Vancouver Island Archives - Dawn Outdoors

25 Best Backpacking Trips in BC

Taryn Eyton — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:41:50 +0000

Ever since I discovered backpacking nearly 20 years ago, it’s been my favourite outdoor activity. Some of my most memorable backpacking trips have been close to home in British Columbia. So I put together a list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

I’ve done all of these trips, some of them multiple times. I’ve also done lots of other backpacking trips across BC that didn’t make the list, so you can rest assured that these are the best of the best.

For each trip, I’ve got all the details you need to make it happen: difficulty, duration, distance, best time to go, fees, reservations, and links to trail guides.

The trips on this list are:

Vacation-worthy – you won’t mind travelling a bit to get there
Located all over BC including near Vancouver, on Vancouver Island, and in Eastern BC including the Rocky Mountains.
For hikers of all abilities – there are trips for both beginners and experts, and lots in between. (I’ve also got a whole list of Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners.)
Great for any vacation length from quick overnighters to long-weekend-length trips to week long epics.
Great for planners or last-minute trips: A few of these trips require reservations, but most do not.

Here’s a handy map I made for you that shows the locations for each of my picks for the best backpacking trips in BC.

Click the map to zoom in and explore.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Best Backpacking Trips Near Vancouver

Howe Sound Crest Trail

Hiking near the Lions on the Howe Sound Crest Trail

Duration: 2-4 days

Distance: 31.7 km traverse

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Fees and Reservations: None.

The Trail: The Howe Sound Crest Trail is very rough and difficult. Honestly, it is more like a route in some places and requires occasional hands-on scrambling moves as you traverse a chain of rocky summits high above Howe Sound near Vancouver. If you’re up for the challenge, the views are worth it.

More Info:

Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Watersprite Lake

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 17 km round-trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Both the hut and campground require reservations and fees.

The Trail: Watersprite Lake is an Instagram sensation thanks to its ice blue water and dramatic rock tower. We can credit the BC Mountaineering Club for building the trail to the lake along with a cabin and campground. I think it’s one of the best hikes in Squamish.

More Info:

Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
Make cabin reservations through the BCMC.

Elfin Lakes

The ranger station at north Elfin Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Lake in summer and early fall. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 22 km round-trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required.

The Trail: Even though the hike to Elfin Lakes is on an old road, it’s worth doing since the views are so incredible. You can see Mount Garibaldi/Nch’kay and lots of glaciers. Its worth spending more than one night at the Elfin Lakes campground or Elfin Lakes Shelter to do some of the great day hikes.

More Info:

Find details on this hike in my Elfin Lakes hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
Booking camping and the hut through BC Parks.
Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Garibaldi Lake

Hikers swimming in Garibaldi Lake

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 18 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required for camping.

The Trail: Located just north of Squamish, Garibaldi Lake is one of the most popular backpacking trips in BC. But it’s also one of the most picturesque with tumbling glaciers, alpine meadows, and unique volcanic geology. From the lake, you can tackle incredible day hikes like Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge.

More Info:

Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
Booking camping and through BC Parks.
Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Russet Lake

Backpackers leaving Russet Lake

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 25 to 29 km round trip

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required for camping and the hut.

The Trail: Nestled into the mountains above Whistler, Russet Lake is home to a backcountry campground and a luxurious hut. There are two ways to get there: a steep trail from the village or an undulating traverse across mountain summits from the top of the Whistler Gondola via the High Note Trail.

More Info:

Find details on this hike in my guide to hiking and backpacking at Russet Lake and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
Booking camping and through BC Parks.
Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
For hut reservations, see the Spearhead Huts Society.
You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Joffre Lakes

Looking down from above Upper Joffre Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Joffre Lakes in summer and early fall. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 10 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required for camping.

The Trail: The chain of three Joffre Lakes near Pemberton make up one of the Vancouver area’s most popular day hikes. But leave the day-time crowds behind by scoring a coveted reservation to camp at the Upper Lake. Listen for chunks of glacier crashing down the rocks on warm days. This is also one of my picks for the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info:

Find details on this hike in my Joffre Lakes hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
Booking camping and through BC Parks.
Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Sunshine Coast Trail

Tin Hat Hut on the second-highest point of the Sunshine Coast Trail

Duration: 8-14 days

Distance: 180 km traverse

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: None.

The Trail: The Sunshine Coast Trail winds through the forests along the length of the upper Sunshine Coast near the town of Powell River. Hike by the ocean, through old-growth forest, and across mountain tops, staying in rustic backcountry huts along the way.

More Info:

Find details on shorter backpacking trips you can do on sections of the SCT in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
For full details on the trail, pick up a copy of The Sunshine Coast Trail Guide Book by R. E. Walz or visit the Sunshine Coast Trail website.
Some sections of the Sunshine Coast Trail are hikeable all year and made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.
You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Heather Trail

Late season flowers along the Heather Trail in Manning Provincial Park

Duration: 2 to 5 days

Distance: 45 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required for Buckhorn and Kicking Horse campgrounds. Nicomen Lake Campground is first-come, first-served and fees are required.

The Trail: The Heather Trail is Manning Park’s signature trail. With a start high in the alpine, you stay above treeline in meadows of wildflowers for nearly the entire length. Take a side trip to summit Three Brothers Mountain and dip in chilly Nicomen Lake.

More Info:

Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
Booking camping and pay fees and through BC Parks.
Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Frosty Mountain

Hikers walk through larch trees on the trail to Frosty Mountain

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 14 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees are required year-round. Reservations are required between late July and late October.

The Trail: Frosty Mountain is the highest mountain in Manning Park and it has panoramic views. Break up your hike by camping at Frosty Creek camp. Plan your visit for fall when the larch tree needles turn golden.

More Info:

Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, and my Frosty Mountain trail guide.
Booking camping and pay fees through BC Parks.
Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Best Backpacking Trips on Vancouver Island

Juan de Fuca Trail

Hiking along the beach on the Juan de Fuca Trail

Heads up: The Juan de Fuca Trail will be closed in 2025 due to significant storm damage. It is not possible to hike the entire trail, but you can visit and camp at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach.

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Distance: 47 km

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees are required. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

The Trail: The Juan de Fuca Trail is a gorgeous coastal trail is easier to access than the West Coast Trail thanks to first-come, first-served camping and trailheads close to Victoria. But the hike is just as challenging and spectacular, making it easy to include on a list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

More Info:

Get details on this hike in my Juan de Fuca Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
Pay fees through BC Parks.
The JDF is hikeable all year and made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.
You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

West Coast Trail

One of the many ladders on the West Coast Trail

Duration: 5-8 days

Distance: 75 km

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required. You will also need to pay National Park entry fees.

The Trail: The West Coast Trail is Canada’s premier multi-day backpacking trip. It follows the wild coastline for 75 kilometres, up and down ladders, across cable cars, through mud holes, and along beautiful beaches as it travels between the isolated towns of Port Renfrew and Bamfield.

More Info:

Get details on this hike in my West Coast Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
Make reservations and pay fees with Parks Canada.
Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
The West Coast Trail opens in May and made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.
You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Della Falls Trail

Duration: 2-5 days

Distance: 32 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations or fees are needed for camping. But if you want to take a water taxi to the trailhead, you’ll need to book in advance.

The Trail: Della Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in BC at 440 m tall. (Some sources claim it’s the tallest waterfall in Canada, but that’s not true.)

The hike starts with a boat trip across Great Central Lake. From there you hike up a river valley to the base of the falls. Allow time for the 6 km side trip to Love Lake where there is an incredible view of the entire waterfall from above.

More Info:

Get all the details in my Della Falls Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Wild Side Trail

Hiking along the beach on the Wild Side Trail near Tofino

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 22 km round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required but you must pay trail fees and water taxi fees.

The Trail: The Wild Side Trail takes you along the shoreline of Flores Island in Ahousaht First Nation territory. Most of the hike is along incredible sandy beaches. The trail is a short water taxi ride from Tofino. This off-the-beaten-path hike doesn’t get many visitors, making it one of the quietest hikes on this list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

More Info:

Get details on this hike in my Wild Side Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
The Wild Side Trail opens in May and made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
It’s also on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.
You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Circlet Lake and Mount Albert Edward

Hiking towards the summit of Mount Albert Edward

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 31 km round trip

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees.

The Trail: Summit Mount Albert Edward, one of the highest peaks on Vancouver Island. On the way, you’ll stay at tiny Circlet Lake. This Strathcona Provincial Park trip starts at Mount Washington and is a rite of passage for many Vancouver Island hikers.

More Info:

Get details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
Pay fees through BC Parks.
You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Bedwell Lakes

Looking down to Bedwell Lake

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 22 km round trip

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees.

The Trail: Climb steeply up through the forest to emerge on the granite shores of Bedwell and Baby Bedwell Lakes, each with their own campground. Intrepid hikers can continue to isolated Cream Lake, which makes a great day trip destination. The trailhead is in a remote area near Buttle Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park.

More Info:

Get details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
Pay fees through BC Parks.

Elk River Trail and Landslide Lake

Landslide Lake at the end of the Elk River Trail

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 22 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees.

The Trail: Follow the trail through a beautiful forest alongside the shady Elk River to its terminus at picturesque Landslide Lake and great views of Mount Colonel Foster. There are two campgrounds along the river to choose from. Find the trailhead along the highway to Gold River.

More Info:

Get details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
Pay fees through BC Parks.

Nootka Trail

Hiking on the beach on the Nootka Trail

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Distance: 35 km traverse

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required. You must pay camping fees. You also need to book in advance for the water taxi or float plane.

The Trail: Arrange a water taxi or floatplane to shuttle you to the Nootka Trail on Nootka Island near Gold River. It’s a remote coastal hike that sees few visitors but has incredible scenery. Highlights include sandy beaches, wolf sightings, Calvin Falls, and the tiny Mowachaht First Nation village of Yuquot.

More Info:

See my trip report from my Nootka Trail hike. Get details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
Pay camping fees to the Mowachaht/Muchalaht Nation
The Nootka Trail made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

North Coast Trail

Tents on the beach on the North Coast Trail

Duration: 4 to 5 days

Distance: 43 to 59 km traverse

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees. You also need to book the water taxi in advance.

The Trail: The rough and rugged North Coast Trail follows the coastline around the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Start with a water taxi from Port Hardy, then get ready for lots of mud, steep hills with rope assists, and rocky beaches.

More Info:

Get details on this hike in my North Coast Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group for the latest trail conditions.
Pay fees through BC Parks.
The North Coast Trail is a great destination between May and September, so it made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Cape Scott Trail

Guise Bay on the Cape Scott Trail

Duration: 3 days

Distance: 47 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees.

The Trail: The Cape Scott Trail follows an old settler’s route through the muddy forest to the wild beaches at the north end of Vancouver Island. Choose from several campsites on sandy beaches, then day hike out to the Cape Scott Lighthouse.

More Info:

Get details on this hike in my Cape Scott Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group for the latest trail conditions. For camping fee info, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.
Pay fees through BC Parks.
The Cape Scott Trail is hikeable all year, so it made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Get details on this hike in my Berg Lake Trail guide.
Make reservations and pay fees for camping through BC Parks. Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.
It’s also on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: 25 recommendations for the best backpacking trips in BC. How many of these trips have you done? Is there an amazing backpacking destination that I left off the list? Tell me in the comments.

Get My Books

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover BC’s best backpacking trips

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
35 backpacking trips and day hikes on Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos

Get the books

MORE BC BACKPACKING DESTINATIONS:

BC BACKPACKING RESERVATION INFO:

The post 25 Best Backpacking Trips in BC appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies

Taryn Eyton — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 21:08:28 +0000

Backcountry huts give hikers, climbers, and skiers a warm and dry place to sleep, eat, and chill out between adventures. Thankfully there are dozens of backcountry huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies.

In this post, I’ve got basic info for over 80 backcountry cabins in BC and Alberta. The listing for each hut includes the location, info on fees, and booking, and a link to make reservations or get more info. The backcountry hut listings are separated into six regions. Click the links below to jump to your area.

All info on backcountry huts in BC was up-to-date at the time of publishing. But booking policies, prices, and access can change without notice. Check the club and park links below for the latest info. And let me know if anything is incorrect so I can update it.

I’ve been to lots of the backcountry cabins on this list, especially the ones near Vancouver. But with over 80 backcountry huts in British Columbia to choose from, I haven’t made it to all of them… yet!

What kinds of backcountry huts are on this list?

The backcountry huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies on this list are geared toward self-propelled users and are operated by clubs and parks.

You won’t find ATV, snowmobile, or 4×4 club cabins on this list.

I also haven’t included private, for-profit lodges.

BC also has lots of “secret” un-sanctioned cabins and I haven’t included them. These unofficial backcountry huts are often illegal and increased traffic means they might get shut down. However, info on secret cabins is often widely available in local communities.

I also chose not to include emergency shelters which you shouldn’t plan to stay at – that’s why they have “emergency” in the name!

BC Backcountry Huts Map

To give you a general idea of where these backcountry cabins are located, I’ve put together a custom Google map of backcountry huts in British Columbia. Click through to zoom in.

Click the map zoom in

A Note on Hut Access

Some of these backcountry huts in British Columbia are easy to reach via well-marked trails. Others involve off-trail travel, route-finding, scrambling, glacier, travel, or rock climbing.

In winter, reaching many of the backcountry cabins is more complex and may take you through avalanche terrain.

As well, road access to trailheads can be complicated. It may involve rough logging roads that are unplowed or require 4WD. In some areas, it is common to use a snowmobile to reach trailheads where users switch to skis to reach the hut.

A few huts can only be reached by helicopter.

See the links to club and park websites for more access information.

Backcountry Hut Etiquette

In general, backcountry huts in British Columbia are for outdoor adventurers. Most huts are communal, so you will share space with strangers. We all need to work together to help these cabins in good condition for everyone to enjoy. These aren’t places to have a party.

Here are a few BC backcountry hut etiquette tips:

Research hut rules and guidelines before your trip. Know what to expect at each hut and pack accordingly. Some huts supply stoves, kitchen gear, and mattresses, but many do not.
Pack out everything. That includes your trash and trash that other groups have left. Please don’t leave extra food as it is unlikely to get eaten and will just attract mice.
Protect the water source. Don’t bathe, do dishes, or pee in the hut water source. In winter, there is often a designated pee area to avoid contaminating snow that will be melted for drinking water.
Keep the noise levels down. Many hut users may go to bed early to get an early start the next morning. Skip the music unless all hut users agree.
Leave your dog at home. Very few huts allow dogs.
Conserve firewood. Firewood is a scarce resource that can be expensive to supply. In most huts, it is only acceptable to use the wood stove in winter.
Keep your gear tidy and out of other people’s way. Don’t monopolize the drying rack.
Don’t wear boots inside the hut. This keeps dirt, mud, and snowmelt off the floor. Bring hut booties or sandals to wear indoors.
Keep the mice out. Mice are a problem at most huts. Keep the door closed and store your food and garbage inside a bin or hanging from the ceiling in a sealed bag.
Share the chores: Help out by restocking firewood, swapping outhouse barrels, or grabbing more snow to melt.
Clean up before you leave. Sweep the floor, wipe down the counters, and empty the grey water buckets.
Be nice. Be welcoming and friendly to other hut users. Communicate your plans so you can optimize the use of cooking areas and agree on quiet hours.

Backcountry Huts Near Vancouver

Elsay Lake Hut

Location: Elsay Lake in Mount Seymour Provincial Park, North Vancouver.

Operated By: Mount Seymour Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking

Sleeps: 4

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free.

More Info: Mount Seymour Provincial Park and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Mountain Lake Hut

Location: Near Mount Sheer east of Britannia Beach.

Operated By: BCMC

Best For: Hiking, mountaineering, scrambling, ski touring

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 180 days before your trip.

Cost: $20/person/night for non-members, $10/person/night for members

More Info: BCMC

Watersprite Lake Hut

Location: At Watersprite Lake In the mountains east of Squamish.

Operated By: BCMC

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 60 days in advance.

Cost: $300/night for the entire hut

More Info: BCMC, Watersprite Lake Facebook group (for road and trail conditions), and my book Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Watersprite Lake Hut

Elfin Lakes Shelter

Location: At Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park east of Squamish

Operated By: Garibaldi Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 33

Booking: Reservations required. Book online three months in advance.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: My Elfin Lakes hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Elfin Lakes Shelter

Tantalus Hut (Lake Lovely Water)

Location: Lake Lovely Water in Tantalus Provincial Park west of Squamish.

Operated By: ACC Vancouver and Tantalus Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 16

Booking: Reservations required. Book online in March in advance for non-members. Members can book in January. Open in June 1 to September 30 only.

Cost: $1700 for weekday 3 night booking (Mon, Tues, Wed nights) of the entire hut or $2000 for the weekend 3 night booking (Fri, Sat, Sun nights) of the entire hut. ACC members get a 10% discount.

More Info: ACC Vancouver, Tantalus Provincial Park, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Tantalus Hut

Jim Haberl Hut

Location: On the edge of a glacier high in the Tantalus Range west of Squamish. Access requires glacier travel or helicopter.

Operated By: ACC Vancouver

Best For: Mountaineering

Sleeps: 12

Booking: Reservations required. Book online in March for non-members. Members can in January. Open March 1 to September 30 only.

More Info: ACC Vancouver

Helicopter landing next to Jim Haberl Hut. Photo: Andre Gaulin/Unsplash.

Brew Hut

Location: Near the summit of Mount Brew, west of the Sea to Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler.

Operated By: UBC VOC

Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 12

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: UBC VOC and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Sphinx Hut (Burton Hut)

Location: On the eastern shore of Garibaldi Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park between Squamish and Whistler. Summer access is via boat.

Operated By: UBC VOC

Best For: Ski touring, snowshoeing, mountaineering

Sleeps: 10

Booking: You must purchase a Wilderness Permit for Garibaldi Provincial Park by calling BC Parks. The hut is first-come, first-served, but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: UBC VOC

Kees and Claire Hut

Location: At Russet Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park just outside Whistler. The hut sits at the south end of the Spearhead ski traverse.

Operated By: Spearhead Huts Society

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 38

Booking: Reservations required. Book online 60 days in advance for non-members. ACC and BCMC members can book 90 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. ACC and BCMC members get a discount.

More Info: Spearhead Huts Society, Garibaldi Provincial Park, my Russet Lake hiking and backpacking guide, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Wedgemount Lake Hut

Location: At Wedgemount Lake in the northern part of Garibaldi Provincial Park near Whistler.

Operated By: Garibaldi Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online three months. You will actually need to make a reservation for the Wedgemount Lake campground as there is no separate booking for the hut. Spots in the hut are first-come, first-served amongst those with campground reservations.

Cost: $10/person/night

More Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Wedgemount Lake Hut

Tenquille Lake Cabin

Location: Tenquille Lake, northwest of Pemberton.

Operated By: Pemberton Wildlife Association in partnership with the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua Nations.

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring

Sleeps: 12

Booking: Reservations required. Book online 60 days before your trip.

Cost: $25/person/night.

More Info: Pemberton Wildlife Association and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Tenquille Lake Hut

North Creek Cabin

Location: In the mountains on the north side of the Lillooet River valley west of Pemberton.

Operated By: BCMC

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 10

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 180 days before your trip.

Cost: $20/person/night for non-members. There are discounts for BCMC members.

More Info: BCMC

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Harrison Hut

Location: At the edge of the Pemberton Icefield above Meager Creek east of Pemberton.

Operated By: UBC VOC

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 15

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served, but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: UBC VOC

Wendy Thompson Hut

Location: Near Mount Marriott on the west side of Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet.

Operated By: ACC Whistler

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 16

Booking: Reservations required. Book online 105 days before your trip. Members of the Whistler, Squamish, and Vancouver ACC sections can book 140 days in advance.

Cost: $25/person/night for non-members. $20/person/night for members of the Whistler, Squamish or Vancouver sections of the ACC.

More Info: ACC Whistler and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Wendy Thompson Hut

Keith Flavelle Hut (Keith’s Hut)

Location: Just north of Joffre Lakes on the east side of Highway 99 in between Pemberton and Lillooet.

Operated By: Keith Flavelle Hut Society and Nlháxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 14

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served and is often over capacity.

Cost: Free, but donations are welcome.

More Info: Keith Flavelle Hut Society and Nlháxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy

Brian Waddington Hut (Phelix Creek Hut)

Location: In the mountains near Birkenhead Provincial Park north of Pemberton.

Operated By: UBC VOC

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 25

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served, but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding. The hut is voluntarily closed from August 15 to October 15 for wildlife protection.

Cost: $15/person/night.

More Info: UBC VOC

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Backcountry Huts on the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Trail Huts

Location: There are 14 huts spread along the length of the Sunshine Coast Trail between Saltery Bay and Lund. From north to south they are: Bliss Portage, Manzanita Bluff, Rieveley Pond, Inland Lake-Anthony Island, Confederation Lake, Fiddlehead Landing, Tin Hat, Elk Lake, Walt Hill, Golden Stanley, Mount Troubridge, Rainy Day Lake, and Fairview Bay.

Operated By: Sunshine Coast Trail/Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society

Best For: Hiking

Sleeps: Most huts sleep 10, but a few fit 3-6.

Booking: None. All huts are hut is first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free, but donations of $5/person/night are encouraged.

More Info: Sunshine Coast Trail and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Confederation Lake Hut

READ NEXT: Best Hikes on the Sunshine Coast

Tetrahedron Provincial Park Cabins

Location: There are four cabins accessed from the same trailhead in Tetrahedron Provincial Park north of Sechelt: Batchelor Cabin, Edwards Cabin, Mount Steele Cabin, and McNair Cabin. Batchelor and Edwards Cabins are on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

Operated By: Tetrahedron Outdoor Club and Tetrahedron Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: Each cabin sleeps 12

Booking: None. All huts are first-come, first-served and are often over capacity on winter weekends.

Cost: $15/person/night for non-members, $10/person/night for Tetrahedron Outdoor Club members payable online, by mailing a cheque, or at Trail Bay Source for Sports in Sechelt.

More Info: Tetrahedron Outdoor Club, Tetrahedron Outdoor Facebook group (for trail and road conditions) Tetrahedron Provincial Park, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Edwards Lake Cabin

Emma Lake Cabin

Location: On the South Powell Divide in the Eldred River Valley north of Powell River.

Operated By: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 6-10

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free, but donations of $20/person/night are welcome.

More Info: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association

Knuckleheads Cabins

Location: The Knuckleheads Range north of Lois Lake near Powell River. There are three cabins: Vic Cole Lodge, E-Branch Cabin, and A-Branch Cabin (Chateau Rotary Cabin).

Operated By: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association

Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: Each cabin sleeps 8-12

Booking: None. All huts are first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free, but donations of $20/person/night are welcome.

More Info: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association

Backcountry Huts on Vancouver Island

Hišimy̓awiƛ Hut (5040 Peak Hut)

Location: On the slopes of 5040 Peak east of Highway 4 between Port Alberni and Ucluelet. The hut’s name means “Gather Together” in the Barkley Sound dialect of the Ucluelet First Nation and is pronounced Hi-SHIM-ya-wit.

Operated By: ACC Vancouver Island

Best for: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 12 in 2 rooms with 6 bunks each

Booking: Reservations required. Book online three months before your trip.

Cost: Bookings are per room. $150/room/night for non-members. $120/room/night for members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada Vancouver Island and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Hišimy̓awiƛ Hut

Wheaton Memorial Hut

Location: In the Marble Meadows area of Strathcona Provincial Park. Access to the trail is via boat across Buttle Lake.

Operated By: BC Parks

Best for: Hiking, scrambling

Sleeps: 2-4

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free.

More Info: BC Parks

Kludahk Huts

Location: Five huts (Meadow Cabin, Tower Cabin, Blueberry Cabin, Noyse Lake Cabin, and Tent Lake Cabin) spaced along the top of San Juan Ridge between Port Renfrew and Sooke.

Operated By: Kludahk Outdoors Club

Best for: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: Each hut sleeps 4-10

Booking: Reservations required. Only club members may use the huts.

Cost: A nightly per person fee is charged.

More Info: Kludahk Outdoors Club and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Tent Lake Cabin

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Backcountry Huts in the Kootenays

Bill Putnam Hut (Fairy Meadow Hut)

Location: In the Adamant Group of the Selkirk Mountains north of Glacier National Park. Access is via helicopter.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Scrambling, mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring

Sleeps: 20

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Winter bookings are via a lottery.

Cost: $60 for non-members. $50 for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada

Ben Ferris (Great Cairn) Hut

Location: In the Northern Selkirk Mountains north of Glacier National Park at the base of Mount Sir Sandford. Access via helicopter.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60 for non-members. $50 for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada

A.O. Wheeler Hut

Location: Southwest of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 30

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park

Asulkan Cabin

Location: At the head of the Asulkan Valley south of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 10

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park

Sapphire Col Hut

Location: High on the Asulkan Ridge south of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 4

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Glacier Circle Cabin

Location: Below the Illecillewaet Neve in the Dawson Range of Glacier National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park

McMurdo Cabin

Location: North of the Spillimacheen Glacier in the mountains southwest of Golden.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 5

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $85/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Kingsbury Cabin

Location: Near the Headwaters of Bobbie Burns Creek in International Basin southwest of Golden.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 4

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $90/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Conrad Kain Hut

Location: In Bugaboo Provincial Park in the Purcell Mountains east of Radium Hot Springs.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, rock climbing

Sleeps: 35

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve six months in advance. Open in summer only.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Bugaboo Provincial Park

Dave White Cabin

Location: In the Forester Creek valley near the Catamount Glacier west of Radium Hot Springs.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 4

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $70/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Olive Hut

Location: On the edge of the Catamount Glacier west of Radium Hot Springs. Access requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 4

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $70/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Jumbo Pass Cabin

Location: At Jumbo Pass along the Purcell Divide near Invermere.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Huts

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $120/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Kokanee Glacier Cabin

Location: At Kaslo Lake in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson. Winter access is via helicopter.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 12-20

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve 180 days in advance. Winter bookings are via a lottery.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

Kokanee Glacier Cabin

Silver Spray Cabin

Location: In the northern part of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, mountaineering, scrambling

Sleeps: 10

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve 180 days in advance. The hut is closed in winter.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

Woodbury Cabin

Location: In the northern part of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve 180 days in advance. The hut is closed in winter.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

Backcountry Huts in the Canadian Rockies

Mount Colin Centennial Hut

Location: On the southwest side of Mount Colin in the northern part of Jasper National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, rock climbing, scrambling

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.

Cost: $40/person/night.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Jacques Lake Cabin

Location: Jacques Lake near Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. This hut is only open in winter.

Cost: $60/person night for non-members. $50/person/night for members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Ramparts Hut (Wates-Gibson Memorial Hut)

Location: At Outpost Lake in the Tonquin Valley in Jasper National Park. (Psst! The Tonquin Valley is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring

Sleeps: 24-26

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Fryatt Creek Hut (Sydney Vallance Hut)

Location: In the Fryatt Valley in Jasper National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, mountaineering, scrambling, ski touring

Sleeps: 12

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Lloyd Mackay Hut (Mount Alberta Hut)

Location: On the shoulder of Mount Little Alberta in Jasper National Park. Access requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Scrambling, mountaineering, rock climbing

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $50/person/night for non-members. $40/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Peter and Catharine Whyte Hut (Peyto Hut)

Location: The northern end of the Wapta Icefield near the Peyto Glacier in Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 16-18

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Bow Hut

Location: On the Wapta Icefield west of Bow Lake in Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 30

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Balfour Hut (Rob Ritchie Hut)

Location: On the toe of the Vulcan Glacier on the Wapta Icefield in Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 16-18

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Scott Duncan Hut

Location: South end of the Wapta Icefield near Mount Daly in Yoho National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 12

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Yoho National Park.

Louise and Richard Guy Hut

Location: Just north of Yoho Peak in Yoho National Park on the Bow-Yoho Traverse. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Ski touring, mountaineering

Sleeps: 18

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in summer.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Yoho National Park.

Stanley Mitchell Hut

Location: In the Little Yoho Valley of Yoho National Park. (Psst! The Yoho Valley is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 22

Booking: Reservations required. Book online.Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada, Yoho National Park, and my guide to the Yoho Valley Loop.

