The most spectacular trips are often ones that are in popular or fragile places, so they often have reservation systems in place. And nothing sucks more than finding out a trip you want to do is booked up! Put these dates in your calendar! (Or if you’re like me, agonize over which trip to pick since they all sound amazing!)

I’ve got reservation dates for trips in British Columbia including Vancouver Island, the Vancouver Area, the BC Interior, and the Canadian Rockies (including some places that are technically in Alberta). Plus I’ve also got details on how to reserve and my top tips for getting those hard-to-get reservations.

Not sure how to make a reservation? I got you! Read my guide to Making Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC.

Didn’t get a reservation? No worries! Read my guide to Backpacking in BC Without Reservations. Or 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.

This post includes details on reservations for:

Vancouver Island backcountry reservations:

• West Coast Trail (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
• Keeha Beach (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
• Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve)

Sea to Sky backcountry reservations:

• Watersprite Lake (near Squamish)
• Garibaldi Provincial Park (Garibaldi Lake, Elfin Lakes, Cheakamus Lake, Wedgemount Lake, and Russet Lake
• Joffre Lakes Provincial Park (near Pemberton)
• Tenquille Lake (near Pemberton)

BC Interior backcountry reservations:

• E.C. Manning Provincial Park (Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek Campgrounds)
• Eva and Jade Lakes (Mount Revelstoke National Park)
• Hermit Meadows (Glacier National Park)
• Bowron Lake Circuit (Bowron Lakes Provincial Park)

Rocky Mountains backcountry reservations:

• Lake O’Hara (Yoho National Park)
• Yoho National Park (Iceline, Whaleback, Little Yoho, etc.)
• Rockwall Trail (Kootenay National Park)
• Banff National Park (Egypt Lake, Skoki Loop, etc.)
• Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
• Jasper National Park
• Berg Lake (Mount Robson Provincial Park)

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 Calendar

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

West Coast Trail Reservations for 2026

What: This 75km (46.5 mi) trail is full of beaches, coastal rainforest, ladders, and boardwalks. It is probably the most popular multi-day hike in Canada, which is why it is at the top of my list for 2026 BC backpacking reservation dates.

Want more info? I wrote a whole series of posts about the West Coast Trail. Start with my West Coast Trail Guide, then check out my section-by-section overview, itineraries, campground guide, packing list, transportation, and coastal hiking tips posts. The WCT is also featured in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

When to Reserve: January 19, 2026 at 8 am PT Postponed to February 5 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Pacific Rim National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $25.75. There is a $166.75 fee to hike the trail, plus two mandatory $28 ferry crossings and a National Parks entry fee ($11/person /day).

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia

Keeha Beach Reservations for 2026

What: This beautiful remote sandy beach is near the northern trailhead for the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park, but isn’t nearly as busy. The trail to get there is only 3.5 km long, but it’s really muddy so expect it to take longer than you think. You can also day hike to the Cape Beale Lighthouse. Find details in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Pacific Rim National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park entry fees ($10.50/person/day).

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. The trail is open from May to September and you must reserve.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. This is probably one of the easiest trips to get a reservation for.

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

Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island) Reservations for 2026

What: It’s a short 2 km hike to the waterfront backcountry campground at Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. There are several short day hikes from the campground. Find details in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Gulf Islands National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from May to September. The rest of the year all camping is first-come, first-served.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

• conditions reports,
  
• reservation dates,
  
• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
• gear deals,
  
• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Subscribe

Loading…

Awesome!

You have successfully signed up for the Backpacking in BC newsletter. Go check your email to read your welcome message!

Watersprite Lake Reservations for 2026

What: A gorgeous ice-blue lake nestled against rocky spires in the remote mountains east of Squamish. The lake became very popular thanks to social media, so starting in 2022 the campground requires reservations. For more info, check out the BCMC website or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

When to Reserve: Starting at midnight 60 days before your trip. The campground requires reservations between July 1 and Thanksgiving weekend each year.

Where to Reserve: Online on the BCMC’s Watersprite Lake campground page.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Sites are $20/night and must be paid in full at the time of booking to reserve a site. There is no extra reservation fee.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip.

Garibaldi Provincial Park Reservations for 2026

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park 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.

What: South West BC’s premiere alpine backpacking destination with several trailheads and campgrounds to choose from. Reservations are required for all the campgrounds as well as the Elfin Lakes Shelter. For more info on trails and destinations, check out my guide to the Elfin Lakes trail, my guide to Russet Lake, or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

When to Reserve: Starting at 7am PT three months before the first day of your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10 for campsites and $15 for the Elfin Lakes Shelter. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. Consider booking the slightly less popular Taylor Meadows or Helm Creek campgrounds, and then hiking over to Garibaldi Lake for the day. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

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

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park Reservations for 2026

Heads up: Day passes are required at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park 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.

What: This super-popular lake near Whistler has a backcountry campground next to a glacier lake. It’s a short 5.5km hike from the trailhead, so it’s one of the best easy backpacking destinations close to Vancouver. For more info on the trail, check out my Joffre Lakes hiking guide or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

When to Reserve: Starting at 7 am PT three months before the first day of your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $5/person/night. If you book by phone there is an additional $5 surcharge.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Get my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia – it has all the info you need to backpack to Joffre Lakes

Tenquille Lake Reservations for 2026

What: A beautiful sub-alpine lake near Pemberton BC, surrounded by mountains. It’s a popular location for fishing as well as scrambling the nearby peaks, which are mostly non-technical. The lake has both a cabin and campsites that can be reserved.

When to Reserve: Starting at midnight 60 days before your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online on the Pemberton Wildlife Association’s Tenquille Lake booking page.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Camping reservations are $25/tent/night. You can fit up to two tents on each site. There is no extra reservation fee.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes from July 1 to October 31. Tenting outside of those dates is first-come, first-served.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip.

E.C. Manning Provincial Park Reservations for 2026

What: There are three campgrounds in Manning Park that require reservations: Buckhorn and Kicking Horse on the Heather Trail and Frosty Creek on the Frosty Mountain Trail. All other backcountry campgrounds in the park are first-come, first-serve.

