22 Breathtaking Hikes In BC That You've Probably Never Heard Of
We got the inside scoop on the most breathtaking spots you absolutely need to visit. Even if you've been in the province for years, or your entire life, chances are there are countless trails you've never heard of. To help you find some of the best spots, we asked locals to share their top pick of lesser-known hikes in B.C. that they love.
Sure it can be easy to get in a routine of spending your free time binge-watching Netflix, but sometimes you have to shake things up and get outdoors.
Plus, there is nothing like spending some time in nature to help you destress and get some exercise in. It is the perfect way to spend some solo time and let you recharge and soak in the natural beauty.
On our list of trails, there is something for everyone. There are easy strolls that will take minutes to challenging climbs that will leave your legs feeling like jelly the next day.
It is time to ask yourself what do you want to see first? There are all sorts of jaw-dropping sights from a washed-up boat from the 1900s on a beach, to hidden waterfalls.
Make sure when visiting any of these spots that you are respectful of them. Stay on the paths, and be considerate of other visitors and wildlife to keep these spots looking as stunning for those who visit next.
Christie Falls
Price: Free
Address: Ladysmith, BC
Why You Need To Go: It is an easy 6.8-kilometre loop hike that will take you to a stunning waterfall. The entire journey takes roughly two hours to complete.
Kinsol Trestle
Price: Free
Address: 2869 Glen Eagles Rd., Cowichan Valley B, BC
Why You Need To Go: This incredible trestle trail is 44 metres above a river. Walking on the 187-metre long structure you'll be able to enjoy views of the water below and surrounding forest.
Shawnigan Lake
Price: Free
Address: Shawnigan Lake, Vancouver Island, BC
Why You Need To Go: @sarahjanegriffiths says exploring around Shawnigan Lake is one of her favourite hikes. One thing is for sure, you'll want to take advantage of the swing at the top, which is a great spot to enjoy the vista.
Alouette Valley Trail
Price: Free
Address: Golden Ears Provincial Park, 24480 Fern Cres., Maple Ridge, BC
Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like you have the forest to yourself as you follow the 7.1-kilometre loop trail. It is a peaceful walk past towering trees, and in the summer you can often see wildflowers too.
Brandywine Falls
Price: Free
Address: Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: You won't even break a sweat to reach this 70-metre tall waterfall. Local influencer, @angie_ha told Narcity her favourite part of the falls was to "feel the waterfall at ground level was incredible!"
Abbott Ridge
Price: Free
Address: Abbott Ridge Trailhead, Glacier, BC
Why You Need To Go: Becca from @beccawhite8 describes the route as a "tough 16ish kilometre round trip but the glacier view is worth not being able to walk the next day."
Battle Bluffs
Price: Free
Address: Battle Bluffs, Thompson-Nicola J, BC
Why You Need To Go: Outdoor Instagrammer, @sebpic_ praised this hike as being one of his favourites in B.C. What makes it special is you'll be able to enjoy amazing views of Kamloops Lake and the valley.
Sombrio Beach Waterfall
Price: Free
Address: Sombrio Beach Trailhead, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, BC
Why You Need To Go: You'll need to do a bit of searching, but it is worth it to discover the entrance to a cave that has a waterfall hidden inside.
Sloquet Creek Hot Springs
Price: $5 for a day access pass
Address: Sloquet Creek Hot Springs, Fraser Valley C, BC
Why You Need To Go: It is a peaceful spot to escape the city and relax with friends. Together you can visit one of the many natural hot springs and soak away your stress.
Crown Mountain
Price: Free
Address: Crown Mountain, BC
Why You Need To Go: If you are willing to tackle this difficult trail you'll be rewarded with a jaw-dropping view from the summit.
Coquitlam Crunch
Price: Free
Address: 1248 Lansdowne Dr., Coquitlam, BC
Why You Need To Go: You can skip the gym and head to this urban hike that will have you climbing stairs. Create a playlist of your favourite upbeat songs, as this is a fantastic way to get a leg and glutes workout in.
Cathedral Grove
Price: Free
Address: MacMillan Provincial Park, 452 Alberni Hwy, Nanaimo F, BC
Why You Need To Go: This enchanting ancient forest has trees so huge you won't believe your eyes. Following the path, you'll pass by Douglas-fir trees that are over 800 years old.
Tunnel Bluffs
Price: Free
Address: Tunnel Bluffs, Squamish-Lillooet D, BC
Why You Need To Go: @sarahjanegriffiths is a big fan of this challenging trek that will lead you to a spellbinding lookout of Lions Bay.
Wedgemount Glacier
Price: Free
Address: Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC-99, Brackendale, BC
Why You Need To Go: If you are up for a challenge, you should try this journey to a glacier and @angie_ha describes the journey as "by far the most difficult hike I've done thus far but it was truly the most rewarding!" She suggests you bring your camping gear and spend the night.
Pesuta Shipwreck
Price: Free
Address: Haida Gwaii N., BC
Why You Need To Go: You will get to discover the wreckage of a 1900s steamship on a gorgeous stretch of beach.
Alexandra Bridge
Price: Free
Address: Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park, Yale, BC
Why You Need To Go: It will only take you a few minutes to reach an eye-catching suspension bridge that offers a fantastic view of the rushing water below.
High Note Trail
Price: Free
Address: High Note Trail, Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: This 10.3-kilometre walk will lead you to a marvellous lookout point of a bright turquoise lake. Late in the summer, you can often find colourful flowers blooming here too.
Othello Tunnels
Price: Free
Address: Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, Hope, BC
Why You Need To Go: Skip your typical forest walk to explore abandoned train tunnels instead. The 3.5-kilometre path is nice and flat, and perfect for novice hikers.
Osoyoos Desert Centre
Price: $8.00
Address: 14580 146 Ave., Osoyoos, BC
Why You Need To Go: Do you wish you could go on a vacation to Arizona to see their famous desert landscape? Even if you can't afford to leave the province, you can enjoy a similar experience on this stunning boardwalk that leads you through B.C'.s own desert.
Watersprite Lake
Price: Free
Address: Watersprite Lake, Squamish-Lillooet D, BC
Why You Need To Go: Local influencer @allypintucci recommends this route saying, "hit this trail and hike up to a magical, bright green lake." She also suggests you book a nearby cabin, to extend your stay.
Falls Lake
Price: Free
Address: Falls Lake, Fraser Valley B, BC
Why You Need To Go: Becca from @beccawhite8 praises this trail as, "a short but sweet hike off of the Coquihalla and is a great stop when you are driving by."
Ladner Creek Trestle
Price: Free
Address: Siwash Creek Rd, Yale, BC
Why You Need To Go: @sarahjanegriffiths highly recommend this hike that lets you visit this breathtaking part of the Kettle Valley Railway but do so safely.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
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