Elizabeth Parker Hut

Location: Near the shores of Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. (This is one of the destinations on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 20-24

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. In summer, bookings are by lottery.

Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada, Yoho National Park, and my guide to Lake O’Hara

Elizabeth Parker Hut at Lake O’Hara.

Neil Colgan Hut

Location: Above the Valley of the Ten Peaks at Moraine Lake in, Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, rock climbing

Sleeps: 18

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Castle Mountain Hut, Banff

Location: Halfway up the south face of Castle Mountain. Access to the hut requires scrambling and technical rock climbing.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Rock climbing, mountaineering.

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.

Cost: $60/night for non-members. $50/night for ACC members. Bookings are for the entire hut.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Elk Lakes Cabin

Location: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in the Kananaskis Valley south of Canmore.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 14

Booking: Reservations required. Boo k online. Reserve six months in advance.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

Naiset Huts

Location: A cluster of five huts at Magog Lake in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park southwest of Canmore. (Mount Assiniboine is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)

Operated By: Mount Assiniboine Lodge and Assiniboine Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: Each hut sleeps 5-8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online for summer starting in early January. Book online for winter starting in December.

Cost: $150-$240 per night for an entire hut

More Info: My huge guide to hiking in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and Mount Assiniboine Lodge

Aster Hut, one of the five Naiset Huts

Queen Mary Lake Cabin

Location: At Queen Mary Lake in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park northeast of Fairmont Hot Springs.

Operated By: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 8

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free

More Info: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Connor Lake Cabin

Location: At Connor Lake in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park east of Canal Flats.

Operated By: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free

More Info: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Fish Lake Cabin

Location: At Fish Lake in Top of the World Provincial Park northeast of Kimberley.

Operated By: Top of the World Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling

Sleeps: 14-18

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: Top of the World Provincial Park

Thunder Meadows Cabin

Location: Northwest of Fernie Alpine Resort near the Island Lake Lodge

Operated By: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Best For: Ski touring

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Only club members may make bookings through the members-only section of the club website.

Cost: There are nightly fees charged for booking.

More Info: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Tunnel Creek Cabin

Location: On the west side of Highway 3 between Fernie and Elko

Operated By: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Best For: Ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Only club members may make bookings through the members-only section of the club website. The hut is closed in summer.

Cost: There are nightly fees charged for booking.

More Info: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Cameron Lake Cabin

Location: At Cameron Lake in the southwest part of Waterton Lakes National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Ski touring, ice climbing

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in summer.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada

Backcountry Huts in Northern BC

Plummer Hut

Location: In the remote Mount Waddington area on the central coast. Access is via helicopter.

Operated By: BCMC

Best For: Mountaineering

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 180 days before your trip.

Cost: $10/person/night for non-members. Free for members.

More Info: BCMC

Hankin Lookout Cabin

Location: At the community-run, no-lifts Hankin-Evelyn ski area northwest of Smithers.

Operated By: Bulkley Backcountry Ski Society

Best For: Ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online.

Cost: $60/whole cabin/night

More Info: Bulkley Backcountry Ski Society

Harold Price Cabin

Location: In the headwaters of Gramaphone Creek, north of Smithers.

Operated By: Bulkley Valley Backpackers Society

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 6-8

Booking: Reservations required. Contact Ellen Anderson at 778-210-0625 or ellen.anderson59@gmail.com

Cost: $10/person/night, payable by etransfer

More Info: Bulkley Valley Backpackers Society and Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre

Joe L’Orsa Cabin

Location: Silverking Basin in Babine Mountains Provincial Park east of Smithers.

Operated By: Babine Mountains Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 15-20

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: $10/person/night payable in cash at the cabin.

More Info: Babine Mountains Provincial Park

Morice Mountain Cabin

Location: At the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club south of Houston.

Operated By: Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club

Best For: Ski touring, snowshoeing, hiking

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book by email: mmnsclub@gmail.com

Cost: $20/person/night for the first night and $10/person/night for each additional night.

More Info: Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club

Ozalenka Cabin

Location: In the Boreal Valley north of Ozalenka Peak near McBride.

Operated By: Ozalenka Alpine Club

Best For: Hiking

Sleeps: 6-8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online.

Cost: $100/whole hut/night

More Info: Ozalenka Alpine Club

Eagle Valley Cabin

Location: In the Eagle Valley southwest of McBride.

Operated By: Ozalenka Alpine Club

Best For: Hiking

Sleeps: 6-8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online.

Cost: $80/whole hut/night

More Info: Ozalenka Alpine Club

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

So that’s my big list of over 80 backcountry huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies. Did I miss a BC backcountry cabin? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add it.

35+ Places to Go Backpacking in BC Without A Car

Taryn Eyton — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:28:15 +0000

British Columbia has tons of incredible places to go backpacking and multi-day hiking. Unfortunately, most of them require a car to get to. However, it is possible to go backpacking in BC without a car. I’ve got a list of over 35 car-free backpacking trips across BC.

You can get to these overnight and multi-day hikes by public transit bus, shuttle bus, ferry, or water taxi. I’ve done the legwork of figuring out how to get to these fabulous destinations. All info about transportation was correct at the time of writing, but things change, so please let me know if anything is out of date so I can update it.

This guide to backpacking in BC without a car includes:

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Map of Car-Free Places to Go Backpacking in BC

I made a custom Google Map for you that shows the location of each of the car-free backpacking trips I mention in this post. Click to zoom in.

Click the map to zoom in.

Tips for Backpacking Without a Car in BC

I’m not going to lie – it’s a lot easier to get around in BC if you have a car. Bus service here is not frequent and it’s often not cheap.

But it is definitely possible to go backpacking in BC without a car. Here are a few tips:

Leave a trip plan with a friend so someone knows where you are going and when you expect to be back. This is especially important when travelling by bus as you won’t be leaving a car at a trailhead, which otherwise would be a clue for search and rescue about where you went.
Check schedules carefully. Bus schedules change and some buses don’t run very frequently.
Book tickets in advance. Buses can fill up or they may not stop at some locations if they don’t know in advance that someone wants to be picked up there.
Be flexible with dates and times when booking on-demand shuttle services. Many shuttle companies will try to pair you up with other groups to make the per-person cost of the shuttle cheaper.
Be prepared for some extra kilometres. Without a car, you might have to walk a bit to get to the trailhead. I’ve included walking directions and distances for each backpacking trip on this list. The distance stat at the start of each trip includes any extra kilometres you will need to walk from the bus stop.
If the bus schedules don’t work for your trip, consider using a carpooling app like Poparide.
Look into renting a car. The cost split between three or more people can often work out cheaper than taking the bus. I use Discover Cars to search for car rentals since it compares prices across tons of different companies.
Make camping reservations in advance. Many of the backpacking trips on this list require advance reservation and sell out quickly. See my guide to BC backpacking reservations for more info.
Is this your first backpacking trip? Read my guide to Backpacking for Beginners. It includes a run-down on gear, trip planning, fitness, and key skills like navigation and bear safety.
Not sure what to pack? I’ve got a super-detailed Backpacking Gear Checklist that explains it all.
Worried about bears? If you are prepared and responsible, you don’t have to worry. Read my guide to Bear Safety for Backpackers.

Backpacking Trips Near Vancouver Without a Car

Howe Sound Crest Trail

Hiking near the Lions on the Howe Sound Crest Trail

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Very challenging

Distance: Up to 31.7 km one way

Elevation Gain: 660 m

Best Months: Mid-July to September

Fees and Reservations: Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Description: This tough backpacking trip in Cypress Provincial Park is best for experienced backpackers. The first part of the hike is on the well-worn trail to St. Mark’s Summit. But past there you will need route-finding and scrambling skills to stay on track as you follow the spine of the ridge over several summits. It is typically hiked as a one-way traverse from the Cypress Mountain ski hill to Porteau Cove, but you can bail out part-way on the trail to Lions Bay.

Getting There Without a Car: From downton Vancouver, take Translink bus 250 or 257 to Park Royal, then take the Cypress Mountain Shuttle to Cypress Mountain. (Note: The summer schedule is limited and some years it doesn’t run at all. If there is no shuttle, you can take a taxi from Park Royal.)

You can do and out-and-back trip from Cypress Mountain or do a one-way trip to Lions Bay or Porteau Cove. If you get off trail at Lions Bay, you can take bus Translink bus 262 to West Vancouver, and then bus 253 to to downtown Vancouver. To complete the whole route to Porteau Cove, you will need to arrange a taxi.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Elfin Lakes and Rampart Ponds

The backcountry campground at Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 22 to 42 km

Elevation Gain: 610 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required and fees are charged for both tent pads and the hut. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Description: This trip in Garibaldi Provincial Park takes you up into the subalpine to stroll along a ridge with incredible views. You can camp or stay in the hut at Elfin Lakes, which is a great place to base yourself for day hikes. Or continue further into the backcountry to say at Rampart Ponds campground. This hike is just a few minutes from my house in Squamish, so I’ve done it tons of times.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Squamish Connector buses to downtown Squamish or Garibaldi Estates. From there, Howe Sound Taxi can take you 30 minutes to the trailhead. (Call ahead to confirm that they will go up the gravel road to the trailhead – some dispatchers get confused as to where this is.)

You may also be able to get a ride with Shred Shuttle from downtown Squamish or Garibald Estates. It is a mountain bike shuttle service that stops about 0.5 km from the hikers trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my Elfin Lake hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees and reservations, see Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Lake Lovely Water

Wildflowers on the shore of Lake Lovely Water

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Distance: 11 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 1135 m

Best Months: Late June to early October

Fees and Reservations: Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served. The hut requires reservations and fees.

Trail Description: The trail to Lake Lovely Water begins on the other side of the Squamish River, so crossing it by boat is your first obstacle. The trail is incredibly steep and rugged as it grinds uphill through the forest. Your reward is a gorgeous alpine lake ringed with mountains. You can stay at the backcountry campground or book the rustic hut. From there, take day hikes to meadows or scramble to the tops of the peaks. I spent a memorable birthday here one year and it was so pretty!

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Squamish Connector buses to downtown Squamish. From there, Squamish Watersports can shuttle you to the trailhead via jetski. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for 15 minutes to the Squamish airport, then take a helicopter or floatplane directly to the lake.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For hut reservations, see the Alpine Club of Canada Vancouver section.

Cheakamus Lake

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 7 to 14 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 50 m

Best Months: May to early November

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required and fees are charged for camping. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Description: This is one of the easiest trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park and one of the easiest places to go backpacking in BC without a car. The trail to the lake is flat and easy. The lake is an incredible turquoise colour. You can camp at the lake outlet or continue along the lakeshore to a second campground at Singing Creek.

Cheakamus Lake is one of my favourites since it has such a beautiful location but it’s an easy hike – it’s on my lists of the best spring backpacking trips in BC and the best beginner backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Epic Rides bus to Whistler. From there, you can take a taxi for 25 minutes to the trailhead.

If you are up for adding 8 km and 200 m of elevation gain each way, you can skip the taxi and take BC Transit bus 10 from Whistler Village to the stop on Cheakamus Lake Road just after to turnoff from the Highway. From there, take the Valley Trail south to the Cheakamus Lake FSR. For a nicer hike, use the Farside Trail instead of the road for the first 3km.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees and reservations, see Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Helm Creek

Helm Lake near Helm Creek campground

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 17 km return (plus more for day hikes from camp)

Elevation Gain: 700 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required and fees are charged for camping. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Description: The trail to Helm Creek provides a lesser-known backdoor route into the core of Garibaldi Provincial Park by leaving from the same trailhead as Cheakamus Lake. The trail switchbacks uphill through the forest to a subalpine campground. From there you can day hike to Panorama Ridge (14 km return), which has great views of Garibaldi Lake.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Epic Rides bus to Whistler. From there, you can take a taxi for 25 minutes to the trailhead. If you are up for adding 8 km and 200 m of elevation gain each way, you can skip the taxi and take BC Transit bus 10 from Whistler Village to the stop on Cheakamus Lake Road. From there, take the Valley Trail south to the Cheakamus Lake FSR. For a nicer hike, use the Farside Trail instead of the road for the first 3km.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees and reservations, see Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Russet Lake

Wildlflowers near Russet Lake in Whistler

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 25 to 29 km

Elevation Gain: 305 to 1280 m

Best Months: Mid-July to September.

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required and fees are charged for camping. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.) The hut also requires reservations and fees.

Trail Description: Tiny Russet Lake has a gorgeous backcountry campground and a beautiful new hut in the mountains above Whistler inside Garibaldi Provincial Park. There are two ways to get there: You can hike up the steep Singing Pass trail directly from Whistler Village. Or you can pay to take the Whistler Gondola, then hike along an undulating ridge on the High Note and Musical Bumps Trails. It’s also one of the easiest backpacking trips in BC to get to without a car.

This trip is one of my favourites since the views are so good – it’s on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Epic Rides bus to Whistler. Then walk through the village to the Singing Pass trailhead or the bottom of the Whistler gondola.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my Russet Lake hiking and backpacking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. To make camping reservations, see Garibaldi Provincial Park. For hut reservations, see the Spearhead Huts Society.

Rainbow Pass and Hanging Lake

Rainbow Pass

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 20.6 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 890 m

Best Months: June to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Description: Hike up into the mountains on the west side of the Whistler Valley to gorgeous Rainbow Lake. From the lake, ascend to Rainbow Pass and find the campground at Hanging Lake on the other side. It’s a great spot to base yourself for day hikes up Rainbow Mountain or to nearby Ninja Lakes.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Epic Rides bus to Whistler. From there, you can take a taxi for 15 minutes to the trailhead.

If you are up for adding 3 km and 50 m of elevation gain each way, you can skip the taxi and take BC Transit bus 6 from Whistler Village to the stop on Crabapple Drive at Cedar Grove. From there, walk north then west on the Valley Trail to Rainbow Park. Then walk north on Alta Lake Road to the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Wedgemount Lake

Summer wildflowers at Wedgemount Lake

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Distance: 13 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 1160 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required and fees are charged for camping. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Description: This hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park is really steep, especially the final push to the top. But it’s worth it! The beautiful turquoise lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. And you can hike past the end of the lake right up to the toe of the glacier. See it while you can as the ice has retreated nearly half a kilometre in less than 30 years.

Wedgemount Lake is on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC thanks to the spectaclar scenery and the opportunity to hike to a glacier.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Epic Rides bus to Whistler. From there, you can take a taxi for 15 minutes to the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. To make reservations, visit Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Frosty Mountain

Hiking through golden larch trees in fall.

Duration: 2-3 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 29 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 1140 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees are charged. Reservations are required between late July and late October.

Trail Description: This trail climbs up the slopes of Frosty Mountain, the highest peak in Manning Provincial Park. You can camp at Frosty Creek, partway up, then head to the summit with day packs. Try to time your visit for the fall to see the larches change colour.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take Mountain Man Mike’s shuttle to the Manning Park Lodge. From there, hike 3.5 km on the Little Muddy Trail to the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my Frosty Mountain trail guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees see Manning Provincial Park.

Lightning Lakes

Lightning Lakes on the way to Strike Lake Camp

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 20 km round trip

Elevation Gain: none

Best Months: June to October

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees are charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Description: The easy trail along the shores of Lightning Lake is perfect for beginners or families. The flat trail has great views of the lakes. Leave the day hikers behind and camp at Strike Lake.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take Mountain Man Mike’s shuttle to the Manning Park Lodge. From there, hike 3.5 km on the Little Muddy Trail to the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees see Manning Provincial Park.

Skyline Trail (Manning Park)

Ridge walking on the Skyline Trail

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 42 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 520 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees are charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Description: The views from this trail are incredible. You start the hike along the shores of Lightning Lake, then ascend to a ridge top viewpoint. From there, the trail follows the top of the ridge through wildflower meadows and you can look waaay down below you to the Lightning Lakes chain. Stay the night at Mowich Camp, which is often visited by deer.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take Mountain Man Mike’s shuttle to the Manning Park Lodge. From there, hike 5.5 km on the Little Muddy Trail, then the Lightning Lakes trail over the Rainbow Bridge to the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees see Manning Provincial Park.

Backpacking Trips on the Sunshine Coast Without a Car

Sunshine Coast Trail

The view from the top of Tin Hat Mountain

Duration: 7 to 12 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 178 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 1300 m

Best Months: June to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping and staying in the huts is free and all campsites and huts are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The 178-km-long Sunshine Coast Trail is a great backpacking trip to do without a car. The hike includes 14 huts along the way, plus dozens of campgrounds so lots of itineraries are possible. The trail starts and finishes on the ocean, but the bulk of the hike is inland up and down mountains and alongside lakes. If the whole trail is too long for you, I also have some options for car-free backpacking trips on shorter sections of the Sunshine Coast Trail below.

The Sunshine Coast Trail is a bucket list hike thanks to the hut-to-hut experience. It’s on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: You can fly to Powell River from Vancouver or Victoria, then take the Sunshine Coast Shuttle bus to the north trailhead. You can also take BC Transit bus 12 from Powell River to the south trailhead.

If you don’t want to fly, take Translink bus 250 or 257 from Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay, then a BC Ferry from there to Langdale where you catch the Sunshine Coast Connector bus to Earl’s Cove to get your final BC Ferry to Saltery Bay. From there you can start the trail or take the Sunshine Coast Shuttle Bus to the other trailhead.

If you want to save some money, you can also take BC Transit bus 12 from Saltery Bay to Powell River, then the Sunshine Coast Shuttle bus to the trailhead.

If you are coming from Vancouver Island, you can take a BC Ferry to Powell River from Comox.

More Info: Get all the details on the Sunshine Coast Trail website.

Fairview Bay/Saltery Bay Loop

Fairview Bay Hut

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 12 km round trip or 18 km loop

Elevation Gain: 150 to 570 m

Best Months: April to November

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping and the huts are free and all campsites and huts are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The section of the Sunshine Coast Trail is easy to hike without a car since you start right at the ferry. You can hike along the ocean to Fairview Bay Hut. Or you can hike up to Rainy Day Lake, then back around via Fairview Bay to make a loop. If you want to go further, you can tack on the summit of Mount Troubridge for an extra 15 km round trip with 900 m of elevation gain. All three locations have campsites and huts.

I love the coastal views on the way to Fairview Bay – it’s on my lists of the best spring backpacking trips in BC and best easy backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take Translink bus 250 or 257 to Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, then take the BC Ferry to Langdale on the lower Sunshine Coast. From there, take the Sunshine Coast Connector Bus to Earl’s Cove ferry terminal. Take the BC Ferry to Saltery Bay. Once you get off the ferry, the trailhead is a few minutes walk away.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and on the Sunshine Coast Trail website.

Saltery Bay to Lang Bay

Trail to Fairview Bay

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 45.8 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 1300 m

Best Months: June to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping and the huts are free and all campsites and huts are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The southernmost section of the Sunshine Coast Trail offers a good mix of terrain. You’ll hike to the top of Mount Troubridge, the highest point on the Sunshine Coast Trail. The section also includes one of the longest coastal sections between gorgeous Fairview Bay and the trailhead at Saltery Bay.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take Translink bus 250 or 257 to Horseshoe Bay, then take the BC Ferry to Langdale on the lower Sunshine Coast. From there, take the Sunshine Coast Connector Bus to Earl’s Cove ferry terminal. Take the BC Ferry to Saltery Bay. Once you get off the ferry, the trailhead is a few minutes walk away.

To finish the trail, walk along Dixon Road to the Sunshine Coast Highway, then catch the BC Transit bus 12 from Lang Bay back to the ferry terminal.

More Info: Get all the details on the Sunshine Coast Trail website.

Powell River to Lang Bay

Tin Hat Hut

Duration: 4 to 7 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 84.5 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 1100 m

Best Months: June to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping and the huts are free and all campsites and huts are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The middle section of the Sunshine Coast Trail includes some of the most spectacular views on the entire trail from the summits of Tin Hat Mountain and Walt Hill Hut. Since it is an 84 km stretch, it’s a great way to take in a big chunk of the SCT if you don’t have time to do the whole thing.

Getting There Without a Car: You can fly to Powell River from Vancouver or Victoria, then take a BC Transit bus 1 to the trailhead.

If you are coming from Vancouver Island, you can take a BC Ferry to Powell River from Comox.

You can also take Translink bus 250 or 257 from Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay, then a BC Ferry from there to Langdale where you catch the Sunshine Coast Connector bus to Earl’s Cove to get your final BC Ferry to Saltery Bay. From there you can take BC Transit Bus 12, then Bus 1 to the trailhead in Powell River.

To finish the trail, walk out along Dixon Road to the Sunshine Coast Highway, then catch the BC Transit bus 12 from Lang Bay back to the ferry terminal or to Powell River.

More Info: Get all the details on the Sunshine Coast Trail website.

Sarah Point to Powell River

Manzanita Bluff

Duration: 3 to 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 50.2 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 370 m

Best Months: March to November

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping and the huts are free and all campsites and huts are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The low-elevation section at the north end of the Sunshine Coast Trail is a great car-free backpacking option for spring and fall. It has gorgeous views of the ocean from Manzanita Bluff and the campsite on Little Sliammon Lake is a great spot for a swim.

The hike to Manzanita Bluff was the first part of the SCT that I hiked and remains a favourite – it’s on my list of the best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: You can fly to Powell River from Vancouver or Victoria, then take the Sunshine Coast Shuttle bus to the Sarah Point Trailhead.

If you are coming from Vancouver Island, you can take a BC Ferry to Powell River from Comox.

From there you can take the Sunshine Coast Shuttle to the Sarah Point Trailhead. Or if you want to save some money, you can take a BC Transit bus 12 to Powell River, then the Sunshine Coast Shuttle.

The trail finishes in Powell River near the stop for BC Transit bus 1 which you can use to get back to the ferry at Saltery Bay.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and on the Sunshine Coast Trail website.

Backpacking Trips on Vancouver Island Without a Car

Narvaez Bay

The campground at Narvaez Bay

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 18 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 140 m

Best Months: Year-round

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required in the summer and camping fees are charged. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: This oceanfront campground is located in Gulf Islands National Park on Saturna Island. It’s an easy hike along a quiet road and then a short trail to the campground. Unfortunately, there is no water here so you will have to bring your own.

Narvaez Bay is a gorgeous spot – it’s on my lists of the best spring backpacking trips in BC and best easy backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver take Translink bus 620 to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, then take the BC Ferry to Saturna Island.

From Victoria, take the BC Transit bus 70 to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, then take the BC Ferry to Saturna Island.

Once on the island, walk along East Point Road then Narvaez Bay Road to the park. If you want to save some time, bring a bike for the road section.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. See Gulf Islands National Park Reserve for camping reservations.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Juan de Fuca Trail

Hiking on the Juan de Fuca Trail

Heads up: The Juan de Fuca Trail is closed in summer 2025 due to significant storm damage. It is not possible to hike the entire trail, but you can visit and camp at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach.

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 47 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 190 m

Best Months: Year-round

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: Often considered the sister trail to the famous West Coast Trail, the Juan de Fuca Trail runs along the ocean at the southern end of Vancouver Island. It is a bit more rugged than the WCT with more inland sections and lots of hills. But it also has lots of beautiful beach campsites.

This trip is one of my favourites – I’ve done it twice! It’s on my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Victoria, you can take the West Coast Trail Express shuttle bus to all of the trailheads.

More Info: Read my Juan de Fuca Trail guide and see my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island for full details. For info on camping fees, see Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.

Kludahk Trail

Tent Lake Cabin on the Kludahk Trail

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 51.2 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 1000 m

Best Months: June to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: This little-known trail follows the crest of the San Juan Ridge through gorgeous old-growth forest and unique sub-alpine bog. There are lots of viewpoints and tiny lakes along the way. The Kludahk Outdoors Club built the trail and has a series of huts along the trail, which are only open to club members. However, members of the public are welcome to use the trail and stay at the campsites near the huts.

Getting There Without a Car: It’s possible to get to and from the Kludahk Trail using the West Coast Express bus from Victoria.

The bus stops at the intersection of Highway 14 and Parkinson Creek Road, the western trailhead for the Kludahk Trail.

It also stops at the entrance to the China Beach day-use area, which is a 1 km (0.6 mi) walk along the highway from the start of North Main FSR. From there it’s a 10.2 km (6.3 mi) walk with 660 m (2165 ft) of elevation gain on logging roads to the eastern trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

West Coast Trail

Climbing ladders on the West Coast Trail

Duration: 5 to 8 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 75 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 225 m

Best Months: May to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, trail fees, and National Park entry fees required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: The West Coast Trail is a bucket list hike and is on lots of lists of the best trails in Canada. The tough trail follows the coast with lots of sections of beach walking and some inland old-growth forest. You will also challenge yourself on lots of ladders, bridges, and cable cars. The campsites are all on gorgeous beaches.

I love this trail – I’ve done it twice and it’s on my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Victoria, you can take the West Coast Trail Express shuttle bus to all of the trailheads.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my West Coast Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on reservations, trail fees, and National Park fees, see Pacific Rim National Park.

READ NEXT: West Coast Trail Hiking Guide

Keeha Beach

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 7 km round-trip

Elevation Gain: 45 m

Best Months: May to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, camping fees, and National Park entry fees required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: Remote Keeha Beach is located in Pacific Rim National Park just north of the West Coast Trail. It’s a gorgeous sandy beach with incredible views. The trail to get there is really rough, however, with tons of mud and slippery tree roots.

The beach here is so pretty – it’s on my list of the best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Victoria, you can take the West Coast Trail Express shuttle bus to the town of Bamfield. From there, you can take a taxi to the trailhead or walk 2 km on Bamfield Road and South Bamfield Road.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For fees, and reservations, see Pacific Rim National Park.

Della Falls

The base of Della Falls

Duration: 2 to 5 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 32 km round-trip

Elevation Gain: 540 m

Best Months: Mid-May to September

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: Della Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada with a total height of 440 m. The trail heads up a picturesque river valley to the base of the falls. From there, you can take a side trail up to Love Lake for an even better view.

This trip is one of my favourites – it’s on my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Tofino Bus to Port Alberni. From there you can take a taxi for 20 minutes to the Great Central Lake Marina to catch the Della Falls water taxi to the trailhead.

More Info: Get all the details in my Della Falls Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. Join the Della Falls Facebook group to get the latest trail conditions.

Wild Side Trail

Hikers on the Wild Side Trail near Tofino

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 22 km round-trip

Elevation Gain: 30 m

Best Months: May to October

Fees and Reservations: Trail fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: This is one of my favourite trails on Vancouver Island. Almost the entire trail is on beautiful sandy beaches. The campsite at Cow Bay has a spectacular view. The Wild Side Trail is an easy hike so it’s great for kids or beginners.

I’ve done this hike twice and it’s on my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, best easy backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Tofino Bus to Tofino, then catch a water taxi to the town of Ahousaht. The trail starts at the fuel dock in Ahousaht.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Wild Side Trail guide and in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.. For info on trail fees and camping fees, see the Wild Side Trail website.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Forbidden Plateau Loop

Hiking the boardwalks through Paradise Meadows

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 8.3 to 15. 4 km loop

Elevation Gain: 190 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The easy trails starting at Paradise Meadows in Strathcona Provincial Park are a great option for a laidback backpacking trip. With two campgrounds (Lake Helen Mackenzie and Kwai Lake) you can choose to make a shorter or longer loop. There are also several great day hikes from the campgrounds.

I’ve hiked here four times since it’s so nice and it’s on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC and best easy backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Island Link bus to Courtenay/Comox. From there, take an Ambassador Transportation shuttle to the trailhead at the top of Mount Washington.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Circlet Lake and Mount Albert Edward

Hiking towards the summit of Mount Albert Edward

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 31 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 980 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: Mount Albert Edward is one of the highest mountains on Vancouver Island and one of the few you can summit without mountaineering gear. The trip up the mountain begins with a hike through the Paradise Meadows area of Strathcona Provincial Park. Stay overnight at tiny Circlet Lake and day hike to the peak from there.

I’ve hiked here twice – it’s on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Island Link bus to Courtenay/Comox. From there, take an Ambassador Transportation shuttle to the trailhead at the top of Mount Washington.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

North Coast Trail

Hiking on the beach on the North Coast Trail

Duration: 5 to 6 days

Difficulty: Very challenging

Distance: 43 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 245 m

Best Months: mid-April to October

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged between May and September. (Otherwise, it is free.) All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: I’ve hiked a lot of coastal trails and I think the North Coast Trail is the toughest. The trail is muddy, rooty, and sometimes near vertical as it ascends coastal cliffs. But the beaches and old-growth forests are spectacular.

