbs through wildflower meadows to a broad alpine pass with views of the Commander and Jumbo glaciers. Mountain goats and grizzly bears are frequently spotted on the upper slopes.
Must See
The Commander Glacier viewpoint from the pass — a wall of blue ice above the valley
Moderate61Thompson / Cariboo
Wells Grey Provincial Park
One of Wells Grey Provincial Park's best-kept secrets, Triple Decker Falls is a stunning three-tiered waterfall tucked deep in the old-growth forest near Clearwater. The trail winds through a cathedral of ancient cedars and Douglas firs, crossing mossy bridges over rushing creeks before revealing the falls in three dramatic drops — each tier distinct in character, from a wide curtain to a narrow plunge pool. The lower tier is accessible for swimming in summer, and the mist-soaked canyon walls are draped in ferns and wildflowers. Far less visited than Helmcken or Dawson Falls, Triple Decker rewards those who seek it with a genuine sense of discovery.
Must See
The middle tier — a narrow chute that fans into a perfect emerald plunge pool surrounded by old-growth cedar
Insider Tip
Wear waterproof footwear — the trail crosses several creek channels and can be muddy after rain. Visit in June or July for peak flow.
Easy–Moderate60Metro Vancouver
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Burnaby Mountain's forested trails offer a surprising wilderness escape within the city. The network winds through second-growth forest to the summit plateau, home to the Kamui Mintara totem poles and sweeping views of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore mountains, and downtown Vancouver.
Must See
The Kamui Mintara totem poles at the summit with the North Shore mountains as a backdrop
Stay close to the trailhead. Browse BC's best independent motels near every hiking region — from Squamish to the Kootenays.
