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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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Get the books

BC BACKPACKING TRIP GUIDES:

• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
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• 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.

This guide covers every trail in the Whistler area that is safe to snowshoe. I haven’t included the countless expert-only areas that are not marked and have significant avalanche danger.

I grew up in Vancouver and live in nearby Squamish, so I’ve been snowshoeing in Whistler for close to two decades. So I know the BEST places to snowshoe near Whistler.

This guide to snowshoeing in Whistler includes:

• Quick reference guide: An easy overview of the stats for all the trails
• Snowshoeing safety: key info to help get you prepared to snowshoe in Vancouver
• Snowshoe trails in Whistler: details for 10 trails
• No-go trails: summer trails that aren’t safe for snowshoeing
• Where to rent snowshoes in Whistler – both at the trailheads and in the village
• Snowshoe tours in Whistler: options for going with a guide

If you’re looking for even more places to go snowshoeing or other things to do in Whistler in winter, don’t worry – I got you! Check out these other guides:

• 40+ Things to do in Whistler in Winter
• 40+ Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Vancouver
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

Psst: Looking for a full list of Whistler activities? Check out my list of the best things to do in Whistler. It includes over 80 ideas!

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

Snowshoeing in Whistler Quick Reference Guide

But First… Be Prepared

• Make a trip plan: While these trails may be steps from a busy ski area, they access serious wilderness. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Use the great trip planning tools from Adventure Smart.
• Check the weather, trail conditions, and avalanche forecast: If the weather and trail conditions don’t look good, don’t go. Use my list of the best weather apps for hiking. Check the avalanche forecast. Unless you have taken an avalanche safety course, you probably shouldn’t go out unless the forecast is rated “Low”.
• Wear winter clothing and pack the essentials: Prepare for emergencies by packing the 10 essentials. Read my recommendations for what to wear snowshoeing and tips for winter hiking and snowshoeing.
• Use safe snowshoeing techniques: Snowshoes keep you from sinking into deep snow, but they aren’t great for walking sideways or downhill – it’s easy to slip and injure yourself. Read up on snowshoeing safety and check out my guide to choosing snowshoes.) They also have crampons and other traction aids underfoot to help grip icy snow.
• Take an avalanche safety course: If you plan to stray from flat terrain, you need avalanche safety training. great FREE online Avy Savvy beginner tutorial from Avalanche Canada. You should also take a 2.5 day AST1 course with avalanche Canada.

READ NEXT: Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them

Brandywine Falls Snowshoe

The Trail: The flat and easy trail to the Brandywine Falls viewing platform is a great option for snowshoeing near Whistler. If you want to extend your trip, you can snowshoe a portion of the Sea to Sky trail over to the Whistler Bungee Bridge. You can look down into the depths of the Cheakamus River canyon and maybe even watch people bungee jump.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The trail crosses train tracks: use caution. There is no maintained trail down to the base of Brandywine Falls: there is an illegal route that uses a scary old rope to descend a cliff but it travels over slippery rocks and is very icy and dangerous in the winter.

Trail Map/Guide: My Brandywine Falls hiking guide has all the info you need.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Permitted on leash.

Getting There: The park gate is locked in the winter and unfortunately you are not allowed to park on the side of Highway 99. (Your car will get towed.) Unless you get dropped off and picked up, unfortunately the only way to do this snowshoe trip currently is to park at Whistler Bungee on the Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road and walk in from that direction. Whistler Bungee does plow the road but it is rough.

Snowshoeing at The Callaghan

The Trails: There are two separate cross country ski areas in the Callaghan Valley (Whistler Olympic Park and The Callaghan). They used to operate together, but in 2024/2025 they have separate tickets. The Callaghan has cross country and backcountry ski trails, but there are also 21 km of snowshoe trails ranging from super flat to more moderate. The highlight of the area is 43m high Alexander falls, which looks spectacular when frozen. You can snowshoe right to the base.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: Most trails in the park are on flat or rolling terrain. However, some trails travel across steeper slopes that can be prone to avalanche. The park may close these trails if conditions are not safe. There are several backcountry access points in the park. Once you pass into the backcountry, there are no trail markings and you are in serious avalanche terrain. Some trails are shared with cross country skiers. Stay on the side of the trail and don’t walk in the set ski track.

Trail Map/Guide: Plan your route with this map.

Permits/Fees: Trail passes are $18 a day.

Dogs: The current website for the The Callaghan does not have any info about dogs. In the past dogs were allowed with the purchased of a day ticket . There were some on-leash on some trails. I’ll update this post after I get more info for the 204/25 season.

It costs $7 for a dog day pass. Dogs are allowed on leash on some trails and prohibited on others. There are also a few off-leash trails and a designated dog parking lot. (See this map for details on dog-friendly trails and parking).

Getting There: Follow signs to The Callaghan ski area along the Callaghan Valley Road. It is located just before the Whistler Olympic Park parking area.

Snowshoeing at Whistler Olympic Park

Distance: 18.5 km with various loops possible

Time Needed: 30 minutes to all day

Elevation Gain: Up to 300 m

Rating: Super Easy to Challenging

The Trails: There are two separate cross country ski areas in the Callaghan Valley (Whistler Olympic Park and The Callaghan). They used to operate together, but in 2024/2025 they have separate tickets. Whistler Olympic Park has cross country ski trails as well as a network of snowshoe trails.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: Most trails in the park are on flat or rolling terrain. However, some trails travel across steeper slopes that can be prone to avalanche. The park may close these trails if conditions are not safe. There are several backcountry access points in the park. Once you pass into the backcountry, there are no trail markings and you are in serious avalanche terrain. Some trails are shared with cross country skiers. Stay on the side of the trail and don’t walk in the set ski track.

Trail Map/Guide: Plan your route with this map.

Permits/Fees: Trail passes are $20 a day.

Dogs: It costs $8 for a dog day pass. Dogs are allowed on leash on some trails and prohibited on others. There are also a few off-leash trails and a designated dog parking lot. Read through the Whistler Olympic Park dog info to see where dogs are allowed.

Getting There: Follow signs to the Whistler Olympic Park ski area along the Callaghan Valley Road. It is located just after The Callaghan parking area.

Snowshoeing to Whistler Train Wreck

The Trail: This short trail is one of the best hikes in Whistler, so in the winter it’s a great place to go snowshoeing. The trail descends gradually to a brand new suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River.

On the other side, there are 7 graffiti-covered box cars in the forest along with some old mountain bike jumps. The main 5 are right where you came up the hill. The other two are a little further along the trail to the left.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche danger. Be sure to follow the directions in the trail guide linked below. There are still some old trail guides online that use an old (an illegal!) way to access the train wreck. The old way involves trespassing on some train tracks.

Trail Map/Guide: My Whistler Train Wreck Trail guide has all the info.

Permits/Fees: None required.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Getting There: There is free parking at the trailhead in the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood of Whistler. You can get to within a 10 minute walk of the trail on public transit. From Whistler Village take bus 20 to Legacy Way, then walk 700m down Jane Lakes Road to the trailhead.

Snowshoeing the Cheakamus River Trails

The Trail: The Whistler Interpretive Forest in Whistler’s Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood is a great place to go snowshoeing in Whistler. You can make a loop by using the Riverside Trail on one side of the Cheakamus River and the Farside Trail on the other. Connect the two with a walk over a picturesque suspension bridge. The route has some short rolling hills, but its never very steep.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: None.

Trail Map/Guide: This map shows all the trails. Use my Cheakamus River Snowshoe Trail guide.

Permits/Fees: None

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Getting There: Park in Whistler Interpretive Forest Parking lot on Cheakamus Lake Road just after you turn off the highway.

You can get to the trail on public transit. From Whistler Village take bus 20 to the first stop in Cheakamus Crossing.

READ NEXT: Cheakamus River Snowshoe Trail in Whistler

Cheakamus Lake Snowshoeing

The Trail: Cheakamus Lake is a popular short hike in the summer time. In winter it’s a much longer journey since the normal access road is closed. First you have to snowshoe 7.5 km along the closed road to the summer parking lot. From there it’s another 3km to Cheakamus Lake following the summer trail. Once you get to the lake you can continue along the shore for a further 4km.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The road portion of the trip has no hazards. Once you leave the summer parking lot for the Cheakamus Lake and start on the trail you will be crossing a large rock slide and a steep slope. This slope is an avalanche hazard. Use caution and cross one at a time. Be prepared to turn back if conditions aren’t right.

Trail Map/Guide: This map shows all the trails.

Permits/Fees: None

Dogs: Allowed on leash on the road portion and the Whistler Interpretive Trails. Dogs are not permitted in Garibaldi Park so you can’t bring your dog on the Cheakamus Lake Trail.

Getting There: Parking: Park in Whistler Interpretive Forest Parking lot on Cheakamus Lake Road just after you turn off the highway. You can walk down the road to the trailhead.

You can get to within a 5 minute walk of the trail on public transit. From Whistler Village take bus 20 to the first stop in Cheakamus Crossing, then walk 350m down Cheakamus Lake Road to the trailhead.

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

Snowshoeing to Rainbow Falls

The Trail: This short trail takes you to the base of pretty little Rainbow Falls near Alta Lake in Whistler. It looks particularly gorgeous when frozen. While the trail is short, it does gain over 100m in less than a kilometer so it’s not super easy.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche hazard. The trail to Rainbow Falls branches off right from the main trail to Rainbow Lake (which isn’t accessible in the winter due to a removed bridge). The turn off to the falls can be hard to spot, but my trail guide will help you find the way.

Trail Map/Guide: Use my Rainbow Falls Loop Trail guide.

Permits/Fees: None required.

Dogs: Allowed on-leash on the Rainbow Falls Loop Trail but not allowed on other trails in the area.

Getting There: There is a parking lot at the trailhead. You can also take a taxi from Whistler Village.