I’ve hiked this trail twice – it’s on my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Island Link Bu s to Port Hardy. From there you can take Cape Scott Water Taxi to the eastern trailhead. To get back from the trail, take the North Coast Trail Shuttle bus (operated by Cape Scott Water Taxi) from the Cape Scott trailhead to Port Hardy.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my North Coast Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group for the latest trail conditions.

Cape Scott

Beach on the way to Cape Scott

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 41.5 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 100 m

Best Months: Year-round

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged between May and September. (Otherwise, it is free.) All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: I love the hike to Cape Scott – I’ve done it 4 times. The trail heads through the wet and muddy rainforest before emerging on the coast. You can camp at several different sandy beaches. The highlight is the day hike to the lighthouse at Cape Scott, the northernmost point on Vancouver Island.

This is my favourite hike on Vancouver Island – it’s on my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Island Link bus to Port Hardy. From there you can take the North Coast Trail Shuttle bus (operated by Cape Scott Water Taxi) to the trailhead.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Cape Scott Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group the latest trail conditions. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

San Josef Bay

Sea stacks at San Josef Bay

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 5 km return

Elevation Gain: 45 m

Best Months: Year-round

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged between May and September. (Otherwise, it is free.) All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The flat trail to San Josef is so easy that you can pull a wagon on it – and many people do. The beautiful sandy beach is a great place to camp. Be sure to allow extra time to explore the sea stacks at low tide. It takes a long time to get here, but this is a great beginner backpacking trip in BC without a car.

I’ve hiked to this beautiful beach twice – it’s on my lists of the best spring backpacking trips in BC and best easy backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Island Link bus to Port Hardy. From there you can take the North Coast Trail Shuttle bus (operated by Cape Scott Water Taxi) to the trailhead.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Backpacking Trips in Eastern BC and the Rocky Mountains Without a Car

Heads up: Some of the trips in this section are technically in Alberta, but they are so close to the BC border that it seemed silly not to include them.

Okanagan High Rim Trail

Duration: 3 to 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 59 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 800 m

Best Months: May to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: This trail makes a traverse through the mountains above the Okanagan Valley between Vernon and Kelowna. It’s a newer route that is gaining in popularity thanks to the many little lakes and great views. Easy access makes it one of the best backpacking trips in BC without a car.

This trip made it onto my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: Take Ebus to Vernon from Kelowna or Vancouver. From there, you can take a taxi for 15 minutes to the northern trailhead. You can also take BC Transit bus 1 to the stop on Kalamalka Road at Bonavista Drive, then walk 2.8 to the trailhead. To finish the trail, take a taxi for 30 minutes back to Kelowna from Highway 33 at Philpott Road.

More Info: Get the details from the Okanagan High Rim Trail Association.

Okanagan Mountain Park

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

Distance: 22 to 40 km

Elevation Gain: 200 to 1100 m

Best Months: Mid-March to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: There are tons of trail options in this huge park south of Kelowna. There are backcountry campgrounds near the peak of Okanagan Mountain at Divide Lake and Baker Lake. Or you can choose from several campgrounds on the shores of Okanagan Lake, accessed via the Wild Horse Canyon Trail. It’s also possible to combine the two to make a big loop.

This trip is also on my list of the best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: Take Ebus to Kelowna from Vancouver or Calgary or points along the way. From Kelowna, take a taxi for 25 minutes to the trailhead on Lakeshore Road.

More Info: See Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.

Skoki Loop

Myotosis Lake on the Skoki Loop

Duration: 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 33.5 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 1,295 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, camping fees, and National Park admission required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: This lollipop-shaped loop trip heads into the mountains east of Lake Louise in Banff National Park. The route weaves between tall peaks and picturesque alpine lakes.

Getting There Without a Car: Take the Rider Express bus to Lake Louise from Calgary, Kamloops, or Vancouver, then walk 3.5 km to the trailhead.

More Info: See my Skoki Loop trail guide.

Psst! This trail is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.

Egypt Lake

Egypt Lake, Scarab Lake, and Mummy Lake seen from the top of Pharaoh Peak

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 24.6 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 1,135 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, camping fees, and National Park admission required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: This trail climbs up through Healy Pass to Egypt Lake in Banff National Park. From there you can day hike to several stunning lakes. You can make your trip into a loop by taking the Sunshine Village gondola back to the trailhead.

Getting There Without a Car: Take the Rider Express bus to Banff from Calgary or Vancouver. From there take the Sunshine Village Shuttle to the trailhead at the base of the gondola.

More Info: See my Egypt Lake backpacking guide.

Mount Assiniboine

Sunburst Peak from the Nublet Peak at Mount Assiniboine

Duration: 4 to 6 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 55 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 480 m

Best Months: Mid-July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required to camp in the park through BC Parks and to camp on the access trails through Banff National Park. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: The whole Mount Assiniboine area is stunning. There are several day hikes from the base camp at Lake Magog which lead to incredible viewpoints. There are two ways to hike to the core area – via Mount Shark trailhead in Kananaskis or via Sunshine Village near Banff. Only the Sunshine Village option is possible to backpacking without a car.

This trip is one of my favourites – it’s on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC. It’s also on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.

Getting There Without a Car: Take the Rider Express to Banff from Vancouver or Calgary. From there take the Sunshine Village Shuttle to the trailhead at the base of the gondola. Ride the gondola up to the top to the trailhead.

More Info: See my huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide for more info. Make reservations on the Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. Join the Mount Assiniboine Facebook group. See Banff National Park for reservations for camping on the approach trails.

READ NEXT: Mount Assiniboine Hiking Guide

Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail

View from the Minnewanka Shoreline Trail. Photo: Filipe Freitas/Unsplash

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 15.6 to 57.8 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 300 m

Best Months: May to October

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, camping fees, and National Park admission required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: The easy trail along the shore of Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park is a great option for spring or fall since it is in the valley bottom. There are six backcountry campgrounds along the route. Don’t miss the day hike to Alymer Pass, which has a spectacular view.

Getting There Without a Car: Take the Rider Express to Banff from Calgary or Vancouver. From there take Roam Transit bus 6 to Lake Minnewanka.

More Info: See Banff National Park.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Saturday Night Lake Loop

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 24.6 km

Elevation Gain: 480 m

Best Months: May to October

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, camping fees, and National Park admission required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: This easy trail starts right in the town of Jasper. The loop heads steadily but never steeply uphill, passing several lakes. There are two campgrounds along the trail both near picturesque lakes.

Getting There Without a Car: Take Sundog Tours bus from Edmonton or Ebus from Vancouver or Kamloops to Jasper. From there, walk 1.6 km to the trailhead.

More Info: See Jasper National Park.

Skyline Trail (Jasper National Park)

Crossing the creek in front of Tekarra Camp on the Skyline Trail

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 44.1 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 1330 m

Best Months: Mid-July to mid-September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, camping fees, and National Park admission required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular backpacking trips in Jasper National Park. The trail is mostly above the treeline, so it has incredible views as it goes over mountain passes. Most people choose to hike from south to north since it has less elevation gain.

Getting There Without a Car: Take Sundog Tours bus from Edmonton to Jasper or Ebus from Vancouver or Kamloops to Jasper. Then take the Maligne Valley Hiker’s shuttle to the trailhead.

More Info: See my Skyline Trail hiking guide.

Berg Lake Trail

Enjoying the view above Berg Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park

Heads up: The Berg Lake Trail suffered extensive damage due to flooding in late June and early July 2021. However, the full trail reopened in June 2025.

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 42 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 800 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required and camping fees are charged. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: Berg Lake is one of my favourite trails in the Rockies and a great place to go backpacking in BC without a car. It follows the Robson River uphill to the Berg Lake, named for the glaciers that send icebergs into the lake. Allow extra time for day hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

This trip is one of my favourites – it’s on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: Take Ebus from Edmonton, Vancouver or Kamloops to the Mount Robson Visitor Centre. Then walk 2.2 km to the trailhead.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Berg Lake Trail guide. For reservation info, see Mount Robson Provincial Park.

READ NEXT: Berg Lake Trail Hiking Guide

Get My Books

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover BC’s best backpacking trips

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
35 backpacking trips and day hikes on Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos

Get the books

Final Thoughts

With over 35 car-free backpacking trips in BC on this list, I’m sure you’ll find one that works for you. Do you have other suggestions for places to go backpacking in BC without a car? Leave them in the comments.

MORE BC BACKPACKING TRIP LISTS:

BC BACKPACKING RESOURCES:

The post 35+ Places to Go Backpacking in BC Without A Car appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

How to Visit the Best Hot Springs in Canada

Taryn Eyton — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:29:13 +0000

I’m not a huge water person, but I LOVE hot springs. After a day of hiking or hours in the car on a road trip, being able to sit in some warm water, outdoors, surrounded by nature… bliss.

Thankfully, Western Canada has some great hot springs. In fact, all of the hot springs in Canada are in British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon Territory. Sorry Eastern Canada – we win this one 🙂

In this guide, I’ve got info and directions for the best hot springs in Canada. These hot springs are all easy to access by car, although some require a short hike or an easy to arrange boat tour.

Note: There are dozens of other hot springs in Canada, but they require hours of bushwhacking or they are really more warm springs, than hot, so I left them off this list.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Hot Springs Etiquette

Hot springs exist in unique and fragile ecosystems. If you visit an undeveloped hot spring, tread lightly to minimize your impact. Some hot springs in British Columbia have gotten overrun with trash or closed due to human-bear conflicts. Learn about Leave No Trace to protect our hot springs.

Here are some basic tips for hot springs etiquette:

Pack out all trash with you. Avoid bringing glass bottles to hot springs.
Use washrooms or outhouses. Every hot spring on this list has a toilet nearby. Please use them to prevent the spread of disease, which can get into the hot springs.
Do not use soap or shampoo in the hot springs. It pollutes the pools, kills plants and fish, and creates gross algae blooms.
Keep your dog out of the water. Dogs carry diseases like leptospirosis that thrive in warm water.
Be considerate of other users. Many people come to hot springs to relax, not to party.
Bring a water bottle and drink lots of water. Otherwise, you can get dehydrated or overheated easily.
Bring some flipflops or sandals to wear around the pools. Undeveloped springs often have sharp or uneven rocks. At commercial springs, sandals are nice to have for sanitary reasons.
At natural springs, be prepared to see some nudity. It’s often not officially permitted, but it’s still very common, especially at night. But please keep things PG if you visit the hot springs with a partner!
If you plan to travel on backroads or hike to hot springs, leave a trip plan with a friend and carry the 10 Essentials.

Hot Springs Resources

By far the best book about Canada’s hot springs is Hot Springs of Western Canada. I used an earlier edition of this book for years and recently picked up the 4th edition. It has tons of info on every hot spring, including tons of really obscure ones that are hard to reach.

If you plan to visit any of the undeveloped hot springs in Canada, you’ll have to drive on some remote logging roads. These roads have lots of confusing junctions, which makes navigation difficult. And there’s usually no cell service out there. I always bring a copy of the Backroad map book to prevent getting lost.

I’ve also made a custom hot springs Google map for you. It includes the location of every single Canadian hot spring I mention in this post. Click the map to navigate around. As you can see, most of the hot springs on the map are in British Columbia, or very close to it.

Click to open in Google Maps

Hot Springs in the Vancouver Area

There are several hot springs near Vancouver and in the Sea to Sky corridor near Whistler.

Harrison Hot Springs

The hot springs pool in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs Resort. Photo: Tourism Harrison River Valley/Andrew Beaumont

Harrison Hot Springs is a small resort community in the Fraser Valley just east of Vancouver. The springs bubble up along the lakeshore, then are piped into a series of pools at the Harrison Hotsprings Resort as well to a public community pool.

The Harrison Hot Springs Resort is a hotel with a spa. They have two indoor pools and three outdoor pools of varying temperatures. The whole thing has a resort/spa atmosphere with rock features and deck chairs. It’s a family-friendly place, but there is an adults-only pool if you don’t want to share space with splashing kids.

You must book a room at the hotel to access the pools. Unfortunately, there are is no day-use access. I’ve never soaked here, but my husband did a charity bike ride that included access to the hot springs. He said it was amazing after riding over 100km!

You can soak in the exact same water in a less luxurious setting at the Harrison Hot Springs Public Pool. It’s basically an indoor community centre-style pool that happens to be naturally hot.

How to get to Harrison Hot Springs: From Vancouver take Highway 1 east. Then take Highway 9 to Harrison Hot Springs. Once you are in town it’s easy to find both the resort and the public hot springs pool. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Public Pool Cost: Prices are not posted online anywhere, but the last info I have says it is $15 for adults.

Resort Cost: Rooms start at $179/night and include access to the hot springs.

Where to Stay: Harrison Hot Springs Resort

Keyhole Hot Springs (Lilwatatkwa7)

Note: Keyhole Hot Springs has been closed since November 2023 due to slope destabilization from a a wildfire and have no re-opening date. The springs are usually closed between April 1st and November 15th each year due to bears.

The picturesque Keyhole Hot Springs were seldom visited until a few years ago when they got REALLY popular thanks to social media. Part of their popularity is that these hot springs are not too far from Vancouver and Whistler. They are located west of Pemberton on gravel logging roads.

A 2-kilometre long trail leads down from the road to the banks of Pebble Creek. (The hot springs are also sometimes called Pebble Creek Hot Springs.) There are a few small pools wedged against the steep bank. Each holds one or two people. The lower pools can sometimes be flooded by the river.

There is an outhouse at the parking lot and a campground on the trail to the pools. Unfortunately with increased use and some very careless campers, the area started to attract black bears and grizzly bears. After a few scary incidents, the entire area is now closed from April 1st to November 15th each year.

Getting to Keyhole Hot Springs: Since the hot springs are located on a remote backroad that isn’t plowed, you need a 4wd and winter driving experience or a snowmobile to get to the hot springs during the months they are open.

From Pemberton, drive Pemberton Meadows Road for 23.5km, and then turn right on Lillooet Forest Service Road. Stay on this road for 20km then watch for the sign for the hot springs on the right-hand side.

Cost: Free

Where to Stay: You can walk into the unofficial campsites near the springs, but be prepared for winter camping conditions. Alternatively, book a hotel in Pemberton.

Tsek Hot Springs

Photo credit: tsekhotsprings.ca

Note: As of December 2024, Tsek Hot Springs remains closed. The St’át’imc First Nation have chosen not to reopen the springs following the pandemic.

The Tsek Hot Springs are located on a remote (but accessible) forest service road east of Pemberton, BC. They are also known as Skookumchuck Hot Spring or St. Agnes Well. In the last decade, these hot springs have reverted to their traditional name, Tsek, pronounced “chick”. It means water droplet or dripping water.

Tsek Hot Springs have been run by the St’át’imc First Nation for the last decade or so. The waters of the springs are important to their culture and spirituality, so you need to be respectful if you visit. I haven’t visited these springs, but I hear they have a rustic feel.

Water from the hot spring is piped into 11 tubs. Four of them are hot water and the rest are hot water with a cold water tap so you can adjust the temperature. There’s also a cold water tub with water from a nearby creek. There is a change house and outhouses.

How to get to Tsek Hot Springs: From Pemberton, go north on Highway 99 through Pemberton and Mount Currie. Shortly after the Lillooet Lake Bridge, go right onto In-SHUCK-ch Forest Service Road. This is a gravel road, but it is in good shape and is fine for all vehicles. Follow this road for 47km along the shores of Lillooet Lake and the Lillooet River. The drive will take about 1.75 hours. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $7.50; Seniors and Youth: $5; Children 15 and under: free

Where to Stay: Camp at the springs or stay in nearby Pemberton.

Sloquet Hot Springs

The main pool at Sloquet Hot Springs. Photo via Recreation Sites and Trails BC

Sloquet Hot Springs are just down the road from Tsek. It can be a bit of a party spot with drunken campers and loud music. (I had a pretty sleepless night there about 15 years ago.)

However, for the last decade, the local Xa’xtsa First Nation has managed the site on behalf of Sites and Trails BC. I’ve heard it has calmed down a bit now that there is an on-site caretaker. It’s still really busy on long weekends though.

To reach the springs, you’ll have to take a short but steep trail down to the banks of the Sloquet River. The hot springs bubble down over a hot waterfall into a small, shallow pool that is too hot for most people. From there, the water trickles into a series of natural rock pools towards the river, getting cooler as it goes downhill. It’s a pretty gorgeous setting.

There’s no change house here, so get your suit on in your car. Outhouses are located up the hill in the campground.

How to get to Sloquet Hot Springs: From Pemberton, go north on Highway 99 through Pemberton and Mount Currie. Shortly after the Lillooet Lake Bridge, go right onto In-SHUCK-ch Forest Service Road. This is a gravel road, but it is in good shape and is fine for all vehicles.

Follow this road for 76km to a bridge over the Lillooet River, passing Tsek Hot Springs. Turn left onto Lillooet West Forest Service Road and drive for 4km. Next, turn right onto Sloquet Forest Service Road. Follow this road for about 8.5km to the hot springs. Note: In winter the Sloquet Road is not plowed and will be impassable.

Cost: $10

Where to Stay: Camp at the springs or stay in nearby Pemberton.

Hot Springs on Vancouver Island

There is only one hot spring on Vancouver Island: Hot Springs Cove near Tofino.

Hot Springs Cove

Hot Springs Cove near Tofino. Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Ben Giesbrecht

Hot Springs Cove is a unique hot spring is located in Maquinna Provincial Park in Clayoquot Sound on the west side of Vancouver Island. The nearest town is Tofino.

Hot water bubbles up through the bedrock into a large fissure in the rocks, before flowing into the ocean. There are a series of natural rock pools that descend all the way to the sea. At high tide, only a few of the pools are exposed. This hot spring has been on my bucket list for a LONG time, so I can’t wait to visit it.

The hot spring is at the end of a 1.5km long boardwalk trail. There is an outhouse and a change room near the springs. Apparently, the rocks can be slippery and you may need to do some clambering around to get into the pools. Bring water shoes or sandals to make it easier.

How to get to Hot Springs Cove: The only way to get to Hot Springs Cove is by boat or plane from Tofino. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to arrange with several tour operators offering trips. The boat ride takes about 1.5 hours and the plane ride is about 20 minutes. Many of the boat rides can also be combined with whale watching tours.

Cost: There is a day-use fee of $3 to access the provincial park. Boat tours cost about $240/person for adults. Floatplanes start at about $375/person.

Where to Stay: Tofino has lots of hotels and rental condos.

Hot Springs in the Kootenays

There are tons of hot springs in the Kootenays, many of them in adorable small towns.

Canyon Hot Springs

The pool at Canyon Hot Springs. Photo Kootenay Rockies Tourism

Canyon Hot Springs are located right along Highway 1 so they make a good road trip pit stop. Unfortunately, I’ve never had time.

The hot springs bubble out of the mountain at a temperture of about 25C. They are piped to the nearby resort where they are heated slightly for better soaking. There are two pools. The family pool is 32C, while the soaking pool is 40C. The resort was built in the 1970s and looks to be showing its age a bit. The pools are only open between May and September.

How to get to Canyon Hot Springs: Canyon Hot Springs is located on Highway 1 in between Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park. It’s 33km east of Revelstoke and 116km west of Golden. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $16.50, Kids and Seniors: $14.25, Kids 4 and under: free

Where to Stay: Canyon Hot Springs Resort has cabins and camping on site. But you’ll find nicer accommodations in Revelstoke.

Halcyon Hot Springs

The view of the lake from Halcyon Hot Springs.

Halcyon Hot Springs is on Highway 23 in the West Kootenays. It sits just above the shore of Upper Arrow Lake. The pools at Halcyon Hot Springs are some of the nicest resort-style pools I’ve been to. (Although I have to admit I only stopped in for a look during a trip to Revelstoke and didn’t have time to actually soak.) Built in the early 2000s, the curved pools have an amazing view of the lake and the Monashee Mountains.

On the upper deck, there is a 42C hot pool, a 37C warm pool, and a cold plunge pool. There’s also a lower deck with a 30C warm pool and a children’s spray park. They also have a spa and a restaurant.

How to Get to Halcyon Hot Springs: The springs are located on highway 23 in between Revelstoke and Nakusp. From Revelstoke take Highway 23 south for 70km. The journey includes the free Arrow Lakes ferry, which runs every hour. From Nakusp, take Highway 23 north for 35km. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $15/person

Where to Stay: Halcyon Hot Springs Resort has cabins and camping on site. You can also stay in Revelstoke, which is about an hour away.

Halfway River Hot Springs

Soaking at Halfway Hot Springs.

The hot springs at Halfway River are one of my favourite natural hot springs in Canada and one of the reasons I love going to Revelstoke. The springs are near Arrow Lake and Halcyon Hot Springs south of town.

There are several pools lined with river rocks near the rushing Halfway River. There are also a few pools on the edge of the river itself. Some of the pools are really hot, but most are about 42C. If you get too warm, go for a plunge in the river.

The 10-minute walk to the springs from the parking lot is one of my favourite hikes in Revelstoke. You head steeply downhill on switchbacks and stairs. There is an outhouse near the bottom of the stairs and a changing hut right next to the main pools.

How to Get to Halfway River Hot Springs: These hot springs are located on a gravel road off Highway 23 in between Revelstoke and Nakusp. From the turnoff on Highway 23, it’s 11km of gravel road driving to the parking lot. The road is fine for 2wd vehicles as long as you go slow and avoid the potholes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Free

Where to Stay: You can camp on-site either in a car-accessible campground or in walk-in sites that are just steps from the pools. If you prefer something less rustic, the cabins at Halcyon Hot Springs are the closest, or you can book a hotel in Nakusp or Revelstoke.

Nakusp Hot Springs

The pool at Nakusp Hot Springs. Photo: Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton

The Nakusp Hot Springs near the village of Nakusp have the distinction of being the only community-owned hot springs in BC. Unlike other commercially developed springs, these hot springs are the property of the village of Nakusp. There are two outdoor pools: a hot pool at 38-41C and a warm pool at 36-38C. I’ve never visited this hot spring, but I hear it’s one of the least crowded developed hot springs in BC since it’s not near a major centre.

How to Get to Nakusp Hot Springs: Nakusp is located on the eastern shore of Arrow Lake along Highway 23. From Nakusp, take Highway 23 north, then turn right onto Hot Springs Road. The springs are 12km up this road. The drive from town takes about 15 minutes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $14; Seniors, Students, and Kids: $13, Kids 5 and under: free

Where to Stay: You can camp right at the springs, or stay in one of their rustic chalets. There are also hotels and motels in the town of Nakusp.

Ainsworth Hot Springs

The pools at Ainsworth Hot Springs have great views of Kootenay Lake. Photo: Destination BC/Kari Medig

If you’re visiting Nelson, you HAVE to visit nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs. I went for a soak in the springs right after a 3-day backpacking trip in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. So relaxing!

It is one of the most unique hot springs I’ve been to. It’s a commercial hot springs with an outdoor pool for soaking, but the interesting part is the caves!

Okay, so they aren’t true caves, but they are really cool. Early settlers dug tunnels into the rock to try to improve the flow of the springs. The tunnels form an “H” shape with two entrances. Inside the water is hotter than anywhere else at the springs and its REALLY steamy. In a few places, hot water cascades down the walls in mini-waterfalls. There are a couple of carved niches where you can sit and enjoy the sauna-like atmosphere. However, it’s way too hot for me to stay long.

The outdoor pool is 36-38C and the waters in the cave are 40-43C. There is also a cold water plunge pool if you need to cool off. They have a spa as well as a restaurant that serves food sourced from local ingredients and indigenous inspired dishes.

The springs are run by the local Ktunaxa First Nation. They have used the springs for cultural and spiritual purposes since time immemorial. The Ktunaxa name for the hot springs is Nupika wu’u which means “Spirit Waters”.

How to Get to Ainsworth Hot Springs: Ainsworth Hot Springs is located on Highway 31 along the shores of Kootenay Lake. From Nelson, take Highway 3A east, then Highway 31 north. The drive takes about 45 minutes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $18, Seniors: $17, Teens: $15, Kids: $12, Babies 2 and under: Free. Note: You must make advance reservations to use the pools.

Where to Stay: You can book rooms on-site at the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort. Otherwise, there are lots of hotels in Nelson.

Lussier Hot Springs

The natural pools at Lussier Hot Springs are right next to the creek.

Lussier Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park near Canal Flats in BC’s East Kootenays. It has beautiful rock-lined pools right next to Lussier Creek. I visited as part of a road trip through the Kootenays and it was one of the highlights of my trip.

The upper pool is the hottest at about 43C. There are also a couple of lower pools that are a bit cooler. When there is less flow in the creek, there are pools right next to the creek too.

To reach the pools you need to walk down a short, but steep trail from the parking lot. There are outhouses at the parking lot but no facilities down at the pools. There is no change house so change in the outhouse or get ready in your car.

How to Get to Lussier Hot Springs: The hot springs are on a gravel road accessed from Highway 93. From Canal Flats, head south on Highway 93 for 5km to the Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road. It’s a gravel road but unless it is icy or snowy, it should be fine for all vehicles. Follow this road for 17.5km to the hot springs just inside the entrance to Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. The drive from the highway takes about 20 minutes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Free

Where to Stay: There are several campgrounds in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. There aren’t a lot of hotels in nearby Canal Flats, but there are some cute Airbnbs in the area.

Fairmont Hot Springs

The pools at Fairmont Hot Springs. Photo: Destination BC/Zoya Lynch

Fairmont Hot Springs is a resort-style hot springs on Highway 93 in the East Kootenays. I haven’t visited these hot springs yet, but I’m sure I’ll visit on my next trip through the area.

The resort has a hot pool for soaking (39C), a family-friendly swimming pool (32C) and a dive pool (30C) with two diving boards. There’s a spa and several restaurants. If you want to get fancy, you can also book a Miami-style poolside cabana for the day.

If you want to skip the commercialized springs and dip into history, you can take a short hike to the Indian Baths. This 100-year-old stone structure houses small bathtubs fed by the hot springs. It’s also totally free. Find the trailhead in the parking lot.

How to Get to Fairmont Hot Springs: The hot springs are in the village of Fairmont Hot Springs on Highway 93 in the East Kootenays. It’s 23km south of Invermere and 25km north of Canal Flats. From the highway, head east on Fairmont Resort Road for 1.5km to reach the parking lot. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $17 for adults, $15 for kids and seniors. Kids 5 and under are free.

Where to Stay: Stay on-site at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. They have an RV park and campground too.

Radium Hot Springs

Radium Hot Springs in winter. Photo: Destination BC/Kari Medig

Radium Hot Springs is located in a tight canyon next to Highway 93 at the southern end of Kootenay National Park. There has been a hot spring resort here for over 100 years. The current stone buildings date to the 1950s but underwent a huge renovation in 2023 and 2024.

There are two pools. The hot pool is about 39C. There is a unique island in the middle where the hot water bubbles out. The swimming pool is 27-29C and includes a diving board and slide. The water is the most radioactive in Canada since it contains radium. But the radioactivity is still very, very weak so it won’t harm people. (Don’t worry!)

Getting to Radium Hot Springs: The springs are on Highway 93 just 3 kilometres east of the junction with Highway 95. The village of Radium Hot Springs is right at the junction, but the springs themselves are not. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $17.50, Seniors and kids: $15.25, Babies under 3: free

Where to Stay: There are lots of hotels in the nearby village of Radium Hot Springs. Kootenay National Park’s Red Streak Campground is also nearby.

Hot Springs in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canada’s Rocky Mountain National Parks like Banff and Jasper are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. They also have hot springs.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Banff Upper Hot Springs during a summer visit – no snow!

There Upper Hot Springs in Banff are the most famous hot springs in Alberta.

I first visited these hot springs during a September road trip over ten years. It started to snow so instead of hanging around the chilly campground, we went for an evening soak in the hot springs instead. Magical! Since then I’ve visited a few more times including a visit in November when it snowed again!

