Hiking in British Columbia

Almost everywhere you go in British Columbia, you’ll discover an excellent opportunity to hike ranging from short, easy walks in city and regional parks to long, tough hikes in the provincial parks. 

The national parks in the Rocky Mountains are great places to hike. You’ll find short trails leading to waterfalls; lakes, rock formations and viewpoints, and longer trails wandering high into meadows full of wildflowers, past blue lakes and up to snowy peaks offering amazing views. Alpine huts are provided at regular intervals along wilderness trails. 

Perhaps the most famous of British Columbia’s hikes is not in the Rockies but rather along the wild and secluded west shores of Vancouver Island; backpackers return over and over again to the West Coast Trail, an amazing, 77-km hike through Pacific Rim National Park. 

In addition to the national parks, the provincial parks in British Columbia contain outstanding flora and fauna and wildlife, crystal clear lakes and rivers and hiking trails that are normally well maintained and easy to follow.

To get the most out of a hiking trip, look through the hiking section of any major bookstore – many books have been written on British Columbia’s hiking trails. Before starting of on a longer hike, study the trail guides and a topographical map of the area. Leave details of your intended route and itinerary with a relative or a friend. And try to travel in groups of at least two in the backcountry, in case anyone needs help. Also remember – this is bear country, consider taking along a cow bell and bear spray.