Snowshoeing at Lost Lake Park

The Trail: Lost Lake Park is mostly known for its cross country ski trails, but it also has a 15km network of snowshoe trails to explore. These rolling trails wind through the forest around Lost Lake, intersecting the ski trails occasionally. If you climb up some of the hillier trails, you’ll discover views of Lost Lake or Green Lake. If you want a break, there’s a day lodge with a cafe and a warming hut.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards:  No avalanche danger. The trails sometimes intersect cross country ski trails. Watch for on-coming skiers. Stay on the side of the trail and carefully step over the set ski track.

Trail Map/Guide: Read my Lost Lake snowshoe guide for step-by-step directions for my recommended route, a map, driving directions, and more.

Permits/Fees: Day passes are $13.50.

Dogs: Not permitted.

Getting There: The closest parking is in Lot 5 in Whistler Village. On public transit, take bus 5 to the corner of Blackcomb Way and Lorimer Road, then walk 5 minutes down Lorimer to the entrance to Lost Lake Park.

READ NEXT: Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails in Whistler

Snowshoeing the Ancient Cedars Trail

The Trail: In the summer, the Ancient Cedars Trail is an easy hike to a grove of huge old-growth cedars. But in the winter it turns into a much longer outings since the rough logging road to the trailhead (4 km in total) isn’t plowed, so you will have to walk that as well.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The first two kilometres of the road is in a tight valley with steep slopes above you that will expose you to avalanche hazard.

Trail Map/Guide: There is a good description of the summer route on Vancouver Trails. Keep in mind that you will need to snowshoe up the access road.

Permits/Fees: None

Dogs: Allowed

Getting There: From Whistler, head north on Highway 99. Just past the end of Green Lake, turn left onto Cougar Mountain Road. Drive up the road for a few minutes to the Superfly Ziplines base area. Park here as the road past this point is impassable in winter.

Snowshoeing to Parkhurst Ghost Town

The Trail: If you love abandoned buildings and are comfortable navigating unmarked trails, the free snowshoe trip to the former town of Parkhurst was made for you. The loop hike to the ghost town follows a network of mountain bike trails that can be a challenge to find in the winter.

Parkhurst Ghost Town is a former logging town settlement on the shores of Green Lake that was abandoned in the 1960s, before Whistler was a ski area. There are lots of collapsed buildings and vehicles to discover in the area. The highlight is the one surviving building, covered in graffiti.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche danger. Some of the trails and junctions are not well marked so it can be easy to get lost. The markers are not easy to see in the winter. I recommend using a GPS app that shows trails like Gaia, Alltrails or Trailforks. Bring a map and compass just in case.

Trail Map/Guide: Read my complete guide to the Parkhurst Ghost Town hike. The directions were written for summer travel and the trail network will be much more challenging to find in the winter.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Allowed.

Getting There: Drive 10 minutes north of the village on highway 99 to the marked turn off for the Wedgemount Lake Trail. Turn right off the highway, then cross train tracks and a bridge. Park on the side of the road right after the bridge. There will usually be too much snow to drive all the way to the trailhead described in my trail guide. Walking the road will add 1km each way to your hike.

Snowshoeing to Nairn Falls

The Trail: This flat trail runs above the bank of the Green River before ending at the spectacular viewpoint for Nairn Falls. The falls are especially dramatic when they partially freeze up in the winter.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche danger. Use caution in slippery conditions as the trail is on a wide ledge above the river and the drop down to the river is pretty steep.

Trail Map/Guide: There is info on the Nairn Falls Provincial Park website.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Getting There: Drive 30 minutes north of Whistler Village to Nairn Falls Provincial Park. Watch for the BC Parks signs so you don’t miss the turn. The campground portion of the park is gated in winter, but you can drive into the day use parking lot.

Snowshoeing to Joffre Lakes

The Trail: This popular trail winds past two alpine lakes before arriving at a third alpine lake with a great view of the surrounding glaciers. In the summer the turquoise blue lakes are the draw, but in the winter the whole area is blanketed in white.

The first lake is an easy 5 minute walk from the car (great for beginners), but the other lakes will take substantially longer to reach and are best left for experienced snowshoers. You have to pay if you want to camp overnight, but it’s totally free to snowshoe there on a day trip.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: This is serious backcountry terrain. You are far from help and there is no cell service. The trail crosses below some avalanche terrain, particularly in between the 2nd and 3rd lakes and at the far end of the 3rd lake. You should have avalanche gear and training if you plan to tackle this trail.

Trail Map/Guide: See my Joffre Lakes hiking guide for more details.

Permits/Fees: None in winter.

Dogs: Not allowed.

Getting There: Drive an hour north of Whistler, through Pemberton and Mount Currie to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. Although the entire drive is on the paved road of highway 99, this is a VERY steep mountain road with lots of switchbacks and it can be slippery and snowy in the winter. Bring tire chains just in case.

In the summer there is a large parking lot, but only a fraction of it is plowed in the winter. And sometimes it’s not plowed at all. Try to park where you won’t block the plow and bring a snow shovel in case you need to dig yourself a parking spot. Get there early to make sure you get a spot.

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

No-Go Trails for Snowshoeing in Whistler

There are lots of summer hiking trails in Whistler that may sound like a fun snowshoe adventure in winter. However, many of them have significant avalanche danger, or are closed in winter.

Here’s my list of no-go trails for snowshoeing:

• Blackcomb Ascent Trails: These trails are closed in winter because they go through the ski area.
• Blackcomb Alpine Trails: These trails are closed in winter because they go through the ski area.
• Singing Pass Trail to Russet Lake: This trail has significant avalanche hazard. As well, this trail is very long and is often used as a backcountry ski descent route. It is only suited for experienced snowshoers with avalanche training. And honestly, it’s not a very aesthetically pleasing route unless you are on your way to the Kees and Claire Hut at Russet Lake.
• Musical Bumps: This trail is closed in winter because it goes through the ski area.
• High Note Trail: This trail is closed in winter because it goes through the ski area.
• Rainbow Lake: This trail is closed in winter because a key bridge is removed to protect it from snow-loading.
• Skywalk Trail: This trail includes signifcant avalanche hazard. As well, once it leaves the trees wayfinding is very difficult. The trail is only suited for experienced snowshoers with avalanche training and off-trail travel skills.
• Wedgemount Lake: This trail has significant avalanche hazard, especially just before the lake. It is also very steep and can require an ice axe to navigate. The trail is only suited for experienced snowshoers with avalanche training.

Where to Rent Snowshoes in Whistler

If you want to try snowshoeing before you buy, lots of places in Whistler rent snowshoes. Sunny weekends and holidays can be really busy for rentals, so try to reserve a pair ahead of time if possible.

• Urban Alpine in Squamish
• Whistler Olympic Park
• Ski Callaghan
• Cross Country Connection at Lost Lake
• Spicy Sports in Whistler Village.
• Spud Valley Sporting Goods in Pemberton

Snowshoe Tours in Whistler

If it’s your first time snowshoeing, it can be helpful to go with a guide. They can help you get your snowshoes set up and provide tips for snowshoeing technique. Your guide will also have info about the plants, animals, and views you will see on your trip.

• Snowshoe the Medicine Trail: This snowshoe tour takes place on private land through beautiful forest, so you can only do it with a tour. The trip visits an old trapper’s cabin too!
• Private Snowshoeing Tour: Your guide will take you to the trail of your choice – you can pick from several destinations to suit your group.

Final Thoughts

Which of these Whistler snowshoe trails is your favourite? Have questions about snowshoeing in Whistler? Let me know in the comments.

READ NEXT:

More Snowshoeing Guides:

• Cheakamus River Snowshoe Trail in Whistler
• Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails in Whistler
• Brandywine Falls Provincial Park Hiking Guide
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Vancouver
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish
• Where to Go to Snowshoeing in Manning Park
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Vancouver’s Fraser Valley
• Snowshoe at Dakota Ridge on the Sunshine Coast, BC

Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Advice

• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing
• Best Gifts for Snowshoers (20+ Ideas)
• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• 9 Tips for Winter Hiking (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)

More Whistler Ideas:

• The Best Things to do in Whistler (By a Local)
• 44 Things to do in Whistler in Winter
• 40 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• Camping in Whistler, BC: The Best Campgrounds
• Hike to Parkhurst Ghost Town in Whistler
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

The post Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler 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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

• conditions reports,
  
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• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

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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

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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.

If you’re interested in hiking to Joffre Lakes I bet you’ve seen incredible photos of Gatorade-blue lakes on Instagram or Tiktok. And you’re probably wondering: Where is that? Is it a hard hike? Is it as busy as everyone says? Do you need a day pass? And when is Joffre Lakes closed?

I live just down the road in Squamish and I’m a hiking guidebook author so I’ve got all the locals’ insight on Joffre Lakes and can help you out with all your Joffre Lakes questions. This Joffre Lakes hiking guide includes:

• Why hike Joffre Lakes? Why is it so special?
• Joffre Lakes trail stats including distance, time needed, and best months to go
• Tips for hiking Joffre Lakes including what to bring
• How to get a day pass for Joffre Lakes (You can’t hike the trail without one.)
• When is Joffre Lakes closed? Details on annual closures
• A Joffre Lakes trail map with all the key locations marked
• How to get to Joffre Lakes by car or bus or tour and info on where to park
• Where to stay near Joffre Lakes – recommendations for hotels in Whistler and Pemberton
• Step-by-step Joffre Lakes hiking directions with info on the best places to get views
• How to go backcountry camping at Joffre Lakes including how to get reservations
• Info for winter hiking and snowshoeing at Joffre Lakes including avalanche safety info
• Info for swimming and paddling at Joffre Lakes – it’s allowed but be careful
• The Indigenous context for Joffre Lakes so you can be respectful of Lil’wat and N’Quatqua land
• A Joffre Lakes FAQ that answers all your questions

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

Why Hike Joffre Lakes

Joffre Lake is one of the most popular hikes in BC. In fact, it is currently number one on my list of the most Instagrammed hikes near Vancouver.

