Skagit River Trail Archives - Dawn Outdoors https://dawnoutdoors.com/tag/skagit-river-trail/ Sharing advice, info and inspiration about my happy place: the Great Outdoors. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:32:15 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://happiestoutdoors.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cropped-favicon@3x-32x32.png Skagit River Trail Archives - Dawn Outdoors https://dawnoutdoors.com/tag/skagit-river-trail/ 32 32 Where to Go Snowshoeing in Manning Park, BC https://dawnoutdoors.com/snowshoeing-in-manning-park/ https://dawnoutdoors.com/snowshoeing-in-manning-park/#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2025 23:20:12 +0000 https://dawnoutdoors.com/?p=3317 I know it’s a bold statement, but I think Manning Park is the best place to snowshoe in southwestern BC. Here’s why snowshoeing in Manning Park is so awesome: I mean, what else do  you need? In this guide I’ll give you all the details you need to choose the right trail for snowshoeing in …

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I know it’s a bold statement, but I think Manning Park is the best place to snowshoe in southwestern BC. Here’s why snowshoeing in Manning Park is so awesome:

  • Easy drive from Greater Vancouver on a plowed and sanded highway.
  • Usually low avalanche risk. 
  • Better weather and fluffier snow than the coast. 
  • No stupidly steep climbs. Gorgeous mountain views.
  • TONS of trails ranging from super flat beginner routes to all-day epics in the backcountry that climb mountains.

I mean, what else do  you need? In this guide I’ll give you all the details you need to choose the right trail for snowshoeing in Manning Park, plus tips to keep you safe on the trail.

This guide to snowshoeing in Manning Park includes:

Psst! Looking for even more places to snowshoe in British Columbia? Check out these Vancouver-area snowshoe guides:

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

Snowshoeing in Manning Park Quick Reference Guide

TrailRatingTimeCost
Skagit River TrailEasy3-4 hoursFREE
Mount KellyChallenging3.5-5 hoursFREE
Cambie Creek LoopEasy1.5-2 hoursFREE
Fat Dog TrailChallenging6-8 hoursFREE
Manning Park Lodge TrailsSuper Easy1-1.5 hours$10
Canyon Nature TrailEasy1-1.5 hoursFREE
Windy Joe MountainChallenging5-7 hoursFREE
Lightning Lakes LoopModerate3-4 hoursFREE
Poland LakeChallenging6-8 hoursFREE

But First… Be Prepared

  • Make a trip plan: While these trails may be steps from busy ski areas, 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 beginner tutorial on Avalanche.ca. 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

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

Snowshoeing on the Skagit River Trail at Sumallo Grove

Note: The bridge across the river at the beginning of the trail is washed out. The river doesn’t reliably freeze over, making this trail impassable until the bridge is fixed.

Distance: Up to 9km return

Time Needed: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: None

Rating: Easy

The Trail: The Skagit River trail runs 15km down the banks of the… you guessed it: Skagit River. In winter Delacey camp at the 4km mark makes a good place to turn around. Along the way you’ll pass through the large old growth trees of Sumallo Grove. Be sure to take the side trail around the 2km mark to visit an old abandoned mining truck.

Since the access road is gated in the winter you’ll add an extra 0.5km each way to walk in to the summer parking lot. 

Note that this trail is at a much lower elevation than the rest of the snowshoeing trails in Manning Park (only 650m) so it will not receive as much snow and may be snow-free in warmer weather.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: Watch for open creeks and narrow snow-covered bridges along the trail. There is no immediate avalanche danger on the trail, but there are some substantial avalanche slopes up the hill from the trail. If the avalanche forecast is above low, it may not be smart to be down in this valley.

Trail Map/Guide: You can find info on the Manning Provincial Park website.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Permitted on leash.

Driving Directions: From Hope drive 30 minutes to the Sumallo Grove picnic area turn off on your right. Click here for driving directions. The gate to the parking lot is locked in the winter so you’ll have to park on the shoulder of the highway and walk in. There is space for a few cars outside the gate. Winter tires or chains are required to drive Highway 3 in winter.

Snowshoeing Mount Kelly

Snowshoeing at Mount Kelly in Manning Park
Photo: eppic/Deposit Photos

Distance: 7 km

Time Needed: 3.5-5 hours

Elevation Gain: 560 m

Rating: Challenging

The Trail: This trail has grown in popularity for snowshoeing in the last few years. The trail follows an old road in the lower sections and a trail up higher as it steadily gains elevation. The route is almost entirely through the forest. The summit doesn’t have a great view, but there are a few peek-a-boo views lower down on the trail. Experienced snowshoers can also explore off-trail along the ridge towards Nordheim Peak to the northwest for better views.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The kilometre of the trail has some moderate avalanche exposure, but since it is in the trees, the risk is usually fairly low. Use caution and check the avalanche forecast before you go. There are a few steep sections of trail where you will need to watch your step – poles or an ice axe can help. After the trail leaves the logging road, it can be hard to find in fresh snow so you will need route-finding experience. If you choose to explore the ridge towards Nordheim, you must be experienced in off-trail route finding.

Trail Map/Guide: There’s a good write-up on Best Hikes BC.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Driving Directions: From Hope drive 45 minutes to Allison Pass Summit. Turn right through the gate into the Highway works yard. You are allowed to park here as long as you park off to the side away from any Highway works vehicles. Click here for driving directions. Winter tires or chains are required to drive Highway 3 in winter.

Snowshoeing Cambie Creek Loop

Snowshoeing past the Similkameen River on the Cambie Creek Loop in Manning Park. Read about how to snowshoe here in the Ultimate Guide to Snowshoeing in Manning Park near Vancouver, BC, Canada
Photo Credit: “Similkameen River” by Dru! on Flickr. Used under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Distance: 2.5-5km

Time Needed: 1.-5-2 hours

Elevation Gain: Up to 100m

Rating: Easy

The Trail: There are two interconnected cross country ski loop trails along the banks of the of the Similkameen River, collectively known as the Cambie Creek Loop. The trails are relatively flat and make a great snowshoe trip for beginners. The trails are un-groomed, but be prepared to share the trail with cross country skiers – don’t walk in their ski tracks.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: For many years one of the bridges on this trail was washed out and you couldn’t complete the loop. However, that is no longer a problem. The trail is down in the valley bottom and there are a few very steep slopes immediately uphill of the trail. Use caution and check the avalanche forecast before you go.

