British Columbia is arguably one of the best hiking destinations in the world. From coastal beach walks, to awe inspiring trails through the temperate coastal rainforests, and challenging trails leading to alpine lakes and mountain peaks – BC really does have it all. From short strolls to waterfalls, to challenging day hikes and unforgettable multi-day trips, there is something for everyone. There are countless choices, and a lifetime of experiences to be had. And with Canada being so outdoors focused, SO many of these trails are well signed and well maintained. So, wherever you end up, I hope you are inspired and discover this amazing hiking destination.
Highlights of BC Hiking
Temperate Coastal Rainforests
Over 20% of the world’s temperate rainforests are located in British Columbia. From the sheer scale of the trees and vegetation, to the hanging mist that often lingers in the mornings, hiking through these forests really feels like a journey back into Jurassic Park.
As you venture up through these magnificent creations of nature, you feel the freshness of the air in your lungs. The humid forest air tells you this is where nature thrives, and the variety of fungi, mosses and lichens that cling to the trees seem to agree.
Since these forests cover almost the entirety of the coastal regions of BC, forest hikes will also lead you to a variety of other highlights such as alpine lakes, mountain peaks and beaches, whilst also giving you good shelter from the sun in the warmest of months.
Search for forested hikes in BC.
Lakes & Rivers
With the rainfall that creates the coastal rainforests, comes countless lakes, streams and rivers. It is estimated that BC has somewhere close to 20,000 lakes, though given BC alone is nearly 4 times the size of the UK, its no wonder that no one really knows.
From low altitude lakes with well developed campsites to huge reservoirs, dedicated fishing lakes and icy alpine lakes, each lake is a welcome viewing point and a potential swim spot.
Whether you choose a shoreline trail around a lake, or a hike up to a viewpoint looking over it, you will never tire of their magic.
Search for hikes with lakes in BC.
Oceanside Trails
One of the main reasons Vancouver is consistently voted in the top cities to live in the world is its proximity to the ocean. With the downtown area and world renowned Stanley Park both surrounded by ocean, world class views and walks really are at your doorstep.
From urban walks around False Creek and Kits Beach, across to the Whale Trail hikes of the Gulf Islands, the spectacular West Coast Trail and countless others, it’s easy to get addicted to these coastal walks.
If you haven’t already, find out what it’s like to hike with the ocean air in your lungs. There’s no feeling like it.
Search for coastal hikes in BC.
Featured Hikes in BC
There are some hikes that for one reason or another everyone knows about. It’s hard to argue that these aren’t absolutely stunning hikes or challenges in the case of the Grouse Grind, but they are some of the busiest hikes around. There are many many alternatives you can explore with the hike explorer.
St Mark's Summit
11km Hike
3/6 (Moderate)
+450m
Stanley Park Seawall
10km Hike
2/6 (Easy)
+20m
Panorama Ridge
29km Hike
5/6 (Very Difficult)
+1500m
Stawamus Chief
5.5km Hike
4/6 (Difficult)
+720m
Peyto Lake Viewpoint
2km Hike
1/6 (Very Easy)
+100m
Grouse Grind
2km Hike
4/6 (Difficult)
+850m
Whytecliff Park
3km Hike
1/6 (Very Easy)
+100m
Joffre Lakes
9km Hike
3/6 (Moderate)
+500m
Hikes by Type
If you are looking for wheelchair and stroller accessible trails, I have tried to categorize trails for those purposes. Search accessible trails here.
What Conditions Should You Expect?
Best Time to Hike
There really isn’t a bad time to hike in BC. With such a vast array of trails across a range of environments, it’s never hard to find a suitable trail for the time of year and the conditions. However, my personal favorite month is September. By this point in the year, the snow has cleared from the highest of the alpine hikes, and the summer heat still lingers.
Below you’ll find a chart of average Vancouver temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. Bear in mind a few additional general rules:
- Vancouver weather is fairly mild. The weather in the interior is both hotter in summer, and snowier in winter.
- Vancouver Island (particularly the west coast) is generally wetter than Vancouver.
- The north of BC is naturally colder.
Regardless of the time of year, you’ll find a great hike near you in BC. Use the trail descriptions to find the recommended hiking season for each trail.