But why is it so popular? There are three main factors:

First, it’s undeniably gorgeous – it’s on my lists of the best hikes in Whistler and best backpacking trips in BC. The hike leads past three bright turquoise glacial lakes with views of snow-capped mountains. Unlike many other hikes where you spend a long time in the forest to get to one good view at the end, on the Joffre Lakes hike you get views almost the whole time.

Second, the hike isn’t that difficult. Anyone with a moderate fitness level can do it and the trail is easy to follow. It’s on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC for that reason. On my most recent trip, I saw toddlers, seniors and everybody in between on the trail. Some were fast, some were slow, but almost everyone was able to complete the hike.

Third, the trail is an easy three-hour drive from Vancouver, British Columbia’s largest city. It’s easy to get there by car or bus. (More details in the Getting There section below.)

Joffre Lakes Trail Stats

Distance: 9.5 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 360 m cumulative elevation gain

Duration: 3.5-4.5 hours (but allow more time for breaks and photos)

Difficulty: Moderate

Best Time to Go: June to October

Toilets: At the trailhead, Middle Joffre Lake Viewpoint, Upper Joffre Lake Viewpoint, and the Upper Joffre Lake Campground

Dogs: Not allowed.

Distance from Vancouver: About 3 hours

Permits: Day-passes are required from mid-May to late October each year. See the day pass section below for more details.

Closures: The trail has several closures during the summer and fall months for Indigenous use. See the closures section below for more info.

Tips for Hiking Joffre Lakes

• Get a day pass and check for closures. Joffre Lakes is a popular place so at some times of year day passes are required. And the park also has scheduled closures for Indigenous use. See the day pass and closure sections below for more info.
• Check the weather before you go. City weather forecasts are useless in the mountains. Use an algorithmic spot forecast for Joffre Lakes like Spotwx. (Read my guide to weather apps for hikers for more tips.)
• Check trail conditions online using AllTrails or Instagram. This is especially important in the spring or fall when the trail can be icy or snowy.
• Bring a rain jacket and warm clothing just in case. It can be much colder and rainier in the mountains than in the city.
• Wear trail running shoes or hiking boots. The trail is steep, rocky, and loose in places. Regular running shoes don’t have enough grip or ankle support. (I wear Salomon XA Pro 3D trail runners.)
• Bring water and snacks. There is nowhere to fill up your water bottle. It is not safe to drink the water from the lakes without boiling, filtering, or treating it as you never know if people or animals have pooped or died upstream. (Gross!)
• Bring the 10 Essentials. These are key safety items you should have on every hike.
• Bring a camera – it’s gorgeous and you will want tons of pics! But leave the drone at home. Drones aren’t allowed in BC Parks without a commercial filming permit.
• Pack out all your garbage. There are garbage cans in the parking lot, but if they are full, take your garbage home with you. Leaving it in the park attracts animals.

Joffre Lakes Day Passes

Since Joffre Lakes is so popular, you need to get a free day pass to visit in spring, summer, and fall. In 2025 you need a day pass from May 17 to October 26.

Each person needs their own pass. Passes are available on the BC parks website starting at 7 am two days before your trip. Act fast: passes run out fast on summer weekends.

Print out your day pass or save it as a screenshot on your phone. There is no cell service at the trailhead so you won’t be able to pull it up from your email. Parks staff will check for passes at the trailhead. If you don’t have a pass, you won’t be allowed to hike.

Read my guide to BC Parks day passes for more info including tips for getting a pass.

When is Joffre Lakes Closed?

Joffre Lakes is jointly managed by BC Parks and the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua Nations. These Indigenous Nations have lived in this area since time immemorial. Joffre Lakes is a sacred place for their community and is used for harvesting and ceremonies.

There are several park closures each year to allow Indigenous people exclusive access to the park.

In 2025, Joffre Lakes is closed to support Indigenous cultural practices during the following periods: (Note these dates are subject to change – I’ll keep this post up to date as best I can.)

• April 25 to May 16
• June 13 to 27
• September 2 to October 3

Joffre Lakes Trail Map

I made a map of the Joffre Lakes Trail for you using Gaia GPS, my favourite GPS and mapping app. It also includes an elevation profile. Click through to zoom in.

How to Get to Joffre Lakes

The Joffre Lakes hike is about 3 hours from Vancouver. You can get there by car or bus. In this section, I’ve got everything you need to know for driving, parking, and taking the bus to Joffre Lakes.

Driving Directions to Joffre Lakes

From Vancouver, head over the Lions Gate Bridge, then go west on Highway 1. Follow the signs to switch to Highway 99 North just before Horseshoe Bay. Stay on Highway 99 North through Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton.

Reach a T-junction in Mount Currie and turn right to stay on Highway 99. After you cross the bridge over the Lillooet River just outside Mount Currie, the road starts to climb steeply on curving switchbacks.

About 10 minutes after the switchbacks end, look for signs for Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. The main parking lot is on the right side. The overflow parking lot is on the left side just before the main lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Joffre Lakes Parking

There are two parking lots for Joffre Lakes. The main parking lot is at the trailhead. There is also an overflow parking lot on the left side of the highway just before the main parking lot. The overflow parking lot is larger and is a better option if you are driving an RV.

A gravel trail on the side of the highway connects the overflow parking lot to the main parking lot. Don’t walk on the highway and please use the crosswalk to stay safe.

Both parking lots are gravel and don’t have painted lines, so park close to the car next to you so there will be room for everyone. There used to be issues with full parking lots leading people to park illegally on the highway, which was really dangerous. Now that day passes are required, there is enough parking for everyone.

Caution: Since the parking lot is right next to the highway, sometimes people parking overnight return to find that their car has been broken into. If you are parking overnight, do not leave anything in your car.

Joffre Lakes Parking Passes

You do not need a parking pass for Joffre Lakes. While other BC Parks require parking passes, at Joffre Lakes, you just need a day pass for each person in your group – you don’t need a parking pass.

Buses to Joffre Lakes

2025 Update: In previous years, you could get to Joffre Lakes using the Parkbus. It was the only bus going to Joffre lakes from 2021 to 2023. However, Parkbus did not run in 2024 and it looks like they will not run in 2025.

In previous years, Parkbus ran dozens of scheduled departure dates from Vancouver in the summer and fall. Most dates were on weekends, but there are were weekday trips too. As a bonus, you didn’t need to get a day pass if you go with Parkbus.

You might find old info online about a different bus to Joffre Lakes that let you park at Cayoosh Lot and then take a shuttle to the trailhead. That info is not up to date or correct. That bus service has not operated since 2019 and there do not seem to be any plans to bring it back.

Tours to Joffre Lakes

You can also visit Joffre Lakes on a guided hiking tour. Your guide will provide transportation and can help you learn about the fascinating glaciers you will see on your hike. They can also point out plants and animals you might otherwise miss.

• This Joffre Lake guided hike is led by a professional photographer and includes pro photos of your trip.
• This Joffre Lakes guided day trip includes transportation from Vancouver or Squamish as well as lunch and snacks.

Getting to Joffre Lakes Without a Car

If you don’t own a car, you can still get to Joffre Lakes. Taking a tour is the easiest way since you don’t have to worry about driving. You can also rent a car. I use Discover Cars because it lets me compare car rentals across different companies to get the best rate.

If you belong to a car-sharing service like Evo or Modo, you can drive one to Joffre Lakes. Keep in mind that you will need to pay the date rate which can work out to more than a rental car.

You can also use a ride-sharing service like Poparide to try to find people who are driving to Joffre Lakes and want to make a few extra dollars by taking passengers. Or post on local Facebook hiking groups or with hiking clubs to find people to carpool with.

Where to Stay Near Joffre Lakes

While you can drive to and from Vancouver and Joffre Lakes in one day, it is 3 hours each way, which means 6 hours in the car. I recommend staying nearby so you don’t have such a long drive.

Joffre Lakes makes a great day trip from Whistler since it is 1 hour from Whistler. (Joffre Lakes is also on my list of the best things to do in Whistler in summer). The cute town of Pemberton also makes a great place to stay near Joffre Lakes.

Here are a few hotels I recommend:

• Pemberton Valley Lodge: An all-suite hotel near downtown Pemberton and just 30 minutes from Joffre Lakes. Check prices.
• Summit Lodge: A boutique hotel in Whistler Village with slightly eclectic decor. (This is my favourite place to stay in Whistler.) Check prices.
• Glacier’s Reach: Condos in Whistler Village with full kitchens. The best part? Private hot tubs! Check prices.
• The Westin Resort & Spa: Luxury hotel in Whistler with luxe rooms and a cool pool that is part indoors, part outdoors. Check prices.

Joffre Lakes Hiking Directions

Trip Planner

0 km Trailhead, Day Pass Check-in, and Toilets

0.2 km Lower Joffre Lake Viewpoint (5 min from trailhead)

2.8 km Middle Joffre Lake Viewpoint and Toilet (1-1.5 hours from trailhead)

3 km Floating Log (1-1.5 hours from trailhead)

3.3 km Holloway Falls Viewpoint (1.25-2 hours from trailhead)

3.8 km Upper Joffre Lake Viewpoint and Toilet (1.5-2.5 hours from trailhead)

4.8 km Upper Joffre Lake Campground and Toilet (2-3 hours from trailhead)

Starting the Joffre Lakes Hike

The hike to Joffre Lakes starts at the far end of the main parking lot. There is an info kiosk with informative signs about plants, animals and Indigenous culture. You will also find four pit toilets here.

If you visit between May and October, there will also be a temporary building that houses the BC Parks staff members who check day passes. For more info about day passes including why they are required, read my guide to BC Parks day passes and the day pass section above.

Lower Joffre Lake Viewpoint

After you have had your day pass checked you can start the trail. The path heads very slightly downhill to an intersection. For now, go straight for one minute to the Lower Joffre Lake viewpoint.