Trail Map/Guide: Surprisingly there is very little information online about this trail. There is a good map posted at trailhead.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Driving Directions: From Hope drive 45 minutes to the Cambie Creek Winter Group Campsite turn off on your left. Click here for driving directions. There is a large plowed parking area. Winter tires or chains are required to drive Highway 3 in winter.

Snowshoeing the Fat Dog Trail

Trailhead for the Fat Dog Snowshoe Trail in Manning Park. Read about how to snowshoe here in the Ultimate Guide to Snowshoeing in Manning Park near Vancouver, BC, Canada
Cambie Creek trailhead. Photo credit: “2012-02-04 Scout winter camp Manning Park” by Chris Hutchcroft on Flickr. Used under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Distance: 15km

Time Needed: 6-8 hours

Elevation Gain: 700m

Rating: Challenging

The Trail: This trail climbs up high into the alpine and on a clear day you can get some great views. Despite all the elevation gain, the trail is on an old road so it never gets too steep. The trail is also popular with backcountry skiers so be sure to walk outside their ski tracks. The Fat Dog Trail doesn’t have a definite end point – it peters out in the high alpine meadows so turn around when ever you’ve had enough of the views.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The first few kilometres of the trail are down in the valley bottom and there are a few very steep slopes immediately uphill of the trail. Use caution and check the avalanche forecast before you go. The remainder of the trail is in much more mellow terrain. Be careful of cornices along the ridge at the top.

Trail Map/Guide: There’s a map and a little bit of information on All Trails.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Driving Directions: From Hope drive 45 minutes to the Cambie Creek Winter Group Campsite turn off on your left. Click here for driving directions. There is a large plowed parking area. Winter tires or chains are required to drive Highway 3 in winter.

Lodge Area Snowshoe Trails

Snowshoeing on the Lodge Trails in Manning Park. Read about how to snowshoe here in the Ultimate Guide to Snowshoeing in Manning Park near Vancouver, BC, Canada
Lodge Trails. Photo Credit: “Snowshoeing at Manning Park” by Rebecca Bollwitt on Flickr. Used under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Distance: Up to 3.5km return

Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours

Elevation Gain: Up to 50m

Rating: Super easy

The Trail: Manning Park Resort maintains a small network of snowshoe trails right next to their cabins. If you stay there you can snowshoe right out your front door. The trails are flat and well marked.  Various loops are possible and there’s even a small lookout.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: None.

Trail Map/Guide: There’s info on Manning Park Resort’s website and they will also give you a map when you buy your trail pass.

Permits/Fees: You need a Manning Park Resort Snowshoe Trail pass for these trails. A day pass costs $10 and you can buy one at the Nordic Centre near the Lodge.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Driving Directions: From Hope drive 50 minutes to the Manning Park Lodge turn off on your right. Click here for driving directions. There is a large plowed parking area at the Lodge. Winter tires or chains are required to drive Highway 3 in winter.

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

Snowshoeing the Canyon Nature Trail

Distance: 2km loop

Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours

Elevation Gain: 50m

Rating: Easy

The Trail: This short nature trail follows the banks of the Similkameen River as it winds through a mini-canyon. You’ll walk up one side of the river to a bridge near the Coldspring Campground, cross it and come back down the other side of the river.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: In some areas the trail gets close to the river bank. Use caution. This trail doesn’t have winter markings so it could be difficult to follow if no one has walked there recently. However, the trail stays down in the canyon so it shouldn’t be too hard to stay on track.

Trail Map/Guide: There’s trail information and a map on the Manning Provincial Park website.

Permits/Fees: None. While this trail starts next to Manning Park Resort’s Nordic Ski Trails, which do require a paid trail pass, this trail is strictly within BC Park’s jurisdiction and is free to use.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Driving Directions: From Hope drive 50 minutes to the Manning Park Lodge turn off on your right. Turn down Gibson Road and follow it for a couple minutes. Immediately after crossing a bridge you’ll see the trailhead on your right. Click here for driving directions. There is a small plowed pull out on the side of the road. Winter tires or chains are required to drive Highway 3 in winter.

Snowshoeing to Windy Joe Mountain

Distance: 16km round trip

Time Needed: 5-7 hours

Elevation Gain: 500m

Rating: Challenging

The Trail: This trail climbs Windy Joe Mountain on an old road. Thankfully the grade is never too steep. At the top you can explore an old fire lookout tower, last used in the 1960s. Be sure to climb up into the loft where a sign helps you identify all the peaks you are looking at.

Distance: 16km round trip

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The trail traverses mostly mild terrain, but there it does cross a steep slope on the first switchback so use caution in this area and check the avalanche forecast before you go.

Trail Map/Guide: There’s a good trail guide on the Manning Provincial Park website. There’s a map as well.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Driving Directions: From Hope drive 50 minutes to the Manning Park Lodge turn off on your right. Turn down Gibson Road and follow it for a couple minutes. Immediately after crossing a bridge you’ll see the trailhead on your left. Click here for driving directions. There is a small plowed pull out on the side of the road. Winter tires or chains are required to drive Highway 3 in winter.

Snowshoeing the Lightning Lakes Loop

Snowshoeing to the Rainbow Bridge on the Lightning Lake Loop in Manning Park. Read about how to snowshoe here in the Ultimate Guide to Snowshoeing in Manning Park near Vancouver, BC, Canada
Snowshoeing towards Rainbow Bridge on Lightning Lake. Photo Credit: “Rainbow Bridge” by Erin on Flickr. Used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Distance: 9km

Time Needed: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: 50m

Rating: Moderate

The Trail: In the summer the Lightning Lakes trail is THE hike in Manning Park. So of course in winter this is THE place to go snowshoeing in Manning Park. The loop around Lightning Lake is a wonderful mellow trail, and if you want to make it even flatter, you can walk on the lake itself. The highlight is visiting the Rainbow Bridge when it’s all covered in snow.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: There is no major avalanche danger on the trail. If the lake is sufficiently frozen you can take a shortcut on the ice across the mouth of Lone Duck Bay. Be careful and don’t try this late or early in the season. If you can’t take the shortcut across the ice, you’ll have to go around the long way on the Lone Duck Trail. The Lone Duck trail is technically a cross country ski trail in the winter. Stay well to the side of the trail and don’t walk in the ski tracks.

