British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes ranging from the temperate rainforests of the coast to the rugged Rocky Mountains in the east, the semi-arid Okanagan valley in the south, and the vast boreal forests of the north. Home to world-class ski resorts, vibrant multicultural cities, ancient First Nations cultures, and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, BC offers an unparalleled range of travel experiences.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
West Coast Trail
One of the world's greatest long-distance hikes, the West Coast Trail runs 75km along the wild southwestern coast of Vancouver Island through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Originally a rescue route for shipwreck survivors, the trail passes sea caves, waterfalls, suspension bridges, ancient forests, and isolated beaches. A permit system limits access to 75 hikers per day; book months in advance.
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2
Panorama Ridge (Garibaldi Provincial Park)
One of the most spectacular day hike or overnight options in BC, Panorama Ridge sits above Garibaldi Lake and offers a breathtaking 360° view of Garibaldi Lake (a vivid turquoise glacial lake), Black Tusk volcanic peak, and the surrounding Coast Mountains. The climb to the ridge is steep but the views rank among the best in Canadian hiking.
Trailhead: Rubble Creek Trailhead (near Garibaldi, Hwy 99)
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3
Black Tusk
The iconic volcanic pinnacle of Black Tusk (2,319m) is Garibaldi Provincial Park's most recognisable landmark. The approach passes the stunning Barrier Lake and Taylor Meadows wildflowers; scrambling to the true summit requires some basic route-finding. The views from the summit area of the volcanic landscape, the BC Coast Mountains, and the Squamish Valley are extraordinary.
Trailhead: Rubble Creek Trailhead
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4
Grouse Grind
The ultimate Vancouver urban fitness hike — 2.9km straight up the south face of Grouse Mountain with 850m of elevation gain through dense coastal rainforest. The Grind attracts over 100,000 hikers per year and is a rite of passage for Vancouver locals. Average time is 90 minutes; elite times approach 23 minutes. Take the gondola down.
Trailhead: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
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5
The Chief (Stawamus Chief)
A trail system to three summits of the world's second-largest granite monolith, 652m above Squamish. All three summits offer spectacular views over Howe Sound, the Sea-to-Sky corridor, and Squamish. The trails involve chains and ladders on steeper sections near the summits. An excellent addition to a Sea-to-Sky day trip.
Trailhead: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, 99 Highway south of Squamish
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6
Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
A spectacular 47km coastal trail along the southern tip of Vancouver Island between China Beach and Botanical Beach. The Juan de Fuca Trail offers similar scenery to the West Coast Trail with dramatic seascapes, old-growth forest, and secluded beaches, but without the permit system and at lower cost. Campsites are available at regular intervals.
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7
Elfin Lakes
A popular overnight hike from Diamond Head parking lot to the Elfin Lakes shelter and campground at 1,370m elevation. The trail climbs through old-growth forest to open alpine meadows with views of Mamquam Mountain, the Garibaldi Neve Glacier, and the Red Heather Meadows. The Elfin Lakes shelter sleeps 30 and must be reserved in advance.
Trailhead: Diamond Head Trailhead (Squamish)
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8
Lynn Canyon Trails
A network of short, accessible trails in Lynn Canyon Park offering old-growth forest, a free suspension bridge, swimming holes (30 Foot Pool), and the dramatic Lynn Canyon. A great introduction to BC's temperate rainforest and an excellent free activity for Vancouver visitors.
Trailhead: 3663 Park Rd, North Vancouver
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9
Sunshine Coast Trail
One of Canada's longest hut-to-hut trails, the Sunshine Coast Trail runs 180km through the rugged Sunshine Coast region north of Vancouver (accessible by BC Ferry). The trail connects a network of wilderness huts available to hikers for free, passing through spectacular forests, alpine ridges, and coastal viewpoints.
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10
Wells Gray Provincial Park — Helmcken Falls and Trophy Meadows
Wells Gray Provincial Park is sometimes called BC's Waterfall Park for its extraordinary concentration of waterfalls. Helmcken Falls (141m — Canada's fourth-highest waterfall) is the centrepiece and viewable from a short rim trail. Trophy Meadows offers outstanding wildflower hiking in late July–August. The park also features Dawson Falls and the remote wilderness of the Cariboo Mountains.
Trailhead: Clearwater, BC (290km north of Kamloops)
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11
Garibaldi Lake Trail
The most popular backcountry destination in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Garibaldi Lake is a stunning turquoise glacial lake at 1,470m elevation, fed by the Sphinx Glacier. The trail ascends through forest and avalanche slopes to the lake and camping areas. From the lake, connections lead to Panorama Ridge, Black Tusk, and Taylor Meadows.
Trailhead: Rubble Creek Trailhead (Hwy 99, north of Squamish)
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12
Sendero Centennial (Gulf Islands National Park)
A representative trail through the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve on South Pender Island, offering views of the San Juan Islands (USA) and the BC Gulf Islands, Garry oak meadow ecosystems, and the quiet beauty of the Gulf Islands' Garry oak and rocky coastal bluffs.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.