The viewpoint has a bench and is a great place for photos. You can see the glacier-topped peaks far above you up the valley. The shallow water is very clear so you can easily see the bottom. If you are short on time or stamina, the Lower Joffre Lake viewpoint may be as far as you get.

If you want to continue on the trail, retrace your steps to the junction and turn left. The trail is fairly flat for a few minutes as it parallels the lakeshore. The lake is out of sight behind some bushes.

After you cross a wooden bridge over the lake outlet stream, the trail begins to head uphill a little bit. You can catch glimpses of the lake through the forest to your left.

About 30 minutes from the start the trail emerges from the forest in a more open area with lots of low bushes. This area is a rock slide. Until 2013 you had to clamber from boulder to boulder, avoiding the huge drops in between.

But huge loads of gravel have been dumped in between the rocks to create a smooth path that’s easy to hike. These days the only hazard is sun exposure.

After the boulder field, the trail heads back into the forest and the steepest part of the trail begins. Many people find this part very tiring.

Take your time as you follow the steep trail up many wood and rock stairs and a few eroded sections. If you need to take breaks, move off to the side so other hikes can get by. In a few places, you can look back down to Lower Joffre Lake and across the valley to Cayoosh Mountain.

Middle Joffre Lake Viewpoint and the Floating Log

About 1-1.5 hours from the trailhead you will get your first view of the turquoise waters of Middle Joffre Lake. Continue down the trail for another minute to the main viewpoint. This is a great spot for a snack and some photos.

After you have enjoyed the viewpoint, continue along the trail to cross a bridge. On the other side, you will find a trail to the left that leads to a toilet. The trail to the right leads to some benches in the shade and the lakeshore with a slightly different viewpoint.

Keep hiking for another minute to reach the famous floating log. Unless you arrive early in the day, there will likely be a line-up of people waiting for photos of themselves standing on it.

The log is quite stable and easy to walk on as you long as stay close to shore. The farther out you go, the more bouncy and slippery it gets. Be careful because the water is frigid and falling in can cause hypothermia.

Holloway Falls

Follow the trail around the lake and into the forest again. The path climbs a small hill. About 5 minutes later, take a spur trail to the right for a great view of Holloway Falls. This waterfall wasn’t on the original Joffre Lakes trail – it was rerouted in 2013 to include this great viewpoint. (Psst: Holloway Falls is on my list of the best waterfalls near Vancouver.)

Upper Joffre Lakes Viewpoint

From the waterfall, climb a short set of wooden stairs on the main trail and continue up the hill. The terrain starts to flatten out as you cross a bridge and some boardwalks.

You will start to get views of Upper Joffre Lake through the trees. Stay on the main trail since the lakeshore is marshy here and going off-trail can cause ecological damage. In any case, there are better views up ahead.

About 10 minutes after the waterfall, reach a junction. The main trail goes straight but you should go left to the Upper Joffre Lake Viewpoint. The viewpoint is on a short trail that loops back to the main trail. The viewpoint trail scrambles over rocks in a few places, but it is fairly easy to follow along the lakeshore.

This is the best view of Upper Joffre Lake and the mountains behind it, so plan to take a break here. As you look across the lake the main peak you see is Slalok Mountain with the Stonecrop and Matier Glaciers hanging from its flanks. Joffre Peak is on the left. At one time, the huge glaciers extended all the way down the valley to the present-day highway. Today’s lakes fill bowls in the rocks that the grinding ice of the glaciers carved out.

For some people, the Upper Joffre Lake viewpoint is as far as they want to go. After enjoying the view follow the viewpoint trail around to a second junction with the main trail in a rocky area. Turn left if you want to continue onwards. Turning right will take you past a spur trail to an outhouse and then back down to the trailhead.

Joffre Lakes Campground

If you are continuing to the campground, follow the trail beside the lake. It is much rougher than it was lower down with lots of small ups and downs and scrambling over rocks and roots. A bridge about 2/3 of the way along is the only smooth footing.

About 20-30 minutes after leaving the viewpoint, scramble down a short ladder, and then pass an outhouse up some stairs. A spur trail to the left leads to a helicopter pad. Rock hop across a small creek to arrive at the Upper Joffre Lake campground. The campground is spread out in this area. Find more details in the camping section below.

This is the end of the official Joffre Lakes trail. Head down to the lakeshore to take a break and enjoy the view. You can look back across the lake to Cayoosh Mountain on the other side of the highway. When you are ready, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Take care on the steep sections on the way down. Some of the dirt and gravel is loose so it can be easy to slip.

Continuing Beyond the Campground

There are no official trails beyond the Joffre Lakes campground. On some maps or apps, you may see trails continuing past the campground. These are unmarked, unmaintained, and unofficial mountaineering routes.

It can be tempting to want to scramble up towards the glaciers and you’ve probably seen photos on social media of people doing it. However, if you spend any time hanging out at Joffre Lakes you will probably see and hear rocks and chunks of ice falling off the glacier.

The routes up to the glacier are all in the path of falling rock and ice. Some of the falling chunks can be car or bus sized. Please don’t scramble up to the glacier without mountaineering training. You could be injured or killed.

There is a faint path through the rocks and bushes to a small waterfall cascading over a rock outcrop and then down into the back of the lake. The route to the waterfall does occasionally get hit by falling rock and ice, but it is a much safer option if you really want to explore beyond the campground.

You may also see a path on some maps leading to Tszil Mountain. This is an unmarked scramblers route that involves off-trail navigation through boulder fields and snowfields. Do not attempt it without off-trail navigation and scrambling experience.

Backcountry Camping at Joffre Lakes

The backcountry campground at Joffre Lakes is a popular destination so it requires reservations. You can book online up to 3 months before your trip. See my guide to making backcountry reservations in BC for tips on getting a spot. Camping costs $25 per person per night plus a $6 reservation fee for each tent. Note: You don’t need a day pass if you have a backcountry camping reservation.

The campground has 26 gravel campsites spread out along the lakeshore and hillside. There is a large metal food locker in the center of the campground. The toilet is 100 m away back down the main trail. Collect drinking water from the stream between the outhouse and the campground but be sure to filter or treat it.

Camping is not allowed between mid-November and mid-June since the campground is in an avalanche path. As well, campfires are never allowed to protect the fragile environment.

You can find more info about backpacking to Joffre Lakes in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

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Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

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Hiking and Snowshoeing Joffre Lakes in Winter

With easy access to a plowed highway, Joffre Lakes makes a good winter hiking and snowshoeing destination. I’ve got all the details in my guide to snowshoeing near Whistler.

However, it is a much more challenging and potentially dangerous trip in winter. The trail is not marked in winter so you will need to be comfortable with navigation. I use the Gaia GPS app.

The trail will also be very snowy and icy. Depending on trail conditions, you will need snowshoes or microspikes. I recommend microspikes in April, May, late October, and November and both snowshoes and microspikes between January and March. (Read my guide for tips on how to choose snowshoes and my guide to the differences between snowshoes and microspikes).

As well, the trail is in serious avalanche terrain so you will need avalanche training and rescue gear. Check the avalanche forecast before your trip.

However, I don’t recommend you visit Joffre Lakes in winter for one big reason: You won’t be able to see the gorgeous blue lakes because they will be covered in snow and ice. You will just see snowy mountains, which you can see lots of other places in BC.

Paddling and Swimming and Joffre Lakes

You are allowed to swim in all three Joffre Lakes but it is not a great idea. The BC Parks website says: “The glacier-fed lakes are very cold and are not recommended for swimming.”

They are right – the water is just above freezing. It is easy to get hypothermia and you are a long way from help. Bring some warm clothes to put on afterward. The best places to swim are at the viewpoints at each lake as well as at the campground.

BC Parks does not have any rules about paddling SUPs, floaties, or inflatable boats at Joffre Lakes. So yes it is allowed to paddle at Joffre Lakes. However, I honestly don’t think it’s a good idea.

The same caution about the frigid water temperature applies. You should bring a wetsuit or drysuit and wear a PFD for safety. If you capsize, the water is cold enough to incapacitate you quickly and could lead to drowning. You are a long way from help.

Indigenous Context

Indigenous people have lived and travelled in the area around Joffre Lakes since time immemorial. Joffre Lakes is in the traditional and unceded shared territories of the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua people.

In 2021 the Joffre Lakes Provincial Park Visitor Use Management Strategy was released. It is a joint project between BC Parks, several arms of the BC government, the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua.

Historically, the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua used the park for hunting, gathering, and spiritual ceremonies. They refer to the entire Duffey Lake corridor as a “banquet place” where they can harvest minerals, plants, berries, and animals such as mountain goats, deer, and fish. The Joffre watershed was also an important place for vision quests.

The Lil’wat and N’Quatqua call the area Pipi7íyekw and the park has been renamed Pipi7íyekw/Joffre lake Park. (Pipi7íyekw is pronouced “pee-PEE-yow”.)

The influx of hikers as well as the designation of the area as a provincial park have negatively impacted the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua people since they are unable to continue to harvest and conduct spiritual practices they way they could before settlers arrived.

The Visitor Use Management Plan seeks to protect important Indigenous cultural resources and sites. It also strives to celebrate Indigenous culture and allow Indigenous people access to the park for cultural practices.

Starting in 2024, there are three closure periods each year where there is no public access to Joffre Lakes Park. These closures allow the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua to conduct cultural celebrations and engage in harvesting.

When you visit Joffre Lakes, be respectful. Remember that you are a visitor on Lil’wat and N’Quatqua land. Stop to read the info boards at the trailhead to learn more about the Indigenous context of the area.

I also recommend visiting the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. It’s a beautiful museum and the guides do a great job of explaining their culture both historically and today. (It’s also one of my top picks for things to do in Whistler.

Joffre Lakes FAQ

Final Thoughts

That’s everything you need to know about the Joffre Lake hike. Did I miss something? Do you have more questions about the Joffre Lakes trail? Ask them in the comments – I’m happy to help.