Trail Map/Guide: You can find trail info and a map on the Manning Provincial Park website.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Driving Directions: From Hope drive 50 minutes to the Manning Park Lodge turn off on your right. Turn down Gibson Road and follow it for 5 minutes. Take the signed turn off to the left for the Lightning Lakes Day Use Area. Click here for driving directions. There is a large plowed parking lot at the end of the road. Winter tires or chains are required to drive Highway 3 in winter.

Snowshoeing to Poland Lake

Distance: 16km return

Time Needed: 6-8 hours

Elevation Gain: 450m

Rating: Challenging

The Trail: Poland Lake is one of the less visited areas in Manning Park in both summer and winter, despite the fact that it’s only a short drive from the lodge.

Manning Park used to offer a $10 lift ticket for snowshoers to get to the top of the lift but they cancelled that in March 2021.

The old winter route followed ski runs up to the ridge, but starting in 2022, Manning Park Resort has opened a snowshoe trail that avoids the ski runs but is much longer. You also must get a free trail ticket at Alpine Guest Services to use this route.

The trail starts at Strawberry Flats parking area and follows an old road on the north side of the Gibsons Pass Road. After about 1.5km, it leaves the road on a flagged route.

About 2.5km from the trailhead, the route crosses the Manning Park Ski area. You need to get a trail ticket at guest services here, then cross the ski area.

The next section is a big climb in the woods to the west of the Blue Chair, gaining about 300 m over the next 1.5 km. The flagged route ends on the top of the ridge about 4 km from the trailhead, where the route joins the Poland Lake Trail. Turn left and follow this trail, which is an old road, along the top of an undulating ridge all the way to pretty little Poland Lake.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The first part of the trail passes below avalanche slopes. Check the avalanche forecast before your trip. Use caution crossing the ski runs.

Trail Map/Guide: You can find info and a map of the winter route on the Manning Park Resort website.

Permits/Fees: Free

Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the lift or in the ski area.

Driving Directions: Unfortunately, snowshoers are no longer allowed to park at the downhill ski area. Instead, you’ll need to park about 2.5 km earlier at Strawberry Flats. From Hope drive 50 minutes to the Manning Park Lodge turn off on your right. Turn down Gibson Road and follow it for 10 minutes to the Strawberry Flats parking area. Click here for driving directions. There is a large plowed parking lot at the end of the road. Winter tires or chains are required to drive Highway 3 in winter.

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

No-Go Trails for Snowshoeing in Manning Park

There are a few summer hiking trails in Manning Park that may sound like a fun snowshoe adventure in winter. However, many of them have significant avalanche danger, are closed in winter, or just don’t have enough consistent snow for good snowshoeing.

  • Heather Trail: The road to trailhead is actually groomed as a cross-country ski trail and snowshoeing is not allowed.
  • Lightning Lakes Chain (Flash and Strike Lakes): Experienced snowshoers can continue past the end of Lightning Lake to Flash and Strike Lakes. However, there is significant overhead avalanche hazard and the trails are not well-marked.
  • Frosty Mountain: This trail is very long (21 km round-trip) and it is not easy to find the trail in the winter, so only very experienced snowshoers should tackle this trail.
  • Skyline II and II: These trails are difficult to find in the winter. As well, they have some very steep slopes where a slip could be fatal. The trails are also in prime avalanche start zones.

Final Thoughts

How many of these Manning Park trails have you snowshoed? Have questions about snowshoeing in Manning Park? Hit me up in the comments.

READ NEXT:

More Snowshoeing Guides:

Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Advice

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25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia https://dawnoutdoors.com/spring-backpacking-in-british-columbia/ https://dawnoutdoors.com/spring-backpacking-in-british-columbia/#comments Tue, 06 Feb 2024 19:55:40 +0000 https://dawnoutdoors.com/?p=1015 After a long winter, I’m usually in a rush for summer to start so I can go backpacking. But it can be frustrating since most trails are snow-covered well into June and July. However, if you know where to look, there are lots of places to go on spring backpacking trips in British Columbia. While …

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After a long winter, I’m usually in a rush for summer to start so I can go backpacking. But it can be frustrating since most trails are snow-covered well into June and July. However, if you know where to look, there are lots of places to go on spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.

While this post is aimed at locations where you can go on an overnight hiking trip in spring, most of these trips make great fall backpacking trips in British Columbia too.

In BC, most mountain trails are snow-covered between late October and mid-June. However, there are lots of lower elevation trails that are snow-free between March and November. There are even a few on this list that you can backpack year-round.

This list of 25 spring backpacking trips in British Columbia includes:

  • Destinations near Vancouver, on Vancouver Island, and in BC’s interior
  • Trips ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert
  • Hikes between 2 and 8 days long
  • Trails that are usually snow-free by March, April, or May and stay snow-free until October or November
  • Tips for spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
  • Bonus: Spring backpacking suggestions for Washington State

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

Map of Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia

Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia Google Map
Click to open in Google Maps

Tips for Spring Backpacking in British Columbia

Backpacking in the spring has its own challenges. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Weather: In spring, the weather is colder and wetter than in summer. It’s also less predictable. Pack accordingly and be prepared to cancel your trip or switch to a different destination if the forecast looks bad. (Use these picks for the best weather apps for hiking.)

Trail Conditions: Many trails suffer blow-downs, wash-outs, and flooding over the winter. Often, parks staff and volunteers do trail maintenance in late May or June, which means trails can be in rough shape before then. (Here are my tips for how to check trail conditions.)

Mud: Wet and muddy trails are inevitable in spring. Come prepared with waterproof hiking boots and gaiters.

Creek crossings: Streams run high in the spring with a combo of snow-melt and rain. Bridges may be washed out and fords may be dangerous. Be prepared to turn back.

Bears: As they wake up from hibernation and tend to new cubs, bears are more active in spring, especially in valley-bottom and coastal locations where there are lots of things for them to eat at this time of year. Read more about bear safety for backpackers.

Seasonal closures: Some parks and trails are closed in the off-season, or may have temporary closures to due damaged infrastructure. Check park and trail websites before you go.

Trailhead access issues: In spring, logging roads that access trailheads may be muddy or washed out. If you’re heading to a trail that requires a water taxi or floatplane, fog and rough weather may delay or cancel your trip. Shuttle services between trailheads may not start operating until May.

