Amazing Hikes In British Columbia

2. Perley Rock

Glacier National Park

11.7 km, approx. 6.5 hrs, full day hike

Perley rock was probably my favourite of the hikes in British Columbia I’ve done. The entire trail is filled with interesting things to see, with the second half being non-stop breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and trees. It’s one of those hikes where you keep thinking “this couldn’t possibly get better” and then it gets better. This was definitely a challenging day hike, being quite steep for the majority of the hike, but ohmygod is it worth it! At the top you are treated to an awe-inspiring panoramic view, a small glacier lake fed by a little waterfall, and a huge glacier you can walk on top of. This was such a cool and unique experience!

Check it out on All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/perley-rock-trail

3. Myra Canyon Trestles

Kelowna

Lots of options for length of hike you want to do! Day hike.

This is a really interesting hike, as you are walking along the old Kettle Valley Railway. There is signage here that you can learn some history about the area from. If you do the whole hike it takes you over 18 trestles of varying lengths and heights and through 2 tunnels. The trail loops around the canyon giving you phenomenal views from all angles, and some of the trestles have great viewing platforms. It’s a very flat trail, making it accessible for all types of hikers, and even bikers. Plus, you can make it any length you want.

Note there are two places to start this hike from. This allows for the option to to hike the whole length if you have two cars. However, if you are doing an out and back, I recommend driving up the Myra Forest Service Road and parking at the end near trestle 18. In the spring/fall the other entrance (June Springs) can be really hard to get to. From the Myra Forest Service Road entrance I hiked to trestle 6, the longest trestle on the hike, about 5 kms from the parking lot. I definitely recommend going to trestle 6 if you can as it lets you cross over the canyon and see the view from the other side (which is stellar).

Here is the All Trails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/myra-canyon-trail

4. Golden Ears Summit

Golden Ears Provincial Park

22 km, approx. 10 hrs, full day or overnight hike

Unfortunately, I don’t have very many photos from when I did this hike, and the ones I do have are quite smoky. But I wanted to include it anyway because I highly recommend it! Definitely take the time to look up better photos if you are considering this hike. You can start with the All-Trails link below.

This was my first ever overnight hike and it did not disappoint! While it is possible to do this hike in one (long) day, I would suggest spending the night on the mountain as it is a really cool experience. Near the top there are even tent pads, an emergency shelter, and a bathroom, so it’s perfect as an overnight hike. It is definitely a long and tough climb to the top, with varying terrains along the way, but like all the hikes on this list, it’s so so worth the effort. You will be rewarded with phenomenal mountain views in all directions, as well as snowy slopes to play in and slide down, even in August!

There are TONS of beautiful photos of this hike on All Trails. Check them out: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/golden-ears-trail

5. THe Chief

Squamish

3.7 km, 2.5 hrs for first peak, add-on options possible. Half day hike.

This is one of the most popular hikes in this area of British Columbia for a reason. For sure a must do if you are in Squamish and like to hike! While it is not too long in distance, it is definitely a challenge as it is consistently uphill and gets pretty steep at parts. But like all challenges, it sure makes the reward of the incredible views at the top that much better! Something that was so special about this hike for me was getting to look out at the ocean from the peak. While very rewarding, and not too long, this hike is not for the faint of heart. As you approach the top, there are some ladders and ropes to help with the steep rock faces. And the top can be a little spooky because you are on top of a barren rock that appears to just drop off.

There are 3 peaks altogether. I only did the first one and it was gorgeous, but I have heard great things about the other 2 as well. Also, at the base of this hike is great campground where you can stay for $10 per person!

More information here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/stawamus-chief-first-peak

6. Landslide Lake

Strathcona Provincial Park

25 kms, approx. 8.5 hours. Full day or overnight hike.

Definitely my favourite hike I have done on Vancouver island, this hike passes through so many different landscapes, all stunning! On the way up you walk in the forest, through switchbacks, along a river, and over bridges. Then, high on the mountain, you arrive at Landslide lake, a gorgeous glacier lake perfect for a cold swim on a hot day. From there you can (and should in my opinion) continue on to Berg lake. This trail is not as well marked or maintained, but should still be clear enough to follow. Being higher up the mountain, Berg lake is smaller, colder, and bluer than Landslide lake. It is also surrounded by snow and if you wander around the back side there are some cool ice caves and you can slide back down the snow!

This hike could be done as a (long) day hike but I really enjoyed camping up here. I even slept outside of my tent so that I could fall asleep under the stars – it was such a special experience! Honestly, if you have the time for it I would even consider going for 2 nights so you can spend a whole day hanging out by the lakes.