12 Must-Do Hikes in British Columbia
1. Sunshine Coast Trail, Sunshine Coast
Best For: Epic multi-day immersion in nature.
Difficulty: Strenuous (due to length).
Length: 180 km (can be done in sections).
Highlights: As one of BC’s premier long-distance hikes, this trail is a true commitment to the backcountry lifestyle. You'll witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the coast, with a network of free-to-use huts providing shelter along the way. It's a journey through diverse ecosystems where you might spot seabirds, black bears, and even the elusive timber wolf. Despite its length, it's considered more manageable than other hardcore treks in the region.
2. Al’s Habrich Ridge Trail, Squamish
Best For: A challenging day hike with rewarding views.
Difficulty: Moderately difficult.
Length/Time: 5-6 hours.
Highlights: Accessed via the Sea to Sky gondola, this trail is an adventure from the start. You'll navigate through ancient forests, cross streams on log bridges, and even use a rope ladder to scale a rock face. The effort pays off with a heart-pounding walk across glacial fields and an unforgettable panoramic view of Howe Sound. The trail conveniently ends near the stunning Neverland Lake, a perfect spot to cool off.
3. Black Tusk, Garibaldi Provincial Park
Best For: Iconic scenery and a serious challenge.
Difficulty: Difficult.
Length: 29 km.
Highlights: The Black Tusk is a legendary BC landmark. The trail forks early on, offering two scenic routes: one through Taylor Meadows (bursting with wildflowers in late summer) and the other leading to the pristine Garibaldi Lake. Both paths converge for the final push to the base of the Tusk, a volcanic spire offering unparalleled views of the lake and the entire park. Note that the final scramble to the true summit involves loose rock and is only for highly experienced and prepared hikers.
4. Brandywine Falls, Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
Best For: A quick and easy stop with a massive payoff.
Difficulty: Easy.
Length: 1 km.
Highlights: Located right off the Sea to Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler, this is the perfect hike for a rest day or a quick dose of nature. A short, simple walk leads you to a viewing platform overlooking the majestic 70-meter waterfall as it thunders into a deep canyon. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the misty spectacle in peace.
5. Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Provincial Park
Best For: A beautiful overnight trip or a long day hike.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Length: 23 km (round trip).
Highlights: This classic Garibaldi hike takes you through meadows of vibrant red heather along a stunning alpine ridge. The views of the surrounding mountains are constant and spectacular. The destination is two clear, sparkling lakes—the Elfin Lakes—that create a postcard-perfect scene. Camping is available at a designated site nearby (book well in advance for summer weekends).
6. Joffrey Lakes, Joffrey Lakes Provincial Park
Best For: Jaw-dropping turquoise lakes without a grueling climb.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Length/Time: 3-4 hours.
Highlights: Joffrey Lakes is famously beautiful and incredibly popular for a reason. The trail leads you past three progressively stunning lakes, each a more brilliant shade of glacial-fed turquoise than the last. Framed by alpine forests and towering, ice-capped mountains, the scenery is world-class. Because the drive to the trailhead covers much of the elevation, it’s a highly accessible hike for most fitness levels.
7. Juan de Fuca Trail, Vancouver Island
Best For: A rugged and wild coastal hiking experience.
Difficulty: Difficult.
Length: 47 km (takes about 4 days).
Highlights: If you crave rugged, untamed coastline, this is your trail. Winding along the west coast of Vancouver Island, it offers a mix of challenging forest paths and stunning beach walks. You can tackle the whole thing or hike scenic sections from trailheads like China Beach or Botanical Beach, famous for its rich tide pools. Be prepared for mud, unpredictable weather, and incredible opportunities to spot whales, bears, and other marine wildlife.
8. The Lions Trail, Lions Bay
Best For: A tough workout with an incredible view near Vancouver.
Difficulty: Difficult.
Length: 15 km.
Highlights: The twin peaks of The Lions are an iconic part of Vancouver's skyline, and hiking towards them is a rite of passage for local adventurers. The trail is a steep and demanding climb through pristine forest, but the reward is a breathtaking viewpoint looking out over Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. For safety, most hikers should stop here; the final scramble to the summit is a dangerous and exposed route not worth the risk.
9. Mount Cheam Peak Trail, Bridal Veil Falls Park
Best For: 360-degree panoramic mountain views.
Difficulty: Difficult (requires 4x4 access).
Length/Time: A solid day hike.
Highlights: Getting to the trailhead is half the adventure, requiring a capable 4x4 vehicle to navigate the rough service road. Once you start hiking, the trail delivers non-stop rewards. You'll enjoy spectacular views of Mount Baker in Washington State during the climb. From the summit, you get a sweeping 360-degree panorama of the Fraser Valley and, on clear days, Harrison Lake. It's an epic trek that makes you feel on top of the world.
10. North Coast Trail, Cape Scott Provincial Park
Best For: The ultimate remote and wild adventure.
Difficulty: Very difficult.
Length: 43 km.
Highlights: This is one of BC’s most legendary and challenging trails, located at the northernmost tip of Vancouver Island. It’s known for its jaw-dropping coastal scenery, extreme ruggedness, and abundant wildlife. Expect steep sections, deep mud, and a true sense of isolation. Your reward is exploring pristine beaches, tide pools, and spotting orcas, seals, and bears in their natural habitat. This is for experienced adventurers who come fully prepared.
11. Three Brothers Mountain Trail, Manning Park
Best For: Alpine wildflowers and accessible ridge walking.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Length: 20 km.
Highlights: Situated in Manning Park, this is one of the best day hikes for experiencing alpine meadows. The trail, largely following the aptly named Heather Trail, is famous for its sea of wildflowers in mid-summer. The climb to the summit of the First Brother is manageable and offers spectacular, postcard-perfect views of the flowering meadows framing the Cascade Mountain Range.
12. Stawamus Chief, Stawamus Chief Park
Best For: A classic steep climb with a view over Squamish.
Difficulty: Difficult.
Length: 7 km.
Highlights: Known simply as “The Chief,” this massive granite monolith towers over the town of Squamish. The hike is essentially a giant staircase of rock and wood, making for a very steep and sweaty workout. It's a relatively short but intense climb. From any of the three peaks, you are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Squamish Valley and the blue waters of Howe Sound—a perfect spot to relax and soak in the scenery your location-independent life has afforded you.