The Heather Trail is a gorgeous alpine hike along a ridge through wildflower meadows high in the mountains of E.C. Manning Provincial Park. The hike to Buckhorn Camp is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. The hike to Frosty Mountain (the highest peak in the park) heads through a stand of gorgeous larch trees.

For more info on these two trails, check out my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and my Frosty Mountain hiking guide.

When to Reserve: Starting at 7 am PT three months before the first day of your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $5/person/night. If you book by phone there is an additional $5 surcharge.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available for Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek Campgrounds. (But all other backcountry campground in the park are first-come, first-served.)

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

READ NEXT: 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners

Eva and Jade Lakes Reservations for 2026

What: This hike starts high on the slopes of Mount Revelstoke in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Walk through wildflower meadows and forest to the shores of Eva Lake, one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. Jade Lake is a few extra kilometres away over a pass. Both lakes have backcountry campgrounds.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Mount Revelstoke National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $10.50/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from July 28 to September 17. There is first-come, first-served camping available from June 30 to July 27 and September 18 to October 9 (depending on snow levels), which requires a backcountry permit.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

READ NEXT: The Best Hikes in Revelstoke, BC

Hermit Meadows Reservations for 2026

What: This steep hike in Glacier National Park is fairly short but has incredible views and alpine meadows. The backcountry campground has an incredible setting.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Glacier National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $10.50/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from July 28 to September 17. There is first-come, first-served camping available from July 1 to July 27 and September 18 to October 1 (depending on snow levels), which requires a backcountry permit.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Lake O’Hara Reservations for 2026

What: Lake O’Hara is a truly spectacular spot set among alpine lakes and hanging valleys in the Rocky Mountains inside Yoho National Park. You can base yourself at the campground or hut and hike the spectacular Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit. You can take a shuttle bus on a private road right to your campsite! If you can’t get a camping reservation, you can also just take the shuttle bus up for the day. For more info and some drool-worthy photos, check out my Lake O’Hara Camping and Hiking Guide.

When to Reserve Camping: January 22, 2026 at 7 am PT Postponed to Feb 10, 2026 at 8 am MT

When to Reserve Day-Use Shuttle Bus: Reservations by lottery. In 2026 the lottery is open for applications between March 2 and 23.

When to Reserve the Hut: Summer hut reservations are by lottery. The summer 2026 lottery is open for applications between December 15, 2025 and January 30, 2026.

Where to Reserve: Reserve camping or enter the day-use shuttle bus lottery on the Parks Canada Reservation site. Submit a lottery application on the Alpine Club of Canada website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost:  Camping Reservations cost $11.50. You’ll also need to pay $12.50/person/night for camping and $17.14/person for the shuttle bus. Bus reservations cost $11.50/reservation for up to 6 people plus $17.14/person. Hut lottery entries cost $15.50 each. Nightly hut fees are $60 per person.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred dates and a few alternates. For better odds, avoid August which is the busiest. If you want to stay in the hut, avoid popular weekends and consider submitting multiple lottery applications.

If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you. (It works for ACC huts too!)

READ NEXT: Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park Backcountry Reservations for 2026

What: Yoho National Park has a network of trails in the Yoho Valley that lead to four backcountry campgrounds. The most popular option is the Yoho Valley Loop that includes the Iceline and Whaleback Trails. The loop includes great views of mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls.

When to Reserve: January 26, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Yoho National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no first-come, first-served sites.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Rockwall Trail Reservations for 2026

What: The premier backpacking destination in Kootenay National Park is the Rockwall Trail.  It’s a 55km multi-day high alpine backpacking route through the Rocky Mountains. It passes by alpine lakes, incredible wildflower meadwos and the famous rockwall with cliffs up to 900m tall. For more information, read my Rockwall Trail Guide.

When to Reserve: January 26, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50. Camping costs $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book.  For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

READ NEXT: Rockwall Trail Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Banff National Park Reservations for 2026

What: Several dozen backcountry campgrounds on hundreds of kilometres throughout the Banff National Park backcountry. I recommend Egypt Lake and the Skoki Loop.

When to Reserve: January 26, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50. Camping costs $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book.  For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Mount Assiniboine Reservations for 2026

What: Nestled at the base of Mount Assiniboine in the Canadian Rockies is a cluster of small lakes, plus tons of hiking trails to gorgeous views. The core area of the park at Lake Magog has a popular BC Parks backcountry campground and rustic backcountry huts. To get there, choose from several different hiking trails or charter a helicopter. I’ve got tons of info in my huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide. Note: The info below applies only to the BC Parks campground.

When to Reserve Camping: Up to three months before your trip starting at 7 am PT. (Reservations are required for trips between June 26 and September 30.)

When to Reserve Huts: January 13th, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. MST.

Where to Reserve: For camping, online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850. For huts, via Mount Assiniboine Lodge by phone: 403-678-2883.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: For camping, reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10 for campsites. For the huts, rates range from $150-$240 per night depending on the size of the cabin (they sleep 5-8 people)

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Jasper National Park Reservations for 2026

What: Several dozen backcountry campgrounds on hundreds of kilometres throughout the Jasper National Park backcountry. One of the most popular options is the Skyline Trail.

When to Reserve: January 27, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50. Camping costs $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book.  For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Berg Lake Reservations for 2026

NOTE: The Berg Lake Trail suffered severe flooding damage in July, 2021. The full trail reopened in 2025 and will be open for summer 2026.

What: The Berg Lake Trail is a 23km backcountry trail into a gorgeous glacier lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park on the BC side of the Rocky Mountains. It’s called Berg Lake since the glacier calves icebergs right into the lake. For more info check out my super detailed guide to hiking the Berg Lake Trail and the BC Parks website.

When to Reserve: December 2, 2025 at 7 a.m.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10/person/night. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation. Reserve as early as possible since this route is popular with international travellers. There are 7 campgrounds on the trail and you need to book your whole itinerary in advance, so be sure to have a few options for first choice, second choice, etc.

Since this trail books up so far in advance, there are often cancellations as people change their minds. Keep checking back to see if spots open up or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Berg Lake Trail

Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit Reservations for 2026

What: The Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit connects numerous lakes and rivers through portages to make a roughly square-shaped 116km (72 mi) route. It takes about 6 to 10 days to complete. (Yes I know this is a canoe trip, but it’s a similar wilderness experience and the only canoe trip in BC that requires reservations, so it made the list of BC backpacking reservation dates.) To plan your trip, see my complete Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit paddling guide.