READ NEXT:

• The Best Hikes in Whistler
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local)
• 80+ Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)
• 31 Best Backpacking Trips in BC

The post Joffre Lakes Hike (By a Local) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

This list of the most Instagrammed hikes in Vancouver was first published in February 2017. I update the numbers each year. I’ve run the numbers fresh for 2024… (drumroll please)… and this year the hikes on the list haven’t changed – but their order has a bit. (You’ll still have to read the whole post to see which hike is number 1!)

Tons of people location tag their photos when they go hiking and post them to Instagram. (I know I do!)  So it’s a great way to figure out which Vancouver hikes are the most popular. I scrolled through a lot of hashtags before coming up with this list of the most Instagrammed hikes in Vancouver.

If you’re looking to up your ‘gram game this is the list you need. And if you like solitude, here are the top 10 hikes you should avoid! 

Before you scroll down and read the list, can you guess which hikes made the top 10?

Of course Vancouver isn’t the only city with Instagram-worthy trails. If you’re in San Diego, you have to hike to Potato Chip Rock. Looking for some Instagram inspiration? Check out this huge list of adventure quotes that make great Instagram captions.

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.

10. Black Tusk

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Trail Info: Black Tusk is an iconic Sea to Sky landmark. (It’s one of the best hikes in Whistler too.) As of 2024, there are 40.6k photos hashtagged #BlackTusk on Instagram (up from 39.4 k in 2023, 38k in 2022, 35.8k in 2021, and 33.7k in 2020).

The trailhead for Black Tusk is the same as for Garibaldi Lake. But instead of going right to the lake, you go left through Taylor Meadows campground and then ascend on loose volcanic rocks above treeline. (Climbing to the top of Black Tusk is technically a scramble or a rock climb, so most people should stop at the base. Get directions and more info in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Stats: Black Tusk is a long, hard hike. It is 29km round trip with 1750m of elevation gain. It takes most people 11 or 12 hours (or you can camp overnight at the Taylor Meadows or Garibaldi Lake campgrounds.)

Where to Get the Shot: As you get close to the base of the Tusk there is a BC Parks sign indicating that you have reached the end of the marked trail. It is not crazy steep in that area so its a popular place to sit down for a snack and take some photos of the incredible view.

9. Stawamus Chief

Trail Info: Between #StawamusChief and #SquamishChief, the Chief (as it is sometimes known) has 46k hashtagged photos on Instagram (up from 44.2 k in 2023, 41.8k in 2022, 37.4k in 2021, and 34.1k in 2020).

Located next door to the Sea to Sky Gondola, it is one of the best hikes in Squamish even though it’s super steep. (It’s the steepest hike on my list of Grouse Grind Alternatives.) You’ll climb up stairs, ladders and even use chains to reach the top where you can look down the sheer cliff face. Get directions and more info on the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park website.

Stats: This steep hike has three peaks to choose from: First Peak 3km round trip with 540m elevation gain; Second Peak 3.4km round trip with 590m elevation gain; Third Peak 1.8km 3.6km round trip with 630m elevation gain. It takes about 2.5 hours to do the first peak, and 5 or 6 hours if you want to do all three.

Where to Get the Shot: You’ll find great locations for photos at the tops of each of the peaks. For the most dramatic shots head to third peak where you can get shots of the other two peaks (and all the tiny hikers on them).

8. Garibaldi Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Trail Info: #GaribaldiLake is one of the best hikes in Whistler and has been drawing Vancouver hikers for years, so it’s no surprise it has 51k hashtagged photos on Instagram (up from 48.7k in 2023, 46.6k in 2022, 42.7k in 2021, and 39.8k in 2020).

The first half of the trail switchback steadily uphill through the forest, then passes by the Barrier and two smaller lakes before finally emerging on the shores of the massive Garibaldi Lake. Get directions and more info in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Stats: It’s an 18km round trip hike with about 900m of elevation gain so allow 6 or 7 hours for the trip.

Where to Get the Shot: Many people take shots on the beach where the trail first enters the campground. However, you can get some more spectacular photos by continuing along the shore past the campground to the ranger’s boat dock.

7. Golden Ears

Heads up: Day passes are required at Golden Ears Provincial Park in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Trail Info: There are tons of short hikes in Golden Ears Provincial Park and the 60k photos on the #GoldenEars hashtag reflects that. (Up from 57.7k in 2023, 54.8k in 2022, 49.8k in 2021, and 44k in 2020.) Golden Ears and Lighthouse Park keep leapfrogging each other in the rankings. Last year Golden Ears was #6, but Lighthouse Park took that spot this year.

But if you want the pinnacle hiking experience, you need to summit Golden Ears. It’s a long hike with a steep climb towards the peak. You’ll pass the emergency shelter on Panorama Ridge before crossing a snowfield to the true summit. Get directions and more info in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Stats: It’s a 24km round trip with 1700m of elevation gain. Allow 12 hours (or consider staying overnight at Alder Flats or Panorama Ridge campgrounds).

Where to Get the Shot: On a clear day the summit and the area around the emergency shelter have great views.

6. Lighthouse Park

Trail Info: There are lots of trails at Lighthouse park, from a simple 10 minute walk on an old road to the lighthouse to longer routes. It’s a popular place, with 60.3k photos hashtagged #LighthousePark. (It had 57.7k photos in 2023, 55.8k in 2022, 49.8k photos in 2021, and 44k in 2020.)

My favourite route involves a loop around the perimeter of the park that visits lots of bluffs with ocean views. You can find a map and directions for this route on my Coastal Hiking in Vancouver post.

Stats: The loop around the park is only 6km but there are plenty of side trails to viewpoints to distract you. And even though there is no real elevation gain, there are many short, steep hills. Allow 3 hours for this hike.

Where to Get the Shot: It depends what you want shots of, as you are spoiled for choice here. For iconic shots of the Lighthouse take the West Beach Trail. For beautiful city shots, go to East Beach. And for views of Howe Sound and Bowen Island go to Juniper Point or Shorepine Point.

5. Quarry Rock

Trail Info: The hike to Quarry Rock is relatively short but has a huge payoff, so it’s no surprise that is fairly popular on Instagram with 64.5k photos hashtagged #QuarryRock. (It had 62k in 2023, 61.4k in 2022, 59.7k in 2021, and 57.9k in 2020.)

The trail heads through the forest and crosses several bridges over fern festooned streams. At the end it emerges on to a big granite bluff with great views of Deep Cove and Belcarra. Get directions and more info on Vancouver Trails and Outdoor Vancouver.

Stats: It’s a short 4km round trip hike with just 100m of elevation gain (although it feels like more). It only takes about 1.5 hours to do the hike.

Where to Get the Shot: The money shot is of course on the granite bluffs of Quarry Rock at the end of the hike. However, there are lots of beautiful forest scenes on the mossy wooden bridges throughout the hike.

4. Panorama Ridge

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Trail Info: At 68.5k hashtagged photos, the success of #PanoramaRidge on Instagram can probably be explained by its particularly epic view. (It had 65.9k in 2023, 62.6k in 2022, 55.1k in 2021, and 45.9k in 2020.)

It’s a long and difficult hike to get there but I think everyone who’s been would agree it’s worth the slog.  Try to time your visit for late July or early August to see the wildflower meadows in bloom along the way.

If the trail is too much for you to tackle in one day, stay overnight at Taylor Meadows or Garibaldi Lake campgrounds. Get directions and more info in my book Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. (Panorama Ridge is one of my favourite trails, and my pick for the top 10 hikes near Vancouver.)

Stats: The 30km round trip to the viewpoint gains about 1520m. Most people hike it in 11-12 hours.

Where to Get the Shot: For views of the lake, head to the very top. If you take the trail to the left along the ridge, you’ll have fewer people trying to get the same shot. For pics of Black Tusk, take them on the way up or at the top.

3. Grouse Grind

Note: The Grouse Grind is closed in winter and during periods of bad weather. See the Grouse Mountain Regional Park website for opening info.

Trail Info: For three years running, the #GrouseGrind was the most Instagrammed hike in Vancouver. But in 2020 it was finally unseated and it’s been dropping in the stats since then – it was second in 2023, but has dropped to third this year. In 2024 it has 78.7k hashtagged photos (compared to 78k in 2023, 76k in 2022, 73.8k in 2021, and 72.2k in 2020).

Many people hike it weekly to stay in shape. It climbs steeply up through the forest on stairs and rocks. (In fact it is often called Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.) There are no views until you emerge from the trees just below the Grouse Mountain Lodge.

You are not permitted to hike down the Grind. Instead you can pay $20 to take the gondola down (and save your knees!) You can find more information on the Grouse Mountain Regional Park website.

Stats: It’s a brutally steep 2.9km hike with over 800m of elevation gain. It takes most people 1.5 to 2 hours to hike. The fittest people run it in under an hour and the all-time record is just 25 minutes!

Where to Get the Shot: The viewpoint just below the lodge is a popular place for sweaty and triumphant selfies. There are also some cheeky motivational signs along the way that make cute photos. (The one that says “Legs, you got this!” is my fave.)

2. Lynn Canyon

Trail Info: If you just want to see the famous Lynn Canyon suspension bridge, it’s only about 100m from the parking lot. Most of the 79.3k photos with the hashtag #LynnCanyon are of the bridge (up from 77k in 2023, 74k in 2022, 71.3k in 2021, and 69.5k in 2020).

But there is lots to see in the area so it’s worth heading out on a short hike. A popular loop route crosses the suspension bridge then heads downstream to the bridge at Twin Falls. Get more info and directions on Vancouver Trails. There are lots of trail options: bring a copy of the trail map and choose your own adventure.

Stats: The short Twin Falls loop is just 1.5km long with less than 100m of elevation gain. It takes about an hour to hike.

Where to Get the Shot: The classic shot is of the suspension bridge, of course. But you can also get great shots at Twin Falls and 30 Foot Pool.