.

Spring Backpacking Trips in Southwestern British Columbia

Viewpoint Beach and Halfmoon Beach, Golden Ears Provincial Park

Heads up: Day passes are required at Golden Ears Provincial Park in summer. However, if you have a backcountry permit registration, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 9.6 to 19.4 km round trip

Best Months: April to November

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 170 to 275 m

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

This easy hike in Golden Ears Provincial Park follows the banks of Gold Creek. There are trails on both the west and east sides of the creek, connected by a bridge, so loop trips are possible. You can camp at Viewpoint Beach or venture further upstream to Halfmoon Beach.

This is the closest place to Vancouver that you can take a spring backpacking trip in British Columbia and also made my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

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

READ NEXT: How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC

Lindeman and Greendrop Lakes, Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 3.4 to 11 km round trip

Best Months: April to early November

Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Elevation Gain: 200 to 350 m

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

It’s a short hike to picturesque Lindeman Lake where you can camp next to the tranquil turquoise waters. If you have more energy, carry on along the rougher trail to Greendrop Lake. Lindeman Lake is often snow-free in April, but Greendrop Lake holds snow into May.

Lindeman Lake is also one of my picks for beginner-friendly backpacking rips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees, see S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

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

  • 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
  • Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
  • Detailed maps and photos
  • Advice for extending your trip
  • Points of cultural and natural history
3D cover of Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia Book

Skagit River Trail, Skagit Valley Provincial Park

Note: Access to this trail was disrupted by the November 2021 storms. The river has changed course at the Sumallo Grove trailhead and the bridge is not accessible at times of high water. In late summer, it’s an easy ford. However, western trailhead on Silver-Skagit Road in Skagit Valley Provincial Park is open between mid-April and November, so you can access it from that direction.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 8 km round trip or 14 km traverse

Best Months: April to November

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 75 m

Fees and Reservations: None.

This laid-back hike follows a historic fur-trade route along the banks of the Skagit River as it flows downstream. You can do an 8 km round trip hike from the Sumallo Grove Trailhead in Manning Provincial Park, camping at Delacy Camp. If you have two cars, you make a 14 km traverse from Sumallo Grove to Silver-Skagit Road.

The Skagit River Trail is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the E.C. Manning & Skagit Valley Provincial Parks map from Clark Geomatics.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Tikwalus Heritage Trail, Fraser Canyon

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 13 km round trip

Best Months: May to October

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 790 m

Fees and Reservations: None

This historical Indigenous and fur trade route leads steeply up from Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon to several spectacular lookouts. Camp high on a bluff near several small lakes. The trail takes its name from a former Nlaka’pamux village near the trailhead.

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

READ NEXT: How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations

Lower Stein Valley, Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Provincial Park

Note: A large wildfire burned the lower Stein Valley trail in July and August 2023. As of early 2026, the trail is currently only open up to Earl’s Cabin camp 10.5 km from the trailhead.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 4 to 26 km round trip

Best Months: April to October

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 30 to 350 m

Fees and Reservations: None.

The warm, dry climate in Lytton makes the Lower Stein Valley my favourite choice for spring backpacking trips in British Columbia – Over the years, I’ve been there six times in March, April, and May. The valley is a spiritual place for the local Nlaka’pamux First Nation.

The trail travels next to the Stein River passing Indigenous pictographs and culturally modified trees. Choose from five different campgrounds spaced out along the lower section of the trail. This is one fo the best places for beginner backpacking in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the Stein to Joffre Trail Map by Trail Ventures BC.

READ NEXT: How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC

Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Provincial Park

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

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 7 to 14 km round trip

Best months: May to early November

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 50 m

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required. Camping fees charged.

As the lowest elevation trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Cheakamus Lake is a good spring backpacking destination. The flat and easy trail leads through old-growth forest to the beautiful glacially-fed lake. Camp at the lake outlet or follow the trail along the shoreline to camp at Singing Creek.

This trail is my number one pick for easy backpacking near Vancouver.

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

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

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

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

  • 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
  • Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
  • Detailed maps and photos
  • Advice for extending your trip
  • Points of cultural and natural history
3D cover of Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia Book

Fairview Bay/Saltery Bay Loop, Sunshine Coast Trail

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 12 km round trip or 18 km loop

Best Months: April to November

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 150 to 570 m

Fees and Reservations: None

Portions of the Sunshine Coast Trail are snow-covered most of the year, but you can tackle this low elevation section starting at the southern terminus in Saltery Bay. Hike along the coast to Fairview Bay hut as an out-and-back trip, or take on the full loop, camping at either Fairview Bay Hut or Rainy Day Lake Hut.

The trip to Fairview Bay is on my list of the best easy bacpacking trips in BC.

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

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

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Confederation Lake and Fiddlehead Landing, Sunshine Coast Trail

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 15 to 30 km round trip

Best Months: April to November

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

Elevation Gain: 650 m

Fees and Reservations: None

Here’s another low elevation section of the Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) that is perfect for a spring backpacking trip. The trail starts at Inland Lake, then climbs steeply through thick old-growth forest to a hut on the shores of Confederation Lake. Follow the SCT downhill to Fiddlehead Landing on the shores of Powell Lake and another hut.

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

Sarah Point to Powell River, Sunshine Coast Trail

Duration: 3-4 Days

Distance: 50 km traverse

Best Months: March to November

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 375 m

Fees and Reservations: None

This northern section of the Sunshine Coast Trail is an ideal spring backpacking destination. Arrange a water taxi or 4WD shuttle to the trailhead at Sarah Point or skip the first few kilometres by taking the shortcut trail to Wednesday Lake from Sarah Point Road. Finish your trip at the Shinglemill Pub in Powell River. Along the way, walk along bluffs speckled with arbutus trees, through old-growth forest, and past small lakes.

More Info: Read my trip report from my March backpacking trip on the northern section of the Sunshine Coast Trail. Part of this section is also featured in my book Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

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

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Spring Backpacking Trips on Vancouver Island

Narvaez Bay, Saturna Island

The campground at Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island in Gulf Islands National Park.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 3.5 km round trip

Best Months: Year-round

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 80 m

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required. Camping fees charged.