When to Reserve: December 2, 2025 at 7 a.m.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: The reservation fee is $18.00 per vessel (plus tax) and there is also a $60 per person canoe circuit user fee. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: Book online as it is faster and you won’t have to wait on hold. Reserve as early as possible since this route is popular with international travellers.

Know how many canoes and people will be in your party before you make your reservation as only a set number of canoes and people may depart per day.

July and August are the busiest and if you opt for June or September you’ll have much better chances. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations.

READ NEXT: Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit: Paddling in British Columbia

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: 2026 BC backpacking reservation dates for lots of different trips. How many of these hikes have you done already? Tell me in the comments. I’ve done almost all of them.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

• conditions reports,
  
• reservation dates,
  
• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
• gear deals,
  
• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Subscribe

Loading…

Awesome!

You have successfully signed up for the Backpacking in BC newsletter. Go check your email to read your welcome message!

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

BC BACKPACKING TRIP GUIDES:

• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies
• 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia
• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners

BACKPACKING TIPS AND ADVICE:

• How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC
• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• The Best Camping Cancellation Apps: Campnab vs. Schnerp
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started
• My book: Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

The post 2026 BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

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.

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

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

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

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: 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

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

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.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

• conditions reports,
  
• reservation dates,
  
• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
• gear deals,
  
• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Subscribe

Loading…

Awesome!

You have successfully signed up for the Backpacking in BC newsletter. Go check your email to read your welcome message!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

• conditions reports,
  
• reservation dates,
  
• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
• gear deals,
  
• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Subscribe

Loading…

Awesome!

You have successfully signed up for the Backpacking in BC newsletter. Go check your email to read your welcome message!

Best Backpacking Trips in Eastern BC and the Rocky Mountains

Kaslo Lake

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 18 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

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

The Trail: Hike into the backcountry of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson to camp next to Kaslo Lake. Follow beautiful trails through the alpine to viewpoints and peaks. You can also book the palatial Kokanee Glacier Cabin nearby.

More Info:

• See Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park for trail info.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.
• See the Alpine Club of Canada for cabin reservations.

Eva and Jade Lakes

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 12 to 18 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

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

The Trail: This alpine hike is easily accessible thanks to the paved Meadows in the Sky Parkway at Mount Revelstoke National Park. Walk through the alpine to a beautiful campsite on the shores of Eva Lake, an easy distance for beginners and made my list of beginner-friendly backpacking trips in BC. If you want more solitude, head over a pass to Jade Lake.

More Info:

• Get the details in my Mount Revelstoke National Park guide.
• Make reservations and pay fees with Parks Canada.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Mount Assiniboine

Duration: 4 to 6 days

Distance: 52 to 55 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required. You will also need to pay National Park entry fees if you camp in Banff National Park on the way to the trail.

The Trail: The scenery at Mount Assiniboine is postcard-worthy, but getting there can be a challenge. The hike itself is long, but not too difficult and the camping at Lake Magog is gorgeous. But it requires reservations in both a BC Park and Banff National Park, which can be tough to arrange.

More Info:

• See my huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide for trail info and reservation strategies.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park through BC Parks.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping in Banff National Park on the way to Assiniboine with Parks Canada.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• Join the Mount Assiniboine Facebook group for updates on trail conditions.
• 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.

Rockwall Trail

Duration: 4 to 5 days

Distance: 55 km traverse

Difficulty: Moderate

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

The Trail: The spectacular Rockwall Trail traverses the mountains of Kootenay National Park near Banff, climbing up and over several high passes. There are glacier views, alpine lakes, and the best wildflower meadows I’ve ever seen. I think it has the best effort to reward ratio of all the backpacking trips in BC.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my Rockwall Trail guide.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping with Parks Canada.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• Join the Rockwall Trail Facebook group for updates on trail conditions.

Yoho Valley Loop/Iceline and Whaleback Trails

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 29.4 km loop

Difficulty: Challenging

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

The Trail: Combine several trails in Yoho National Park near Field to make an epic loop that takes in the spectacular Iceline and Whaleback Trails. The views of nearby peaks and waterfalls are breathtaking. Choose from two backcountry campgrounds along the way.

More Info:

• Get trail details in my Yoho Valley Loop backpacking guide.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping with Parks Canada. Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• This hike is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.

Berg Lake

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 42 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required.

The Trail: The incredible Berg Lake Trail near Valemount follows the Robson River uphill to Berg Lake, named for the glaciers crashing into it from Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Plan to spend a few days in the area to tackle spectacular day hikes.

More Info:

• 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.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

• conditions reports,
  
• reservation dates,
  
• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
• gear deals,
  
• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Subscribe

Loading…

Awesome!

You have successfully signed up for the Backpacking in BC newsletter. Go check your email to read your welcome message!

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:

• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners
• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• 35+ Places to Go Backpacking in BC Without A Car
• 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia
• Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies

BC BACKPACKING RESERVATION INFO:

• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC
• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know

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

I like it so much I’ve actually been there three times in the last few years. The location is also a bonus: right next to Revelstoke, BC’s cutest mountain town. In this post, I’ll give you my picks for the best things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Psst! Do you love national parks? Check out my list of the best Canadian National parks gift ideas!

Hey there: Thanks so much to Tourism Revelstoke for hosting me in Revelstoke on two of my trips. 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 with no extra cost to you. Thanks -Taryn

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.

Mount Revelstoke National Park Basics

Where is Mount Revelstoke National Park?

Mount Revelstoke National Park is located along Highway 1 northeast of the town of Revelstoke. It’s a 4.5-hour drive from Calgary and a 6-hour drive from Vancouver. It sits in the middle of British Columbia in the Selkirk Mountains.

How to Get Around Mount Revelstoke National Park

There are several trailheads in the eastern part of the park along Highway 1. But you can access the majority of the park from Meadows in the Sky Parkway which leaves Highway 1 just east of the town of Revelstoke. There is no public transit to the park so you will need your own car.