1. Joffre Lakes

Heads up: Day passes are required at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Trail Info: It’s no surprise that Joffre Lakes has topped the most Instagrammed hikes in Vancouver rankings since 2020 as it seems like most of Vancouver is up there on long weekends. There are now 98.5k photos hashtagged #JoffreLakes. (In 2023 there were 93.3k. There were 86.7k in 2022. In 2021, there were 79.7k. In 2020, there were 78.4k. There were 63.3k in 2019. In 2018, there were 43.7k photos. And in 2017, there were 25.6k photos. Those are some huge jumps.)

Joffre Lakes is actually just outside of Pemberton, a good 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver. But the three incredible turquoise lakes and glacier views are extremely popular with hikers. The first lake is just 10 minutes from the parking lot. The second lake is a steep uphill hike, and the hike finishes at the third lake where there is a campground.

In the summer, you may need a free BC Parks parking pass. Get more directions and more information in my Joffre Lakes hiking guide.

Stats: It’s a moderate 10km round trip hike to the Upper Lake with about 400m of elevation gain. Allow 4 hours for the hike (but lots more for photos).

Where to Get the Shot: The best views of the glaciers are a short spur trail across the rocks where the main trail first reaches Upper Joffre Lake. Another popular location for photos is the floating log along the shore of the Middle Lake. On sunny weekends there is often a line up of people waiting to walk out on to the log to take photos. (Many people up the difficulty factor by striking a yoga pose).

So there’s the list of the Top 10 Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver as of early 2024. Were there any surprises on the list for you? Which ones did you guess right? Personally I’m surprised St. Mark’s Summit (still!) didn’t make the top 10.

More Awesome Hikes Near Vancouver:

• BC Parks Day Passes 2024 – Everything You Need to Know
• The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver: A Local’s Guide
• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver
• Alternatives to the Grouse Grind
• 35 Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit
• Waterfalls Near Vancouver You Can Hike To
• 100+ Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: Trails You Can Hike Year Round

The post Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver for 2024 appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

There is a Whistler hike for everyone on this list from short and easy hikes to all-day epic climbs. There are waterfalls, river canyons, historical ruins, lakes, viewpoints, and mountain tops.

These Whistler trails are all easy to navigate and don’t require tedious 4×4 driving to reach. Use this list of the best hikes in Whistler to plan your next adventure. 

Psst: Looking for a full list of Whistler activities? Check out my list of the best things to do in Whistler. It includes over 80 ideas!

Whistler Hiking Basics

Getting to Whistler: Whistler is located in British Columbia, Canada. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway a.k.a. Highway 99. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can take a shuttle bus. The drive to Whistler is gorgeous! For a complete list of things to see between Vancouver and Whistler, check out my Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide.

Hiking season in Whistler: Whistler sits high up in the Coast Mountains. That means it has a short summer hiking season from June to September. Generally, the valley bottom trails start to be snow-free in April or May with higher elevation trails staying snowy into July. By mid October, 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. (And if you’re visiting in the winter, check out this list of places to snowshoe in Whistler.)

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

What to bring hiking in Whistler: Even if you are just going for a short hike, 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: Whistler 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. For more info about hiking in bear country, read my post about bear safety for hikers.

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

Whistler Trails Map

I made a custom Google map for you that shows all of the trails on this list, plus the exact location of the trailhead and parking.

Hikes in Whistler Village

Lost Lake

The Lost Lake Trail is almost in the heart of Whistler Village. It is an easy hike through the forest to the lake. The trail is fairly flat and smooth enough for strollers. Follow the trail around the lake, then retrace your steps on the main trail back to the trailhead. On hot summer days, take a break at the lake for a swim.

If you want to add on some additional distance, a huge network of multi-use trails wind their way around the area, including the Sea to Sky Trail that stretches from Squamish to Pemberton. A few of them also go to viewpoints. Just watch out for mountain bikes. (In the winter the trail network is a great place to cross country ski or go snowshoeing in Whistler.)

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 5km loop Elevation gain: 50m Time Needed: 1.25 hours Best Time to Go: March to October Trail Info: My Lost Lake Park guide How to get there: The trailhead is located in Whistler on Lorimer Road near the intersection with Blackcomb Way. It’s a 10-minute walk from the village.

Blackcomb Ascent Trails

The steep Blackcomb Ascent trail is one of the hardest hikes in Whistler. Challenge yourself by hiking directly up the side of Blackcomb Mountain. But your knees won’t have to suffer because you can take the gondola back down. Known collectively as the Burn trails, the Blackcomb Ascent hike starts with Little Burn, which is the mellowest gaining just 74m over 0.8km. In the middle is Big Burn, which is steep and challenging – it’s 2.2km long with 494m of elevation gain. At the end of Big Burn, you can load onto the gondola at the Blackcomb Midstation or continue climbing upwards to the Rendezvous Lodge gondola station on the Heartburn Trail for another 3.1km, gaining 607m. Be sure to look up the gondola schedule before you go!

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 6.1km one-way Elevation gain: 1175m Time Needed: 3.5 hours Best Time to Go: mid-June to September Trail Info: Whistler Blackcomb How to get there: The trail starts at Blackcomb Base on Blackcomb Way in Whistler. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from Whistler Village.  To take the gondola back down, you’ll need to buy a ticket on the mountain.

Blackcomb Alpine Trails

You’ll need to buy a gondola ticket to get the Blackcomb Alpine Trails, but the views are worth the price. You’ll ascend to 1850m above sea level in the gondola, emerging into an alpine landscape of rocks, glaciers, and wildflowers. Follow the Alpine Loop trail to the Fitzsimmons Viewpoint, then continue onwards on the Overlord Trail to Decker Tarn and Blackcomb Lake via loop trails. Your high point is Overlord Glacier Viewpoint at an elevation of 2050m.

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: Up t0 10km loop Elevation gain: 200m Time Needed: 3 hours Best Time to Go: mid-July to September Trail Info: My Blackcomb Trails guide How to get there: Take the Blackcomb gondola from Blackcomb Base up to Rendezvous Lodge at the top of Blackcomb. You can also get there via the Whistler Gondola and Peak to Peak Gondola directly from Whistler Village. 

Singing Pass to Russet Lake

This trail is long and not particularly scenic, but it provides free access into the gorgeous alpine between Whistler and Blackcomb Peaks in Garibaldi Provincial Park. I’ve got a complete description for this trail in my Russet Lake hiking and backpacking guide.

The trail climbs first on an old road, then on a forested trail up the Fitzsimmons Creek valley. The trail has several washouts and unbridged creeks, so use caution during snow melt or after heavy rain. But at Singing Pass, you emerge into the alpine. The trail ends at Russet Lake, surrounded by glaciated peaks. You can also use this trail to connect with the Musical Bumps or High Note Trails to Whistler Peak.

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 31km round trip Elevation gain: 1280m Time Needed: 10-11 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: My Russet Lake hiking guide, Garibaldi Provincial Park  How to get there: The trailhead is next to the Whistler Gondola bus loop on Blackcomb Way.

Musical Bumps

The Musical Bumps is one of the most beautiful hikes in Whistler. It travels along the top of a ridge, passing Harmony Lake, Symphony Lake, Piccolo Summit, Flute Summit, and Oboe Summit. Now do you understand why it’s called the Musical Bumps Trail?

To get there, pay for the gondola and take it all the way up to Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. The trail ends at Singing Pass. From there, you can retrace your steps back to the Roundhouse, continue upward to Russet Lake, make a loop by using the High Note Trail, or walk all the way back down to Whistler Village on the Singing Pass Trail. Time your visit for mid-summer to see the wildflowers. 

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 19km round trip Elevation gain: 305m Time Needed: 8-9 hours  Best Time to Go: July-September Trail Info: Whistler Blackcomb, Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: Ride the gondola from Whistler Village to the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain.

High Note Trail

The High Note Trail is one of the newest trails in Whistler, and also one of the most spectacular. (It made my list of the top 10 hikes near Vancouver.) You ascend to the very top of Whistler Peak, then make a descending loop. Along the way, there are gorgeous views of Cheakamus Lake below and Black Tusk across the valley. You can also connect this trail to the Musical Bumps. And if the entire High Note Trail is too long for you, there’s a shortcut halfway along called the Half Note. 

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 9.6km one-way Elevation gain: 430m Time Needed: 3-4.5 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: My High Note Trail Guide How to get there: Ride the gondola from Whistler Village to the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain, then take the Peak Chair up to the peak.

Hikes on the West Side of Whistler

Rainbow Lake

The trail to Rainbow Lake climbs through the forest on the west side of the Whistler Valley, passing Rainbow Falls along the way. It emerges into the alpine on the shores of beautiful Rainbow Lake, nestled beneath the rocky bulk of Rainbow Mountain. The entire hike is within the Whistler watershed that supplies drinking water to the town so swimming isn’t allowed and you should use the three toilets along the trail. 

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 16km round trip Elevation gain: 850m Time Needed: 6-7 hours Best Time to Go: July-September Trail Info: Rainbow Mountain Trail Map, Vancouver Trails How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99, then turn right on Alta Lake Road. Follow it for 6km to the trailhead and parking area on the left side of the road. You can also take a taxi. 

Rainbow Falls

If the hike to Rainbow Lake is too long, just head a short distance up the trail to visit Rainbow Falls. The falls aren’t visible from the main trail, but you can take a side trail to visit them. The best time to see the falls is during the spring runoff, but they are beautiful at any time of year. You can also snowshoe to Rainbow Falls in the winter. Use my Rainbow Falls trail guide to find your way.

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 2.3 km loop Elevation gain: 130 m Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours Best Time to Go: May-October Trail Info: My Rainbow Falls trail guide. How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99, then turn right on Alta Lake Road. Follow it for 6km to the trailhead and parking area on the left side of the road. You can also take a taxi. 