This oceanfront campground is located on the southeastern side of Saturna Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. It’s an easy hike in from the trailhead and the trail is also open to bikes. FYI: There is no potable water here so you’ll have to pack in your own. It’s also on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

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

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

READ NEXT: BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know

Juan de Fuca Trail, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park

Note: The Juan de Fuca Trail is closed in summer 2025 due to significant storm damage. It is not possible to hike the entire trail, but you can visit and camp at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach. The full trail is expected to re-open in late May, 2026.

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Distance: 47 km traverse

Best Months: Year-round

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 190 m

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

The rugged Juan de Fuca Trail runs along the coast from near Jordan River to Port Renfrew. It’s a little shorter than the West Coast Trail, its famous neighbour to the north, but it’s just as rugged and has more hills. This trail crosses lots of steep gullies, so it is prone to washouts in the spring, fall, and winter months.

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

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

READ NEXT: Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

West Coast Trail, Pacific Rim National Park

Note: The West Coast Trail is open from May 1 to September 30 each year. The National Park officially closes the trail from October to the end of April.

Duration: 5-8 days

Distance: 75 km traverse

Best Months: May to September

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 225 m

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required. Trail fees and National Park entry fees charged.

The West Coast Trail is Canada’s most famous multi-day hike. Since it opens in May, it also makes a great spring backpacking trip. The 75-kilometre-long trail follows the wild shoreline with the help of bridges, ladders, and cable cars. Each night you will camp on a wilderness beach.

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

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

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

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
Backpacking on Vancouver Island book cover

Keeha Beach, Pacific Rim National Park

A hiker walks on Keeha Beach near Bamfield, BC in Pacific Rim National Park
Keeha Beach

Note: Keeha Beach is open from May 1 to early October each year. The National Park officially closes the trail from early October to the end of April.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 7 km round trip

Best Months: May to early October

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 45 m

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required. Camping fees and National Park entry fees charged.

This sandy beach is located just north of the West Coast Trail. It’s a short hike to get there, but allow plenty of time as the trail is very rough with lots of slippery roots and tons of mud. (The mud is pretty epic – comparable to the North Coast Trail.) You can also day hike to the nearby Cape Beale Lighthouse.

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

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

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Della Falls Trail

A hiker admires the base of Della Falls from the Della Falls Trail
At the base of Della Falls

Duration: 2-5 days

Distance: 32 km round trip

Best Months: Mid-May to September

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 540 m

Fees and Reservations: None

At 440-metres-tall, Della Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada. To get there, you first have to canoe, motor boat, or water taxi across Great Central Lake. Then hike up through a river valley to the base of the falls. Don’t miss a side trip on the Love Lake trail for incredible views of the falls.

The water taxi starts running on May 15 each year when the falls are in full flow. However, snow can linger in May and early June in the upper valley and on the Love Lake Trail, so go prepared.

More Info: Get all the details in my Della Falls Trail guide and join the Della Falls Facebook group. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

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

READ NEXT: Della Falls Trail Hiking Guide

Wild Side Trail, Flores Island

Note: The Wild Side Trail is open from May to October each year. The Ahousaht Nation officially closes the trail from November to April.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 22 km round trip

Best Months: May to October

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 30 m

Fees and Reservations: Trail fees charged.

The Wild Side Trail has one of the best effort to reward ratios of any of Vancouver Island’s coastal trails. It’s one of my favourite spring backpacking trips in British Columbia – I’ve done it twice in May! This trail is also one of my picks for the best beginner backpacking trips in BC.

It’s an easy walk along beaches and through the forest to a gorgeous campsite at Cow Bay. There are also two other campsites along the way. The hike is located in Ahousaht First Nation territory on Flores Island near Tofino, so you’ll need to arrange a water taxi.

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

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

READ NEXT: Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide

Hesquiat Peninsula Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

Duration: 4 to 5 days

Distance: 50 km traverse

Best Months: April to October

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Elevation Gain: 50 m

Fees and Reservations: None

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, take a water taxi or floatplane to the remote Hesquiat Peninsula on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This informal trail follows the rugged coastline as it bucks and dips across rocky headlands, through surge channels, and along beaches. There are no facilities or formal campsites.

More info: See Hiking the West Coast of Vancouver Island by Tim Leadem, and Hesquiat Peninsula Provincial Park.

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
Backpacking on Vancouver Island book cover

Nootka Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Distance: 36 km traverse

Best Months: April to October

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 50 m

Fees and Reservations: Trail fees and a landing fee charged. All camping is first-come, first-served.

The Nootka Trail is my favourite coastal hike in BC. It’s located on Nootka Island off the west coast of Vancouver Island, so you need to take a water taxi or floatplane to get there. What makes this trail special is that it is almost entirely on the beach. There are no formal facilities or campsites.

More info: See my Nootka Trail trip report. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on fees, see Yuqot.ca, the Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation website.

READ NEXT: Sunshine on the Edge of the World: Nootka Trail Trip Report

Tatchu Peninsula Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

A tent on the beach at sunset on the Tatchu Trail, a wilderness backpacking trip on the Tatchu Peninsula on the west side of Vancouver Island, BC
Sunset at Sandpiper Creek on the the Tatchu Trail

Duration: 3 to 4 days

Distance: 20-40 km (traverse or out-and-back)

Best Months: May to October

Difficulty: Moderate/Very Challenging

Elevation Gain: 30 m

Fees and Reservations: None.

The Tatchu Peninsula is a wilderness hike on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The hike traces a route down the west side of the peninsula, linking numerous beaches with short overland trails. There are no formal facilities or campsites. You can do the easier (and more scenic) northern section as an out-and-back or complete a very challenging traverse.

More info: See my Tatchu Trail guide, Rugged Point Provincial Park. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Raft Cove, Raft Cove Provincial Park

Logs on the beach at Raft Cove Provincial Park on Northern Vancouver Island
Raft Cove

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 4 km round trip

Best Months: Year-round

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 70 m

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

Raft Cove is a remote beach on the north end of Vancouver Island, reached by a maze of logging roads from the tiny town of Holberg. It’s a short walk into the beach, but the rough and muddy trail makes it seem longer. Camp on the sandy beach and watch surfers work the waves just offshore.