Mount Revelstoke National Park Fees

You must purchase a National Park pass to visit the park. As of 2024, day passes cost $11 per adult or $22 for a family of up to 7 people travelling in the same vehicle. If you plan to visit other National Parks, the annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass is a great deal at $75.25 for one adult or $151.25 for a family.

When to Visit Mount Revelstoke National Park

The park is high in the mountains. You can visit the lower parts of the park year-round and some of the roads are plowed in winter. The lower part of the park is snow-free between late May and early October. The snow doesn’t melt in the rest of the park until July, making July, August, and early September the best time to visit Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Check trail and road conditions on the Mountain Revelstoke National Park website to see what is open when you plan to visit.

Visiting Mount Revelstoke National Park With a Dog

Due to problems with wildlife, most areas of Mount Revelstoke National Park are off-limits to dogs. You can bring your dog to the Giant Cedars Boardwalk, the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk, the Snowforest Campground, and lower mountain trails below the Columbia Viewpoint on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway but they must be on a leash. See Parks Canada’s website for more details.

Mount Revelstoke National Park Weather

Since it is located amongst several high mountain ranges, Mount Revelstoke National Park has unpredictable weather. Expect lots of snow in the winter and rain at any time!

In general, the summer months of July and August are fairly sunny but afternoon thunderstorms are common. Expect it to be much colder at the summit of Mount Revelstoke compared to the valley bottom.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

Mount Revelstoke National Park Map

Like all Canadian National Parks, Mount Revelstoke is well signed and easy to navigate. However, it can be helpful to look at a map to plan your trip. This Mount Revelstoke National Park map shows all the major landmarks and hiking trails.

I also made you a custom Google Map. It has everything I mention in this post. There’s no cell service along parts of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, so be sure to download the offline version before you start the drive.

Where to Stay Near Mount Revelstoke National Park

You can camp in the park at the new Snowforest campground (more info below). If you would rather stay in a hotel, the town of Revelstoke is just a few minutes away.

For an upscale hotel, I recommend The Regent Hotel, which is family-owned or The Eleven Revekstoke Lodge, a cute boutique property. If you’re on a budget, check out the cute cabins at Boulder Mountain Resort. For more info, see my guide to the town of Revelstoke.

Bear Safety in Mount Revelstoke National Park

Mount Revelstoke National Park is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Carry bear spray and make noise while you hike to reduce your risk of a negative bear encounter. Keep a clean campsite and store all food and toiletries inside your car or a bear locker. For more info about hiking in bear country, read my post about bear safety for hikers.

Mount Revelstoke National Park Indigenous Context

The Revelstoke area is the traditional territory of the Sinixt First Nation. The Secwepemc, Ktunaxa, and Syilx First Nations also have traditional land use in the area. When European settlers arrived in Revelstoke in the 1800s, they did not respect Sinixt territory.

Most of the Sinixt people were pushed into the southern part of their traditional territory in Washington and were unable to return to Canada and the Revelstoke area. The Canadian government declared the Sinixt extinct, but a landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision in 2021 declared that they do still exist and have the right to hunt in their traditional territory.

Things to Do in Mount Revelstoke National Park

Hike in the Rainforest

The easiest part of Mount Revelstoke National Park to visit is the two rainforest trailheads along Highway 1. Both locations have a picnic area, washrooms, and short interpretive hiking trails.

Giant Cedars Boardwalk

Located 30 km east of Revelstoke on the north side of Highway 1, this is a a short and easy hike in an old-growth forest with giant cedar and hemlock trees. The entire hike is on boardwalks and stairs. Signage along the way will help you learn about the ecosystem including 500-year-old trees.

The trail was closed for a few years for repairs, but as of 2024, it it back open. It used to be a loop, but now it is a one-way trail.

Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk

Located 28 km east of Revelstoke on the south side of Highway 1, this trail used to wind through rare Columbia Mountain wetland habitat on a series of boardwalks and bridges. Unfortunately, the trail suffered severe flood damage a few years ago.

As of 2024, a small section of trail is open. It leads to a new blind for bird watching. You can also enjoy the picnic area at the trailhead.

Drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway

The main draw at Mount Revelstoke National Park is the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. The 26km-long road climbs 1600 meters from the valley bottom to the summit of Mount Revelstoke.

The road is open from May until October, but depending on snowmelt, you will not be able to drive all the way to the summit until July. The road has many sharp hairpin turns so buses and RVs over 26 feet long and trailers are not allowed. Allow about 1 hour (without stops) to drive from Highway 1 to the top since the road is so curvy that you can’t drive very fast. There are several scenic viewpoints along the road.

Revelstoke Viewpoint (KM5): A great view of the town of Revelstoke and Mount Begbie across the valley.

Monashee Viewpoint (KM8): Look down at the Columbia River and across to the Monashee Mountains and Eagle Pass.

Columbia Viewpoint (KM12): See the Selkirk Mountains and Columbia River Valley. Heads up: This is the furthest you can go if you have a dog with you.

Eagle Pass Viewpoint (KM13): Views of Eagle Pass and the Monashee Mountains.

Bridge Creek Viewpoint (KM16): Look south to the Revelstoke Mountain Resort atop Mount Mackenzie.

Panorama Point (KM24): Unlike the other viewpoints, this one involves a short walk (less than 5 minutes), but the views of the Illecillewaet and Columbia River valleys are worth it.

Wildflowers (last few kilometres of the drive): Look for beautiful wildflowers lining the road. Peak flower season is late July and early August.

Explore the Summit of Mount Revelstoke

The Mountains in the Sky Parkway ends at Balsam Lake, near the summit of Mount Revelstoke. It’s a really unique experience to be able to drive almost to the top of a 1933m mountain! Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in this area. There are a few different things to do at the summit area.

Hike to the Summit

From the parking lot, you can hike to the summit. The best option is the Upper Summit trail that winds through sub-alpine meadows. The one-kilometre trail gains 91m and takes most people about 20-30 minutes. You can also hike up the nearby gated road which has the same stats.

I prefer to hike up the trail, then down the road. Heading uphill on the trail is nicer since it’s a bit more shaded in hot weather. There are often beautiful wildflowers along the road and it has a great view in the downhill direction.