Skywalk Trail

The Skywalk Trails are part of Whistler’s new alpine trail network on the northeast face of Rainbow Mountain. There are actually three trails: Skywalk South, 19 Mile Creek, and Skywalk North that connect to make several loop trips possible. All three trails top out in the alpine near the frozen waters of Iceberg Lake. A popular loop option is to combine the 19 Mile Creek and Skywalk North trails. 

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: Up to 20km Elevation gain: 1025m Time Needed: 9 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: Rainbow Mountain Trail Map, Vancouver Trails How to get there: The Skywalk North and 19 Mile Creek trails start at the end of Mountain View Drive in the Alpine Meadows neighbourhood. To get there from Whistler Village, drive Highway 99 north and turn left on Meadow Lane into Alpine Meadows. Immediately turn right onto Parkwood Drive, then go left on Mountain View Drive and follow it up the hill to its end. Bus route 30 stops at the intersection of Mountain View Drive and Valley drive a few minutes from the trailhead. You can also take a taxi.

Hikes in Cheakamus Crossing

Riverside and Farside Trails

This easy loop hike follows the Riverside and Farside Trails (also known as the Cheakamus River Trail) along the banks of the Cheakamus River through the Whistler Interpretive Forest. It is located just south of Whistler in the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood, which was the site of the Whistler Olympic Village. Halfway through the hike, cross the Cheakamus River on a suspension bridge, then follow the opposite bank back to the trailhead. (The Riverside Trail is also a great snowshoe trail in the winter.)

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 6km loop Elevation gain: 90m Time Needed: 2 hours Best Time to Go: March to October Trail Info: Whistler Interpretive Forest Map How to get there: The trailhead and parking lot are on Cheakamus Lake Road immediately after you turn off Highway 99. You can also take bus route 10 or 20 from Whistler Village. The bus stop is at the trailhead. 

READ NEXT: 40+ Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler

Crater Rim Trail

The Crater Rim trail makes a loop through the Whistler Interpretive Forest high above Loggers Lake. The lake is actually an extinct volcanic crater. As the trail passes above the lake, it visits several great viewpoints. If you want a longer hike, you could combine the Crater Rim Trail with the Riverside Trail or other trails in the Interpretive Forest. 

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 4.5km loop Elevation gain: 230m Time Needed: 2 hours Best Time to Go: May to October Trail Info: Whistler Interpretive Forest Map, Vancouver Trails How to get there: Turn off Highway 99 onto Cheakamus Lake Road. Less than 1km later, go left on a gravel road, then make your first right and follow the road across a bridge. Park at the Logger’s Lake trailhead on the side of the road about 2km after you left the pavement. If you don’t have a car, take bus route 10 or 20 to Cheakamus Lake Road, then walk the gravel road to the trailhead. You can also take a taxi.

Cheakamus Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Cheakamus Lake in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

This is one of the best easy hikes in Whistler. It heads through old-growth forest to the shores of Cheakamus Lake. The lake has beautiful turquoise blue water thanks to glacial runoff. You can take a shorter 7km round trip hike to the west end of the lake, or continue along the trail until it ends at Singing Creek, for a 14km round trip hike. While the water looks beautiful, it’s bitterly cold so swim at your own risk. 

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 7-14km round trip Elevation gain: 50m Time Needed: 2-4 hours Best Time to Go: May to November Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: Turn off Highway 99 onto Cheakamus Lake Road. Stay on the road for 7.5km, avoiding all branches, until it ends at a parking lot and trailhead. The road is bumpy, but fine for all for all vehicles. Some Whistler taxi companies will also drive you to the trailhead. 

Helm Pass

Heads up: Day passes are required at the Cheakamus Lake trailehad in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

This challenging trail starts from the same trailhead as Cheakamus Lake. It crosses a bridge over the Cheakamus River then ascends forested slopes into the heart of Garibaldi Provincial Park. After passing the Helm Creek campground, you’ll arrive at the surreal volcanic landscape of Helm Pass. The pass has several beautiful light blue alpine lakes as well as a fascinating flat plain covered in lava rocks called the Cinder Flats. If you have the energy to continue onwards, you can connect to the Panorama Ridge, Garibaldi Lake and Black Tusk trails from Helm Pass.

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 25km round trip Elevation gain: 930m Time Needed: 8-9 hours Best Time to Go: July-September Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: Turn off Highway 99 onto Cheakamus Lake Road. Stay on the road for 7.5km, avoiding all branches, until it ends at a parking lot and trailhead. The road is bumpy, but fine for all for all vehicles. Some Whistler taxi companies will also drive you to the trailhead. 

Whistler Train Wreck

The Whistler Train Wreck trail is one of the most unique trails in Whistler. A train derailed in the area in the 1950s. Today, the cars still lay where they landed in the forest, covered in graffiti, and surrounded by mountain bike trails. It’s an easy and flat hike to the wreck, which includes a suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River. The Whistler Train Wreck Trail is also a great place to snowshoe in the winter. 

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 3km round trip Elevation gain: Minimal Time Needed: 1 hour  Best Time to Go: March to October Trail Info: My Whistler Train Wreck hiking guide. How to get there: From Whislter Village, go south on Highway 99, then turn left onto Cheakamus Lake Road, which becomes Legacy Way. Turn right off Legacy Way onto Jane Lake Road. The trailhead is on your right 500m later. You can also take bus route 10 or 20 to the stop on Legacy Way and walk Jane Lakes Road to the trailhead. Whistler taxis will also take you to the trailhead.

Hikes South of Whistler

Brandywine Falls

This short and easy hike heads to one of the Whistler area’s most spectacular waterfalls: Brandywine Falls. It plummets 70 meters down volcanic basalt cliffs into the canyon far below. You can get a great view of the falls from a viewing platform. If you want a longer hike, there are other trails in the park. Snowshoeing at Brandywine Falls is also great in the winter. 

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 1km round trip Elevation gain: none Time Needed: 30 minutes  Best Time to Go: March to October Trail Info: My Brandywine Falls trail guide How to get there: Head south on Highway 99 from Whistler Village for 17km, then turn left into the parking lot for Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. 

Garibaldi Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibadi Lake in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

The hike to Garibaldi Lake is a classic, and I think it’s one of the ten best hikes near Vancouver. The trail climbs up through the forest, passes a great viewpoint and several small lakes before arriving at Garibaldi Lake. This massive lake is glacially fed, giving the water an unreal blue tinge. From the picnic area and campground there are incredible views of the glaciers across the lake. 

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 18km round trip Elevation gain: 820m Time Needed: 6-7 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99 for 25km. Turn left onto Daisy Lake Road and follow it to its end at the Rubble Creek parking lot and trailhead. 

Black Tusk

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Lake in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Black Tusk is the prominent black peak you can see from many places in the Whistler area. It’s actually hardened lava from an extinct volcano. You can hike to the base of the Tusk, but only experienced rock climbers should make the final sketchy scramble to the summit. To get there, follow the Garibaldi Lake Trail uphill from the Rubble Creek trailhead to a junction. Go left through the wildflowers of Taylor Meadow, then turn left again to begin the tough slog up the rocky trail to the Tusk.

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 29km round trip Elevation gain: 1740m Time Needed: 11-12 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99 for 25km. Turn left onto Daisy Lake Road and follow it to its end at the Rubble Creek parking lot and trailhead. 

Panorama Ridge

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Lake in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Panorama Ridge is one of my favourite hikes, and on my list for the best hikes in the Vancouver area. It’s a long day on the trails, but the views from the summit are truly incredible. You start on the forested Garibaldi Lake Trail, go left through Taylor Meadows, pass the turnoff to Black Tusk, and arrive at the volcanic landscape of Helm Pass. From there you ascend the slopes of Panorama Ridge. At the top, you get mind-blowing 360-degree views. Garibaldi Lake is in front of you, Black Tusk is behind you and snow-capped mountains are all around. 

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 30km round trip Elevation gain: 1520m Time Needed: 11-12 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: Garibaldi Park How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99 for 25km. Turn left onto Daisy Lake Road and follow it to its end at the Rubble Creek parking lot and trailhead. 

Hikes North of Whistler

Ancient Cedars Trail

The short Ancient Cedars Trail travels to a grove of huge old-growth cedar trees at the north end of Whistler. These massive trees are part of a small parcel that wasn’t logged. Some of the trees are over 900 years old! The trail was upgraded with new signage in 2013 and now it is much easier to find than it used to be.

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 5km round trip Elevation gain: 175m Time Needed: 2 hours Best Time to Go: June to October Trail Info: Cougar Mountain Trail Map, Vancouver Trails How to get there: Go north on Highway 99 from Whistler Village. Just past Green Lake, turn left onto the gravel Cougar Mountain Road about 8.5km from the village. The road is rough so you will need an AWD or 4WD vehicle. The trailhead is 4.5km up the road from the highway, past the ziplines and ATV rentals.

Parkhurst Ghost Town

Abandoned in the 1960s, Parkhurst was a logging settlement on the shores of Green Lake. Old buildings, machinery, and artefacts litter the site today, making it one of the area’s most unusual hikes. You can make a loop hike through the town to check it out. There are tons of mountain bike trails in the area that can be confusing and aren’t well marked, so bring a GPS. Parkhurst is also a great place to snowshoe in the winter. 

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 5km loop Elevation gain: Minimal Time Needed: 2 hours Best Time to Go: May to October Trail Info: Read my guide to the Parkhurst Ghost Town trail How to get there: Head north from Whistler Village on Highway 99 for 11.5km. Turn right across the train tracks onto Wedge Forest Service Road and cross a bridge. On the other side, go right at the junction and park just past Whistler Paintball. You can also take a taxi to the trailhead. 

Wedgemount Lake

The hike to Wedgemount Lake is the steepest and most challenging hike in Whistler. Your legs will certainly feel the effort. At the top you’ll arrive at a beautiful blue lake, surrounded by mountains. Follow the trail to the far end of the lake, then uphill through the rocks for a few minutes to the toe of a glacier. A few decades ago, this glacier ended at the lakeshore – it’s sad to see how far it has retreated in such a short time!

