THE 10 BEST HIKES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA TO DO THIS SUMMER
For the past 3 months we have been travelling through British Columbia and if there is one thing we have learnt it is that BC knows how to hike. There are beautiful trails scattered throughout the province from easy day hikes to extreme hikes lasting weeks.
If you love seeing a new place by foot here are our 10 favourite hikes British Columbia has to offer.
1. Berg Lake Trail
Distance: 22km
Time: 7 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
The Berg Lake Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Rockies. The hike is picturesque with gigantic trees, waterfalls, canyons, glaciers and snow-capped mountains at every turn. As the hike can get quite strenuous we suggest splitting the hike over a few days and spending the night at the campgrounds at Kinney Lake.
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2. Panaroma Ridge Hike
Distance: 30km
Time: 11 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Located in Squamish, this hike is best completed in 2 days with camping grounds located at Garibaldi Lake or Taylor Meadows. Wildflowers grow along the trail as the hike takes you to some of the best panoramic views in BC.
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3. Stawamus Chief Hike
Distance: 11km
Time: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Stawamus Chief Hike is one of the most popular day hikes near Vancouver. Located in Squamish on the second largest monolith in the world, the hike has 3 available peaks to choose from all giving rewarding views of Howe Sound.
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4. Monkman Pass Memorial Trail
Distance: 63km
Time: 1 day 18 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Monkman Pass Trail should only be attempted by advanced hikers, going through some of the most untouched wilderness in the world. It is known as one of the most challenging trails in Canada, so if you are looking for a challenge this is the hike for you.
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5. Mount Cheam
Distance: 9.5km
Time: 4.5 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate
One of the most spectacular views in the Fraser Valley, Mount Cheam offers a 360-degree panoramic view. From the trailhead, a 3.8 km trail leads through subalpine meadows and then ascends, moderately steeply, 632 m to the peak.
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6. Grouse Grind
Distance: 2.9km
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
This very popular hiking trail located at Grouse Mountain is 2.9 km long with 2,830 stairs. The trail has been nicknamed Mother Nature’s Stairmaster with incredible views from the top. As the hike is so steep it is prohibited to hike back down, for $10 the gondola takes you back down the mountain.
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7. Dog Mountain Trail
Distance: 5km
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Dog Mountain Trail is a short, easy hike from Mount Seymour that offers a spectacular view of Vancouver at the end.
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8. Glacier Crest Trail
Distance: 5.5 km
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Located near Golden this hike is one with a mouth-dropping view. The trail takes you through the forest and hillside until you are greeted with a view of Mount Sir Donald.
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9. Butze Rapids Interpretative Trail
Distance: 6 km
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
If you are travelling through Northern BC and looking for a easy hike through some stunning nature this is perfect for you. The trail takes you through lush forest and gives you some great rapid views.
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10. West Coast Trail
Distance: 75km
Time: 5 to 7 days
Difficulty: Difficult
West Coast Trail is one of the most popular hikes on Vancouver Island for seasoned hikers. It takes weeks to complete along coastal trails. This hike is perfect for those looking for a place to experience the true Canadian wilderness.
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Which hike would be at the top of your list?
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