It’s a commercialized pool, but the stone buildings are quite beautiful since they were built in the 1930s. If you want to really get into the vintage vibe, you can rent a heritage swimsuit. The 39C outdoor pool has great views of the surrounding mountains. I loved it in the snow! There’s a cafe too.

How to get to Banff Upper Hot Springs: From downtown Banff take Banff Avenue over the Bow River Bridge. Turn left on Spray Avenue, then take the next right onto Mountain Avenue. Stay on Mountain Avenue until it ends at the Upper Hot Springs. You can also take the Roam bus route 1 since parking is limited. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $17.50, Seniors and kids: $15.25, Babies under 3: free

Where to Stay: There are lots of hotels in Banff. The nearest hotel is the Rimrock Resort Hotel which is a 2-minute walk away. My sister used to work there and it’s gorgeous. There are also several national park campgrounds nearby. To save money, consider staying in Canmore, which is a short drive away.

Miette Hot Springs

The view from Miette Hot Springs. Photo: Travel Alberta

Miette Hot Springs is off Highway 16 east of the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park. Besides Banff, it’s one of the only Alberta hot springs. I visited these springs on a chilly fall trip to Jasper. It was a great way to warm up on a cold day.

The spring is one of the hottest springs in the Rockies. It’s 54C at the source, but they cool it down to between 37C and 40C in the pools. There are two warm pools, plus two cold pools.

The pools and buildings were built in the 1980s and aren’t as picturesque as the other national park hot springs. But the mountain scenery makes up for it. There’s also a cafe if you get hungry.

How to get to Miette Hot Springs: From the town of Jasper, head east on Highway 16 for 43km. Turn right onto Miette Road and drive 16.5km to its end at the hot springs. The drive takes about an hour. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $17.50, Seniors and kids: $15.25, Babies under 3: free

Where to Stay: There are lots of hotels in Jasper as well as National Park campgrounds. The closest accommodation to the hot springs are the Pocahontas Cabins and the National Park’s Pocahontas Campground is the closest to the hot springs.

Hot Springs in Northern BC

Northern BC sees a fraction of the tourist traffic that the rest of the province. Which means that you can visit some spectacular hot springs without worrying about crowds.

G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hot Spring Island)

The pools at Hot Springs Island have an incredible view

G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hot Spring Island) is a small island in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve in BC’s Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands). The Haida name for the springs is Gandll K’in Gwaay,yaay, which means “hot water island”.

Historically, there were numerous springs on the southwestern end of the island. But after an earthquake in 2012, the hot springs stopped flowing. Scientists still aren’t sure why. But slowly, the hot water has been returning to the area. In 2017 three new pools were built. There are changerooms and outhouses too.

I visited these springs as part of a four-day tour around Gwaii Hanaas National Park. The water in some of the pools is really hot! But the views are incredible.

How to Get to Hot Spring Island: The only way to get there is by boat, but there are lots of tour operators who will take you. You can also rent kayaks and go on your own if you get a permit from Parks Canada. Most boat trips leave from Moresby Camp on nearby Moresby Island.

Cost: Free, but you do need to pay National Park admission fees

Where to Stay: The closest hotels are in the village of Daajing Giis (Queen Charlotte). You can also camp at Moresby Camp.

Higu Isgwit (Nass Valley) Hot Springs

Enjoying the Higu Isgwit hot springs

These hot springs are located in Nisga’a First Nation territory near Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park. Since they are located in the Nass River Valley, they are also known as Nass Valley Hot Springs. In the Nisga’a language, they are called Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs. This is a culturally and spiritually important site for the Nisga’a so be respectful if you visit.

It’s a short 5-minute hike on a boardwalk across a marshy area to reach the springs. There’s a large pool with wooden decking and recently the area has been improved by adding a couple of wooden sided tubs. The springs are about 55C, which is too hot for most. Thankfully, there are pipes with cold water you can add to adjust the temperature. There’s an outhouse in the parking lot and a small change house next to the springs.

Visiting these Nisga’s Nation-run springs was one of the highlights of my two-day visit to the Nass Valley. We also hiked to a volcano, walked through lava, visited a great Indigenous museum, and lots more.

How to Get to Higu Isgwit Hot Springs: From Terrace, BC, drive north on the Nisga’a Highway for 96km. Turn left on Nass Road and follow it for 19km. Look for the signed parking area. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for children. You need to reserve a one-hour spot in advance by calling 250-633-3000.

Where to Stay: The closest major centre is the town of Terrace, which has lots of hotels. You can also camp in the provincial park or stay at a bed and breakfast in the nearby village of New Aiyansh or in Nisga’a-run B&Bs in the Nass Valley.

Liard River Hot Springs

The incredible pools at Liard River Hot Springs

Without a doubt, Liard River Hot Springs is the best hot springs I’ve ever visited. That includes visits to hot springs in Canada as well as ones in Iceland and Nepal. This beautiful hot spring is on the Alaska Highway in Northern BC. It’s actually closer to the Yukon border than to any town in British Columbia.

The hot springs are in a natural setting, but the provincial park has improved the pools to add a gravel bottom and some wooden decking. A small waterfall separates the upper pool from the lower pool, which is much more rustic and still has natural earthen sides. The upper pool is hotter, about 52C at the source, and the lower pool is cooler at about 42C. There is a change house next to the pools and composting toilets nearby.

To reach the pools you’ll walk for about 600m on boardwalk across a marsh. Keep an eye out for moose along the way. We spotted one every time we walked to the pools. The park is also an important habitat for bison and you may see them on the highway nearby or even in the campground.

How to Get to Liard River Hot Springs: From Fort Nelson, BC drive 305km north on Highway 97 (the Alaska Highway). The drive takes about 4 hours. From Watson Lake, Yukon Territory, drive 208km south on Highway 97. It’s a 3-hour drive. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children

Where to Stay: Stay at the provincial park campground since it’s closest to the pools. Plus access to the hot springs is included in your camping fees. If you prefer a hotel, there’s a lodge on the other side of the highway.

Hot Springs in the Yukon

There is only one hot spring in the Yukon: Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

The Japanese-style pools at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. Photo: Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

This hot spring used to be called Takini Hot Springs, which I visited on a trip to the Yukon back in 2015. The pool and facilities have been completely rebuilt and in 2022 they reopened as Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.

The new facility is an upgrade over the old concrete pool. I haven’t visited yet but looks really beautiful. There are three pools with a Japanese design that integrates rocks into the pool for lounging and reclining. The largest pool even has a waterfall. The water temperature ranges from 42 to 36C.

There are also indoor relaxation rooms with heated tile loungers, cold plunges, showers, saunas, and steam rooms.

How to get to Eclipse Hot Springs: From Whitehorse, drive Highway 1 west to the junction with Highway 2. Follow Highway 2 north for 6km. Turn left onto Takhini Hot Springs road and follow it for 9km to the springs. The entire trip takes about 30 minutes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $60

Where to Stay: There’s a large campground and a hotel on-site, which is really convenient. Or you can book a hotel in Whitehorse.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: 19 of the best hot springs in Canada. So far, I’ve visited ten of them.

My favourite commercial hot spring is Ainsworth Hot Springs. Liard River Hot Springs is my favourite natural hot springs. When it comes to free hot springs, for me, it’s a bit of a tie between Lussier and Halfway River Hot Springs. And G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hot Spring Island) in Haida Gwaii is special since its so remote.

What’s your favourite? Tell me in the comments.

More Adventures in Canada:

The post How to Visit the Best Hot Springs in Canada appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Visiting Tofino in Winter

Taryn Eyton — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 19:15:22 +0000

Known as Načiks in Nuu-chah-nulth, Tofino is one of the most beautiful spots on Vancouver Island: lush rainforests, sandy beaches, and a quaint coastal town. It’s certainly not a mainstream opinion, but I prefer visiting Tofino in winter.

As a little kid, I spent a few summers in Tofino with my extended family, building sand castles in Cox Bay. But as an adult, I’ve returned to Tofino over and over in the winter months. I think it’s the perfect cozy getaway for hikers, foodies, and people who love stunning coastal scenery.

There’s something special about curling up in a cabin, listening to the rain drum on the roof while the waves crash outside. I love going for a walk on the beach while the fog swirls around me or hiking through the cedar forests admiring the water droplets clinging to the moss and ferns.

In this post, I’ve got everything you need to know about visiting Tofino in the winter (and by extension the spring and fall too.)

This post includes:

Why visit Tofino in winter? I explain why I love it.
Map of Tofino that includes all the places I mention in this post.
Best things to do in Tofino in the winter: rainforest hikes, surfing, kayaking, storm watching, and more
Where to eat in Tofino: My picks for the best coffee shops, food trucks, and restaurants
Where to stay in Tofino: My picks for the best hotels and resorts.
Winter in Tofino basics: How to get there? How long to spend? What’s the weather like? And lots more.

Hey there: Thanks so much to Tourism Tofino for hosting some of my experiences during my most recent trip to Tofino. My previous trips were not hosted and all opinions in this post are my own. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Why Visit Tofino in Winter?

Tofino is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Vancouver Island. The tiny town of 3,000 residents hosts about 600,000 visitors each year. But… most of those people come in the summer between May and September.

If you come in the winter, or anytime between October and April, you’ll see the real Tofino that locals know, without the crowds. (If you look at my photos in this post, you’ll notice that there are hardly any people in them. That’s not because I did the travel blogger trick of trying to shoot around people. That’s because there was hardly anyone around!)

It’s quiet and cozy in Tofino when the temperature drops and the rains roll in, but it’s beautiful too. Tofino is part of the UNESCO Clayoquot Biosphere Region, which recognizes its unique ecosystem, fed by rains and powerful coastal weather.

And winter is the time to really appreciate that unique ecology. The rainforests seem to glow even brighter green as they suck up all that moisture. The power of storms crashing against the coast is an unforgettable sight. And when the sun does come out, it feels extra special.

I love walking in the rainforest in the winter. It is soooo green!

Vising outside of the summer season helps contribute to sustainable tourism as well. You will be supporting the local economy and reducing the impacts of over-tourism. For example, in the summer Tofino often struggles with drinking water shortages, exacerbated by the huge influx of tourists. In the winter, the ample rainfall means that’s not a problem.

But one of the big reasons to visit in winter is a practical one – it’s much more affordable. Accommodation prices can be more than twice as much in the summer compared to the off-season. And while some businesses and tour operators close over the winter, most are still open each weekend, often with reduced winter pricing.

Map of Tofino

To help you find your way around, I made this custom Google Map of Tofino for you. It includes every single place I mention in this post.

I made you this custom Google Map to help you visit Tofino in the winter. You can zoom in and explore in Google Maps.

Things to Do in Tofino in Winter

You might be surprised to hear that you can do pretty much all of the same activities in winter in Tofino as you can in the summer. There are a few exceptions of course: You can’t go whale watching or bear watching since most of the whales have migrated elsewhere and the bears are asleep. And you might not want to spend time frolicking on the beach in your bathing suit!

But pretty much everything else is open and available. In my list of recommendations below I’ve added notes and tips for winter such as info on reduced hours.

Rainforest Hiking

One of the things that makes Tofino so unique is that it is one of the easiest places to access Vancouver Island’s incredible coastal rainforest.

The coastal rainforests of British Columbia are some of the wettest areas on Earth outside of the tropics. Winter rains bring the most moisture to the forests, so that’s the best time to visit since everything is at its most lush and green.

There are lots of short and easy trails where you can walk between giant trees covered in moss and ferns. (If you’re looking for a more challenging way to see the rainforest, you can hike the nearby West Coast Trail.)

The Rainforest Trail in Pacific Rim National Park is one of the best places to get a feel for this unique ecosystem. There are actually two short loop trails, both 1 km long, on either side of the Highway. Be sure to pay National Park entry fees in the parking lot.

Hiking the Rainforest Loop A Trail

Both are gorgeous, but Loop A on the north side of the Highway includes a huge cedar with signature Parks Canada red chairs to enjoy the view. While both of these trails are easy, they do include quite a few stairs. As well, both trails are almost entirely on wooden boardwalks, which can be slippery.

If you’re looking for more rainforest hikes, I also recommend Shorepine Bog Trail and Nuu-chah-nulth Trail, both of which are also in Pacific Rim National Park. The Big Tree Trail on Meares Island is another great option – more about that below.

Storm Watching

Since Tofino’s West Coast is open to the Pacific Ocean, they get huge waves when winter storms roll in. Most of the time if I travel somewhere and there is a huge storm, I grumble. But in Tofino, I love it because watching the storms hit the coast is so cool. Think gale-force winds, driving rain, and giant crashing waves.

Storm Watching Beaches

The easiest way to go storm watching is to go for a walk along one of Tofino’s beaches.

Chesterman Beach is my favourite because you can watch waves breaking across Frank Island in the centre of the beach or on the rocks at the north end.

Cox Bay Beach and Long Beach (especially near Incinerator Rock) are also great.

Storm watching at Incinerator Rock on Long Beach

Wild Pacific Trail

It’s also worth heading south to Ucluelet to watch the waves from the Wild Pacific Trail. The Lighthouse Loop section is the most popular, but I like the quieter Artist Loops on the section of trail between Brown’s Beach and Rocky Bluffs.

I’ve got a full description of this trail including tips for the best viewpoints in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

I love watching the waves break across the rocks on the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet. But don’t be like those two strangers in the photo! Standing out on the rocks like this is incredibly dangerous.

Kwistitis Visitor Centre

The Kwisitis Visitor Centre on Wickaninnish Beach in Pacific Rim National Park is also great for storm watching. You can walk along the beach or take in the view from the outside deck.

One of the best dry places to storm watch is hidden inside the visitor centre – find it up the stairs from the exhibits. (The exhibits about local Indigenous languages are also awesome BTW.)

Head upstairs to find the indoor storm watching observatory at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre in Pacific Rim National Park

Storm Watching Restaurants

If you want to stay dry and cozy while storm watching, a few of the oceanside resorts provide prime viewing from their restaurants. The Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn on Chesterman Beach and The Great Room at Long Beach Lodge on Cox Bay let you dine in style while enjoying the storm.

Storm Watching Safety

If a storm hits while you are in Tofino, head to the coast to watch it. BUT keep safety in mind.

Check the tide table so you don’t get stranded by incoming water.

It’s tempting to stand on rocky outcrops to watch. But that’s where big waves hit unexpectedly. These waves are sometimes called ‘rogue waves’ or ‘sneaker waves’ – they can sweep people out to see.

Lastly, watch out for driftwood. If a big wave comes in all those beach logs turn into floating torpedos that can hurt you. Don’t stand near them!

Hot Springs Cove

If you’re looking for a unique adventure, head to Hot Springs Cove, known as Mux̣šiƛa in Nuu-chah-nulth. This is one of the most unique hot springs in Canada and have been on my bucket list for a long time.

The springs are in the traditional territory of the Ahousaht Nation (a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council) and today they are co-managed by BC Parks and the Nation.

The natural hot springs at Hot Springs Cove look incredible. Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Ben Giesbrecht

The only way to Hot Springs Cove is via boat or seaplane, so you will need to go with a tour. I recommend Ahous Adventures, an Ahousaht-owned tour company.

Once you arrive, you’ll walk 2 km through the rainforest along a boardwalk to the springs. The water bubbles up through the rocks into small, natural pools before trickling into the ocean.

If you’re booking a hot springs tour in the winter, be prepared for the possibility of rough weather. Bring seasickness medication just in case.

And if the weather is too rough, the tour company will cancel your tour and refund you – that’s what happened to me on my most recent trip. A huge storm rolled through the day I was booked to go!

I recommend booking your Hot Springs Cove tour for the beginning of your trip – that way if it gets cancelled due to weather you may be able to rebook later in your stay.

Surfing

Tofino is considered the best place to surf in Canada. The waves roll in from the open Pacific Ocean, breaking on sandy beaches. In the winter, the waves are larger, making for exciting surfing.

If you want to watch surfers do tricks in the waves, winter is a great time to visit. Stroll along Cox Bay Beach or Chesterman Beach and admire the experienced surfers riding the break.

Surfers on Chesterman Beach. That’s Frank Island in the background.

On my first few visits to Tofino, I watched the surfers with interest, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready to try surfing. But… on my most recent visit, I took a lesson with Pacific Surf Co. I was definitely nervous, but in the end, I had tons of fun!

With the cold temperatures, I was worried about being freezing, but they decked us out in thick wetsuits, gloves, booties, and neoprene hoods. I actually ended up taking my hood off since it was a bit too hot!

The big winter waves were also a concern. But our instructor took us to a spot with smaller waves and a long, shallow, sandy beach. I was never in water over my waist, but I still had lots of time to try to stand up on my board before I ran out of ocean. Our instructor told us that except for a few days a year with huge storms, they can always find a beginner-friendly place to surf.

While I didn’t manage to stand up on my surfboard, I got up to my knees quite a few times. My husband got all the way up, which was really exciting. The lesson was lots of fun, but also exhausting. And now I’m googling surf vacations… so I think maybe I’m hooked?

If you’re planning to surf in Tofino in the winter, I definitely recommend taking a lesson. I learned a lot and wouldn’t have known what to do without it. Since it was winter, we had a small group so we each got lots of attention from the instructor. Also, it is so much safer than going on your own.

Kayaking

While Tofino’s west coast has huge waves coming off the Pacific, the east coast in Tofino Harbour has calm and protected waters that are great for kayaking year-round.

On my most recent trip, I went on a kayak tour with Paddle West Kayaking. We paddled around the islands in Tofino’s harbour, watching for eagles, and spotting sea stars beneath the surface. When we started out it was a bit misty and cloudy, but by the time we returned, the sun had broken through. What a beautiful day on the water!

Kayaking in Tofino Harbour.

Our tour group paddling past the floating homes and moored boats in the small islands in Tofino Harbour.

The tour I took was really beginner-friendly: they provided all the gear, gave us paddling tips, and kept us in calm water with minimal currents. I’m not a kayaking beginner (I’ve been kayaking lots of times and even did a multi-day kayaking trip in the Johnstone Strait on northern Vancouver Island), but I still had a great time.

If you want to go kayaking in the winter, keep in mind that there are fewer tours offered each week. On the day I went the water was calm, so I opted for a single kayak. But if you’re a real beginner or the water isn’t that calm, ask to go in a double kayak. They are more stable and you can share the load of paddling.

Big Tree Trail on Meares Island

If you want to see some of the oldest and biggest trees in the coastal rainforest near Tofino, head to the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island. The 3.5 km-long loop trail includes towering Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and western red cedar trees.

Since it’s on an island, you’ll need to take a boat to get there. Several local water taxi companies run trips over to the island a few times a day. That’s how I got to Meares the first time I went. But last time I was in Tofino, I took a kayak tour that also visited part of the Big Tree Trail.

Meares Island was slated for logging in the 1980s and 90s, but was saved thanks to protesters. Today, the trail is inside the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation’s Meares Island Tribal Park, also known as Wanachus-Hilthuuis. Part of your water taxi or kayak fees go to the Tribal Park.

The trail undulates through the rainforest on a series of hand-hewn boardwalks, which can be slippery and uneven. Stay on the boardwalk to avoid damaging the fragile root systems of the ancient trees, some of which are 2000 years old. You’ll pass several huge trees including the Cedar of Life and the Hanging Garden Tree.

Walking the rough boardwalk past huge cedars.

The Cedar of Life is enormous!

I love visiting these stately giants. There is something very humbling about visiting trees that have witnessed so much. Read my full guide to the Big Trail Trail and visiting Meares Island.

Beach Walks

One of my favourite things to do in Tofino is to just go on a walk along the beach. It’s a really popular activity and you’ll see people out walking on the beaches every day of the year in almost any weather.

Most of the beaches are packed sand, which makes for easy walking and often have rocky outcrops to explore. With the tide and the waves, the beaches are always changing so there is something new to see each time I visit. Check the tide table to see if the tide is rising or falling so you don’t get stuck on offshore rocks!

If you’re going to walk on the beaches in winter, wear waterproof shoes. Don’t forget a rain jacket even if it looks nice – the clouds can blow in quickly.

To get to most of the beaches you park, and then walk down a marked access trail to the beach. In the summer parking can be super busy, but you won’t have trouble finding a spot in the winter. Just be sure to pay your parking fees!

The trail to Cox Bay Beach is really pretty.

You can’t go wrong with a walk on any of the beaches in Tofino. They each have their own charm. Mackenzie Beach is one of the smallest. Chesterman Beach is split in half by the tombolo out to Frank Island in the middle. Cox Bay Beach has the biggest waves. Long Beach is… long! And Wickaninnish Beach has some unique (and ecologically fragile) sand dunes.

Walking along Long Beach on a sunny day.

One of the rocky islets near Mackenzie Beach

Biking the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii Trail

Pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee, the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii trail is a new multi-use trail that runs through Pacific Rim National Park and connects to multi-use paths in Tofino and Ucluelet on either end. The trail’s name means “going the right way on the path” in Nuu-chah-nulth.

If you’re into biking, riding the trail is a great way to get to the beaches and see a bit of the coastal rainforest.

We rented bikes from Tofino Bike Co. in the same complex as Tacofino. They are open a few days a week in fall and spring but close completely over the winter so check hours ahead of time.

The beginning of the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii trail.

We followed the path south from the bike rental shop. It runs beside the highway until it gets into the National Park, where it dips further into the forest.

I liked that section the best because it was more winding and I felt immersed in the rainforest. The landscape reminded me of the boggy coastal forests at Cape Scott… except instead of hiking through mud I was breezing through on a bike on a paved path!

We spotted some culturally modified trees (CMTs) along the trail. Many Indigenous groups in BC, including the Tla-o-qui-aht, sustainably harvest cedar bark in strips in a way that does not harm the tree. They process the bark, then weave it into hats, baskets, and other items. It’s cool to see this traditional practice continue today.

We spotted some culturally modified trees along the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii trail

We ended up biking to Incinerator Rock on Long Beach and back, with a stop at Chesterman Beach for a quick walk break. (There are bike racks at all beach access points.)

The trail is open all winter but is not maintained so you can expect some fallen branches from wind storms. Also, be careful on the wooden bridges because they can be slippery.

Boutiques and Galleries

One of my favourite things to do in Tofino, especially on rainy days, is to browse the boutiques and galleries. Tofino doesn’t have any chain businesses, so each shop is so unique with lots of locally made goods. Most shops are downtown along Campbell Street, but there are a few others spread out elsewhere.

I always stop at Mermaid Tales Book Shop to browse for books about Vancouver Island’s history. They also have a great selection of plant guides and other natural history books along with lots of fiction and a good kids section.

Browsing at Mermaid Tales Book Shop

Caravan Beach Shop is a beautifully curated boutique. They have beachy and West Coast-inspired home goods, clothing, accessories, and art.

Caravan Beach shop is so cute!

If you’re looking for Indigenous art, you can’t miss the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery. It’s located in the huge long house-style building on Campbell Street. He is one of the most prominent Indigenous artists in Canada – you can find his distinctive prints all over BC. I have one hanging in my living room that I inherited from my Great Aunt who loved going to Tofino in the 1980s when the gallery was first opened.

The exterior of the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery is designed to look like a traditional long house.

Another place that I always stop, even though it isn’t downtown, is Chocolate Tofino. It’s in the Live to Surf plaza (near Tacofino.) They make beautiful handcrafted ethically sourced chocolates. You can buy bars or gift boxes, but I do their pay-by-weight option and get just the flavours I want.

Where to Eat in Tofino

For a small town, Tofino has a surprisingly good foodie scene. I always make time to eat out when I’m in town. Below I’ve got my picks for the best coffee shops, food trucks, and restaurants.

Coffee Shops

Part of the charm of cozy season in Tofino is getting a cup of coffee to go and taking it for a walk along the beach. I pack my YETI Rambler mug because it keeps my coffee warm for literally hours. Plus, it cuts down on wasteful disposable cups.

Rhino Coffee

In downtown Tofino, I like Rhino Coffee. If you’re hungry, they make great breakfast sandwiches. Their doughnuts are also great.

Breakfast at Rhino Coffee

Tofitian Cafe

If you’re on the way to the beach, Tofitian Cafe in the Live to Surf plaza is also good. If you’re paying attention, you’ve seen their signature skull motif Tofitian stickers all over BC.

Tofitian Coffee

Food Trucks

For a casual lunch, a food truck is the way to go. Some have a bit of covered outdoor seating, but in the winter, bring a jacket in case it gets cold. Or be prepared to eat in your car.

Tacofino

By far the most famous food truck in Tofino is Tacofino, located at the back of the Live to Surf plaza. While today they have 12 locations across Vancouver and Vancouver Island, it all started in this humble, sticker-covered van.

In the summer there are long lines (up to an hour!) but in the winter you can breeze through quickly. Their fish tacos are incredible.

Where it all started: the original Tacofino truck

Wildside Grill

Recently, I finally tried Wildside Grill, also in the Live to Surf plaza. It’s more a food stand than a truck. They make classic fried things: burgers, fries, fish and chips, etc. But they also have great soups and tacos.

The best thing to order is anything with fish – I had a great fish taco and some amazing seafood chowder. They have a few covered tables if its raining.

The Wildside Grill

Restaurants

If you’re a foodie, you’re spoiled for choice in Tofino. Many of my winter trips to Tofino have coincided with my wedding anniversary, so we usually go out for at least one special, splurge meal while we are there. Here are a few of my favourite spots.

Shelter

The first time we went to Tofino for our anniversary we had dinner at Shelter. It’s one of Tofino’s oldest and most beloved restaurants. After a devastating fire a few years ago, they reopened in a stunning new waterfront location.

The menu is mostly elevated takes on classic dishes like tempura lingcod fish and chips or seared wild sockeye salmon. The red Thai coconut curry I ordered had so many types of seafood!

We loved this burrata cheese appetizer at Shelter.

Wolf in the Fog

For true foodies or a special occasion, I recommend Wolf in the Fog. The emphasis is on local cuisine, especially seafood. They have a great cocktail menu, including some great zero-proof options for non-drinkers like me.

The Wolf in the Fog has great cocktails

Ombre

On my last trip, I ate at Ombre, which just opened this past summer and is owned by the same people as Wolf in the Fog. I was really impressed with their menu of shareable small plates. Both the duck leg and the octopus were so good!

The interior of Ombre is stylishly modern in a way that is different than other restaurants in Tofino.

Jeju

I also ate at Jeju recently. What a unique experience! This tiny restaurant is run by a mother and son. Their small menu includes Korean classics on mom’s side of the menu and innovative fusion take on Korean food on the son’s side of the menu. The upscale bulgogi with truffles and rib eye steak was insanely good.

We loved the innovative truffle bulgogi (left) and the short ribs (right)

The Bear Bierhouse

If you’re looking for something more casual, head to the Bear Bierhouse inside the Maq Hotel. It’s a sports bar with lots of German beers on tap.

But it also has one of the best burgers I’ve ever had in Canada. The chef explained that’s because they hand-chop their beef instead of grinding it, which allows them to serve their burgers medium instead of well-done. So juicy! The indoor/outdoor bear sculpture is also fantastic for photos.

I loved this fun bear sculpture, which we nicknamed Cheetoh bear. If you go around the corner, you can see that the back half of the bear is on the other side of the wall on the outdoor patio!

Tofino Brewing

My husband loves craft beer, so we always stop at Tofino Brewing each time we are in town so he can try a flight of their latest brews. This time his favourite was the Kelp Stout, a strong and dark beer, perfect for winter.

My husband enjoyed a flight of beers at Tofino Brewing

Where to Stay in Tofino

There are tons of accommodation options in Tofino. Most are outside of town near the beaches, but there are a few options in town. Accommodation prices in the summer can be outrageous, but in the winter, even beachfront options get more affordable. Here are some places I recommend.

Mackenzie Beach Resort

On my last trip, we stayed in an adorable modern tiny house at the Mackenzie Beach Resort. The resort is right on Mackenzie Beach and they have a little cafe on site.

Our tiny house was small, but had a mini kitchenette and a great outdoor space including an outdoor shower (which helped get the sand off after my surf lesson). And the decor was really cute in a West Coast minimalist way.

They also have cabins and really cool renovated airstreams you can stay in. And if you have an RV, they have year-round RV campsites.

Compared to more upscale resorts, the prices here are really reasonable. Check rates.

The inside of our adorable tiny house. The wall behind me was all windows.