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 14km round trip Elevation gain: 1200m Time Needed: 8-9 hours Best Time to Go: July-September Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: Head north from Whistler Village on Highway 99 for 11.5km. Turn right across the train tracks onto Wedge Forest Service Road and cross a bridge. On the other side, go left at the junction and follow signs for another 2km to the trailhead. The gravel road is rough but passable for all types of vehicles. You can also take a taxi to the trailhead. 

Nairn Falls

This easy hike follows the banks of the Green River to 60m-tall Nairn Falls. It’s one of many great waterfall hikes in the area.  The falls crash down through smooth granite rocks, worn away by thousands of years of flowing water. Two different platforms give you great views of the falls. If you visit in winter, snowshoeing to Nairn Falls is fun too. 

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 3km round trip Elevation gain: None Time Needed: 1 hour  Best Time to Go: May to October Trail Info: Nairn Falls Provincial Park How to get there: From Whistler Village, head north on Highway 99 for 29km, then turn right into the park. 

Joffre Lakes

Heads up: Day passes are required Joffre Lakes in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

The popular hike to Joffre Lakes isn’t in Whistler – it’s actually closer to the towns of Pemberton and Mount Currie. But since many people do it as a day trip from Whistler, I’ve included Joffre Lakes on this list. The hike travels to three beautiful turquoise lakes and passes by a waterfall. At the third lake, there are amazing views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The Joffre Lakes trail near Whistler can get incredibly busy, so try to go on a weekday.

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 10km round trip Elevation gain: 400m Time Needed: 4 hours Best Time to Go: June to September Trail Info: My Joffre Lakes hiking guide How to get there: Go north on Highway 99 from Whistler Village for 61km, then turn right into the parking lot. If the lot is full, there are overflow lots on the other side of the highway.

With over 20 trails to choose from, I’m sure you’ll find a Whistler hike on this list that you love. Do you have other Whistler hikes to recommend? Tell me in the comments. 

More Whistler Area Posts:

• 80+ Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local)
• 40+ Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• 44 Best Things to Do in Whistler in Winter
• Camping in Whistler, BC: The Best Campgrounds
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

More Whistler Hiking Posts:

• Joffre Lakes Hike (By a Local)
• High Note Trail in Whistler
• Whistler Train Wreck Hike
• Blackcomb Hiking Trails in Whistler (By a Season’s Pass Holder)
• Rainbow Falls Loop Trail in Whistler
• Brandywine Falls Provincial Park Hiking Guide
• Hike to Parkhurst Ghost Town in Whistler
• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• Sea to Sky Trail from Squamish to Pemberton

More Whistler Outdoor Adventures:

• How to Paddle the River of Golden Dreams in Whistler, BC
• Lost Lake in Whistler: Hiking, Swimming, Biking and More
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler
• Cheakamus River Snowshoe Trail in Whistler
• Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails in Whistler

The post The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve hiked all of these trails (masochistically some of them many times), plus tons of other trails that didn’t make the list.  You’ve probably seen some of these hikes on other people’s best hikes lists! But I’d argue there are so many alternative trails that are a better use of your time. In fact, I’ll even give you suggestions for which trails you should hike instead of each of the hikes on my Worst Hikes in Vancouver list. And believe me, I know not everyone will agree with my picks… but that’s ok since Vancouver has so many trails to choose from. So here’s my list of the worst hikes in Vancouver (in my opinion only of course!)

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.

Grouse Grind

Somehow, the Grouse Grind seems to be synonymous with hiking in Vancouver. Lots of casual hikers (or non-hikers!) tackle the Grind on sunny summer days. And on weekday mornings you’ll see North Shore fitness buffs elbowing each other out of the way as they try to get a new PR before work. Despite its popularity, the Grouse Grind is probably the worst hike in Vancouver. It has no views. It travels through ugly second growth forest. It’s brutally steep. It’s waaaay too manicured – all the trail work to add stairs has completely obliterated any wilderness feel. And its insanely crowded. Most days you’ll have one sweaty person a few inches in front of you and another behind you… aaaaaall the way up to the top. It’s so crowded that it’s kind of like being at the mall on Boxing Day.

Where to Hike Instead: If you’re just looking to get a workout, there are plenty of other hikes near Vancouver that make great alternatives to the Grouse Grind. The easiest pick is BCMC trail, right next to the Grouse Grind. It has a fraction of the crowds and is a much more technical trail with a true wilderness feel.

READ NEXT: Alternatives to the Grouse Grind: Steep Workout Hikes Near Vancouver

Mount Seymour in June and July

The hike to Mount Seymour is one of my picks for the best hikes in Vancouver. It’s my personal favourite hike on the North Shore. But unless you enjoy slathering on enough DEET to melt your synthetic clothing (yes, that can happen), avoid Mount Seymour in June and July. The bugs up there are apocalyptic. I’m talking flying into your eyes and ears, up your shorts, etc.  Seymour seems to be worse than some of the other North Shore peaks since it has lots of little ponds and lakes that make perfect mosquito nurseries. The bugs are at their thickest with the snow melt, then slowly lessen as the summer goes on. Typically, that means you’ll need to avoid Mount Seymour in June and for some of July.

Where to Hike Instead: Head to Mount Seymour in September for a gorgeous fall hike after the bugs start to die off. If you want a summer hike to a granite peak, try the Stawamus Chief in Squamish. There’s often a breeze to chase the bugs away.

Lynn Peak

The hike to Lynn Peak doesn’t have much going for it: It’s steep. There are no views on the way up. It passes through tight (and ugly) sections of second growth forest. Part of the ascent is on loose cobbled rocks the size of baby’s heads. Oh and they’re slippery too! To top it off, once you get to the peak, there is only a partial view. The only positives to this hike are that it’s transit accessible and close to Vancouver.

Where to Hike Instead: You could hike pretty much any other North Shore mountain and have a better hike. I’d recommend Eagle Bluffs. (It’s one of my picks for the best hikes near Vancouver!)

READ NEXT: The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver – A Local’s Guide

Deeks Lake

The trail to Deeks Lake features lots of road walking and an insanely steep trail. You’ll gain nearly 1000m! It finishes with a visit to a small lake hemmed in by trees. It’s hard to even get to the lakeshore. And once you’re there, you’re surrounded by mountains… but you can’t see any of them! Then, to top it off, you have to go down, down, DOWN that steep trail back to the car. My knees hurt just thinking about it.

Where to Hike Instead: If you want to do a steep hike to a beautiful mountain lake, head to Wedgemount Lake instead. (It’s one of the best hikes in Whistler.) The hike is just as steep in places, but the lake and views at the top are far superior. (Your knees will still hurt on the way down though!)

Joffre Lakes on the Weekend

Heads up: Day passes are required at Joffre Lakes in summer 2023. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Joffre Lakes is a beautiful hike to three gorgeous glacier lakes. But you know what’s not beautiful? Having to park several kilometers away then risk your life walking down the highway because the parking lot is full. Once you hit the trail you’ll be trudging uphill nose to tail with thousands of other hikers and tourists. Then waiting in line (yes, there literally is a line) to take photos at the key spots everyone has seen on Instagram. Honestly in my opinion, the insane levels of crowds at Joffre Lakes have turned it one of the worst hikes in Vancouver.

Where to Hike Instead: If you still want to hike Joffre Lakes, go on a weekday. It will still be crowded, but not insane. If you want to hike to a gorgeous blue glacial lake surrounded by peaks, head to Watersprite Lake. The hike will require more effort than Joffre, but the views are just as nice and the crowds are much smaller.

READ NEXT: Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver

Woodland Walk to Sawblade Falls

For me, a hike should be a peaceful experience, a time to appreciate nature. And I certainly can’t get that on the Woodland Walk trail. You see, there’s a gun club and firing range just downslope. You can hear the sound of gunfire almost the entire hike. At times it seems frighteningly close! If that doesn’t deter you from hiking this trail, maybe the endless road walking through ragged second growth forest will? Sawblade Falls is pretty enough, but it’s nothing special. It’s definitely not worth the effort it takes to get there in my opinion.

Where to Hike Instead: If you’re looking for a nice walk in the woods that leads to a waterfall, check out Crooked Falls in Squamish or Kennedy Falls on the North Shore.

READ NEXT: Hike to Crooked Falls in Squamish

Quarry Rock

The trail to Quarry Rock is a pleasant walk through the forest to a rock outcropping with a view of Deep Cove. It’s an easy hike with a transit accessible trailhead, and proximity to famous Honey’s Doughnuts. And it’s crazy busy. In fact it’s so busy that the District of North Vancouver recently deployed rangers to make sure the crowds at the viewpoint weren’t large enough to put people in danger of falling! Quarry Rock is a nice hike, but I don’t think it lives up to the hype. There are lots of other easy trails with better views. (But no doughnuts though – you’ll have to bring your own.)

Where to Hike Instead: Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver has lots of easy trails that head through the forest to viewpoints on rock outcroppings. (It’s actually one of my favourite easy hikes in Vancouver.) And none of the viewpoints are ever exceptionally crowded. You can get views of Howe Sound, Burrard Inlet with downtown Vancouver in the background, the lighthouse or a pocket beach.

READ NEXT: 6 Easy Hikes in Vancouver for Beginners and Tourists

So there’s my list for the 10 worst hikes in Vancouver. Which ones do you agree with? Which Vancouver hikes would be on your worst list? Tell me in the comments.

More Vancouver Hikes (That DON’T Suck!)

• The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver: A Local’s Guide
• The Best Vancouver Hiking Books
• Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver
• Alternatives to the Grouse Grind: Steep Workout Hikes Near Vancouver
• 35 Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit
• Waterfalls Near Vancouver You Can Hike To
• 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver
• 6 Easy Hikes in Vancouver for Beginners and Tourists
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails

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The post The Worst Hikes in Vancouver (And Where to Hike Instead) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.