This is one of my picks for the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. See Raft Cove Provincial Park for info and camping fees.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

San Josef Bay, Cape Scott Provincial Park

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 5 km return

Best Months: Year-round

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 45 m

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

This is the easiest trail in Cape Scott Provincial Park, but it still has spectacular scenery. The trail winds through the coastal forest and ends at a beautiful beach. At low tide, you can explore incredible sea stacks. There are two beaches to camp on separated by a headland that is impassable at high tide.

The flat trail makes it one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More info: For more info, see my Cape Scott guide, the North Coast Trail Map by John Baldwin, and the North Coast Trail Waterproof Map by Wild Coast. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

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

READ NEXT: Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern 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
Backpacking on Vancouver Island book cover

Cape Scott Trail, Cape Scott Provincial Park

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 41.5 km round trip

Best Months: Year-round

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 100 m

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

While the north end of Vancouver Island gets a lot of rain, the Cape Scott Trail can be a great spring backpacking destination if you get a window of good weather. It’s a long hike through bog and coastal forest on old settler trails to the campsite at Nel’s Bight. From there, you can day hike to Cape Scott, the northernmost point on Vancouver Island.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Cape Scott Trail guide, the North Coast Trail Map by John Baldwin, and the North Coast Trail Waterproof Map by Wild Coast. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

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

READ NEXT: Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island

North Coast Trail, Cape Scott Provincial Park

Duration: 5 to 6 days

Distance: 43 km traverse

Best Months: Mid-April to early October

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Elevation Gain: 245 m

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

The tough North Coast Trail traverses the northern end of Vancouver Island. It starts with a water taxi drop-off in Shushartie Bay and ends when it intersects the Cape Scott Trail at Nissen Bight. In between, there is lots of muddy and rough trail through coastal bog and old-growth forest, and a few gorgeous beaches.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my North Coast Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

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

READ NEXT: North Coast Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

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Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia’s Interior

Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 22 to 40 km

Best Months: Mid-March to October

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

Elevation Gain: 200 to 1100 m

Fees and Reservations: None.

This large park between Kelowna and Naramata has several different spring backpacking options. You can hike to Divide Lake and Baker Lake near the summit of Okanagan Mountain. You can also follow the Wild Horse Canyon Trail to campsites on the shores of Okanagan Lake. A connecter trail links the two, so you can make a big loop. Spring and fall are the best time to visit this park, as it is too hot in the summer.

More info: See Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.

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

READ NEXT: How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations

Okanagan High Rim Trail

Duration: 3 to 4 days

Distance: 58 km traverse

Best Months: May to October

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

Elevation Gain: 800 m

Fees and Reservations: None.

This trail follows an elevated route above the Okanagan Valley between Vernon and Kelowna. In most years, it is snow-free by early to mid May. This trail is only a few years old and crisscrosses lots of forestry roads in between great viewpoints and small lakes.

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

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

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Deer Point Trail, Gladstone Provincial Park

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 12 to 22 km round trip

Best Months: April to October

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 150 m

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

The low elevation Deer Point Trail along Christina Lake in Gladstone Provincial Park near Grand Forks make a good spring backpacking destination. You can camp at Trapper Creek partway along the trail or at Troy Creek at the north end of the lake. Both campsites are open to boaters as well.

More Info: Get info on the trail and camping fees from Gladstone Provincial Park.

Flatiron Trails, Wells Gray Provincial Park

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 10 to 46 km round trip or 25 km traverse

Best Months: April to October

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 250 to 500 m

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

Note: In 2023, a few key bridges washed out and with high water, it is currently not possible to cross the creeks and reach any of the campsites.

Even though it is near the entrance to the park, Flatiron area of Wells Gray Provincial Park is a bit under-the-radar. A network of trails follows creeks to the banks of the Clearwater River and there are three backcountry campgrounds. You can access the area from three different trailheads, making loop trips or a traverse possible.

More Info: Get info on the trails from Exploring Wells Gray Park by Roland Neave. For camping fees see Wells Gray Provincial Park.

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
Book covers for Bakpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Spring Backpacking Trips in Washington

Since it is a short trip across the border, it’s worth mentioning a few spring backpacking locations in Washington State.

Olympic Coast: The wilderness coast in Olympic National Park is accessible year-round. With several access points, lots of different trips are possible. As a bonus, it’s easier to get permits in the spring. For trip ideas, see my guides to Shi Shi Beach, Ozette Loop, and Toleak Point.

Enchanted Valley: Follow the East Fork Quinault River Trail into the Enchanted Valley in the rainforest of Olympic National Park.

East Bank Trail, Ross Lake: This trail in North Cascades National Park follows the shoreline of Ross Lake. See my East Bank Trail trip report.

Chelan Lakeshore Trail: This 17-mile-long trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest begins and ends with a ferry on Lake Chelan. The trail finishes at the boat-access-only village of Stehekin in North Cascades National Park.

So that gives you 25 different spring backpacking trips in British Columbia to choose from!  Which one would you choose?  I’ve hiked most of these trails (some of them several times) so feel free to ask me more about them in the comments.

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15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver https://dawnoutdoors.com/unusual-hikes-near-vancouver/ https://dawnoutdoors.com/unusual-hikes-near-vancouver/#comments Sun, 10 Oct 2021 04:55:00 +0000 https://dawnoutdoors.com/?p=3814 Most hikes go to a mountain top, a lake or a viewpoint. Those hikes are great, but sometimes you want something different. Something a little unusual. Something off-the-beaten path. Or even something even a little bit weird. Well don’t worry: I got you! I’ve got a list of 15 unusual hikes near Vancouver. These hikes …

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Most hikes go to a mountain top, a lake or a viewpoint. Those hikes are great, but sometimes you want something different. Something a little unusual. Something off-the-beaten path. Or even something even a little bit weird. Well don’t worry: I got you! I’ve got a list of 15 unusual hikes near Vancouver.

These hikes are definitely not ordinary. They visit abandoned places, take in a bit of history, let you see some wildlife and visit some enormous trees. I can guarantee you that each of them has an interesting destination.

If you’re sick of the same old hikes you’ve seen on social media, try one of these off-the-beaten-path hikes near Vancouver instead.

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.

Explore World War II Military Gun Emplacements

A graffiti-covered WWII defences at Tower Beach in Vancouver
One of the graffiti-covered searchlight towers at Tower Beach

Did you know that during World War II the Canadian military prepared to defend Vancouver from Japanese submarines? Thankfully the subs never showed up. There’s still some interesting left-over war infrastructure out at UBC.

