Last Updated on February 6, 2025 by Jeremy

Introduction: My Personal Connection to BC’s Hiking Trails

British Columbia is a hiker’s paradise, offering everything from coastal rainforests and glacier-fed lakes to alpine meadows and cascading waterfalls. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to explore some of BC’s most scenic trails, including Albas Falls in the Shuswaps, the Kootenay Lake Lighthouse Trail near Crawford Bay, and the Balancing Rock Trail in the Creston Valley.

Each hike has its own unique magic—whether it’s the mist rolling off a powerful waterfall, a panoramic view over a tranquil lake, or the sheer solitude of an old-growth forest. This guide highlights 10 of BC’s most breathtaking trails, blending my own experiences with must-visit destinations for any outdoor traveler.

If you’re ready to lace up your boots, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and experience BC’s best hiking landscapes, let’s hit the trail!

---

Hiking in BC: What to Expect Before You Hit the Trails

Before we dive into the 10 best hiking trails, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes BC one of the best hiking destinations in the world.

🌎 Diverse Landscapes:
BC isn’t just mountains and trees—it’s a hiker’s dream of ocean views, old-growth rainforests, alpine lakes, and hidden waterfalls. Whether you’re trekking along the rugged coastlines of Vancouver Island or climbing into snow-capped peaks in the Rockies, every trail feels like stepping into a new world.

🌦️ Weather & Seasons:

• Spring–Summer (May–September): Best for high-altitude hikes (Joffre Lakes, Berg Lake Trail).
• Fall (October–November): Amazing colors, but watch for rain and shorter daylight.
• Winter (December–March): Coastal areas (like Juan de Fuca) stay accessible, but mountain trails become snowshoe routes.

🐻 Wildlife Encounters:

• Bears: Common in remote backcountry areas—carry bear spray & store food properly.
• Cougars: Rare, but spotted near Whistler & Vancouver Island. If you see one, stay calm, make yourself look bigger, and back away slowly.
• Elk, deer, and mountain goats: Found in Kootenays, Strathcona Park, and Jasper.

By knowing what to expect, you’ll be better prepared for an amazing hiking experience. Now, let’s get into BC’s best hiking trails!

---

1. West Coast Trail – The Ultimate Coastal Challenge 🌊

📍 Where: Vancouver Island
🟢 Difficulty: Strenuous (Multi-day trek)
⏳ Time Needed: 5–7 days
👣 Why Hike Here?

• One of the most legendary hikes in the world.
• Rugged coastal scenery, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and secluded beaches.
• Experience the history of shipwrecks along the “Graveyard of the Pacific.”

🌟 Best Time to Visit: May–September for the driest weather.
🏕 Where to Stay: Campsites along the trail / Victoria hotels.

---

2. Saint Mark’s Summit – The Best Panoramic View Near Vancouver 🏔️

📍 Where: Cypress Provincial Park
🟢 Difficulty: Moderate
⏳ Time Needed: 3–4 hours
👣 Why Hike Here?

• One of the best viewpoints in BC overlooking Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast.
• A quick escape from Vancouver, accessible via Cypress Mountain.

🌟 Best Time to Visit: June–October for clear skies.
🏡 Where to Stay: Lodges in North Vancouver.
📷 Photography Tip: Arrive at sunset for incredible golden-hour views.

---

3. Joffre Lakes – The Famous Turquoise Glacial Lakes 💙

📍 Where: Pemberton
🟢 Difficulty: Moderate
⏳ Time Needed: 4–5 hours
👣 Why Hike Here?

• Three stunning glacier-fed lakes with unreal blue waters.
• Iconic photo spot—especially at the Upper Lake with Matier Glacier in the background.
• Great for both day hikes and backcountry camping.

🌟 Best Time to Visit: July–September for snow-free trails.
🏕 Where to Stay: Pemberton or Whistler resorts (Booking.com).
🎟 Book a Joffre Lakes Guided Tour.

---

4. Berg Lake Trail – A Backcountry Alpine Wonderland 🏔️

📍 Where: Mount Robson Provincial Park
🟢 Difficulty: Challenging (Multi-day trek)
⏳ Time Needed: 2–4 days
👣 Why Hike Here?

• One of BC’s best multi-day hikes with glaciers, waterfalls, and turquoise lakes.
• Camp beside the famous Berg Lake, with views of Mount Robson towering above.

🌟 Best Time to Visit: July–September for clear trails.
🏕 Where to Stay: Backcountry campsites / Jasper hotels (Expedia).
🎒 Essential Gear: Lightweight backpacking tent (Amazon).

---

5. Balancing Rock Trail – A Hidden Gem in Creston Valley 🪨

📍 Where: Creston Valley
🟢 Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
⏳ Time Needed: 1–2 hours
👣 Why Hike Here?

• Unique balancing rock formation with epic valley views.
• A great short hike for families or casual explorers.
• Lesser-known but incredibly scenic!

🌟 Best Time to Visit: Spring & fall for cooler weather.
🏡 Where to Stay: Cabins & inns in Creston

---

6. Kootenay Lake Lighthouse Trail – A Lakeside Escape 🌊

📍 Where: Crawford Bay
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
⏳ Time Needed: 1–2 hours
👣 Why Hike Here?

• A beautiful forest walk leading to a historic lighthouse.
• Peaceful and secluded, perfect for a relaxing nature escape.
• Stunning views of Kootenay Lake, especially at sunset.

🌟 Best Time to Visit: Summer & early fall.
🏡 Where to Stay: Kokanee Chalet or Crawford Bay RV Park.