Weather by Season
Peak Summer Season: June - September
June through September is considered the peak season for hiking, with July and August being the busiest months. Often I find the heat of August a little too much to tackle the biggest of hikes, and instead prefer to stick to smaller trails or take on coastal paddling trips during that time. There is slightly more risk of rain, but generally, you’ll find plenty of good hiking days.
Autumn (Fall): October - November
As the summer heat fades and the autumn rains arrive, the weather becomes more changeable and pretty bleak, often for days or weeks on end. Whilst you can still enjoy a good trail, a good waterproof is absolutely essential. Trust me, a cheap waterproof is not going to keep you dry in a BC rain-shower. In October particularly, the winter snow has not yet arrived, so whilst rain is prominent, some higher altitude hikes and objectives are still possible.
Winter: December - February
Full winter in Vancouver itself is not the snowy onslaught you might expect by looking at the rest of Canada. The coastal location means that the city itself remains relatively snow free, with maybe a couple of snow dumps each winter lasting a few days. Travel east, or north, and up any kind of elevation however and you’ll quickly find lots of snow. For hiking, this means Vancouver’s urban trails are accessible all year round. For trails in mountain areas, it really depends on the trail. Popular winter hikes tend to have compacted snow and so are relatively easy to walk in good hiking boots, whilst some other trails are open to snowshoeing, or are closed completely. Look at the description of the specific trail for more information.
Spring: March - May
The spring starts to bring warmer temperatures, a welcome break from the cold and damp coastal winter air. The snow starts to melt, which opens up some lower altitude trails. In more mountainous areas, some trails become inaccessible due to avalanche risks, but again, individual trail descriptions will help you work out when each trail can be done.
Weather Forecast for Vancouver, BC
Hiking Gear
There are three items above all else that I see people without, time and time again.
- Footwear – Don’t be the tourist that turns up in flip flops to a hiking trail. Trails are often steep or involve walking over uneven terrain or branches. Good footwear (absolute minimum is trainers (sneakers)) will give you support and help avoid injuries. You do not want to be spending an unexpected night on the mountain.
- Warm Layer – The weather can change quickly. Take a warm layer that will keep you warm if you need to stop or look after an injured friend for a long period of time.
- Rain Jacket – If there’s one way to have a miserable hiking experience, it’s to have a cheap rain jacket that gets soaked through in no time at all. When it rains, you get wet and cold. Be prepared and take a good rain jacket.
- Light Source – Don’t get caught out after dark without a light. Don’t rely on your phone light, since you’ll be using your battery for taking photos and mapping.
For more details on what to pack, including the 10 essentials, check out this hiking essentials and camping packing list.
Obviously a high-tech rain jacket or other gear is not within everyone’s reach. Thankfully, there is a thriving second hand gear scene in Vancouver in particular. From thrift stores, to Facebook Marketplace and specialist second hand gear stores there are lots of good options to pick up good gear.
Safety
- Check the trail map in advance, research recent conditions so that you know what to expect.
- Leave a plan with someone. Tell them where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
- Be prepared to turn around if conditions change. You always have next time to get to that peak.
Wildlife
There are several larger mammals you may come across whilst hiking in BC that you may not be used to in your home area. General good practice is to always hike with others, make noise as you walk so that animals are not startled by your sudden appearance, and never approach these animals.
Black Bear
Black bears are found all over BC, including near Vancouver and on the Islands. They are typically smaller and less aggressive than grizzlies.
Grizzly (Brown) Bear
Grizzly bears are much bigger than black bears. Whilst you won't find them on any Vancouver based hikes, you don't have to go too far north to be in grizzly territory.
Cougar
Cougars are elusive and rarely seen by anyone (hence my AI generated image!). They generally hunt deer and smaller mammals.
Useful Links
Hike Explorer – Search for hikes according to different parameters such as difficulty, distance and highlights.
BC Parks – BC Parks look after a significant amount of the trails across BC.
BC Parks Camping Bookings – Book a campsite at any campground run by BC Parks.
Translink – Look for public transport links around Metro Vancouver.
BC Transit – Look for public transport connections across BC.
EVO Car Pooling – A car share network that allows you to pick up and drop off a rental car at the click of a button on your app.
Vancouver Hiking – Facebook group for hiking in Vancouver.
Vancouver Hiking Reddit – Reddit thread for hiking in Vancouver.