The airstreams looked really cool!

Ocean Village Resort

The picturesque beehive-style cabins at Ocean Village Resort are also on Mackenzie Beach. They were built in 1976, so they have a fun retro vibe. But don’t worry, they’ve been modernized and the resort is committed to sustainability with a composting program and on-demand hot water. Check rates.

The cabins at Ocean Village are one of my picks for the best cabins near Vancouver.

The cabins at Ocean Village are right on Mackenzie Beach

Cox Bay Beach Resort

If you’re with a group, the two-bedroom suites at Cox Bay Beach Resort are great. A few years ago I spent a long weekend here with my sister and some friends. The suites sleep six and have full kitchens so you can make your own meals. Plus they are right on Cox Bay. Check rates.

Pacific Sands Beach Resort

If you want to splurge, book a suite at Pacific Sands Beach Resort. Most suites have incredible ocean views of Cox Bay Beach. My very first trip to Tofino in the 1980s was to Pacific Sands. Back then we stayed in a rustic cabin, but over the years the resort has been completely redone.

Now, the basic cabins are long gone and they have a variety of luxe suites, on-site saunas, a spa, firepits, a cafe, and lots more amenities. Check rates.

The Pacifc Sands Resort, Cox Bay Beach Resort, and Long Beach Lodge on Cox Bay Beach.

Guest Houses and Vacation Rentals

Tofino has a housing shortage and locals who need to live in town to work in the tourist sector often struggle with affordable housing and housing insecurity. For that reason, there aren’t that many guesthouses or vacation rentals compared to hotels.

I’ve stayed in a few great vacation rentals over the years, both in the town of Tofino and near the beaches. If you’re looking for a vacation rental on VRBO or Airbnb, be sure to read the listing to check for a business licence number. That ensures that you are renting from a legal business and are not contributing to the housing crisis.

Winter in Tofino Basics

In this section I’ve got practicalities for a winter visit to Tofino including getting there, getting around, what to pack, and more.

How to Get to Tofino

Tofino is located on the isolated west coast of Vancouver Island. The easiest way to get there is to drive yourself.

You can fly directly to Victoria or Nanaimo airports on Vancouver Island and then rent a car and drive from there. I use Discover Cars to book rental cars since it lets me compare prices across different companies.

If you’re coming from Vancouver, you’ll need to take BC Ferries. You have two options: The ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Departure Bay in Nanaimo is closer if you’re coming from downtown Vancouver. If you’re coming from the Vancouver airport, the ferry from Tsawassen to Duke Point in Nanaimo is more convenient.

Enjoying the sunset from the top deck of the ferry.

It’s a 3-hour drive from Nanaimo via Highway 19 and Highway 4. From Victoria, it’s a 4.5-hour drive via Highways, 1, 19, and 4.

The drive is usually fairly straightforward (although the road is very curvy). However, it does go over two small passes on Highway 4 that get snow a handful of days each winter. Check road conditions on Drive BC before you go and make sure that your car has M+S or snow-rated tires, which are required by law between October and April.

Make time on your drive to stop at Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park to take a walk past the giant old-growth trees. Port Alberni also makes a good stop for lunch or a snack. I recommend the Wildflower Bakeshop & Cafe or the sushi at Sehmi.

Be sure to stop for a quick walk through the old-growth forest at Cathedral Grove

Getting Around Tofino

If you’re visiting Tofino in the winter, having a car will make your trip a lot more enjoyable. Many of the hikes and beaches are spread out, so a car is handy.

If you are driving, keep in mind that many places have paid parking. You’ll need to pay to park at the beaches and in National Park parking lots. While you have to pay for street parking in downtown Tofino during the summer, it is free in the winter between November and April.

While there is a free shuttle bus in the summer, it only runs from late June to early September. The rest of the year you can take the local bus, West Coast Transit. It runs between Tofino and nearby Ucluelet. However, it doesn’t run very often and you’ll have to walk quite far from a stop to many beaches and hikes.

How Long to Spend in Tofino in Winter

In the winter, a long weekend is the perfect amount of time to spend in Tofino. That’s enough time to do a few activities like a surf lesson, a kayak tour, or a trip to Hot Springs Cove, but still leaves enough time for leisurely beach walks or chill rainforest hikes.

Winter Weather in Tofino

Tofino is on Vancouver Island’s west coast. The weather blows in from the Pacific Ocean, which means that rain and storms are common. However, that also means that is never very cold.

The average temperature between November and March is between 3°C and 10°C (37 to 50 F°). Expect rain if you visit in winter – it rains between 16 and 20 days a month. However, while it can be very rainy some of the time, on most days, it rains for a few hours and is cloudy (or even sunny) for the rest of the day.

Incinerator Rock on Long Beach in the clouds and rain.

Long Beach the next day… full sun!

What to Pack for Winter in Tofino

Tofino is a pretty laid-back place, so you don’t need to bring anything fancy. Even if you go out for a fine dining dinner, nice jeans and a sweater are fine.

Make sure you bring clothing for the weather. A rain jacket is key, along with warm layers to wear underneath like a fleece or lightweight puffy jacket.

Waterproof hiking boots are great if you’re planning to hit the trails. If you own a pair of rain boots, pack them. I bring my favourite ankle-height Xtratufs to wear for beach walks or on rainy walks around town.

Don’t forget to pack a bathing suit and towel for surfing, the hot springs, or your hotel hot tub.

A rain jacket, toque, and hiking boots are a must for Tofino in the winter.

Indigenous Context in Tofino

Tofino is the traditional territory of the Nuu-chah-Nulth peoples. Nuu-chah-nulth means “all along the mountains and the sea”. Today the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council is made up of 14 First Nations including the Tla-o-qui-aht whose territory is in what is now Tofino.

Before colonization, the Nuu-chah-nulth lived in a series of seasonal village sites along the coast. But like most Indigenous people in North America, their culture and way of life was severed by residential schools and racist colonial policies.

You’ll find Indigenous art all over Tofino

Tribal Park Allies Program

Today the Nuu-chah-nulth are working to regain management of their traditional territories. One of the ways to support that work is through the Tribal Park Allies program. Participating businesses in Tofino collect a 1% fee from their customers.

This money goes towards Nuu-chah-nulth community and environmental projects like removing waste from beaches, enhancing salmon-bearing streams, planting trees, and conserving vulnerable ecosystems.

Many of the businesses I highlight in this post are Tribal Park Allies: Rhino Coffee House, Paddle West Kayaking, Mermaid Tales Book Shop, and Tourism Tofino.

ʔiisaak Pledge

The best way to be respectful of Tla-o-qui-aht territory is to read and follow the ʔiisaak Pledge. Like many coastal Indigenous peoples in BC, the Tla-o-qui-aht have a long tradition of hosting visitors. However, guests must show respect for their land and traditions.

In the Tla-o-qui-aht language, the concept of ʔiisaak means to observe, appreciate, and act accordingly. The ʔiisaak pledge includes guidance on how to respect the natural world, Tla-o-qui-aht history, and the local community.

Final Thoughts

I love Tofino in the winter and if you haven’t been yet, I think you’re missing out on something special. Pack your rain gear, book a cozy cabin or oceanview suite and go! If the weather sucks, all the better because you’ll get some amazing storm watching.

If you have questions about planning a trip to Tofino in the winter, ask in the comments. I’d love to help.

READ NEXT:

The post Visiting Tofino in Winter appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

2026 West Coast Trail Hiking Guide

Taryn Eyton — Thu, 02 May 2024 22:28:55 +0000

The West Coast Trail is one of the best-known hiking trails in Canada. It covers 75km through some of the toughest and most beautiful terrain in British Columbia’s coastal rainforest.

I first hiked the WCT 20 years ago. In fact, it was my first backpacking trip ever! I was SO unprepared! (But I still loved it!)

I hiked the West Coast Trail again recently to research my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. This time I had years of backpacking experience to draw upon.

But I knew that wasn’t enough – the West Coast Trail has some unique logistical challenges and terrain that require lots of advance planning and preparation. I did tons of research beforehand, made sure I had the right gear and was in shape. And my second West Coast Trail hike was soooo much more enjoyable.

I’ve gathered all the WCT prep info you’ll need in this guide for you. It’s completely updated with info and fees for 2026.

This West Coast Trail hiking guide includes:

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

WCT Quick Facts

Location: Pacific Rim National Park near Bamfield and Port Renfrew on the West Coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.

Distance: Officially, 75km. But unofficially it’s at least 10km longer.

Difficulty: Challenging due to the technical terrain.

Time: Around 7 days. Check out my West Coast Trail Itineraries for more info.

Cost: $325.25 per person, plus transportation costs

Reservations: Open each year in January and sell-out in less than an hour.

Best Time to Go: July and August

Trail Description: The trail follows the wilderness coastline. There is lots of mud, boardwalk, and sand. You must also cross cable cars and use ladders.

There is too much info about the West Coast Trail to fit it all in one post. The post you are reading has a general overview about the trail. But for more specifics, check out the companion posts:

West Coast Trail Distance, Duration, and Difficulty

How Long is the West Coast Trail?

According to Parks Canada, the WCT is 75 km long (46.5 miles).

However… the trail has been rerouted countless times over the years, but Parks Canada has never adjusted the trail distance. When I hiked it, our GPS measured about 86 km (53.5 miles) of hiking. My friend’s GPS measured 96km!

How Many Days Does it Take to Hike the West Coast Trail?

It takes most people about 7 days to hike the WCT.

Some people hike it in five or 6 days and others take their time and allow 8 or 9 days. Trail runners have even blasted through it in less than 10 hours! The first time I hiked the West Coast Trail we did it in 6 days. On my most recent trip, my group completed the trail in 7 days.

Most of the people we met on the trail were also on a 7-day itinerary. I’ve got full details on the standard 7-day itinerary for you, as well as tons of other itinerary options for 3-10 days in my West Coast Trail itineraries post.

How Difficult is the West Coast Trail?

I’d say the WCT is moderately difficult for fit people and experienced hikers. If you’ve never done a multi-day hike before, you will find the West Coast Trail really difficult!

In general, to hike the WCT you will need to be able to walk about 12km a day or more on uneven and difficult terrain while carrying 30-40lbs in your backpack.

I don’t recommend doing the West Coast Trail as your first backpacking trip ever. It actually was my first backpacking trip way back in 2004. While I did have a great time overall, it was incredibly difficult. I cried. I was NOT prepared to carry that much weight. At the end of each day I was EXHAUSTED and ended up taking painkillers with breakfast every morning to get through it.

When I did the WCT again, I had 15 years of backpacking experience under my belt. It made for a much more enjoyable trip, but I have to admit that it was still really challenging. Trust me: Get some experience backpacking before you try the West Coast Trail.

Even though you don’t have to hike long distances each day, the terrain is really technical. There are lots of sections with roots, rocks, deep sand, and mud holes to navigate through, over and around. The wooden boardwalks are easier to hike on, but they are often very slippery or damaged.

The ladders and cable cars are also very physically challenging, especially while wearing a heavy pack. Hikers with a fear of heights can struggle in these sections.

In the hardest sections, your hiking speed will be about 1 km an hour. Overall, we found our average hiking speed was usually around 2-2.5 km an hour. That’s pretty slow!

For a full run down of each part of the West Coast Trail, including difficult ratings, check out my West Coast Trail Section-By-Section Overview.

One of the MANY ladders on the West Coast Trail

When to Hike the West Coast Trail

Most years, the West Coast Trail is open between May 1 and September 30 each year. (The trail is closed from October 1 to April 30 due to bad weather, lots of rain and high tides.)

The most popular time to hike the trail is in July and August when the weather is best and many hikers have summer holidays. I’ve hiked the trail in late June and mid-August. Both times I was soooo lucky with mostly dry weather.

The weather can be wetter in May and September so it is easier to get a reservation during those months. However, you can get torrential downpours at any time of year.

Another consideration is the tides. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consult the Tofino tide tables. Try to find dates where the low tide is in the middle of the day so you can maximize the time you spend walking on the beach, rather than in the forest.

Fees and Reservations

How Much Does the West Coast Trail Cost?

The short answer: $325.25 per person plus transportation costs. The typical hiker will pay about $410.25.

The long answer: The total cost of hiking the West Coast Trail will vary depending on which transportation options you choose, how many days you spend on the trail and which trailhead you decide to start at. Here’s a simple breakdown of costs for a typical WCT hike for one person starting from either Gordon River or Pachena Bay. Prices are accurate for the 2025 season.

Trail permit: $166.75
Reservation fee: $25.75
Ferry fees: $56
National Park entry fee: $11/person/day for 7 days: $77 (Note: If you are travelling with a group of 3 or more, it can make sense to purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for $145.25. It’s an annual pass that covers up to 7 people in the same vehicle.)
West Coast Trail Express Shuttle Gordon River to Pachena Bay (or vice versa): $95 (Note: This assumes you drive yourself to one of the trailheads. See my transportation post for more info on getting to the trailheads by bus.)

Typical Cost to Hike the West Coast Trail: $410.25.

Walking on the coastal shelf

How to Make West Coast Trail Reservations

You MUST make advance reservations to hike the West Coast Trail. In the past, there were some first-come, first-served spots each day. However, since 2018, all permits for the entire season are reservable; there are no stand-by spots.

To make a reservation, visit the Parks Canada website. West Coast Trail reservations for 2026 open on January 19, 2026 at 8 am PT.

There are spots for 70 people to start the WCT each day: 25 from Gordon River, 25 from Pachena Bay and 20 from Nitinaht Narrows.

Be ready to make your reservation right at 8:00 am as popular dates book up in under 5 minutes! Pro tip: If you don’t already have one, make a Parks Canada online booking account ahead of time so you don’t waste time doing that on the day West Coast Trail bookings open.

Have the following information ready to go when you make your West Coast Trail reservation:

preferred start date and a few alternates
preferred start location and alternates (See my West Coast Trail itinerary post for the pros and cons of each start location)
number of hikers in your group, plus their full names and emergency contact info
credit card

All you are reserving is a start date and trail permits for the number of people in your group. When you book, you can’t reserve individual campsites or set an itinerary. You have to give an estimate of how many nights you plan to be on the trail (up to 14), but you can change the number of nights when you check-in to start the hike.

What To Do If You Didn’t Get a Reservation?

Don’t lose hope. There are a few things you can do:

Check for cancellations. People do cancel and spots do open up. Checking the Parks Canada website manually is time consuming. I recommend using a service like Campnab or Schnerp to send you alerts when a cancellation comes up. (My guide to cancellation apps has more details.)
Look for people selling spots on the West Coast Trail Facebook group.
Sign up for a guided trip. Professional guides get a set number of spots each year, outside of the reservation system. Mike Blake of MB Guiding is my recommendation for a guide. He knows his stuff!
A final option is to just go to the trailhead and cross your fingers. If someone doesn’t show up for their reservation, you may be able to get a permit. (This option isn’t officially advertised, but I have heard of people getting a permit this way. However, it’s pretty unlikely.)

How to Get to the West Coast Trail

One of the most complicated parts of planning a trip on the West Coast Trail is transportation. The trail starts and ends in several different places, and it’s not easy to get between them.

The trailheads are all in remote parts of Vancouver Island. The roads between them are rough gravel roads with lots of big scary logging trucks.

You can drive yourself to all the trailheads, but it’s definitely easier to book a shuttle bus. On both my WCT hikes, we drove ourselves to Gordon River in Port Renfrew, parked the car, then used the shuttle bus to travel between the north and south ends of the trail.

My advice is to figure out your transportation as far in advance as possible. It gets booked up and actually takes a bit of time to figure out. I’ve got a whole guide to West Coast Trail Transportation so go check that out. It includes info on shuttle bus times and companies, how to do a car shuttle between Gordon River and Pachena Bay, how to charter a van and even where to stay before and after your hike.

A van full of backpacks on the West Coast Trail

West Coast Trail Maps, Tide Tables, and App

The best map is the West Coast Trail Map by Parks Canada. You’ll get a waterproof copy when you check-in at the ranger station to start the trail. However, it’s helpful to refer to it when planning your hike.

Almost as important as your trail map is a tide table. The ranger will give you a tiny tide table with your map. However, it only has the day’s high and low tides on it. And it doesn’t account for daylight savings time!

I recommend printing out your own tide table from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. It has the predicted tide height for each hour of the day. AND they are adjusted for daylight savings time. Soooo much easier to use. The most accruate tide table for the WCT is the Tofino tide table.

On the trail, I recommend using the West Coast Trail app. It’s a GPS-enabled app that shows where you are on the trail and what is coming up. It also includes the tide tables.

WCT Weather, Packing, and Food

What is the Weather Like on the West Coast Trail?

The West Coast Trail is on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. That means it is fully exposed to all the storms that roll in off the Pacific Ocean. It’s a rainforest climate, so expect LOTS of rain. Even on days without rain, it can be quite overcast, or really foggy.

It’s also not that warm, even in the middle of summer. But thankfully, it’s never that cold either.

The WCT is only open in the spring and summer months (May to September). And thankfully those are the warmest and driest months. For the warmest and driest weather, plan your trip for July or August. Here’s a summary of the average temperatures and rainfall for the West Coast Trail area.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

Average temperatures for the West Coast Trail. Data is for Bamfield and is from climate-data.org.

Average rainfall for the West Coast Trail. Data is for Bamfield and is from climate-data.org.

What to Pack for the West Coast Trail

You will need to be totally self-sufficient on the trail and carry in everything you will need for your trip – right down to the toilet paper!

The last places to buy supplies are in the towns of Bamfield and Port Renfrew. However, both towns are REALLY small and don’t have much on offer.

There are no stores at the visitor centres or anywhere on the trail. There is a small restaurant called The Crab Shack at Nitinaht Narrows that also sells toilet paper and a few other essentials if you have an emergency. But plan to bring everything you need with you!

To avoid carrying a stupidly heavy pack, choose lightweight hiking gear rather than heavy conventional camping gear. The lighter you can get your pack, the happier you will be. In general, aim for a pack weight that is 1/3 to 1/4 of your body weight or less. The weather on the coast is also often very wet so be sure to pack accordingly.

For lots more information, check out my West Coast Trail packing list. It’s a complete guide to everything you need to bring including specific gear recommendations from my hike.

Food on the West Coast Trail

You need to bring all your own food on the West Coast Trail. Plan to bring lightweight calorie-dense food. If you need tips, check out my posts about how to choose the best backpacking meals, budget-friendly grocery store backpacking food, and ideas for backpacking breakfasts.

There is also a small restaurant at Nitinaht Narrows called The Crab Shack. The Edgar family of the Ditidaht First Nation runs it. Carl Edgar Jr. has been running the ferry service there for 44 years. For the last 20 years or so his family has also sold crab and fish dinners to hikers.

Recently they have expanded their menu to include things like baked potatoes, grilled cheese, and breakfast wraps. (They stop serving breakfast at 11 am SHARP!) Prices for food range from $5 to $35. They also have pop, beer, and chocolate starting at $2.

Getting ready to chow down on grilled cheese and loaded baked potato at the Crab Shack

For years there was also a second restaurant on the WCT called Chez Monique’s. It was run by Monique and Peter Knighton on a small First Nations reserve just south of the Carmanah Lighthouse. They served burgers, chips and pop right at tables right on the beach. Sadly both Monique and Peter have passed away and Chez Monique’s is no longer open. While their children have tried to get the restaurant up and running again, as of 2024 it is not open.

West Coast Trail Safety and Wildlife

How to Stay Safe on the West Coast Trail

The West Coast Trail tackles some pretty rugged terrain. Each year Parks Canada evacuates up to 100 people from the trail due to illness or injury. There have even been a few deaths on the West Coast Trail.

The trail is in a remote area where getting help is difficult. There is no cell service on most of the trail. Make sure you are physically and mentally prepared. Take a first aid kit and consider bringing a satellite messenger. I brought my Garmin inReach Mini on my last West Coast Trail hike. Thankfully we didn’t need it, but we did turn it on every day so our family at home could see where we were on the trail. We also used it to get weather reports.

Leave a trip plan at home with a friend or family member. That way someone knows where you are going and when you expect to be back. As well, you’ll need to check-in and check-out from the trail so the rangers know you have finished the trail safely.

Most injuries on the trail happen when the weather is bad or hikers are tired. (Or both!) Be prepared to turn back or stop and make camp if the weather gets too bad or you are having difficulty with the hike. If you keep pushing forward, you may just make your situation worse by injuring yourself.

Take extra time on ladders, bridges and cable cars. Watch your step on the boardwalks or any wooden structure – they can be REALLY slippery.

Be careful crossing streams. Make sure they aren’t flooding and if possible, cross at low tide. Speaking of tides, always keep your tide table handy and consult it along with your map whenever you choose a beach route. Only take the official marked beach routes – other routes have dangerous cliffs and surge channels.

While rare, tsunamis are a real concern on the west coast. If you feel an earthquake or see the ocean recede suddenly, get to high ground as quickly as possible. All of the campgrounds have marked tsunami escape routes.

Watching the sunset at Walbran Creek

Wildlife on the West Coast Trail

The West Coast Trail is a remote wilderness area so it’s home to lots of wildlife. You might encounter a black bear, wolf or cougar. I’ve hiked the trail twice and seen lots of tracks and bear scat but I’ve never a predator.

To minimize the risk of a negative encounter, hike in groups, make lots of noise and carry bear spray just in case. At campgrounds, store your food and toiletries in the bear bins and camp well away from your cooking area. If you want more info, I’ve got lots more bear safety tips for hikers and backpackers.

There is also lots of marine life just offshore along the West Coast Trail. Both times I’ve hiked the trail we’ve spotted whales feeding. Look for them anywhere north of Walbran Creek.

There are also lots of curious seals surfacing along the beaches or otters playing in the mouths of rivers. You can also spy on sea lion colonies on rocky islets in a few places.

Bring a pair of binoculars to get a better look. My husband brought a compact GoSky Titan monocular that he found on Amazon. It’s pretty light and not too expensive, but it still has 12×50 magnification. He spent hours watching the sea lions through it.

A beautiful afternoon at Thrasher Cove

History and Indigenous Context of the West Coast Trail

Historically the area of the WCT was a travel corridor for First Nations peoples. They had village sites along the coast.

In the late 1800s, European ships frequently wrecked thanks to the fog and rough conditions. This part of the coast became known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific”. In 1906 a ship called the Valencia shipwrecked and over 100 people drowned.

In response, the Canadian government built lighthouses, lifesaving stations and a telegraph route along the coast. The telegraph route was upgraded and renamed the Dominion Life Saving Trail. Over the years, technology made these measures obsolete and the trail fell into disrepair.

But in the 1970s, hikers were beginning to discover the trail and hike it again. It was included in Pacific Rim National Park in 1973. In the 1970s and 80s Parks Canada restored and upgraded the trail. They added many of the bridges, cablecars, ladders, and boardwalks that hikers travel over today.

The entire West Coast Trail is on the traditional territory of the Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht, and Pacheedaht First Nations. The trail also passes through several First Nations reserves. These areas are private property, so be respectful.

Members of these Nations continue to have a presence on the trail by acting as West Coast Trail Guardians. They perform trail maintenance and help educate hikers about trail safety and wilderness ethics.

West Coast Trail Rules and Further Resources

Parks Canada Rules

Dogs: Parks Canada doesn’t allow dogs on the West Coast Trail unless they are a service animal.

Beachcombing: You aren’t allowed to take home anything natural from the trail. That includes shells, rocks, sand, wood, etc. However, you are encouraged to take home anything man-made, such as fishing floats.

Fires: Fires are allowed on the West Coast Trail as long as they are below the high tide line AND there is no fire ban for that part of Vancouver Island. You are never allowed to have a fire in the forest. You aren’t allowed to bring an axe, but you shouldn’t need one since you can usually find lots of small driftwood to burn.

Age: Hikers must be at least 6 years old to hike the WCT. Parks Canada recommends hikers be over the age of 12. I hiked the West Coast Trail with my friends’ kids who were 9.5 and 12 at the time. Having kids along added some extra challenges, but in general, if your kids are experienced backpackers, they can probably handle it.

Firearms: Not allowed on the West Coast Trail.

Group Size: Maximum group size is 10 people. School groups of up to 18 people are the only exception to this rule. School groups can be on the trail between May 1 and June 14, and September 20 and 26.

Length of stay: Maximum length of stay is 14 days.

More Resources for the West Coast Trail

Parks Canada’s 2024 West Coast Trail Hiker Preparation Guide. It contains lots of info on preparedness and safety.
Blisters and Bliss: A Trekker’s Guide to the West Coast Trail is a classic book about the trail. It has been through 10 editions since the early 90s. I found it helpful for planning, and also brought photos of a few key pages on the trail.
My new book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island, has a chapter about the West Coast Trail. Plus it has details on 34 other gorgeous Vancouver Island Trips
Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking – my guide to beach hiking has tons of advice.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

West Coast Trail FAQ

How long does it take to walk the West Coast Trail?

Most hikers take 7 days. However, itineraries as short as 5 days or as long as 9 days are possible. See my WCT Itinerary guide for more.

How many kilometres is the West Coast Trail?

Officially, the trail is 75 km (47 mi) long. However, over the years it has been re-routed many times is likely longer. GPS tracks from hikers commonly put the distance at 85-90 km.

Where does the West Coast Trail start and end?

The southern trailhead is at Gordon River near the town of Port Renfrew. The middle trailhead is at Nitinaht Narrows near Nitinaht Village. The northern trailhead is at Pachena Beach near the town of Bamfield.

Is the West Coast Trail difficult?

Yes. You will need to be able to walk about 12 km per day while carrying a 30-40 lb backpack. The terrain is very challenging and technical with ladders, scrambling across slippery rocks, mud bogs, and lots of uneven terrain. Injuries from falls are common. Read my full evaluation of West Coast Trail difficulty.

How much does it cost to hike the West Coast Trail?

It costs $325.25 per person to hike the West Coast Trail. This includes trail permit, reservation fee, fees for the two ferry crossings on the trails, and National Park entry fee. It doesn’t include transportation to and from the trail. I’ve got more info in the WCT costs section above.

Do you need to book the West Coast Trail?

Yes. Reservations are mandatory. Up to 70 people can start the trail each day. See the Reservation section above for booking info and tips.

Where can you camp on the West Coast Trail?

You are allowed to camp almost anywhere on the West Coast Trail except between KM 34 and 38. However, there are no flat places to camp in the forest and many beaches do not have good campsites. Most hikers camp at one of the 13 official campgrounds along the trail.

Are there bears on the West Coast Trail?

Yes. The area has a high black bear population, but no grizzly bears. However, most hikers will not see a bear. Travel in a group, make noise as you hike, store food in bear caches, and keep a clean camp to avoid negative bear encounters. Read my bear safety tips for backpackers for more tips.

How heavy should your backpack be for the West Coast Trail?

In general, your pack should be no more than 25%-30% of your body weight. Most hikers will start with a pack that weights 30-40 lbs. Choose lightweight backpacking gear. See my West Coast Trail packing list for specific gear recommendations.

Is there cell service on the West Coast Trail?

No. There is no cell service on the West Coast Trail. It is occasionally possible to pick up a faint signal from Washington State, but don’t rely on it. Bring a satellite communication device like a Garmin inReach Mini in case of emergency.

Can you hike the West Coast Trail alone?

Yes. Solo hikers are permitted. With 70 people starting the trail every day, you will see other hikers frequently. Some solo hikers end up making friends to hike with along the way.

Is the West Coast Trail harder than the Juan de Fuca Trail?

Yes… but only just a little bit. While the Juan de Fuca Trail is shorter, it has more hills than the WCT and is poorly maintained, so it is almost as hard as the WCT. Read my Juan de Fuca Trail guide to get a better idea of what it’s like.

Do you have questions about the West Coast Trail? Ask them in the comments and I’ll help you out.

MORE WEST COAST TRAIL POSTS:

MORE VANCOUVER ISLAND ADVENTURES:

The post 2026 West Coast Trail Hiking Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia

Taryn Eyton — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 19:55:40 +0000

After a long winter, I’m usually in a rush for summer to start so I can go backpacking. But it can be frustrating since most trails are snow-covered well into June and July. However, if you know where to look, there are lots of places to go on spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.

While this post is aimed at locations where you can go on an overnight hiking trip in spring, most of these trips make great fall backpacking trips in British Columbia too.

