The best hiking in british columbia

British Columbia is a hiker’s paradise, with a huge variety of hiking trails and regions to walk in. The coastal areas are lush, with rain forests and mossy trails, while the Okanagan Valley is semi arid and mostly grass and pines, with the odd cactus. The Kootenays are a mix between the moist coastal ecosystem, and the dry montane regions of the Rockies. BC is far too big for just one hiking trip, or hiking and walking holiday, so you should come for several, exploring each place properly. We have guided hiking and walking tours on Vancouver Island, the Coast Mountain area and in the Rockies, to make sure that our guests are able to explore the best hikes in British Columbia. You can do all this on your own, but it takes a lot of research to plan the best hiking trip in British Columbia. Make sure you research driving times and plan for how much ground you would like to cover, and what kind of scenery you would prefer on your walking holiday in Canada!

Our Favourite Hikes in British Columbia

STEWAMUS CHIEF HIKE

9 km return | 700 m elevation Hike the Chief in Squamish for a leg burning blitz up a steep but well maintained trail with ultra-rewarding views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains at the top. The Chief hike is well named, with 3 distinct summit areas to hike to and plenty of flat ground for a panoramic picnic. Tip: head next door to Shannon Falls after for a gorgeous waterfall in the afternoon light.

JOFFRE LAKES HIKE

10 km return | 370 m elevation Joffree Lakes hike has everything you could ask for in a hike near Vancouver. Start level with the first lake, which is jaw dropping, and then continue through mixed forest up to the second lake (think popular log photos on Instagram) and then continue to the third lake with close up views of the hanging Joffre Glacier above. Swim if you dare!

ELFIN LAKES HIKE

22 km return | 600 m elevation This is a long day hike, or a great overnighter. Elfin Lakes hike combines rolling grassy alpine meadows with far off views of Diamond Head Mountain. Reaching the lakes is the cherry on top. This hike gets busy on weekends so arrive early.

GARIBALDI LAKE HIKE

18 km return | 820 m elevation Another aggressive day hike near Vancouver, Garibaldi Lake is a gorgeous destination and a rewarding hike. Climb almost 1000 meters up a switch backing trail until you reach the top and lake. You can camp up here of have a dip and head back down. Garibaldi lake hike is one of the classic hiking trails in BC.

PAGET LOOKOUT HIKE

8 km return | 500 m elevation One of our secret gems in the Rockies. Paget Lookout hike is right inside the BC border and gains you access to a well situated fire lookout, with epic views of the Kicking Horse Valley and river far below. Continue past the lookout for the summit and checkout the peaks in all directions. Combine with Sherbrooke Lake for an extra bit of scenery on the way down. We think this is one of the best hikes in British Columbia.

MYSTIC BEACH HIKE

4.5 km return | ~50 m elevation A relatively easy, but technical hike, due to the roots and mud that are often found on the Mystic Beach Hike. Pass through second or third growth forest for 2 km until you reach the stairs down to Mystic beach. This is one of the most rewarding beach hikes in BC, with multiple sea caves and a few rope swings to bring your photos to life.

BEDWELL LAKE HIKE

9 km return | 600 m elevation Bedwell Lake Hike is a lesser known gem in the heart of Vancouver Island. Hike up through old growth forest and along a rushing creek until you reach Baby Bedwell, and then Bedwell Lake. Views open up to Big Interior Mountain and the glacier above, making this one of our favourite picnic spots and one of the best hikes in BC.

PRIEST’S CABIN LOOKOUT

4 km return | 150 m elevation This British Columbia hike is another off the beaten path treat, with unrivaled sunset views over the Juan De Fuca Strait. The trailhead is tricky to find and the first 2 km are a bit weird, heading up an abandoned logging road. Once you find the turn for the trail the viewpoint isn’t far ahead. Go for a sunset, and watch out for dog poop near the bottom.

Guided hiking tours and walking holidays in British Columbia