---

7. Juan de Fuca Marine Trail – Coastal Wilderness Meets Rainforest 🌿

📍 Where: Vancouver Island
🟢 Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
⏳ Time Needed: 3–5 days (or shorter sections)
👣 Why Hike Here?

• A mini version of the West Coast Trail, but easier to access.
• Dramatic ocean views, lush rainforests, and tidal pools.
• Options for both multi-day treks and shorter hikes.

🌟 Best Time to Visit: May–September.
🏕 Where to Stay: Camping along the trail / Sooke resorts.
🎟 Check out this Guide.

---

8. Ancient Cedars Trail – Walk Among Giants 🌲

📍 Where: Whistler
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
⏳ Time Needed: 1–2 hours
👣 Why Hike Here?

• Towering 900-year-old cedar trees, some of the oldest in BC.
• Short, peaceful walk perfect for nature lovers.
• Less crowded than Whistler’s main tourist areas.

🌟 Best Time to Visit: Spring–fall.
🏡 Where to Stay: Whistler village hotels (Booking.com).

🎟 Book an Ancien Trees Guided Tour.

---

9. Flower Ridge Trail – Alpine Meadows in Full Bloom 🌸

📍 Where: Strathcona Provincial Park
🟢 Difficulty: Moderate
⏳ Time Needed: Full-day or overnight hike
👣 Why Hike Here?

• Incredible wildflower meadows in summer.
• Panoramic mountain and valley views.
• Less crowded than Garibaldi or Joffre Lakes.

🌟 Best Time to Visit: July–September.
🏕 Where to Stay: Strathcona  Provincial Park.

---

10. Albas Falls Trail – BC’s Best Hidden Waterfall Hike 💦

📍 Where: Shuswap Lake
🟢 Difficulty: Moderate
⏳ Time Needed: 2–3 hours
👣 Why Hike Here?

• Multiple cascading waterfalls surrounded by old-growth forest.
• A quiet alternative to the crowded tourist spots.
• Perfect for waterfall photography & wildlife spotting.

🌟 Best Time to Visit: Spring & summer for peak waterfall flow.
🏡 Where to Stay: Silver Beach Provincial Park.

---

Must-Have Hiking Gear for BC Trails

Now that you’ve got your hiking destination picked out, let’s talk about gear. Whether you’re trekking through rainforests, scrambling up mountains, or walking coastal trails, having the right equipment makes all the difference.

🛒 Recommended Gear for BC Hikes:

✅ Best Hiking Backpack – Lightweight & waterproof. Eastern Mountain Sports

✅ Top-Rated Hiking Boots – Grip for slippery & rocky trails. Marks

✅ Bear Spray & Safety Kit – A must for backcountry hikes.
✅ GPS & Offline Maps (AllTrails+) – Never get lost! (AllTrails+)

✅ Layered Clothing – Rainproof jacket, thermal layers, gloves.

Having the right gear ensures a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable hiking adventure—especially in BC’s unpredictable weather.

---

Where to Stay Near BC’s Best Hiking Trails

If you’re coming from out of town (or just want to make a full trip out of it), here are some of the best places to stay near BC’s top trails.

🏡 Vancouver & Cypress Provincial Park (Saint Mark’s Summit)

• Luxury: The Fairmont Pacific Rim ($$$)
• Budget-Friendly: HI Vancouver Downtown Hostel ($)
• Cozy Cabins: North Vancouver Mountain Retreat ($$)

🏕️ Vancouver Island (West Coast Trail & Juan de Fuca)

• Rustic: Point No Point Resort (Oceanfront cabins)
• Camping: China Beach Campground (Drive-up access)
• B&B: Sooke Harbour House ($$$)

🏞️ Whistler & Pemberton (Joffre Lakes & Ancient Cedars Trail)

• Luxury: The Four Seasons Whistler ($$$)
• Cabin Rentals: Riverside Resort Whistler ($$)
• Budget: Pemberton Valley Lodge ($)

🏔️ Rockies & Mount Robson (Berg Lake Trail)

• Luxury: Jasper Park Lodge ($$$)
• Cabin Retreats: Overlander Mountain Lodge ($$)
• Campgrounds: Mount Robson Campground ($)

Whether you’re looking for rustic wilderness retreats, cozy cabins, or high-end mountain resorts, these lodging options help you fully immerse yourself in BC’s hiking scene.

---

Final Thoughts: Your Ultimate BC Hiking Experience Awaits

British Columbia is a hiking paradise, offering everything from rugged coastal trails and glacier-fed lakes to towering old-growth forests and alpine wildflowers. Whether you’re chasing adventure, relaxation, or the perfect photo-op, BC’s landscapes have something for everyone.

To make the most of your hiking trip, remember:
✅ Choose the right trail based on your skill level and adventure goals.
✅ Pack essential hiking gear to stay safe and comfortable.
✅ Plan ahead for wildlife encounters and unpredictable weather.
✅ Book accommodations in advance to turn a day hike into a full nature retreat.

From epic multi-day treks like the West Coast Trail to short but stunning walks like the Kootenay Lake Lighthouse Trail, there’s a BC hike for every traveler. If you’re ready to step into nature and experience BC’s best trails firsthand, now’s the time to start planning.

📍 Book a BC hiking tour 
🏡 Find the perfect lodging near your next trail 
🎒 Gear up for adventure with top-rated hiking essentials

💬 Which BC hike is at the top of your bucket list? Drop a comment below and let’s talk trails!