In BC, most mountain trails are snow-covered between late October and mid-June. However, there are lots of lower elevation trails that are snow-free between March and November. There are even a few on this list that you can backpack year-round.

This list of 25 spring backpacking trips in British Columbia includes:

Destinations near Vancouver, on Vancouver Island, and in BC’s interior
Trips ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert
Hikes between 2 and 8 days long
Trails that are usually snow-free by March, April, or May and stay snow-free until October or November
Tips for spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
Bonus: Spring backpacking suggestions for Washington State

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Map of Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia

Click to open in Google Maps

Tips for Spring Backpacking in British Columbia

Backpacking in the spring has its own challenges. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Weather: In spring, the weather is colder and wetter than in summer. It’s also less predictable. Pack accordingly and be prepared to cancel your trip or switch to a different destination if the forecast looks bad. (Use these picks for the best weather apps for hiking.)

Trail Conditions: Many trails suffer blow-downs, wash-outs, and flooding over the winter. Often, parks staff and volunteers do trail maintenance in late May or June, which means trails can be in rough shape before then. (Here are my tips for how to check trail conditions.)

Mud: Wet and muddy trails are inevitable in spring. Come prepared with waterproof hiking boots and gaiters.

Creek crossings: Streams run high in the spring with a combo of snow-melt and rain. Bridges may be washed out and fords may be dangerous. Be prepared to turn back.

Bears: As they wake up from hibernation and tend to new cubs, bears are more active in spring, especially in valley-bottom and coastal locations where there are lots of things for them to eat at this time of year. Read more about bear safety for backpackers.

Seasonal closures: Some parks and trails are closed in the off-season, or may have temporary closures to due damaged infrastructure. Check park and trail websites before you go.

Trailhead access issues: In spring, logging roads that access trailheads may be muddy or washed out. If you’re heading to a trail that requires a water taxi or floatplane, fog and rough weather may delay or cancel your trip. Shuttle services between trailheads may not start operating until May.

Spring Backpacking Trips in Southwestern British Columbia

Viewpoint Beach and Halfmoon Beach, Golden Ears Provincial Park

Viewpoint Beach

Gold Creek from the bridge

Heads up: Day passes are required at Golden Ears Provincial Park in summer. However, if you have a backcountry permit registration, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 9.6 to 19.4 km round trip

Best Months: April to November

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 170 to 275 m

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

This easy hike in Golden Ears Provincial Park follows the banks of Gold Creek. There are trails on both the west and east sides of the creek, connected by a bridge, so loop trips are possible. You can camp at Viewpoint Beach or venture further upstream to Halfmoon Beach.

This is the closest place to Vancouver that you can take a spring backpacking trip in British Columbia and also made my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees, see Golden Ears Provincial Park.

Lindeman and Greendrop Lakes, Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

Lindeman Lake

Greendrop Lake

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 3.4 to 11 km round trip

Best Months: April to early November

Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Elevation Gain: 200 to 350 m

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

It’s a short hike to picturesque Lindeman Lake where you can camp next to the tranquil turquoise waters. If you have more energy, carry on along the rougher trail to Greendrop Lake. Lindeman Lake is often snow-free in April, but Greendrop Lake holds snow into May.

Lindeman Lake is also one of my picks for beginner-friendly backpacking rips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees, see S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Skagit River Trail, Skagit Valley Provincial Park

Delacy Camp

Skagit River Trail

Note: Access to this trail was disrupted by the November 2021 storms. The river has changed course at the Sumallo Grove trailhead and the bridge is not accessible at times of high water. In late summer, it’s an easy ford. However, western trailhead on Silver-Skagit Road in Skagit Valley Provincial Park is open between mid-April and November, so you can access it from that direction.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 8 km round trip or 14 km traverse

Best Months: April to November

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 75 m

Fees and Reservations: None.

This laid-back hike follows a historic fur-trade route along the banks of the Skagit River as it flows downstream. You can do an 8 km round trip hike from the Sumallo Grove Trailhead in Manning Provincial Park, camping at Delacy Camp. If you have two cars, you make a 14 km traverse from Sumallo Grove to Silver-Skagit Road.

The Skagit River Trail is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the E.C. Manning & Skagit Valley Provincial Parks map from Clark Geomatics.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Tikwalus Heritage Trail, Fraser Canyon

View of the Fraser Canyon

Tikwalus Camp

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 13 km round trip

Best Months: May to October

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 790 m

Fees and Reservations: None

This historical Indigenous and fur trade route leads steeply up from Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon to several spectacular lookouts. Camp high on a bluff near several small lakes. The trail takes its name from a former Nlaka’pamux village near the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Lower Stein Valley, Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Provincial Park

Stein River

Looking at pictographs

Note: A large wildfire burned the lower Stein Valley trail in July and August 2023. As of early 2026, the trail is currently only open up to Earl’s Cabin camp 10.5 km from the trailhead.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 4 to 26 km round trip

Best Months: April to October

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 30 to 350 m

Fees and Reservations: None.

The warm, dry climate in Lytton makes the Lower Stein Valley my favourite choice for spring backpacking trips in British Columbia – Over the years, I’ve been there six times in March, April, and May. The valley is a spiritual place for the local Nlaka’pamux First Nation.

The trail travels next to the Stein River passing Indigenous pictographs and culturally modified trees. Choose from five different campgrounds spaced out along the lower section of the trail. This is one fo the best places for beginner backpacking in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the Stein to Joffre Trail Map by Trail Ventures BC.

Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Provincial Park

Old-growth trees

Cheakamus Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Cheakamus Lake in summer. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 7 to 14 km round trip

Best months: May to early November

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 50 m

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required. Camping fees charged.

As the lowest elevation trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Cheakamus Lake is a good spring backpacking destination. The flat and easy trail leads through old-growth forest to the beautiful glacially-fed lake. Camp at the lake outlet or follow the trail along the shoreline to camp at Singing Creek.

This trail is my number one pick for easy backpacking near Vancouver.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the Garibaldi Provincial Park Map by Clark Geomatics. For info on camping fees and reservations, see Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Fairview Bay/Saltery Bay Loop, Sunshine Coast Trail

Fairview Bay Hut

Trail to Fairview Bay

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 12 km round trip or 18 km loop

Best Months: April to November

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 150 to 570 m

Fees and Reservations: None

Portions of the Sunshine Coast Trail are snow-covered most of the year, but you can tackle this low elevation section starting at the southern terminus in Saltery Bay. Hike along the coast to Fairview Bay hut as an out-and-back trip, or take on the full loop, camping at either Fairview Bay Hut or Rainy Day Lake Hut.

The trip to Fairview Bay is on my list of the best easy bacpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Confederation Lake and Fiddlehead Landing, Sunshine Coast Trail

Trail to Confederation Lake

Confederation Lake Hut

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 15 to 30 km round trip

Best Months: April to November

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

Elevation Gain: 650 m

Fees and Reservations: None

Here’s another low elevation section of the Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) that is perfect for a spring backpacking trip. The trail starts at Inland Lake, then climbs steeply through thick old-growth forest to a hut on the shores of Confederation Lake. Follow the SCT downhill to Fiddlehead Landing on the shores of Powell Lake and another hut.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Sarah Point to Powell River, Sunshine Coast Trail

Manzanita Bluff

Little Sliammon Lake

Duration: 3-4 Days

Distance: 50 km traverse

Best Months: March to November

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 375 m

Fees and Reservations: None

This northern section of the Sunshine Coast Trail is an ideal spring backpacking destination. Arrange a water taxi or 4WD shuttle to the trailhead at Sarah Point or skip the first few kilometres by taking the shortcut trail to Wednesday Lake from Sarah Point Road. Finish your trip at the Shinglemill Pub in Powell River. Along the way, walk along bluffs speckled with arbutus trees, through old-growth forest, and past small lakes.

More Info: Read my trip report from my March backpacking trip on the northern section of the Sunshine Coast Trail. Part of this section is also featured in my book Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Spring Backpacking Trips on Vancouver Island

Narvaez Bay, Saturna Island

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 3.5 km round trip

Best Months: Year-round

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 80 m

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required. Camping fees charged.

This oceanfront campground is located on the southeastern side of Saturna Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. It’s an easy hike in from the trailhead and the trail is also open to bikes. FYI: There is no potable water here so you’ll have to pack in your own. It’s also on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. See Gulf Islands National Park Reserve for camping reservations.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Juan de Fuca Trail, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park

Coastal shelf

Old-growth forest

Note: The Juan de Fuca Trail is closed in summer 2025 due to significant storm damage. It is not possible to hike the entire trail, but you can visit and camp at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach. The full trail is expected to re-open in late May, 2026.

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Distance: 47 km traverse

Best Months: Year-round

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 190 m

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

The rugged Juan de Fuca Trail runs along the coast from near Jordan River to Port Renfrew. It’s a little shorter than the West Coast Trail, its famous neighbour to the north, but it’s just as rugged and has more hills. This trail crosses lots of steep gullies, so it is prone to washouts in the spring, fall, and winter months.

More Info: Read my Juan de Fuca Trail guide for full details. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

West Coast Trail, Pacific Rim National Park

One of the MANY ladders

Taking a break on the beach

Note: The West Coast Trail is open from May 1 to September 30 each year. The National Park officially closes the trail from October to the end of April.

Duration: 5-8 days

Distance: 75 km traverse

Best Months: May to September

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 225 m

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required. Trail fees and National Park entry fees charged.

The West Coast Trail is Canada’s most famous multi-day hike. Since it opens in May, it also makes a great spring backpacking trip. The 75-kilometre-long trail follows the wild shoreline with the help of bridges, ladders, and cable cars. Each night you will camp on a wilderness beach.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my West Coast Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on reservations, trail fees, and National Park fees, see Pacific Rim National Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Keeha Beach, Pacific Rim National Park

Keeha Beach

Note: Keeha Beach is open from May 1 to early October each year. The National Park officially closes the trail from early October to the end of April.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 7 km round trip

Best Months: May to early October

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 45 m

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required. Camping fees and National Park entry fees charged.

This sandy beach is located just north of the West Coast Trail. It’s a short hike to get there, but allow plenty of time as the trail is very rough with lots of slippery roots and tons of mud. (The mud is pretty epic – comparable to the North Coast Trail.) You can also day hike to the nearby Cape Beale Lighthouse.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For trail fees, and reservations, see Pacific Rim National Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Della Falls Trail

At the base of Della Falls

Duration: 2-5 days

Distance: 32 km round trip

Best Months: Mid-May to September

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 540 m

Fees and Reservations: None

At 440-metres-tall, Della Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada. To get there, you first have to canoe, motor boat, or water taxi across Great Central Lake. Then hike up through a river valley to the base of the falls. Don’t miss a side trip on the Love Lake trail for incredible views of the falls.

The water taxi starts running on May 15 each year when the falls are in full flow. However, snow can linger in May and early June in the upper valley and on the Love Lake Trail, so go prepared.

More Info: Get all the details in my Della Falls Trail guide and join the Della Falls Facebook group. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Della Falls Trail Hiking Guide

Wild Side Trail, Flores Island

Beach hiking

Hanging out at camp

Note: The Wild Side Trail is open from May to October each year. The Ahousaht Nation officially closes the trail from November to April.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 22 km round trip

Best Months: May to October

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 30 m

Fees and Reservations: Trail fees charged.

The Wild Side Trail has one of the best effort to reward ratios of any of Vancouver Island’s coastal trails. It’s one of my favourite spring backpacking trips in British Columbia – I’ve done it twice in May! This trail is also one of my picks for the best beginner backpacking trips in BC.

It’s an easy walk along beaches and through the forest to a gorgeous campsite at Cow Bay. There are also two other campsites along the way. The hike is located in Ahousaht First Nation territory on Flores Island near Tofino, so you’ll need to arrange a water taxi.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Wild Side Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on trail fees and camping fees, see the Wild Side Trail website.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Hesquiat Peninsula Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

Duration: 4 to 5 days

Distance: 50 km traverse

Best Months: April to October

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Elevation Gain: 50 m

Fees and Reservations: None

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, take a water taxi or floatplane to the remote Hesquiat Peninsula on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This informal trail follows the rugged coastline as it bucks and dips across rocky headlands, through surge channels, and along beaches. There are no facilities or formal campsites.

More info: See Hiking the West Coast of Vancouver Island by Tim Leadem, and Hesquiat Peninsula Provincial Park.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Nootka Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

Floatplane landing

Beach hiking

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Distance: 36 km traverse

Best Months: April to October

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 50 m

Fees and Reservations: Trail fees and a landing fee charged. All camping is first-come, first-served.

The Nootka Trail is my favourite coastal hike in BC. It’s located on Nootka Island off the west coast of Vancouver Island, so you need to take a water taxi or floatplane to get there. What makes this trail special is that it is almost entirely on the beach. There are no formal facilities or campsites.

More info: See my Nootka Trail trip report. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on fees, see Yuqot.ca, the Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation website.

Tatchu Peninsula Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

Sunset at Sandpiper Creek on the the Tatchu Trail

Duration: 3 to 4 days

Distance: 20-40 km (traverse or out-and-back)

Best Months: May to October

Difficulty: Moderate/Very Challenging

Elevation Gain: 30 m

Fees and Reservations: None.

The Tatchu Peninsula is a wilderness hike on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The hike traces a route down the west side of the peninsula, linking numerous beaches with short overland trails. There are no formal facilities or campsites. You can do the easier (and more scenic) northern section as an out-and-back or complete a very challenging traverse.

More info: See my Tatchu Trail guide, Rugged Point Provincial Park. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Raft Cove, Raft Cove Provincial Park

Raft Cove

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 4 km round trip

Best Months: Year-round

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 70 m

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged between May and September. (Otherwise, it is free.) All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Raft Cove is a remote beach on the north end of Vancouver Island, reached by a maze of logging roads from the tiny town of Holberg. It’s a short walk into the beach, but the rough and muddy trail makes it seem longer. Camp on the sandy beach and watch surfers work the waves just offshore.

This is one of my picks for the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. See Raft Cove Provincial Park for info and camping fees.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

San Josef Bay, Cape Scott Provincial Park

Beach

Sea stacks

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 5 km return

Best Months: Year-round

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 45 m

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged between May and September. (Otherwise, it is free.) All campsites are first-come, first-served.

This is the easiest trail in Cape Scott Provincial Park, but it still has spectacular scenery. The trail winds through the coastal forest and ends at a beautiful beach. At low tide, you can explore incredible sea stacks. There are two beaches to camp on separated by a headland that is impassable at high tide.

The flat trail makes it one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More info: For more info, see my Cape Scott guide, the North Coast Trail Map by John Baldwin, and the North Coast Trail Waterproof Map by Wild Coast. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Cape Scott Trail, Cape Scott Provincial Park

Boardwalk trail

Beach on the way to the Cape

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 41.5 km round trip

Best Months: Year-round

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 100 m

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged costs between May and September. (Otherwise, it is free.) All campsites are first-come, first-served.

While the north end of Vancouver Island gets a lot of rain, the Cape Scott Trail can be a great spring backpacking destination if you get a window of good weather. It’s a long hike through bog and coastal forest on old settler trails to the campsite at Nel’s Bight. From there, you can day hike to Cape Scott, the northernmost point on Vancouver Island.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Cape Scott Trail guide, the North Coast Trail Map by John Baldwin, and the North Coast Trail Waterproof Map by Wild Coast. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

North Coast Trail, Cape Scott Provincial Park

Irony Creek Camp

Beach hiking

Duration: 5 to 6 days

Distance: 43 km traverse

Best Months: Mid-April to early October

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Elevation Gain: 245 m

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged between May and September. (Otherwise, it is free.) All campsites are first-come, first-served.

The tough North Coast Trail traverses the northern end of Vancouver Island. It starts with a water taxi drop-off in Shushartie Bay and ends when it intersects the Cape Scott Trail at Nissen Bight. In between, there is lots of muddy and rough trail through coastal bog and old-growth forest, and a few gorgeous beaches.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my North Coast Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia’s Interior

Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 22 to 40 km

Best Months: Mid-March to October

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

Elevation Gain: 200 to 1100 m

Fees and Reservations: None.

This large park between Kelowna and Naramata has several different spring backpacking options. You can hike to Divide Lake and Baker Lake near the summit of Okanagan Mountain. You can also follow the Wild Horse Canyon Trail to campsites on the shores of Okanagan Lake. A connecter trail links the two, so you can make a big loop. Spring and fall are the best time to visit this park, as it is too hot in the summer.

More info: See Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Okanagan High Rim Trail

Duration: 3 to 4 days

Distance: 58 km traverse

Best Months: May to October

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

Elevation Gain: 800 m

Fees and Reservations: None.

This trail follows an elevated route above the Okanagan Valley between Vernon and Kelowna. In most years, it is snow-free by early to mid May. This trail is only a few years old and crisscrosses lots of forestry roads in between great viewpoints and small lakes.

More Info: Get the details from the Okanagan High Rim Trail Association.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Deer Point Trail, Gladstone Provincial Park

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 12 to 22 km round trip

Best Months: April to October

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 150 m

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

The low elevation Deer Point Trail along Christina Lake in Gladstone Provincial Park near Grand Forks make a good spring backpacking destination. You can camp at Trapper Creek partway along the trail or at Troy Creek at the north end of the lake. Both campsites are open to boaters as well.

More Info: Get info on the trail and camping fees from Gladstone Provincial Park.

Flatiron Trails, Wells Gray Provincial Park

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 10 to 46 km round trip or 25 km traverse

Best Months: April to October

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 250 to 500 m

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Note: In 2023, a few key bridges washed out and with high water, it is currently not possible to cross the creeks and reach any of the campsites.

Even though it is near the entrance to the park, Flatiron area of Wells Gray Provincial Park is a bit under-the-radar. A network of trails follows creeks to the banks of the Clearwater River and there are three backcountry campgrounds. You can access the area from three different trailheads, making loop trips or a traverse possible.

More Info: Get info on the trails from Exploring Wells Gray Park by Roland Neave. For camping fees see Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Get My Books

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover BC’s best backpacking trips

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
35 backpacking trips and day hikes on Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos

Get the books

Spring Backpacking Trips in Washington

Ozette Loop

Toleak Point

Since it is a short trip across the border, it’s worth mentioning a few spring backpacking locations in Washington State.

Olympic Coast: The wilderness coast in Olympic National Park is accessible year-round. With several access points, lots of different trips are possible. As a bonus, it’s easier to get permits in the spring. For trip ideas, see my guides to Shi Shi Beach, Ozette Loop, and Toleak Point.

Enchanted Valley: Follow the East Fork Quinault River Trail into the Enchanted Valley in the rainforest of Olympic National Park.

East Bank Trail, Ross Lake: This trail in North Cascades National Park follows the shoreline of Ross Lake. See my East Bank Trail trip report.

Chelan Lakeshore Trail: This 17-mile-long trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest begins and ends with a ferry on Lake Chelan. The trail finishes at the boat-access-only village of Stehekin in North Cascades National Park.

So that gives you 25 different spring backpacking trips in British Columbia to choose from! Which one would you choose? I’ve hiked most of these trails (some of them several times) so feel free to ask me more about them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

The post 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Where to Experience Indigenous Tourism in Canada

Taryn Eyton — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 01:43:37 +0000

Indigenous people have lived in what is now Canada since time immemorial, so no trip to Canada is complete without experiencing Indigenous culture. I asked fellow travel writers to recommend their favourite places to experience Indigenous tourism in Canada.

In this post, you’ll find personal recommendations for 10 Indigenous tourism activities from tours to museums to historical sites and more. Each one is Indigenous-run and will deepen your understanding of Indigenous culture.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Quick Facts About Indigenous People in Canada

Here’s a quick run-down of the Indigenous context in Canada and North America. This is a HUGE topic that could fill many books, so it’s hard to distill it down to a few bullet points… but I tried. Like many settler Canadians, I’m working on learning more about Indigenous people to contribute to reconciliation, but I still have a long way to go.

Indigenous people have lived in what is now Canada for 10,000 to 20,000 years. But in Indigenous oral history, that amount of time is basically forever, so it is common to say that Indigenous people have been here since time immemorial. As well, the creation stories of many Indigenous Nations place their origins in what is now Canada, so to suggest otherwise may be viewed as impolite.
There are about 1.8 million Indigenous people in Canada. They make up about 5% of the total population. After European contact, the Indigenous population declined sharply due to disease, war, and genocidal government policies like residential schools. But today, Indigenous people are the fastest-growing population in Canada.
“Indigenous” is a word that encompasses three main groups: First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. Previously, the word “aboriginal” was used instead of Indigenous, “Eskimo” was used instead of Inuit, and “Indian” or “Native” was used instead of First Nations. Today, all of these words are no longer commonly used and some Indigenous people may find some or all of them offensive. However, some Indigenous people may still embrace and identify with some of these words.
There are over 600 Indigenous groups across Canada, called Nations and they speak over 50 Indigenous languages. You can find the Nation and language of a place you are visiting using the interactive Native Land Digital Map. Due to historical (and contemporary) government policies, Indigenous people may live on Reserves or outside of reserves and they may be deeply connected to their culture or disconnected from their culture. There is no single way to be Indigenous in Canada. It varies from Nation to Nation and from person to person.

Shells outline the walking paths between the carved poles at K’uuna (Skedans) in Gwaii Haanas National Park. Photo: Taryn Eyton/Dawn Outdoors

Indigenous Tourism Tips

It is important to be respectful when you visit Indigenous land, especially in light of the terrible way that settlers have treated Indigenous people since our arrival. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Listen carefully and listen more than you talk. It is a privilege to hear Indigenous people’s stories and they choose which parts of their culture and history to share with you.
Stay on paths and in designated areas. Some areas are private and not open to visitors. Or they may be sacred for cultural practices. When in doubt, ask first.
Do not take photos without permission. In some places, photos are encouraged and many Indigenous people are happy to have their photo taken. But that isn’t always the case – cultural practices differ from Nation to Nation and even from person to person. Ask first.
Spend your money at Indigenous businesses. Stay at Indigenous-run hotels, eat at Indigenous-run restaurants, buy souvenirs from Indigenous gift shops, and book Indigenous tours.
Do your research and avoid tourism businesses that profit off Indigenous culture or art without giving back to Indigenous people. Unfortunately, Canada has lots of museums full of stolen Indigenous cultural artifacts and lots of gift shops full of knock-off Indigenous art made overseas.
If you can, learn a few words in the Indigenous language of the people you are visiting. If you were in France, you would say “merci” so you can learn to say “kleco kleco” in Nuu-chah-nulth territory on Vancouver Island or “hawa” in Haida Gwaii.

Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island, Ontario

Known as the only federally recognized unceded territory in what is now Canada, Wikwemikong on Manitoulin Island is the perfect spot to learn about the true history of these lands. While they offer several experiences, I recommend beginning with the Unceded Journey guided tour.

Local guides from Wikwemikong will take you to important destinations on the territory. As you learn about Odawa Mnis (the original name for Manitoulin Island), it will quickly become clear its importance to those of the Three Fires Confederacy (Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi). Visit locations such as the Two O’Clock Lookout and the Holy Cross Church as your guide shares key historical events and impactful treaties that have shaped Wikwemikong and the surrounding area.

I had the pleasure of being guided by Jack who was a fountain of information and constantly willing to answer any questions my group had. He shared about his personal experiences with the Residential School System and its aftermath. This tour is incredibly impactful and I couldn’t believe how much I learned!

Wikwemikong offers a variety of tours including guided hikes, paddles and culinary experiences. Learn more about these tours in my guide to Wikwemikong. If you’re planning to stay for a few days on Manitoulin Island, I highly recommend booking a room at the Indigenous-owned and operated Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre in Little Current.

Recommended by Lindz of I’ve Been Bit! Travel Blog

Lindz’s guide at Wikiwemikong. Photo: Lindz/I’ve Been Bit! Travel Blog

Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Currently on its way to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is one of the coolest indigenous sites I’ve ever experienced. Located on the outskirts of Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park provides an incredible museum and cultural centre and acts as Canada’s longest-running archaeological dig site. The site dates back more than 6,000 years and is constantly churning up more and more artifacts.

During our visit, we watched some traditional hoop dancing, learned how to build a teepee and what each pole represents, learned all about the culture of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples, and got to take a peek at their bison herd, which was introduced back to the site in 2019.

Whether you want to stop by to visit the museum, take a walk on one of their trails, enjoy a meal at their on-site restaurant, or enjoy one of their teepee sleepovers, this is easily one of the top things to do in Saskatoon.

Recommended by Matthew Bailey from Must Do Canada

Wanaskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon. Photo: Matthew Bailey/Must Do Canada

Sundre Medicine Walk, Sundre, Alberta

Mahikan Trails Indigenous Experiences offers a medicine walk through the woods of Sundre. Sundre is a small town in the Canadian Rockies‘ foothills along the Cowboy Trail (or AB-22). It’s only a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary. This easy 1.5 km walk departs from the Sundre Visitor Information Centre.

I participated in this guided medicine walk in the fall; it was a fun experience and I learned a lot. Jordan was our guide for this Sundre medicine walk. He shared all of his family’s knowledge of medicinal plants. During this 1.5- to 2-hour walking tour, he showed us plants and trees that have medicinal properties.

With his Cree heritage, he has much to share about the different plants and trees and how they can be used for medicinal purposes. Halfway through the walk, we enjoyed mint tea and heard wonderful Cree stories.

The walk is suitable for all ages. We did it with our 3.5 and 5.5-year-old boys, and they were able to follow along. Mahikan Trails Indigenous Experiences also offers medicine walks in Banff at Cascade Pounds and canyon walks in Canmore. While in Sundre, you can also experience a unique glamping stay at Painted Warriors.

Recommended by Emilie from Love Life Abroad

Emilie’s kids enjoy the Sundre Medicine Walk. Photo: Emilie Brillon/Love Life Abroad

Gwaii Haanas National Park, Haida Gwaii, BC

Located in the southern half of the Haida Gwaii archipelago, Gwaii Haanas National Park is jointly managed by the Haida Nation and Parks Canada. In fact, Indigenous people were instrumental in the creation of the park through a decades-long protest movement to take control of their traditional territory and halt unsustainable logging in the area.

While the huge park protects lots of forests, beaches, and underwater habitats, the most popular sites are the five Haida Watchmen sites. These are important cultural sites staffed by two watchmen (who can be of any gender) from the Haida Nation.

Each of the Haida Watchmen sites is different, but they are all important cultural sites. The highlight is SGang Gwaay, a former village site on Anthony Island in the southern part of the park. It is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site of Canada.

When disease decimated the Haida population, they abandoned many of their traditional village sites. Later, settlers came and removed their carvings and other cultural items to display them in museums without Haida consent. Today, SGang Gwaay is the only village that still has most of its carved poles and house ruins.

When you arrive, a Haida Watchman will guide you around the island, explaining the carvings on the poles and the layout of the former village. I found it very moving to learn about a culture that was nearly wiped out and the Haida people who are now working to ensure it continues. Of all the places I’ve experienced Indigenous tourism in Canada, this is my favourite.

Like the rest of Gwaii Hanaas National Park, SGang Gwaay is only accessible by boat or kayak. You can travel independently, but since the area is remote and the weather is unpredictable, it’s best to take a tour from the town of Sandspit.

Recommended by Taryn Eyton of Dawn Outdoors

The carved poles at SGang Gwaay in Gwaii Haanas National Park. Photo: Taryn Eyton/Dawn Outdoors

Nass Valley (Nisga’a Territory), BC

The Nass Valley in Northern BC is unique because in 2000 the Nisga’a Nation signed the first modern treaty in Canada. Under the terms of the agreement, the Nisga’a govern their own territory. But while the political history is fascinating, most people visit the Nass Valley for its gorgeous volcanic scenery.

Located north of Terrace, the valley includes four villages and Anhluut’ukwsim Lax̱mihl Angwinga’asanakwhl Nisga’a (Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park). This huge area is the site of one of Canada’s most recent and deadliest volcanic eruptions, dating back to the late 1600s or early 1700s.

Today you can take a hike to Tseax Cone Volcano to see the source of all the lava with Steve Johnson, a local Nisga’a guide. His tour includes lots of info about geology and plants as well as Nisga’a oral history. I really enjoyed listening to Steve tell us the Nisga’a legend that explains the eruption.