Take trails 3 or 4 down to Tower Beach to see two abandoned search light towers, now heavily covered in graffiti. Or walk the trails behind the Museum of Anthropology to see the remains of some gun emplacements, complete with locked doors to underground bunkers.

Bring a copy of the Pacific Spirit Park map so you can make a 2.5km loop to see both the towers and the gun emplacements. You can find more info about the military history of the area on Scout Vancouver. I’ve got more info about this hike in my guide to coastal hiking in Vancouver.

Walk Amongst Migrating Birds

A giant Sand Hill Crane next to some rather ordinary ducks at the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Delta. Just one of 15 unusual hikes near Vancouver.
A giant Sand Hill Crane next to some rather ordinary ducks.

The Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta has nearly 5km of trails that pass by numerous ponds and wetlands. If you visit in the spring or fall you can see many different types of migrating birds including the huge (and slightly intimidating Sandhill Cranes).

You can also climb up the viewing tower or hide in one of the bird blinds to get an alternative perspective.

It costs $5 to visit the sanctuary and they also sell bird seed if you want to feed the ducks. Since it can get crowded, you need to book a time slot in advance on the Reifel Bird Sanctuary website.

The quiet roads on Westham Island leading up to the sanctuary also make a great bike ride. See my recommended bike route.

Visit a Thousand Year Old Fir Tree

A hiker hugs the Hollyburn Fir, an old-growth douglas fir tree near Vancouver, BC
Giving the Hollyburn Fir a hug

Did you know that just a few hundred meters above the fancy houses in West Vancouver’s British Properties neighbourhood there’s an absolutely huge tree? The Hollyburn Fir is over 10 meters around, measures 44 meters tall and is estimated to be about 1000 years old!

You can find it at the intersection of the Brewis and Crossover Trails on Lower Hollyburn. If you only want to see the fir it’s just over a kilometre from the Millstream Road trailhead via the Millstream and Brewis trails.

But a way better idea is to follow the route for West Vancouver’s Lawson Creek Heritage Walk that passes by a number of historic sites. It’s one of my picks for the best winter hikes in Vancouver that are usually snow-free all year.

Hike Amongst the Cutest Cabins

Cabin at Hollyburn in West Vancouver. Just one of 15 unusual hikes near Vancouver.
One of the photogenic cabins on Hollyburn

Up near the cross country ski area at Cypress Mountain there are nearly 100 private cabins nestled in the forest. These off-the-grid cabins have no running water or electricity and have to be accessed on foot. Most were built in the 1920s and 1930s.

You can read more about the cabins (and see some awesome historical photos) on the Hollyburn Heritage website.

To find the cabins, park at the cross country ski area, then take the Hollyburn trail to the Hollyburn Lodge. Turn right onto any of the trails leading downhill from the lodge and you’ll soon spot lots of cabins.

There are tons of trails in the area and it’s easy to get turned around so make sure you bring a map or GPS. The Cypress Provincial Park map has some of the trails but it’s much easier to navigate with a GPS. I use the Gaia GPS app for my phone.

Note: All of these cabins are private property so please stay on the trails and respect the cabin owner’s privacy.

Visit a Cold War Plane Crash

Plane crash wreckage on Mount Strachan at Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver. Just one of 15 unusual hikes near Vancouver.
Some of the plane crash wreckage on Mount Strachan. Photo Credit: “Plane crash wreckage at Strachan” by Su-Laine on Flickr. Used under CC BY-SA 2.0.

If you’ve ever skied at Cypress Mountain, you might know that there’s a run called T-33. But did you know it’s named after the Royal Canadian Navy T-33 jet that crashed there during a training run in 1963?

It was the height of the Cold War so until the plane was found, there was a lot of speculation about whether the Russians were involved. (Spoiler: they weren’t.)

Remains of the jet are still on the mountain, along with a plaque commemorating the two crew members who perished. 

If you just want to visit the crash site you can do it as part of a hike up Mount Strachan. Vancouver Trails has a good route description for a loop hike that takes in some of the lesser travelled trails in the area and passes by the crash.

Poop in Vancouver’s Most Beautiful Outhouse

The outhouse at Whyte Lake in West Vancouver
The beautiful outhouse at Whyte Lake.

There are a lot of outhouses on the trails around Vancouver, and most of them are… not awesome. However, the outhouse at West Vancouver’s Whyte Lake is actually quite beautiful. Constructed out of sturdy cedar, it has a metal roof and even a small window to let in natural light.

The best part is the dutch door that lets you close the bottom half while leaving the top half open to enjoy the view of the surrounding forest. The outhouse usually not stocked, so BYO toilet paper.

It’s a short 5km round trip hike to Whyte Lake. You can find directions on Vancouver Trails.

Crawl Through a Hidden Tunnel

The tunnel on the Fisherman's Trail in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve in North Vancouver. Just one of 15 unusual hikes near Vancouver.
The entrance to the tunnel. Photo Credit: Mike Hanafin for the Vancouver Courier.

History is all over the place on the North Shore. One such relic of the past is a short, cramped tunnel alongside the Fisherman’s Trail.

Apparently there used to be a water pipe along this trail and instead of going around a rocky headland, they decided to blast right through it. Today the pipe is gone but a wet and muddy tunnel still goes through the rocks. The tunnel is about 20 meters long and you’ll have to crouch to go through it.

To find it, park in the main lot at the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve and take the Twin Bridges trail downhill to the site of the former bridge. Turn left and follow the Fisherman’s trail up river for a few hundred meters. Look for the entrance to the tunnel on your left about 2.5km after the parking lot.

Either retrace your steps back to your car or continue following the Fisherman’s Trail to the Homestead Trail to make a loop. Other routes are possible too – make your own using the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve Trail Map.

Walk Through an Ancient Cedar

Walking through an old cedar in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve in North Vancouver. Just one of 15 unusual hikes near Vancouver.
Walking through an old cedar snag on the Circuit 8 trail.

I don’t mean walk among ancient cedars… I actually do mean walk through one. Like, right through the middle. There’s an old, dead cedar snag in North Vancouver’s Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve that has been incorporated into a mountain bike trail… by routing the trail right through the hollow centre of the tree.

To find the tree, head for the northwestern loop on the Circuit 8 mountain bike trail. Keep in mind that this is a mountain bike primary trail so watch closely for bikers and be prepared to step off the trail to let them pass. Bring a copy of the LSCR map to help you find your way.