Visit the Historic Fire Lookout

Don’t miss the historic fire lookout which sits right on the summit of Mount Revelstoke. Built in 1927, it is almost 100 years old. The building is no longer in use, but for decades a tower person lived here full time, peering out the elevated windows with a telescope to watch for fires in the surrounding mountains.

Follow the short Fire Lookout Trail from the shuttle parking lot. Don’t miss the side trails to the nearby South Parapet and North Parapet Viewpoints. Allow 10-20 minutes for the 0.5 km walk.

Hike the Summit Area Nature Trails

Besides the Fire Lookout, there are a few other short, easy, and nearly flat nature trails around the summit area.

Koo Koo Sint Trail: This short trail rambles through sub-alpine meadow and forest just north of the summit. Interpretive signs along the way explain settler history of the area including info about geographer David Thompson, who the Salish nicknamed Koo Koo Sint, meaning stargazer. The 1.5km-long trail takes about 30 minutes to complete.

First Footsteps Trail: Enjoy Secwepemc, Ktunaxa, and Okanagan First Nations culture through sculpture and artwork along this easy walking trail. It makes a loop through subalpine meadows and stops at a viewpoint where you can gaze down at “The Icebox”, a rocky cleft in the mountain that holds snow all year. Plan to spend 30 minutes on the 1km loop.

Heather Lake Trail: Follow the shoreline trail around tiny Heather Lake to admire the wildflowers. It’s only 400m long and will take about 10 minutes.

Hike at Balsam Lake

While most visitors make a bee-line for the summit, there are also great nature trails right next to the Balsam Lake parking lot.

Balsam Lake Trail: Make a gentle loop around Balsam Lake, stopping to enjoy the wildflower meadows along the lakeshore. On my last visit I took my mom to Balsam Lake and she loved the flowers here. The 0.5km loop takes 10 minutes.

Eagle Knoll: Follow the trail east from Balsam Lake to quiet Eagle Knoll. There’s a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Columbia Valley. Allow an hour for the 1.5km round trip hike.

Hike to Eva, Jade, and Miller Lakes in the Backcountry

If you’re up for a longer hike, I think the best trail in the park is the trip to Eva, Jade, and Miller lakes set deep in the backcountry of Mount Revelstoke National Park. The route starts at the Mount Revelstoke summit area and heads northeast into the mountains, passing through wildflower meadows.

You can reach all three lakes from branch trails off the main trail. There are only 200 meters of net elevation gain between the trailhead and Miller and Eva Lakes, but it will feel like a lot more since there are tons of small ups and downs.

Miller Lake is the closest at 11km round trip.

Eva Lake is next at 12km round trip. It’s also easy to combine the two since they are a few minutes walk from each other. Allow 4-6 hours for the hike to Eva Lake and Miller Lake.

Jade Lake is a bit further away as you climb over Jade Pass into treeless alpine tundra. It’s an 18km round trip with 428m of elevation gain. Plan to spend 6-8 hours on the trail.

Both Eva and Jade Lakes have backcountry campsites if you want to spend the night. They require advance reservations online. Eva Lake also has an old historic cabin that makes a great place to eat lunch during a rainstorm. (Ask me how I know!)

Camp at Snowforest Campground

Opened in 2020, Mount Revelstoke’s Snowforest Campground is the only front-country campground in the park. It has 62 campsites with a mix of drive-in sites, RV sites, and walk-in sites.

I stayed in a walk-in site in August 2020 and have to say that it has some of the nicest campground bathrooms I have ever seen. There is a huge building with individual toilet stalls, showers, and a communal sink area.

In the last few years there has been increased bear activity around the campground, which has led Parks Canada to close the campground to tents. In 2023 and 2024 only hard-sided units (truck campers, motorhomes, or RVs) were allowed. That might change in the future – check the Mount Revelstoke National Park website for details.

The campground is located on the lower part of Meadows in the Sky Parkway so it’s easy to go into the town of Revelstoke or to drive up the mountain to explore more of the park. If you want to hike right from your campsite, explore the Soren Sorenson loop trail which connects to the Inspiration Woods trail and the Nel’s Knickers Trial. You can even walk or bike to Revelstoke using the 23 Connector Trail or a combo of the Soren Sorenson and Mount Revelstoke Trails.

Visit the Historic Ski Jump

Mount Revelstoke has an important place in Canadian skiing history. Up until the 1960s, Revelstoke was the ski jumping capital of Canada. Norwegian-born Nels Nelson is credited with popularizing the sport in Revelstoke and setting world records for distance.

Parks Canada has done an amazing job of turning the old ski jump into an outdoor exhibit with info plaques, old newspaper clippings, and replica signage. But the best part is the Nels Knickers sculpture that lets you experience what it’s like to stand at the top of the hill, ready to ski jump. It’s also a fun (and goofy) photo op.

It’s an easy walk to the top on the Nels Knickers Trail from the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. But if you want a longer (and steeper!) hike, park at the Nels Nelson Historic Area lower down the mountain, then follow the Nels Nelson Ski Jump trail from the bottom of the jump to the top.

Go for a Bike Ride

Mount Revelstoke National Park has a few options for different styles of biking.

Mountain Biking: Explore cross-country-style trails on the lower mountain. Start at the Nels Nelson Historic area and tackle the green-rated lower Soren Sorenson Loop or the blue-rated upper Soren Sorenson Loop. You can also bike there directly from the town of Revelstoke on the 23 Connector or Mount Revelstoke Trails.

Road Biking: Challenge yourself by tackling a full ascent of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway on your road bike. You’ll gain 1,400m over 26km on the way to the summit. But with an average grade of 5.5%, it’s never very steep and there are lots of viewpoints to stop and catch your breath. My husband wants to bring his road bike on our next visit so he can say he biked to the top.

Kids Bike Park: The Beaver Lodge Kids Bike Park is a great destination for families. Kids will love the whimsical sculptures, fun teeter-totter, bridges, and looping pathways.

Hike the Quiet Lower Mountain Trails

Since most hikers focus on the summit trails or the highway-accessed rainforest trails, you might have the lower mountain trails all to yourself. I haven’t had time to hike these trails yet, but I hear they are pretty and very quiet.