All the geothermal in the area created the Higu Isgwit Hot Springs, which are great for a soak and are one of the best hot springs in Canada. The Nisga’a believe they are the dwelling place of a spirit, so you must book ahead and be respectful when you visit.

To really understand Nisga’a culture, you must visit the Nisga’a Museum in Laxgatls’ap. It has a huge collection of carvings, canoes, and regalia. Be sure to take the free guided tour. Two young Nisga’a women gave us a tour and explained the significance of everything we were seeing. Since my visit, Scotland’s National Museum returned a pole they stole nearly 100 years ago. When I visited, our guides explained that the museum was built with an empty space to accommodate the pole, so it was very exciting that it was finally returning home.

The Nass Valley is a one-hour drive from Terrace so you can visit it as a day trip. But I recommend spending at least one night in the valley, either at the Vetter Creek campground or at one of the Nisga’a-owned lodges and B&Bs.

Recommended by Taryn Eyton of Dawn Outdoors

The beautiful exterior of the Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park Visitor Centre. Photo: Taryn Eyton/Dawn Outdoors

Kitselas Canyon, Terrace, BC

Kitselas Canyon, a National Historic Site of Canada managed by the Gitselasu People, was a pleasant, spontaneous stop during my BC road trip. Tucked away along the Skeena River near the community of Gitaus, the canyon was once home to six ancestral villages and a fortified site. Today, it’s the perfect blend of history, culture, and nature.

Drive to the visitor center, just 15 minutes from Terrace. Since I visited during the shoulder season, I did a self-guided tour. The guided tours depart at 10 am and 1 pm, May-August. The admission fee of $10 helps support the maintenance and economic development of the community.

I first stopped at the four interpretive buildings representing the wolf, eagle, raven, and orca clans. Each longhouse hosts a unique collection of artifacts, historical information, and ecological displays. A highlight was a replica of the cave petroglyphs found in the region, likely created by shamans.

After a stroll through the forested trail, I came across an ancient dugout canoe, four stunning clan poles, and a trail fork. The right led me on a more strenuous adventure to the banks of the Skeena River; the left took me to an easy-to-access viewing platform. The information was limited for the self-guided experience. However, the highlight for me was the beautiful natural landscape and the feeling of connectedness to a place inhabited for over 6,000 years.

Recommended by Susanna Kelly-Shankar from Curiosity Saves Travel

Carvings at Kitselas Canyon. Photo: Susanna Kelly-Shankar/Curiosity Saves Travel

U’mista Cultural Centre, Alert Bay, BC

Alert Bay, BC is a small community on an island just off the coast of northern Vancouver Island. You can get there on a short ferry ride from the town of Port McNeill. About half of the island is a ‘Namgis First Nation reserve (the ‘Namgis are part of the larger Kwakwaka’wakw Nation).

Alert Bay is a great place to learn about Potlatch culture, a practice that is common to Indigenous people up and down the Pacific Northwest Coast. A Potlatches is a huge gift-giving feast where the hosts share food and gifts with attendees, who may travel great distances to be there.

Potlatches were illegal in Canada between 1884 and 1951. The Canadian government stole ceremonial masks and dance regalia used in potlatches and gave them to museums around the world. Since then, the Kwakwaka’wakw have worked hard to bring these ceremonial items home. Today some of them are on display at the U’mista Cultural Centre.

This excellent museum has great displays that explain potlatching as well as Kwakwaka’wakw history and culture. But the real highlight is the temperature-controlled cedar room with the dance masks and regalia on display.

After visiting the museum, you should also take a walk around the town to see the totem poles – there are dozens. Alert Bay is also the home of the world’s largest totem pole. It is 173 ft (53 m) tall. If you are hungry, be sure to stop at Duchess’ Bannock for some delicious bannock (fry bread) with berries and whipped cream.

Recommended by Taryn Eyton of Dawn Outdoors

The exterior of the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay. Photos are not allowed inside. Photo: Taryn Eyton/Dawn Outdoors

Wild Side Trail, Tofino, BC

If you want to combine backcountry hiking and Indigenous culture, visit the Wild Side Trail. The hike is in Ahousaht territory on Flores Island, which is a short water taxi ride from Tofino.

The trail starts in the village of Maaqtusiis and heads along the coast for 11 km before finishing at Cow Bay. From there you can hike back to the start or arrange to have a water taxi pick you up. You can hike the trail in one day, or split up your journey with a stay at one of three backcountry campgrounds along the way.

While the rainforest and coast scenery are reason enough to go, the hike is also an important historical route for the Ahousaht Nation. The trail passes many important locations in the Ahousaht-Otosaht war in the early 19th century. You can find more info on the significance of each place on beautifully painted interpretive signs.

You can also find culturally modified trees along the route. The best example is a huge old-growth cedar near the Kutcous River. It has a large square box cut out of it part way up. This was a way to test the inner wood of the tree to see if would make a good canoe. Further down the tree, the Ahousaht removed two long planks from the tree. This was done in such a way that the tree remains alive and healthy today.

You must obtain a permit from the Ahousaht Nation to hike the trail. You can do this on their website or at the Ahous Fuel Stop which is at the dock where the water taxi drops you off in Maaqtusiis. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Tofino, the Indigenous-owned Himwitsa Lodge is near the water taxi dock.

Recommended by Taryn Eyton of Dawn Outdoors

Hikers on the Wild Side Trail near Tofino

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler, BC

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is one of my top picks for the best things to do in Whistler. Each year millions of people visit Whistler to ski and hike without learning anything about the traditional Indigenous land they are visiting. The SLCC is an Indigenous-run museum. It explains the history and culture of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, the two Indigenous groups that have called the Whistler area home since time immemorial.

The museum has lots of excellent exhibits of Indigenous carving, clothing, and art, which are interesting on their own. But for me, the best part of the SLCC is the free guided tour. It begins with a welcome song and drumming. Then, a local guide from the Squamish or Lil’wat Nations walks you through the museum.

Your guide will explain the exhibits and also tell their own stories about their personal connections to the art and artifacts on display. On my most recent visit, our young Lil’wat guide showed us a cedar box used as a baby cradle and backpack. He explained that he had a similar box passed down from his grandparents and planned to use it for his baby. He also helped us understand the way the geography and drier climate north of Whistler influenced Lil’wat culture in ways that are different than Squamish culture to the south.

Don’t miss a visit to the gift shop. They have lots of great art, jewelry, clothing, and books. You can also try Indigenous-inspired food like Bannock tacos at the Thunderbird Cafe on the lower level. This gorgeous museum is located in the heart of Whistler in the Upper Village area.

The interior of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Photo: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre/Logan Swayze

Recommended by Taryn Eyton of Dawn Outdoors

Talaysay Tours, Vancouver, BC

Stanley Park is often described as Vancouver’s “Crown jewel,” but even that metaphor hints at its colonization. Taking a walking tour through the 1000-acre park with Talaysay Tours, an Indigenous-owned company, is one powerful way to take steps towards reconciliation.

I loved their Talking Trees tour, during which my Coast Salish guide told me about how the forest’s diverse trees and plants have been used by Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. He spoke about which trees are used to build longhouses (cedars) and which are good for fire-starting (Douglas firs). He described the processes of creating a dug-out canoe, carefully stripping cedar bark, and building temporary shelters.

My favourite parts were his personal stories, especially the one about his grandmother’s healing experience at a winter longhouse ceremony.

Stanley Park is located in downtown Vancouver, on a peninsula between Burrard Inlet and the harbour. The Talking Trees tour meets at the park’s bus loop (accessible by bus 19) and continues on local trails near Stanley Park Pavilion. We walked to landmark trees, like a tall Douglas fir, and stopped at Beaver Lake.

Talaysay offers different tours. Talking Totems, for example, focuses on the Stanley Park totem poles and explains the values of this Indigenous art form. Their Forest Bathing tour is a meditative outing during which the guide shares cultural teachings about the forest. If you want to stay nearby, try the Skwachays Lodge in downtown Vancouver. It is an Indigenous-owned boutique hotel with an art gallery and artist-in-residence program.

Recommended by Melanie Ferguson from Postcards & Places

Woven cedar headband. Photo: Melanie Ferguson/Postcards and Places

I hope you take the time to experience Indigenous tourism in Canada. The experiences in this post are just a starting point: there are lots of other great Indigenous tours, hotels, and experiences across our nation. Do you have another Indigenous tourism experience to recommend? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

The post Where to Experience Indigenous Tourism in Canada appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Camping Near Vancouver, BC: 40+ Best Campgrounds

Taryn Eyton — Fri, 05 May 2023 21:56:31 +0000

I grew up in Vancouver and went on my first camping trip at age five. Since then, I’ve been camping more times than I can remember. In this guide, I’ve got everything you need to know to find the best camping near Vancouver, BC.

Sometimes you want to go on a big road trip/camping vacation. But other times you just want to go on a quick and easy camping trip close to home. That’s what this post is about – the best campgrounds close to Vancouver.

All of the campgrounds in this post are within a three-hour drive of Vancouver. (Of course, if you live in in the far reaches of the Vancouver area, some campgrounds will be a bit further, but you get the idea.)

I’ve got picks for the Sea to Sky region, the Fraser Valley, and the Hope area. I also have a few picks from the Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island and Washington since even with a ferry ride or border crossing you can still squeak in under that three-hour limit.

I’m mostly a tent camper so the campgrounds in this post are geared mostly toward tent camping or RVing without hookups. You won’t find any parking lot-style deluxe RV parks in this post.

Instead, you’ll find picks for family-friendly campgrounds, mostly at parks. If you are up for a more rustic experience, I’ve also included a few recreation sites with fewer amenities and rough approach roads.

I’ve camped at many of the campgrounds on this list and visited lots more of them on day trips to go hiking or hit the beach. This list represents the best camping options near Vancouver. I’ve left off campgrounds that don’t get good reviews or ones that are closed.

In this massive guide to camping near Vancouver you’ll find:

A map of campgrounds near Vancouver that shows the exact location of every campground I mention in this post
My picks for camping in the Sea to Sky Region between West Vancouver and Pemberton
My picks for camping in the northern Fraser Valley from Maple Ridge to Harrison Hot Springs
My picks for camping in the southern Fraser Valley from Langley to Chilliwack
My picks for camping near Hope, including the Fraser Canyon and Highway 3
My picks for camping on Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island that aren’t too far from the ferry terminal
My picks for camping in Washington State that are close to the border
Where to go backcountry camping near Vancouver including 40 destinations
Vancouver camping FAQ to answer all your questions about camping near Vancouver

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Map of Campgrounds Near Vancouver

With so many great campgrounds near Vancouver, it can be hard to visualize where they are all located. I made this custom Google Map for you. It includes all the places to camp I mention in this post. Click through to zoom in.

Click the map to zoom in and see all the places to camp near Vancouver.

Where to Camp in the Sea to Sky Region

The Sea to Sky corridor is a popular place to camp thanks to easy access from Vancouver on Highway 99. The area is known for spectacular scenery, hiking, and mountain biking. Stop in the towns of Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton for supplies.

Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Located right on the shores of Howe Sound and just 45 minutes from downtown, Porteau Cove Provincial Park is one of the most popular places to camp near Vancouver. Many of the 60 sites are right on the ocean with incredible views. It has flush toilets and showers too. They have cute log cabins for rent too. Reservations required.

Psst! Porteau Cove is popular can get booked up really fast. One of the best ways to get a spot is to use an app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

Don’t want to sleep in a tent? My list of the best cabins near Vancouver has over 75 adorable cabin rental options.

The view from the pier at Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

The shaded Stawamus Chief Provincial Park campground is located at the base of the Stawamus Chief mountain just outside Squamish, perfect for hikers and rock climbers. Most of the 59 campsites are small walk-in sites. The campground has covered picnic shelters and pit toilets. All sites are first-come, first-served.

View of Squamish from the top of the Stawamus Chief

Alice Lake Provincial Park

Alice Lake Provincial Park in Squamish is one of my favourite Vancouver area campgrounds since it is the first place I went camping at age 5 and these days I live just down the road. It has 108 campsites. The lake has two sandy beaches with swimming docks and you can also rent a kayak or SUP. There are flush toilets and showers too. Reservations required.

South Beach at Alice Lake on a calm day

Cat Lake Recreation Site

The 48 walk-in sites at Cat Lake Recreation Site just north of Squamish are very popular. The small lake is fairly warm and there are three different swimming docks. The campground has pit toilets but no drinking water. All sites are first-come, first-served and fill up very fast on weekends.

The doc at Cat Lake on a fall day.

Squamish Valley Recreation Sites

If you’re willing to rough it, there are lots of rustic campgrounds in the Squamish River Valley. Most are right on the Squamish River. You will need to drive on bumpy logging roads to reach them, but 2WD cars will usually be fine. Heads up: Most of these sites don’t have toilets or other facilities. All sites are first-come, first-served and free. The best options are Squamish Riverside, High Falls, Hideaway, Squamish-Elaho, and Molson Memorial.

Want more camping options in Squamish? Check out my Squamish camping guide. It includes 22 campgrounds.

Cal-Cheak Recreation Site

The Cal-Cheak Recreation Site is located just south of Whistler, but somehow it is still a bit under the radar. It includes three separate camping areas with 55 total campsites on the Cheakmus River and Callaghan Creek. The sites are rustic with pit toilets and no water. All sites are first-come, first-served.

Nairn Falls Provincial Park

I love the campground at Nairn Falls Provincial Park even though it is right at the edge of the three-hour drive from Vancouver zone. It’s a short drive to both Whistler and Pemberton and there is a great hiking trail to a beautiful waterfall. You can also hike (or drive) to nearby One Mile Lake to go swimming. The campground has 94 campsites, pit toilets, and a water pump. Reservations required.

Nairn Falls

Want more camping options in Whistler? Check out my Whistler camping guide. It includes 17 campgrounds.

Where to Camp in the North Fraser Valley

If you’re looking for a campground really close to Vancouver, the ones in the northern part of the Fraser Valley are great options. There is great camping near Maple Ridge, Mission, and Harrison Hot Springs.

Golden Ears Provincial Park

There are three big campgrounds at Golden Ears Provincial Park in Maple Ridge with over 400 campsites. It is one of the most popular places to go camping near Vancouver since it is so close. All three are on the shores of Alouette Lake and have access to a beach and nearby hiking trails. Alouette and Gold Creek campgrounds have showers and flush toilets. North Beach Campground has pit toilets. Reservations required.

Heads up: Day passes are required at Golden Ears Provincial Park in summer. However, if you have a camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass.

Psst! Golden Ears is popular can get booked up really fast. One of the best ways to get a spot is to use an app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

Gold Creek in Golden Ears Park

Rolley Lake Provincial Park

Rolley Lake Provincial Park is a small park with 65 campsites near Stave Falls in between Maple Ridge and Mission. It has a small warm lake with an easy hiking trail around it. There is also a short spur trail to a waterfall. The campground has flush toilets and showers too. Reservations required.

The waterfall at Rolley Lake Provincial Park

Stave Lake Recreation Sites

If you are looking for more rustic camping, check out the recreation sites near Stave Lake. Some campsites are on the huge lake while others are on smaller lakes or creeks. You will need to drive on bumpy gravel roads to get there, but most sites are 2WD-accessible. All of the campgrounds have pit toilets and no water source. The best options are Rock Creek (48 sites), Kearsley Creek (65 sites), Rocky Point (18 sites), and Sayres Lake (37 sites), all managed by Stave West Camping. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

Kilby Park Campground

The Kilby Park Campground is located at Kilby Provincial Park, which is home to a historic museum that shows what life was like at a rural general store in the early 1900s. The 41-site campground has great views and sandy beaches since it is at the confluence of the Fraser and Harrison Rivers. The campground has pit toilets and water taps. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

Harrison Lake Rec Sites

There are lots of rustic campsites on Harrison Lake and the nearby Lakes. The roads to access the sites are rough and I recommend AWD or 4WD. All the campgrounds have pit toilets and no water. On the west side of the lake, you can stay at Chelahis River (100 sites), Grace Lake (10 sites), Twenty Mile Bay (51 sites), Weaver Lake (37 sites), and Wood Lake (28 sites), all managed by West Harrison Camping. The Cascade Peninsula (24 sites), Bear Creek (40 sites), and Cogburn Beach sites are managed by Harrison East Camping and are located on the east side of the lake. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

Sasquatch Provincial Park

Located near Harrison Hot Springs, Sasquatch Provincial Park is a popular campground near Vancouver. The park has three campgrounds (Hicks Lake, Bench, and Lakeside) with a combined 178 campsites on two different lakes (Hicks Lake and Deer Lake). The lakes are small so they have warm water for swimming. There is also a day-use area on nearby Harrison Lake. All of the campgrounds have pit toilets and water taps or pumps. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

Where to Camp in the South Fraser Valley

The southern part of the Fraser Valley has lots of options for camping. You can camp on the Fraser River in Fort Langley, at Cultus Lake, in the Chilliwack River Valley, or at popular Jones Lake between Chilliwack and Hope.

Fort Camping

One of the most unique places to camp in Vancouver is at Fort Camping. It is located in Brae Island Regional Park, which is on a small island right next to Fort Langley. You can walk from one of the 156 campsites right into the village to shop or eat, then head back to your wooded campsite and go for a hike. This campground has all the facilities including flush toilets, showers, laundry, and wi-fi. Reservations required.

Sunnyside Campground

Sunnyside Campground is a huge, family-friendly, private campground on the shores of Cultus Lake in Chilliwack. It has over 350 sites, access to a great beach, and is close to popular attractions like the waterslides, mini golf, and adventure park. It has tons of amenities including flush toilets, showers, laundry, playgrounds, and boat rentals. Reservations required.

Cultus Lake Provincial Park

Heading to Cultus Lake is a popular summer tradition for Vancouverites. Cultus Lake Provincial Park is on the east side of the lake, so it feels quieter than the busy main beach area. It has four campgrounds (Entrance Bay, Clear Creek, Delta Grove, and Maple Bay), with over 300 campsites, all of which have access to beaches. The campgrounds all have flush toilets and showers. Reservations required.

Chilliwack River Recreation Sites

If you prefer to be a bit more off-the-grid, check out the Recreation Sites along the Chilliwack River. Most of the sites have paved road access, but some are on gravel roads that can be bumpy. All of the campgrounds have pit toilets and no water. Chilliwack Valley Campsites manages Tamihi Rapids (10 sites), Riverside (15 sites), Thurston Meadows (76 sites), Tamihi West (88 sites), Tamihi East (17 sites), Chipmunk Peninsula (22 sites), and Rapids (23 sites) campgrounds. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

The large campground at Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park is divided into five loops so the 182 campsites all feels quiet. All loops are a short walk from the beach and boat launch on Chilliwack Lake. There are also lots of hiking trails nearby. In Halq’eméylem, the language of the Indigenous Stó:lō people, the lake is called S⨱ótsaqel (pronounced Skot-sakel) which means “sacred lake”. The campground has pit toilets and water taps. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

Chilliwack Lake

Jones Lake Recreation Area

Jones Lake is a BC Hydro reservoir between Chilliwack and Hope. It is a popular place for rustic camping since it is on a gorgeous mountain lake. The road to get there can be rough – a 4WD vehicle is required. There are three campgrounds on the lake. The two main areas are on the north side of the lake at Boulder Creek (37 sites total). There is another campground on the west side of the lake (18 sites). All three areas have pit toilets but no water. All sites are first-come, first-served.

Where to Camp Near Hope

The tiny town of Hope sits at the eastern edge of Greater Vancouver. There are several good campgrounds nearby, both in town, on Highway 3, and in the Fraser Canyon.

Silver Lake Provincial Park

Silver Lake is a bit off-the-beaten-path. It’s a short drive from Hope on the gravel Silver-Skagit Road. The small lake is great for fishing and swimming. The campground has only 25 sites, so it’s pretty quiet. There are pit toilets and water pumps. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

E.C. Manning Provincial Park

I love camping at Manning Park. It’s only 45 minutes from Hope, but since it is over a mountain pass, it can be much warmer and less rainy than Vancouver. The park has a great beach at Lightning Lake (even though the water is cold) and some of the best hiking in BC. There are 373 campsties spread across four campgrounds (Cold Spring, Hampton, Lightning Lake, and Mule Deer) as well as an RV park (Skyview). Skyview, Lightning Lakes, and Hampton have flush toilets and showers. Cold Spring and Mule Deer have pit toilets. All campgrounds have water taps or pumps. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available. If you’d rather stay in a cabin, Manning Park Resort has lots.

Psst! Lightning Lake is popular can get booked up really fast. One of the best ways to get a spot is to use an app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

Lightning Lakes at Manning Park

Don’t want to rough it? Check out my list of the best cabins near Vancouver. It has dozens of options.

Coquihalla Campground

The private Coquihalla Campground is right on the banks of the Coquihalla River and within walking distance of downtown Hope, making it a great option for camping near Vancouver. The campground has over 100 campsites and lots of amenities including showers, flush toilets, laundry, wi-fi, a playground, and a BBQ shelter. Reservations required.

Emory Creek Provincial Park

This small park is 15 minutes north of Hope on the Fraser River. It’s not well-known, so it doesn’t get too busy. The riverside location makes Emory Creek Provincial Park great for fishing, but the water is too fast and cold for swimming. The park has 35 campsites, cold water taps, and flush toilets. All sites are first-come, first-served.

Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island

If you don’t mind catching a short ferry, it’s possible to get to a campsite near Vancouver in under three hours… including ferry time. In this section I have picks for campgrounds on the Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands, and near Victoria and Nanaimo.

Roberts Creek Provincial Park

This small 21-site campground is a great base for exploring the Sunshine Coast. Roberts Creek Provincial Park is a quick drive to the towns of Gibsons or Sechelt. Or you can walk 20 minutes down the hill to the beach and day-use area. The park has pit toilets and water taps. All sites are first-come, first-served.

Porpoise Bay Provincial Park

Porpoise Bay Provincial Park is one of my favourite places on the Sunshine Coast. When I lived in Gibsons, I loved coming here. The campground is on the quiet waters of Sechelt Inlet and has a beautiful sandy beach with shallow water. It is also a quick 5-minute drive to Sechelt. There are 94 campsites, showers, flush toilets, and water taps. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

A kayaker in the calm waters of Porpoise Bay

Looking for things to do on the Sunshine Coast? I used to live there so I’ve got a huge guide to the best things to see on the Sunshine Coast.

Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park

This campground on Galiano Island has a beautiful setting. My sister used to live nearby and I loved walking on the beach here. Montague Harbour Provincial Park has a great swimming beach and a beautiful short hiking trail. Most of the 44 campsites are walk-in and a few are right on the water. The park has pit toilets and water taps. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

Beach walking at Montague Harbour

I love hiking and biking on Galiano Island. Read my guide to the best outdoor adventures on Galiano Island for the details.

Prior Centennial Campground

Prior Centennial Campground is located on sleepy Pender Island. It’s part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. The small, 17-site, forested campground makes a great base for exploring the island’s beaches and hiking trails. There are pit toilets and water taps. Reservations required.

Ruckle Provincial Park

Salt Spring Island’s Ruckle Provincial Park is one of my favourite places to go camping near Vancouver. Most of the 90 sites are walk-ins, set in a meadow with a view of the ocean. The park also has great oceanside hiking trails. And you can make the short drive into the town of Ganges to visit the farmer’s market on Saturdays. The campground has water taps and pit toilets. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

Camping at Ruckle Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island

SMONEĆTEN (McDonald) Campground

This 49-site forested campground is located near the Swartz Bay ferry terminal on Vancouver Island’s Saanich Peninsula. SMONEĆTEN (McDonald) Campground is part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. It’s a quick drive to the town of Sidney or you can bike the nearby Lochside Trail. The campground has pit toilets and water taps. In the language of the Indigenous W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, SMONEĆTEN (pronounced smaw-nich-ton) means “place of pitch” as it was a good place to collect pitch from Douglas fir trees. The pitch (also called sap) was used for starting fires and sealing canoes. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

Goldstream Provincial Park

Find Goldstream Provincial Park on the outskirts of Victoria at the entrance to the Malahat Highway. It’s a large park spread out on both sides of the highway. The campground with 173 sites is in the quiet southwest corner of the park. You can hike right from the campground, or make the short drive to the Lower Goldstream Trail and Nature House. The campground has flush toilets, showers, and water taps. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

Hiking at Goldstream Provincial Park

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

The huge beach at Rathtrevor Provincial Park is one of the nicest beaches on Vancouver Island. At low tide, there is nearly 1 km of sand. The park is near the town of Parksville, about 30 minutes north of Nanaimo. The campground is huge with 250 sites, but they are all a short walk to the beach. There are showers, flush toilets, and water taps. Reservations required.

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

The campground at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is set in a beautiful forest 45 minutes north of Nanaimo. Hike to the waterfall, swim in the chilly river, or drive into nearby Parksville for dinner or a visit to the beach. The campground has 104 site, flush toilets, and water taps. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

The swimming hole at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

Located 45 minutes north of Nanaimo near Coombs, Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park includes spectacular waterfalls in a tight canyon and lots of hiking trails. It’s a short drive to the sandy beach at Qualicum Beach or the day-use area at Cameron Lake. The 96-site campground has flush toilets and water taps. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

Where to Camp in Washington State

If you’re willing to drive across the border, there are lots of great campgrounds in Washington State within 3 hours of Vancouver. Many of campgrounds are right on the ocean too!

Birch Bay State Park

This beachfront state park is just 15 minutes south of the border. Birch Bay State Park has a huge rocky beach that is great for low-tide exploring or digging for clams. The campground has 169 sites, flush toilets, showers, water taps, a playground, a basketball court, and wi-fi. Reservations required.

Larrabee State Park

Larrabee State Park is located along Chuckanut Drive, which is one of my favourite scenic drives in Washington as it curls through the forest above the ocean. It is also close to Bellingham which has great shopping and restaurants. The 122-site campground is a short walk from the beach and there are also great hiking trails in the hills nearby. There are showers, flush toilets, and water taps. Reservations required.

Rasar State Park

This park is a bit of a hidden gem, nestled beside the Skagit River on Highway 20 on the way to North Cascades National Park. Rasar State Park has lots of hiking trails through the forest and alongside the Skagit River, which is great for fishing. The campground has 49 campsites, flush toilets, showers, and water taps. Reservations required.

Bay View State Park

Bay View State Park is a small park right on the ocean with 76 campsites. It is located near some of my favourite small towns in Washington: Mount Vernon, La Conner, and Anacortes, all of which are worth exploring. There are showers, flush toilets, and water taps. Reservations required.

Deception Pass State Park

I love camping at Deception Pass State Park. It’s my favourite place to camp in Washington. There are 311 campsites across three campgrounds: Bowman Bay, Quarry Pond, and the main campground, which includes Lower Loops A and B as well as Forest Loop. Bowman is my favourite since it is the closest to the beach, but the main campground is nice too. The hiking is outstanding with lots of super-picturesque coastal trails that aren’t too hard. You also can’t beat the view from the Deception Pass bridge. All of the campgrounds have flush toilets, showers, and water taps. Reservations required.

The view of Deception Pass bridge from the hiking trails

Fort Ebey State Park

Fort Ebey State Park is another camping option on Whidbey Island, a few minutes past Deception Pass. The park was a fortified gun station during WWII and the tunnels are fun to explore by flashlight. The coastal setting is gorgeous with great hiking and a beach. The 50-site campground has showers, flush toilets, and water taps. Reservations required.

Fort Casey State Park

This is another WWII historical site a little further south on Whidbey Island. Today you can explore the bunkers and visit the lighthouse. Fort Casey State Park is also next to the ferry to Port Townsend, which makes a fun day trip. The park has 35 campsites, showers, flush toilets, and water taps. Reservations required.

Camano Island State Park

This quiet state park is located on Camano Island between Everett and Bellingham. It has a rocky beach and some short hiking trails. There is also a dock that is great for crab fishing. Camano Island State Park campground has 79 campsites, flush toilets, and water taps. Reservations required.

Backcountry Camping

If you are prepared to hike in all of your gear, there are lots of great places to go backcountry camping near Vancouver. You can hike to glacier lakes, mountain peaks, and gorgeous river valleys.