Explore A Graffiti-Covered Train Wreck

A hiker explores abandoned train cars on the Whistler Train Wreck Trail
Exploring the abandoned train cars at the Whistler Train Wreck

In the 1950s several train cars tumbled off the tracks just outside Whistler. They lay forgotten it the forest for years before Whistler locals found them and built a trail to the area. Today you can take an easy hike to see the seven abandoned boxcars, which serve as an informal gallery space for local graffiti artists.

While the train cars are the highlight of the hike, the views of the Cheakamus River canyon and the new suspension bridge you get to walk over are reason enough to visit.

Get directions for this short hike in my Whistler Train Wreck Trail hiking guide. (This trail is also on my list of the best hikes in Whistler and best places to snowshoe in Whistler.)

Visit a Ghost Town

An abandoned building at the Parkhurst Ghost Town in Whistler, BC
An abandoned building at Parkhurst Ghost Town

Did you know there is a ghost town near Whistler? On the northern shore of Green Lake lies Parkhurst, a logging town that was abandoned in the 1960s. The town once had a few dozen residents, a mill, a store and a school, but very few buildings are still standing today.

You can still find tons of “historical garbage”, house ruins and abandoned cars around the site, with the forest growing up all around them.

The hike to Parkhurst is a a 6km loop. Check out my complete guide to hiking to Parkhurst Ghost Town for directions. (This is another gem that made my list of the best hikes in Whistler.)

Hike a Trail Covered in Teapots

A teapot along the Teapot Hill trail in Chilliwack. Just one of 15 unusual hikes near Vancouver.
One of the many teapots. Photo Credit: “Teapots on Teapot Hill” by Duane Storey on Flickr. Used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Yes you read that right… teapots. The hike up to the top of Teapot Hill near Chilliwack is a popular one with locals. It’s a short 5km hike to the top of a hill where there is a view of Cultus Lake.

Over the years hikers have left actual teapots along the trail so try to see how many you can spot as you hike. (I’ve heard there can be as many as 80!)

The number of teapots varies since the park rangers clean them up periodically: the broken pots are a hazard to people and pets.

As well, many people prefer to see the wilderness in its natural state, rather than have it altered with teapots.  Leaving teapots or other objects in the forest is not in line with Leave No Trace principles so please don’t add your own teapots.

You can find more info about this hike on the Cultus Lake Provincial Park website.

Hike Through Abandoned Train Tunnels

An abandoned train tunnel at the Othello Tunnels near Hope. Just one of 15 unusual hikes near Vancouver.
The bridges and tunnels at Othello Tunnels. Photo credit: “Othello Tunnels” by Hunda on Flickr. Used under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Heads up: This trail was heavily damaged in the November 2021 floods and is currently closed with no expected opening date.

The Othello Tunnels near Hope were an engineering marvel when they first opened to railway traffic in 1914. And even though they aren’t used for trains anymore, they’re still pretty damn cool.

The tunnels are part of the old Kettle Valley Railway. In order to pass through the twisty canyon of the Coquihalla River, five tunnels and two bridges were built to keep the train heading straight.

Today you can walk right through since they are part of Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. It’s a 3.5km round trip hike to hike through the tunnels and back again. The flat railway grade makes for an easy hike, but you might want flashlights for the tunnel portions.

And heads up (literally): the tunnels are closed in the winter to protect hikers from falling rock and ice. Check out the provincial park website before you go to make sure it’s open.

Check Out an Abandoned Train Trestle

An abandoned train trestle at Ladner Creek near Hope. Just one of 15 unusual hikes near Vancouver.
Looking across the abandoned trestle at Ladner Creek. Photo Credit: “Ladner Creek Trestle” by Arlin ffrench on Flickr. Used under CC BY-NC 2.0.

You might have heard about the abandoned train tunnels at Othello Tunnels, but did you know that further up the Coquihalla Canyon you can find another relic of the old Kettle Valley Railway? It’s called the Ladner Creek Trestle and it’s a huge steel train bridge that curves high above the river canyon.

The wooden decking is all rotted out, so it’s not safe to walk on, but there is a great viewpoint nearby. This 2km hike is short but challenging since it has some steep and unstable sections. For details check out Outdoor Vancouver.

Peer Into a Mine Shaft

An abandoned mine shaft along the Skagit River Trail in Manning Provincial Park. Just one of 15 unusual hikes near Vancouver.
The abandoned mine shaft on the Skagit River Trail.

Heads up: The bridge at the beginning of this trail is currently washed out thanks to the November 2021 floods and the trail is currently inaccessible at times of high water. In late summer, it is an easy ford.

You can find evidence of old mines in many places around BC. One of the more accessible sites is on the Skagit River Trail in Manning Provincial Park. This flat trail follows the Skagit River downstream for 16km but you only have to hike 1.5km to find the site of a small abandoned mine from the 1960s.

On the short side trail to the mine you’ll pass the remains of the miner’s camp: a flattened cabin (it collapsed under snow in the winter of 2008), and an old 1940s truck that is still in remarkably good shape.

You can peer into the boarded up mine shaft next to a waterfall, but please don’t go inside as it isn’t safe. The shaft is unsupported and could collapse at any time. For directions, see the Manning Provincial Park website.

Watch for Wildfires from a Historical Fire Lookout

The historical fire lookout at Windy Joe Mountain in Manning Provincial Park
Windy Joe Fire Lookout. Photo: Gwen Wegner/All Trails

Back in the days before airplanes and cell service were everywhere, the best way to watch out for wildfires was to station a guy in a tower on top of a mountain all summer and have him look for smoke.

There are still old fire lookouts around BC, but the closest one to Vancouver is on the top of Windy Joe Mountain in Manning Provincial Park. The Windy Joe lookout hasn’t been staffed since 1965 but it’s still in great shape thanks to BC Parks. 

It’s a 16km round trip hike with 800m of elevation gain, but the view from the top is worth the hike. You can climb up into the loft of the fire lookout and get a 360 degree view of the surrounding area. You can get more info about the trail on the Manning Provincial Park website.

So there’s my favourite weird yet wonderful and unusual hikes near Vancouver. Are there any off the beaten path hikes or hidden gems that I missed? Tell me about them in the comments.

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