Inspiration Woods: This beautiful forest walk features cedar and hemlock trees draped in lichens and a carpet of moss and ferns underfoot. It’s a great option for spring and fall when the higher elevation trails are snowy. Allow an hour for the 2.5km hike.

Soren Sorenson Loops: With both a 2km and a 5km loop to choose from, the Soren Sorenson trails are a good option if you are staying at the Snowforest Campground. Originally built as winter cross-country skiing trails, they are also open to mountain bikes. Allow 30 minutes for the shorter loop and 1.5 hours for the longer one.

Broken Bridge: This short forested walk ends at a ruined bridge that makes a great photo location. Since it’s very shaded, it’s a good option for sunny days. Allow 40 minutes for the 2km trip.

Hike from Valley Bottom to Summit

If you want a real challenge, skip the drive to the summit and hike there instead. Before the Meadows in the Sky Parkway was built, trails were the only way to get to the summit. There are two hiking options:

Summit Trail: Start at the Nels Nelson parking lot to hike the original route to the summit, gaining 1353m. It crosses the Meadows in the Sky Parkway several times as it works its way uphill through several ecosystems. The trail is 10km one way and should take 4-5 hours.

Lindmark Trail: This alternative route to the summit starts a little higher up at the Monashee Lookout. It gains 982m over 8km. Since it never crosses a road, it has a better wilderness feel than the summit trail. Plan to spend 3.5 hours on the hike uphill.

Go Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing

Mount Revelstoke National Park has a long history with winter sports, especially skiing. If you visit in winter, the road into the park is plowed as far as the Nels Nelson Historic area. From there you can snowshoe on the Soren Sorenson Loop trails or cross-country ski on the upper part of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. I haven’t visited in winter yet, but I’d love to snowshoe here.

So that’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Mount Revelstoke National Park. Have questions about the best things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park? Ask me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 15 Things to do in Revelstoke in the Summer
• The Best Hikes in Revelstoke, BC
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• 30+ Things to Do in Vernon, BC
• 15 Best Things to Do in Canmore in Winter
• 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

The post Things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Hey there: Thanks so much to Tourism Revelstoke for hosting me in Revelstoke. All opinions in this post are my own. Some of the links in this post may be 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

Revelstoke Hiking Basics

Where is Revelstoke?

The town of Revelstoke is in eastern British Columbia, Canada. It’s on the banks of the Columbia River at 480m above sea level. Revelstoke is in a river valley between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountain ranges. The Rocky Mountains are about 100km to the east. Mount Revelstoke National Park is just outside town and Glacier National Park is a 40-minute drive to the east. Revelstoke is in the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, Sinixt, and Okanagan First Nations.

Getting to Revelstoke

 Revelstoke is on highway 1. It’s a 6-hour drive from Vancouver in the west or 4.5 hours from Calgary in the east. Revelstoke has an airport, but it only has charter flights. The closest major airport is in Kelowna where you can get a shuttle van to Revelstoke that takes about 2.5 hours. Revelstoke also makes a great stop on a road trip across Canada.

Hiking season in Revelstoke

Revelstoke sits deep in the mountains. That means it has a short summer hiking season from May to September. Generally, the valley bottom trails start to be snow-free in April or May with higher elevation trails staying snowy into late July. By late September, it has started to snow again in the mountains. No matter what time of year you hike, check the weather forecast before you head out. Checking the weather is just one of the things you should do before every hike.

Revelstoke Weather

Revelstoke has a mountain climate.  Summer temperatures are typically highs of 23-25C and lows of 11C. July and August are the driest months, but Revelstoke has a wetter climate than the nearby Rocky Mountains so it can still have some rainy days in summer.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

What to bring hiking in Revelstoke

 Even if you are just going for a short hike near Revelstoke, you need to be prepared for the weather and conditions. Don’t forget the 10 essentials. (Rain gear and warm clothing are especially important.)

Bear Safety

Revelstoke is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Carry bear spray and make noise while you hike to reduce your risk of a negative bear encounter. On some trails in Glacier National Park, you must hike in groups of at least four people. (Full details on that hike below.) For more info about hiking in bear country, read my post about bear safety for hikers.

Leave No Trace

The area around Revelstoke is sensitive wilderness. Learn about Leave No Trace principles to help keep the wilderness wild.

Other Things to Do in Revelstoke

Hiking is my favourite thing to do in Revelstoke, but this cute mountain town has so much more to offer including amazing food, paddling, mountain biking, paragliding, and more. Read my guide to the best things to do in Revelstoke in the summer for all the details.

Revelstoke Trails Map

Best Hikes in Revelstoke

Greenbelt Trail

You don’t need to leave town to go for a hike in Revelstoke. The easy Greenbelt Trail along the Columbia and Illecillewaet Rivers is flat and has great views. You can walk the entire length from the Aquatic Centre along the Columbia River, up the Illecillewaet River to Powerhouse Road. Or just go for a stroll along a short section. I like to go for a walk along the river in the evening to watch the sunset over the mountains.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: Up to 10km round trip | Elevation gain: none | Time Needed: Up to 3 hours |Best Time to Go: April to October | How to get there: Walk from pretty much anywhere in town. The start and endpoints of the Greenbelt are at the Aquatic Centre and on Powerhouse Road.

Mount Mackenzie

The easiest way to get high up into Revelstoke’s mountains is to ride the gondola at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort. In just 20 minutes you’ll ascend to 1700m above sea level. To get to the top of the mountain, follow the Stoke Climb trail uphill. It’s a mountain bike ascent trail, so even though it gains a lot of elevation, the slope is gentle. Stop to admire the views and meadows along the way. At the top of the Stoke Climb, watch the bikers start their long descent, and if you’re lucky, paragliders taking off too. (I can’t believe I jumped off the mountain here in 2019!) To continue to the sub-peak of Mount Mackenzie, follow the loop trail uphill.

Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 15.8 km round trip | Elevation gain: 650m | Time Needed: 6 hours |Best Time to Go: mid-July to September | Trail Info: Revelstoke Mountain Resort | How to get there: Follow signs east through town along Fourth Street, Airport Way, Nichol Road, and Camozzi Road to Revelstoke Mountain Resort 7km from town. Then, ride the Revelation Gondola to the top station.