The backcountry campground at Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park

I actually wrote an entire book called Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. It includes details on 40 backpacking trips near Vancouver.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos
Advice for extending your trip
Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Camping Near Vancouver FAQ

What is the closest provincial park campground to Vancouver?

Porteau Cove Provincial Park to the north on Highway 99 and Golden Ears Provincial Park are the closest provincial park campgrounds to Vancouver.

Where can you camp for free near Vancouver?

A few of the rustic recreation sites in the Squamish Valley are free, but they don’t have any toilets or water. All other campgrounds are paid. You also camp for free on Crown Land. However, this usually means camping on a rough logging road that may require a 4×4 vehicle to access. If you camp on Crown Land, please pack all garbage out with you and dig a hole to go to the bathroom in. You are not allowed to camp near cities or towns or on the side of non-logging roads.

How much does it cost to camp near Vancouver?

Most provincial park campgrounds cost $25-35 per night. Recreation sites are typically $15-20 per night. Private campgrounds usually cost $35-55 per night without hookups.

Do you need reservations to camp near Vancouver?

In most cases, you need to make a reservation during the summer months. Some campgrounds have a small number of first-come, first-serve sites available but they fill up fast. Don’t expect to show up on a Friday or Saturday and get a site without a reservation.

What can I do if I can’t find a campsite reservation for my dates?

Keep checking the reservation website because people cancel their trips and sites become available. Or you can pay a service like Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you, then send you an alert the minute something becomes available.

Are there bears at campgrounds near Vancouver?

Yes. Most campgrounds on this list are in bear country. Keep a clean campsite by storing all food and scented items in your car or RV. Don’t put them in your tent or leave them out on your picnic table. Read more about bear safety for campers.

When is the best time to go camping near Vancouver?

Most campgrounds are open between May and September. A few are open in the spring and fall or even year-round. The weather is warmest and driest in July and August. Weekends can be very busy in summer so be sure to make a reservation well in advance.

What are the types of campgrounds near Vancouver?

Most of the Vancouver campgrounds are in provincial parks, managed by BC Parks. There are also lots of Recreation Sites, some of which are managed by private companies on contract. Parks Canada also manages a few places to camp in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. You can also camp at a few private campgrounds. And south of the border, there are lots of campgrounds in Washington State Parks. Each agency has its own rules, fees, and reservation policies so be sure to do some research while planning your trip.

Can you have a campfire when you camp near Vancouver?

Most campgrounds near Vancouver allow campfires as long as there is no fire ban. Most campsites have their own fire pit or fire ring, but at some campgrounds, you will have to share. During forest fire season (typically mid-July to early September) there may be a campfire ban province-wide. If there is a fire ban, you can still use propane-powered fire pits.

Do campgrounds near Vancouver have flush toilets?

Some campgrounds near Vancouver have flush toilets (about half of the campgrounds on this list). However, they may only have flush toilets in one central building and pit toilets (outhouses) in the rest of the campground. All of the campground descriptions above state whether a campground has flush toilets or pit toilets.

Do campgrounds near Vancouver have showers?

In the past, very few places to camp near Vancouver had showers – you mostly had to go to private campgrounds and RV parks. However, that is changing and several provincial parks now have showers. All of the campground descriptions above state whether a campground has showers.

Where can you camp with your dog in Vancouver?

Dogs are allowed at all campgrounds in Vancouver, however, they have to be on a leash except in designated off-leash areas. Dogs are not allowed at some backcountry (hike-in) campgrounds.

What can I do if the campground is fully booked for the days I want to go?

Use an app like Campnab or Schnerp to let you know the minute there is some availability. My guide to camping cancellation apps explains how they work and which one is better.

Now that you have all the info for over 40 campgrounds near Vancouver, have fun planning your camping trip. Do you have questions about camping near Vancouver? Or is there an awesome Vancouver campground that you think should also be on this list? Leave them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

The post Camping Near Vancouver, BC: 40+ Best Campgrounds appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC in 2026

Taryn Eyton — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 21:07:34 +0000

British Columbia’s wilderness is spectacular, so it’s no surprise that backpacking and backcountry camping are popular. I’ve been backpacking in BC for decades (and I even wrote a book about it), so I’ve put together a complete guide on how to make backcountry camping reservations in BC.

While there are literally hundreds of places to go backpacking in BC without reservations, the most popular spots require advance booking. This post breaks down how to book backcountry campsites in BC Provincial Parks (run by BC Parks), National Parks in BC (run by Parks Canada), and a few independent locations (run by hiking clubs).

I’ve also got tons of helpful tips you can navigate the whole process of booking backcountry camping in BC with ease.

This post includes:

What is backcountry camping? How is it different from other kinds of camping?
Backcountry camping in BC Parks – Which parks require reservations and which require permit registrations? And what’s the difference between the two?
Backcountry camping in Canadian National Parks – How to make reservations for the West Coast Trail, the Rockwall Trail, Banff National Park, and more.
Backcountry camping at campgrounds run by hiking clubs – How to make reservations at backcountry huts as well as Watersprite Lake and Tenquille Lake
BC Backcountry camping FAQ – I’ll answer all your questions about booking backcountry camping in BC

What is Backcountry Camping?

If you’ve never heard the term, you might be wondering: What is backcountry camping?

In the outdoor community, the terms “backcountry” and “frontcountry” are used to mentally separate the outdoors. The backcountry is generally a wilderness area accessed via trails, not roads. The frontcountry is an area of wilderness or nature that is easy to access via road.

Want explanations for more outdoor slang? Check out my list of over 300 hiking terms with definitions.

Frontcountry camping means a drive-in campsite. Backcountry camping is when you hike to your campsite – usually at least 1 km but often much more.

In the frontcountry, campsites often have picnic tables, toilets (flush or pit), as well as water taps or pumps.

In the backcountry, campsites sometimes (but not always) have pit toilets and rarely have picnic tables or other amenities. You will need to collect and filter water from a lake or stream.

If you camp in the backcountry, you need to be prepared to Leave No Trace and practice bear safety.

If you’ve never been backpacking before, read my guide to Backpacking for Beginners. It has lots of tips for getting started. You should also check out my list of 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners.

Backcountry camping at Wedgemount Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Where Do You Want to Go Backpacking?

The first thing you need to do is decide where you want to go backpacking. Find out which park your backcountry campsite is in. In British Columbia, several different organizations regulate backcountry camping.

BC Parks: Regulates backcountry camping in BC Provincial Parks such as Garibaldi, Cape Scott, Strathcona, Assiniboine, and dozens of others. Click here to jump to the BC Parks section of this post.
Parks Canada: Regulates backcountry camping in Canadian National Parks including Pacific Rim (West Coast Trail), Banff, Yoho, and several others. Click here to jump to the Parks Canada section of this post.
Hiking clubs: In a few places, hiking clubs are in charge of managing reservations for backcountry campgrounds and huts. Click here to jump to the hiking clubs section of this post.

Backcountry Camping in BC Parks

There are two types of backcountry bookings in BC Parks: reservations and registrations. Understanding the difference between the two can be confusing at first, but I promise, it’s not that complicated.

The short answer is that a reservation reserves a site and is only required at five parks. A registration is basically just paying camping fees and registering that you will be in the park’s backcountry. It does not reserve a site and is required at 29 parks. (Note: registrations are sometimes called permits – BC Parks’ language is not consistent.)

Tons of BC Parks do not require backcountry reservations or registrations – you can just show up! See my How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations post for ideas.

Here’s a chart that explains the differences between reservations and registrations:

	BC Parks Backcountry Reservations	BC Parks Backcountry Permit Registrations
Which parks?	Required for Garibaldi, Joffre, Mount Robson (Berg Lake), Bowron Lakes, Manning (Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek only), and Assiniboine Provincial Parks	Required for 29 provincial parks including Cape Scott, Chilliwack Lake, Golden Ears, and Juan de Fuca (See below for the full list)
Is it a reservation?	Yes. Reserves a site in a specific campground for a specific date(s). Does not reserve a specific site – you choose once you get there.	No. Does not reserve a site (all sites in these parks are first-come, first-served) but does allow you to camp in the backcountry
When to book?	Reserve online in advance (up to 3 months in advance for Garibaldi, Joffre, Manning, and Assiniboine – specific dates for Bowron and Berg Lake)	Pay online up to two weeks in advance. (At some parks you can pay with cash and self-register in person.
Who do you book for?	Reserve the number of tent pads you need, as well as the number of people in your group.	Purchase a backcountry permit registration for each person in your group.
Do they sell out?	Yes. Bookings are limited to the number of tent pads in each campground. Once they are all booked up, it’s full.	No. An unlimited number of permit registrations are available for each park.
How much?	The reservation fee is $6 per night per tent pad, up to a max of $18. You must also pay $5-10 per person per night for camping fees.	Camping fees are $5-10 per person per night and vary by park.
Max booking size?	Maximum two tents and four people per tent pad. Maximum three tent pads per reservation.	No restrictions on the number of tents or people
More info	Jump to the BC Parks Backcountry Reservations section of this post	Jump to the BC Parks Backcountry Permit Registration section of this post

Enjoying the view from the top of Panorama Ridge in Garibaldi Provincial Park

How to Make BC Parks Backcountry Reservations

If you want to stay at Garibaldi, Joffre, Mount Assiniboine, Bowron, some campgrounds at Manning Park, and Mount Robson (Berg Lake) Provincial Parks, you must make a reservation. There are no first-come, first-served, stand-by or overflow sites.

Looking to plan a trip to these parks? Here’s some info to get you started:

My Joffre Lakes hiking guide, my Elfin Lakes hiking guide, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia has everything you need to know to backpack in Joffre, Manning, and Garibaldi Provincial Parks
My Berg Lake Trail guide has a complete overview of this gorgeous 23 km trail
My Bowron Lakes guide has info on this epic 110 km canoe circuit
My huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide has info on planning trips to the Assiniboine core area via six different approach routes.

To make reservations, go to camping.bcparks.ca. Select “Backcountry” from the blue bar at the top and then select “Backcountry Reservation” (or “Canoe Circuit” for Bowron reservations). On mobile, you will need to use the small > to scroll to the right to see these options.

Here are a few tips and tricks to know about BC Parks backcountry reservations:

The reservation site is MUCH easier to use on desktop so avoid mobile if you can. Test out the site ahead of time to get familiar with it. You can also book by phone, but it costs more and you will wait on hold for a long time.
Pay attention to reservation opening dates. As of 2024, reservations for Garibaldi, Joffre, Assiniboine, Manning (Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek) open at 7 am PT 3 months before your trip. Bowron has its own reservation date in the fall of the previous year. See my 2024 backpacking reservation dates guide for more info.
For a better chance at getting the reservation date you want, have everyone in your group online trying to book sites as soon as reservations open. Use a text thread to communicate.
If you log on to the site at 7 am and all the sites are gone, don’t freak out. Reservations are held in people’s carts for 15 minutes. At about 7:15(ish) some of the sites will become available again as people didn’t complete the check-out process.
You can book more than one consecutive night at once. For example, if you want to arrive on July 25 and stay for 4 nights, you can reserve all 4 nights starting on March 25.
Weekends in July and August are the most popular. To ensure you get a weekend, try starting your trip on a Friday (or even a Thursday) so you can make your booking a day or two earlier.
You need to set up an account on the BC Parks site to make reservations. Make one in advance so you don’t waste time on the day reservations open.
At some times of year (spring, fall, winter) reservations are not required or the park may be closed to backcountry camping in the winter. Check the park website for details – the reservation website may not have clear info.
When you make your reservation, you are booking the number of tent pads you need (up to 3) and the number of people in your group (up to 4 people per tent pad). The tent pads vary in size but are small. Plan to fit one 3- or 4-person tent on each pad or two 1- or 2-person tents.
Your reservation guarantees you a tent pad, but you can’t book a specific campsite. You will need to choose an empty site when you arrive.
Note: Bowron reservations are quite different. For Bowron, you reserve your start date for the full canoe circuit or the west side only. You don’t reserve specific campgrounds. See my Bowron Lakes guide for more details.
In Garibaldi, Manning, and Assiniboine you can book an itinerary that includes more than one campground.
Under BC Park’s policies, you are not allowed to change the reservation holder or sell your reservation to someone else. If you do, your reservation will be void.
Your reservation info will be sent to you by email. It often gets stuck in your spam folder. You need to bring a copy of your reservation with you when you come to the park. You can print it out or carry a screenshot on your phone. Park rangers may ask to see it.

Enjoying the view above Berg Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park

BC Parks Backcountry Camping and Reservation Fees

Camping fees in Garibaldi, Mount Robson and Assiniboine Provincial Parks:

$10/night for adults (16 and older)
$5/night for kids (6-15)
Free for kids 5 and under

Camping fees in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park and Manning Provincial Park:

$5/night per person (6 and older)
Free for kids 5 and under

Reservation fees for all parks:

$6/tent pad/night up to a max of $18 per tent pad

Didn’t Get the Dates You Wanted? Check Cancellations!

Since BC Parks doesn’t let you sell or transfer reservations, there are lots of cancellations. Check the system regularly to see if anything becomes available.

You can also signup for Schnerp or Campnab. These sites scan reservation sites for you and sends you an email or text if something becomes available for your dates and campgrounds. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps for my full review of both apps. Spoiler: one gets you more for your money.

Or use my list of places to go backpacking in BC without reservations and plan an awesome trip somewhere else.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

How to Get a BC Parks Backcountry Registration Permit

As of 2024, BC Parks Backcountry Registration Permits are required at 29 provincial parks. Here’s the list of parks where you need to get a backcountry permit:

Akamina-Kishinena (Rockies)
Bugaboo (Kootenays)
Cape Scott (Vancouver Island) – Read my Cape Scott and North Coast Trail guides and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island for more info
Cathedral (Okanagan) – See my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, for backpacking trip info
Desolation Sound (Sunshine Coast – water access only)
Dionisio Point (Gulf Islands – water access only)
Discovery Island (Gulf Islands – water access only)
E.C. Manning (Vancouver area) – Note: backcountry registration permits apply to all campgrounds except Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek, which require reservations. See my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, for backpacking trip info
Elk Lakes (Rockies)
Golden Ears (Vancouver area) – See my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, for backpacking trip info
Halkett Bay (Vancouver area – water access only)
Inland Lake (Sunshine Coast)
Jedediah Island (Gulf Islands – water access only)
Juan de Fuca (Vancouver Island) – See my Juan de Fuca Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island for more info
Kokanee Glacier (Kootenays)
Main Lake (Gulf Islands)
Monashee (Okanagan)
Mount Robson (Rockies) – Note: backcountry registration permits apply only to the less popular Fitzwilliam Trail and Moose River Route – you need a reservation for the Berg Lake Trail. See my Berg Lake Trail guide for more info
Pilot Bay (Kootenays)
Pirate’s Cove (Gulf Islands – water access only)
Raft Cove (Vancouver Island) – See my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island, for more info
S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake (Vancouver Area) – See my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, for backpacking trip info
Strathcona (Vancouver Island) – See my Della Falls Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island, for more info
Top of the World (Rockies)
Tweedmuir South (Chilcotin)
Wallace Island (Gulf Islands – water access only)
Wells Gray (Thompson-Okanagan)
Whiteswan Lake (Kootenays)

To make reservations, go to camping.bcparks.ca. Select “Backcountry” from the blue bar at the top and then select “Backcountry Registration” On mobile, you will need to use the small “>” to scroll to the right to see these options.

Here are a few tips and tricks to know about BC Parks backcountry registration permits:

The reservation site is MUCH easier to use on desktop so avoid mobile if you can. You can also pay by phone, but it costs more and you will wait on hold for a long time.
You can buy your backcountry registration permit online up to two weeks before your trip. If you try to buy one earlier than that, it won’t be available for purchase.
At some parks, you can self-register and pay in-person with cash. However, this is not available at all parks so it is best to do it online.
When you register you will need to give your arrival and departure dates and select a park entry and exit point. This is just for park information gathering and safety in case you go missing – it is not an enforced itinerary. (BUT your backcountry permit doesn’t replace a trip plan, which you should always leave with a friend.)
At some times of year (spring, fall, winter) registration permits are not required or the park may be closed to backcountry camping. Check the park website for details – the reservation website may not have clear info.
A backcountry permit does NOT guarantee you a campsite. It is just a way of paying backcountry camping fees. There is no limit on the number of backcountry permits sold. All campsites are first-come, first-served.
Under BC Park’s policies, you are not allowed to change the registration permit holder or sell your permit to someone else. If you do, your permit will be void.
Your permit info will be sent to you by email. It often gets stuck in your spam folder. You need to bring a copy of your permit with you when you come to the park. You can print it out or carry a screenshot on your phone. Park rangers may ask to see it.

BC Parks Backcountry Registration Permit Fees

Camping fees vary by park. They are typically:

$5-10/night for adults (16 and older)
$5/night for kids (6-15)
Free for kids 5 and under

Camping on the beach on the North Coast Trail in Cape Scott Provincial Park

Backcountry Camping in Canadian National Parks

There are several Canadian National Parks in British Columbia that offer backcountry camping. With very few exceptions, you must make reservations to backcountry camp in National Parks.

Here’s a run-down of the Canadian National Parks in (and near) British Columbia with backcountry camping:

Banff National Park – 51 backcountry campgrounds including Egypt Lake spread across the park (requires reservations) and two large random camping areas (first-come, first-served – requires wilderness permit)
Glacier National Park – Hermit Meadows (requires reservations) and Sir Donald (first-come, first-served – requires wilderness permit)
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve – Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island (requires reservations) and several other water-access-only locations (first-come, first-served, no permits)
Jasper National Park – 88 backcountry campgrounds including the Skyline Trail spread across the park (requires reservations)
Kootenay National Park – Rockwall Trail (requires reservations)
Mount Revelstoke National Park – Eva and Jade Lakes (requires reservations)
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – West Coast Trail, Keeha Beach, Broken Group Island (requires reservations)
Yoho National Park – Lake O’Hara, Iceline, Yoho Valley (requires reservations)
Waterton National Park – 10 backcountry campgrounds across the park (requires reservations)

How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in Canadian National Parks

To make reservations, go to reservation.pc.gc.ca. Select “Backcountry” from the green bar at the top. On mobile, you will need to use the small “>” to scroll to the right to see this option.

At the next step, you have a choice between “Backcountry”, “Backcountry Zone”, and “West Coast Trail”. Check the park drop-down to figure out if the park you want is under “Backcountry” or “Backcountry Zone”.

Here are a few tips and tricks to know about Canadian National Park backcountry reservations:

The reservation site is MUCH easier to use on desktop so avoid mobile if you can. Test out the site ahead of time to get familiar with it. You can also book by phone, but you will wait on hold for a long time and the reservation fee is a bit higher.
Pay attention to reservation opening dates. Each park has its own reservation opening date, typically in January or February. (Note: In 2024, reservations open in mid-January and early February). See my BC backpacking reservation dates guide for a full run-down of dates.
Pay attention to reservation opening times. Reservations open at 8 am local time in the time zone that the park is in. So for example, West Coast Trail reservations (Pacific Rim National Park) open at 8 am Pacific time while Rockwall Trail reservations (Kootenay National Park) open at 8 am Mountain time.
You need to set up an account on the Parks Canada site to make reservations. Make one in advance so you don’t waste time on the day reservations open.
On the date that reservations open, make sure you are online and logged in to your account 15-20 minutes early. Anyone who is on the site before reservations go live will be randomly placed in a queue. If you log on to the site after reservations go live, you will be at the back of the line.
For a better chance at getting the reservation date you want, have everyone in your group online trying to book sites the day that reservations open. Use a text thread to communicate and see who gets the best place in the queue.
Use as many devices and browsers as you can. The system lets you try for a reservation on multiple computers, tablets, and phones. You can also use different browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Safari) in both regular and incognito/private mode. Each device and browser will get its own place in the queue.
Weekends in July and August are the most popular. To ensure you get a weekend, try starting your trip on a Friday (or even a Thursday) so you can make your booking a day or two earlier.
At some times of the year (spring, fall, winter) backcountry camping is closed so you won’t be able to make reservations.
Have your first choice of campgrounds available, as well as some backup options. As well, you need to know your entry and exit trailheads.
For most parks, when you make your reservation, you are booking the number of tent pads you need (up to 3) and the number of people in your group (up to 4 people per tent pad). The tent pads vary in size but are small – they will fit up to a 4-person tent. Parks Canada regulations only allow one tent per pad. Your reservation guarantees you a tent pad, but you can’t book a specific campsite. You will need to choose an empty site when you arrive. (Note: This isn’t the case for Gulf Islands National Park Reserve – there you book a specific campsite.)
Note: West Coast Trail reservations are quite different. For the WCT, you reserve your start date and starting trailhead. You don’t reserve specific campgrounds.
Under Parks Canada’s policies, you are allowed to change the reservation holder BUT you are not allowed to sell your reservation to someone else. If you do, your reservation will be void.
Your reservation info will be sent to you by email. It often gets stuck in your spam folder. You need to bring a copy of your reservation with you when you come to the park. You can print it out or carry a screenshot on your phone. Park rangers may ask to see it.

Descending to Floe Lake on the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park

Canadian National Parks Backcountry Camping and Reservation Fees

Camping fees vary by location. In general, backcountry camping fees in Canadian National Parks are $10-18/person/night. Reservation fees are $11.50 per reservation regardless of the number of nights.

In most parks, you will also need to purchase a National Park entry pass. Passes cost about $10/person/day or $20/day for groups in the same car. It is often more economical to purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, an annual pass that gives you access to all National Parks in Canada for one year.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Didn’t Get the Dates You Wanted? Check Cancellations!

Since you have to book so far in advance, there are usually lots of cancellations. Check the system regularly to see if anything becomes available.

Or use my list of places to go backpacking in BC without reservations and plan an awesome trip somewhere else.

Climbing a ladder on the West Coast Trail

How to Get First-Come, First-Served Wilderness Permits for Backcountry Camping in Canadian National Parks

Almost all backcountry camping in Canadian National Parks in BC requires reservations. The only places that do not require reservations and have first-come, first-served wilderness permits are:

Sir Donald campground in Glacier National Park
Designated random camping zones in Banff National Park

Both Sir Donald and the random camping zones in Banff are most often used by mountaineers or people on long-distance, remote expeditions to climb mountains. They are not common backpacking destinations.

To obtain a wilderness permit for these area areas you must get one in-person. For Sir Donald, visit the Illecillewaet campground kiosk. For Banff, head to the Banff or Lake Louise Visitor Centres.

Backcountry Reservations at BC Campgrounds Run by Hiking Clubs

There are a few places in BC with reservable campgrounds run by hiking clubs. They each have their own reservation dates and policies.

There are also several dozen backcountry huts in BC run by clubs with their own reservation dates and policies. See my post about Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies for full details.

As of 2024, there are two reservable backcountry campgrounds in BC run by hiking clubs:

Watersprite Lake near Squamish, run by the BC Mountaineering Club;
Tenquille Lake near Pemberton by the Pemberton Wildlife Association

You can find details for backpacking to both Watersprite Lake and Tenquille Lake in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Both locations use the same booking software and have the same booking process. Here are some tips and tricks:

Book online via the BCMC Watersprite Lake or Pemberton Wildlife Association Tenquille Lake sites. The sites are a bit easier to use on desktop.
Pay attention to reservation opening dates. As of 2024, reservations open at midnight 60 days before the first day of your trip. See my 2024 backpacking reservation dates guide for more info.
Weekends in July and August are the most popular. To ensure you get a weekend, try starting your trip on a Friday (or even a Thursday) so you can make your booking a day or two earlier.
At some times of year (spring, fall, winter) reservations are not required. However, that usually means the campground will be very snowy.
When you make your reservation, you are booking the number of tent pads you need (up to 3) and the number of people in your group (up to 4 people per tent pad). The tent pads vary in size but are small. Plan to fit one 3- or 4-person tent on each pad or two 1- or 2-person tents.
Your reservation guarantees you a tent pad, but you can’t book a specific campsite. You will need to choose an empty site when you arrive.
Under their policies, you are not allowed to change the reservation holder or sell your reservation to someone else. If you do, your reservation will be void.
Your reservation info will be sent to you by email. It often gets stuck in your spam folder. You need to bring a copy of your reservation with you when you come to the park. You can print it out or carry a screenshot on your phone. The campground host may ask to see it.
If you don’t get a spot, check back for cancellations.

Watersprite Lake near Squamish

BC Backcountry Camping FAQ

Do you have questions about backcountry camping reservations in BC? I put together this BC backcountry camping FAQ for you!

How far ahead can you book a backcountry campsite in BC?

Sites in National Parks can be booked in January and February. (See my BC Backcountry reservation dates post for exact dates for each park and see the Parks Canada section above for more info.) Reservable sites in provincial parks can be booked 3 months before your trip. You can pay for a permit for first-come, first-served sites in provincial parks up to 2 weeks before your trip. (See the BC Parks section above for more info.)

Can you backcountry camp in BC without a reservation?

Yes! Most backcountry campsites in BC parks do not require reservations. As well, there are lots of places to backcountry camp outside of parks. See my guide to backpacking in BC without reservations for more info.

How do I make a backcountry reservation at BC Parks?

Visit the BC Parks reservation site three months before the first day of your trip. See the BC Parks section above for tips on how to get a backcountry reservation.

How much does it cost to backcountry camp in BC Parks?

Prices vary by park, but in general, it costs $5 to $10 per person per night. In parks that require reservations, you will also need to pay a reservation fee of $6 per tent pad.

What can I do if the campground is fully booked for the days I want to go?

Use an app like Campnab or Schnerp to let you know the minute there is some availability. My guide to camping cancellation apps explains how they work and which one is better.

So that’s everything you need to know about how to make backcountry camping reservations in BC at provincial parks, national parks, and campgrounds run by hiking clubs. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments. I’m happy to help!

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Get My Books

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover BC’s best backpacking trips

40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
35 backpacking trips and day hikes on Vancouver Island
Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
Detailed maps and photos

Get the books

Vancouver Island Archives - Dawn Outdoors

25 Best Backpacking Trips in BC

Best Backpacking Trips Near Vancouver

Howe Sound Crest Trail

Watersprite Lake

Elfin Lakes

Garibaldi Lake

Russet Lake

Joffre Lakes

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Awesome!

Sunshine Coast Trail

Heather Trail

Frosty Mountain

Best Backpacking Trips on Vancouver Island

Juan de Fuca Trail

West Coast Trail

Della Falls Trail

Wild Side Trail

Circlet Lake and Mount Albert Edward

Bedwell Lakes

Elk River Trail and Landslide Lake

Nootka Trail

North Coast Trail

Cape Scott Trail

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Awesome!

Best Backpacking Trips in Eastern BC and the Rocky Mountains

Kaslo Lake

Eva and Jade Lakes

Mount Assiniboine

Rockwall Trail

Yoho Valley Loop/Iceline and Whaleback Trails

Berg Lake

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Awesome!

Final Thoughts

Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies

What kinds of backcountry huts are on this list?

BC Backcountry Huts Map

A Note on Hut Access

Backcountry Hut Etiquette

Backcountry Huts Near Vancouver

Elsay Lake Hut

Mountain Lake Hut

Watersprite Lake Hut

Elfin Lakes Shelter

Tantalus Hut (Lake Lovely Water)

Jim Haberl Hut

Brew Hut

Sphinx Hut (Burton Hut)

Kees and Claire Hut

Wedgemount Lake Hut

Tenquille Lake Cabin

North Creek Cabin

Harrison Hut

Wendy Thompson Hut

Keith Flavelle Hut (Keith’s Hut)

Brian Waddington Hut (Phelix Creek Hut)

Backcountry Huts on the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Trail Huts

Tetrahedron Provincial Park Cabins

Emma Lake Cabin

Knuckleheads Cabins

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Awesome!

Backcountry Huts on Vancouver Island

Hišimy̓awiƛ Hut (5040 Peak Hut)

Wheaton Memorial Hut

Kludahk Huts

Backcountry Huts in the Kootenays

Bill Putnam Hut (Fairy Meadow Hut)

Ben Ferris (Great Cairn) Hut

A.O. Wheeler Hut

Asulkan Cabin

Sapphire Col Hut

Glacier Circle Cabin

McMurdo Cabin

Kingsbury Cabin

Conrad Kain Hut