Begbie Falls

Begbie Falls is a split waterfall, with two tongues of water cascading down the slope. It’s set deep in a gulley, surrounded by beautiful forest. There are two ways to get to Begbie Falls: a short way from the lower trailhead and a long way from the upper trailhead. But they are both easy! From the lower trailhead, it’s a quick but steep walk down some switchbacks to the falls. If you start at the upper trailhead, you’ll follow the Bluff Trail through the forest, passing several side trails that lead to rock climbing crags or mountain bike trails. The junctions are all signed, so you won’t get lost. When the Bluff Trail meets a gravel road, turn right to get to the lower trailhead and then go downhill to the falls.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1 or 6km round trip | Elevation gain: 40 or 160m | Time Needed: 20 minutes or 2 hours | Best Time to Go: May to September | Trail Info: Begbie Falls Recreation Site | How to get there: Head south on Highway 23 from Revelstoke. To get to the lower trailhead, turn left after 7km onto Clough Road. After a few minutes, turn right onto Mount Begbie Road and follow it past the campground to the parking lot at the end, 4km from the highway. It’s a gravel road and can be bumpy but should be fine for most cars. For the upper trailhead, turn left off Highway 23 into a gravel parking lot after about 9km.

Moses Falls

Unlike the other waterfalls in Revelstoke, Moses Falls is broad and the water spreads out over several ledges instead of roaring downhill in a single torrent. The trail to the falls is very short, but it is steep, rooty, and muddy so watch your step. The trail starts by heading downhill from the parking lot through the grass, crosses a gravel road, then descends steeply beside the falls before reaching the base. From there a trail heads downhill for another few minutes to the Columbia River and another parking area, accessed by a steep gravel road.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km round trip | Elevation gain: 40m | Time Needed: 30 minutes | Best Time to Go: May to September | How to get there: Head north from Highway 1 on Westside Road for 6km. Look for a gravel parking lot on the right. Park here for the upper trailhead. If you have an AWD car, turn right on the dirt road just past the parking lot and follow it for a few minutes down the steep hill to the riverbank. 

Sutherland Falls

I think Sutherland Falls in nearby Blanket Creek Provincial Park is the most beautiful of the three waterfalls near Revelstoke. It’s also the easiest hike. From the parking area, it’s an easy stroll along the gently sloped trail to the 12 m-high falls. You can get a great view of the falls from the viewing area, or scramble (carefully) down into the creek to get a bit closer. If you visit in the autumn, watch for spawning salmon in the creek.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km round trip | Elevation gain: 20m | Time Needed: 10 minutes |Best Time to Go: May to September | Trail Info: Blanket Creek Provincial Park | How to get there: Head south on Highway 23 from Revelstoke. Look for the signed turn-off for Blanket Creek Provincial Park after 24 km.

Halfway River Hot Springs

Some might argue hiking is about the journey, not the destination. But that’s not true at Halfway River Hot Springs. The short trail winds downhill through the forest to the springs. It’s a nice enough hike… but really it’s the hot springs you are here for! The natural springs here are one of my favourite hot springs in Canada and one of the best things to do in Revelstoke. While it the hike downhill to the springs might seem easy, save your energy for the climb back up. It’s steep!

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1km round trip | Elevation gain: 50m | Time Needed: 10 minutes | Best Time to Go: April to October | Trail Info: Halfway River Hot Springs Recreation Site | How to get there: From Revelstoke, drive Highway 23 south for 79km to the Halfway River Forest Service road on the south side of the Halfway River bridge. (The drive includes a ride on the free Arrows Lakes ferry.) From the turnoff, 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. 

Keystone Standard Basin

This challenging trail is popular with both hikers and mountain bikers. I haven’t hiked it yet, but my husband Greg and my Dad biked it last summer. Greg said it was a challenge on bikes but would make an amazing backpacking trip or long day hike: “Since you do most of the elevation gain in the car, the trail is almost entirely in alpine meadows with incredible views of mountains in every direction.” It’s 11km each way to the log cabin at a pond, but Greg says you could turn around at the high point about 1km earlier if you are low on energy. 

Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 22 km round trip | Elevation gain: 400m | Time Needed: 7 hours | Best Time to Go: Mid-July to September | Trail Info: Keystone Standard Basin Recreation Trail | How to get there: Drive Highway 23 north for 50km, then turn right onto Keystone Forest Service Road. Continue up this 4WD-only road for 18km to the parking lot.

Nels Knickers

Step back in time on the Nels Knickers Trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Up until the 1960s, Revelstoke was the ski jumping capital of Canada. Norwegian-born Nels Nelson is credited with popularizing the sport in Revelstoke… and setting world records for distance. Parks Canada has done an amazing job of turning the old ski jump into an outdoor exhibit with info plaques, old newspaper clippings, and replica signage. But the best part is the Nels Knickers sculpture that lets you experience what it’s like to stand at the top of the hill, ready to ski jump. It’s an easy walk to the top on the Nels Knickers Trail. But if you want a longer (and steeper!) hike, park at the Nels Nelson Historic Area lower down the mountain, then follow the Nels Nelson Ski Jump trail from the bottom of the jump to the top.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km round trip | Elevation gain: 20m | Time Needed: 15 minutes | Best Time to Go: May to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway for 4km to a pullout at a sharp hairpin turn. Park here next to the Nels Nelson sign. | Note: National Park Pass required. Dogs must be on leash.

Balsam Lake

The flat hike around Balsam Lake is a great choice if you need to stretch your legs after driving the Meadows in the Sky Parkway at Mount Revelstoke National Park. The trail starts right beside the parking lot and loops around the tiny lake. In August, the meadows around the lake are carpeted in wildflowers. Look for bright red paintbrush, indigo arctic lupine, yellow mountain arnica, mauve subalpine daisy, and lots more. We brought my mom and she loved taking photos of all the flowers.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km loop | Elevation gain: none | Time Needed: 10 minutes | Best Time to Go: July to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway to its end 26km later. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. 

Upper Summit Trail

The Meadows in the Sky Parkway at Mount Revelstoke National Park ends at a parking lot, but a gated service road with a shuttle bus service continues up the mountain towards the summit. Instead of taking the bus, hike the Upper Summit Trail. It climbs steadily, but never steeply through the forest. Look for wildflowers along the way and Columbia ground squirrels scurrying around. Return the way you came, take the shuttle down, or walk down the road to make a loop.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 2km round trip | Elevation gain: 90 m | Time Needed: 1 hour | Best Time to Go: July to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway to its end 26km later. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. 

Fire Lookout

If you visit Mount Revelstoke National Park, don’t miss a trip to the fire lookout. Built in 1927, this historic structure sits at the peak of Mount Revelstoke. Until the 1980s, a tower person was stationed here to watch for fires in the surrounding mountains. There are incredible views from the lookout, as well as from a few spur trails nearby. You can look all the way down to Lake Revelstoke and across to the Monashee Mountains.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1km round trip | Elevation gain: 10 m | Time Needed: 20 minutes | Best Time to Go: July to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway to its end 26km later. From there, walk up the Upper Summit Trail or take the shuttle bus to the Heather Lake stop. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. 

Eva Lake

The hike to Eva Lake takes you deep into the backcountry of Mount Revelstoke National Park. It’s probably my favourite hike in Revelstoke. The trail ambles through wildflower meadows, crosses rocky slopes, and ends at a beautiful sub-alpine lake. Since it starts so high up, the mountain views are incredible from pretty much everywhere along the trail and Eva Lake is particularly spectacular. If you have more time and energy, you can continue onwards to Miller and Jade Lakes. On the day I hiked this trail, we were trying to outrun a thunderstorm so we turned around at Eva Lake. Next time I go to Revelstoke I’d love to spend a night at Eva or Jade Lake – they both have backcountry campsites.

Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 12km round trip | Elevation gain: 210 m | Time Needed: 6 hours | Best Time to Go: mid-July to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway to its end 26km later. From there, walk up the Upper Summit Trail or take the shuttle bus to the Heather Lake stop. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. 

Giant Cedars Boardwalk

The base of Mount Revelstoke is home to a rare inland temperate rainforest with giant cedar and hemlock trees. I was shocked to see trees that I associate with BC’s coast so far inland! This easy trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park uses a beautiful boardwalk to make a loop through the forest. Interpretive signs along the way help you learn fun facts about the giant trees and the creatures that live in them. There are lots of great spots for photos too.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km loop | Elevation gain: 30m | Time Needed: 15 minutes | Best Time to Go: April to October | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Head east on Highway 1 for 30km. Turn left into the signed parking lot. | Note: National Park Pass required. Dogs must be on leash.

Loop Brook Trail

This short hike in Glacier National Park takes you along a former railway route. While the hike is short and easy, there are a few short, steep hills. Before a tunnel was blasted through a nearby mountain, trains needed to make a looping route through this valley to slowly gain elevation. Giant stone pillars supported the tracks, high above the creek. Today the bridges and tracks are long gone, but the pillars remain. Interpretive signs along the route give insight into the railway history. 

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1.7 km loop | Elevation gain: 40 m | Time Needed: 45 minutes | Best Time to Go: June to September | Trail Info: Glacier National Park | How to get there: Head east from Revelstoke on Highway 1 for 60km. Turn right into the Loop Brook Campground and drive to the parking area at the end of the road. You can also park in the highway pullout just after the campground entrance. | Note: National Park Pass required. Dogs must be on leash.

Balu Pass

Hike up towards the towering peaks of Glacier National Park on the Balu Pass trail. The steep path travels up the Connaught Creek valley, crossing numerous avalanche slopes before ending at Balu Pass. The views of Mount MacDonald across the highway and numerous other glaciated peaks makes the climb worthwhile. The pass gets its name from the Hindi word bhalu, meaning bear. The mountains to the north of the trail are called Grizzly Mountain, Ursus Major, and Ursus Minor. (Ursus is Latin for bear.) The area is prime bear habitat. Make lots of noise, travel in groups, and always carry bear spray. 

Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 12.8 km round trip | Elevation gain: 779 m | Time Needed: 4-5 hours | Best Time to Go: mid-July to September | Trail Info: Glacier National Park | How to get there: Head east from Revelstoke on Highway 1 for 67km to the Rogers Pass Visitor Centre. The trailhead is at the back of the parking lot. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. Hikers must travel in groups of four or more people.

Hermit Meadows Trail

There are tons of amazing (and steep) hikes in Glacier National Park, and unfortunately, I haven’t had time to do many of them… yet! I asked Robyn from Tourism Revelstoke which trail she recommends in Glacier. She says the Hermit Meadows trail is one of her favourites: “The trail is steep and relentless but fairly short… It provides access to beautiful alpine meadows surrounded by the majestic Swiss Peaks. There is a [backcountry] campground at Hermit Meadows, and you couldn’t ask for better campsite views.” It sounds about as steep as Vancouver’s Grouse Grind… but with waaaay better views. I’m definitely adding it to my list!

Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 6.4 km round trip | Elevation gain: 819 m | Time Needed: 4-5 hours | Best Time to Go: mid-July to September | Trail Info: Glacier National Park | How to get there: Head east from Revelstoke on Highway 1 for 69km. A few minutes past the Rogers Pass Visitor Centre, turn left into the signed parking lot. | Note: National Park Pass required. Dogs must be on leash.

Other Hikes Near Revelstoke

Although I’ve hiked a LOT in Revelstoke, I haven’t walked all the trails. There are a few more trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park and lots in Glacier National Park that I haven’t done yet. There are also a few epic-sounding hikes to huge peaks like Mount Cartier and Mount Begbie that I’d love to tackle. If you need more hiking ideas, download the Revelstoke Hiking Map.

With 15 trails on this list, I’m sure you’ll find a Revelstoke hike that you’ll love. (Actually… you’ll probably find a few!) Have questions about hikes in Revelstoke? Ask me in the comments as I’m always happy to help.

READ NEXT:

• 15 Things to do in Revelstoke in the Summer
• Things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada
• 30+ Things to Do in Vernon, BC
• Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Berg Lake Trail
• 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver

The post The Best Hikes in Revelstoke, BC appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.