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British Columbia

Looking for the best backpacking in British Columbia? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around British Columbia. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near British Columbia

  • Maple Ridge, British Columbia

    Hiking Golden Ears Trail

    14.9 mi / 4921.3 ft gain
    Golden Ears is well known to those in the Lower Mainland. After staring at the jagged 'ears' from all angle, I finally got to see them up close and in-person. The West Canyon Trail is a gentle 5.5 kilometers on a well groomed path, lined with deciduous trees making it a perfect place to watch the...
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  • East Kootenay G, British Columbia

    Hike to Lake of Hanging Glaciers

    5.0
    Do you like rushing rivers, impressive waterfalls, serene forests and massive glaciers? How about glacier fed lakes, epic mountains and starry nights to boot? This is it, all of it in one place.Beginning at the trailhead 50km west of Radium in British Columbia, this 16km hike runs over and around...
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  • Port Renfrew, British Columbia

    Backpacking the West Coast Trail

    5.0
    The trail requires a permit from May 1 - September 16. All other dates have restrictions. Check Parks Canada website for more details.You can start from the north or south end of the trail. There are buses provided by the Pacific Rim National Park that will shuttle you back to your car or to the ...
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  • Whistler, British Columbia

    Hike to Little Diamond Head

    22 mi / 5900 ft gain
    Given the total distance and cumulative elevation gain of this hike, I would suggest a good level of fitness to reach the summit. The trail does not have any technical challenges and the elevation gain is gradual. The final kick up to the summit involves some loose scree and minor exposure depend...
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  • Central Kootenay H, British Columbia

    Hike to Gwillim Lakes

    5.0
    The trail to Gwillum Lakes is a must do when in the West Kootenay. It's iconic with the locals for being one of the best day hike or overnight camp trips in the region. A 6km hike through true wilderness rewards you with an alpine meadow dotted with small lakes perfect for swimming in and camping...
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  • Whistler, British Columbia

    Backpack to Russet Lake

    4.0
    Russet Lake is a beautiful alpine lake at the base of Fissile Peak in the backcountry of Garibaldi Provincial Park. This trip is well suited for two nights but can be accomplished in a full day without a pack.Your starting point is Whistler Village Gondola, then up the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to the ...
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  • Anmore, British Columbia

    Backpack the Dilly Dally Loop

    15.5 mi / 3800 ft gain
    This hike begins near the parking lot of Buntzen Lake. The trailhead will read "Halvor Lunden Trail,” named after the man who made it. This part of the trail is well marked, however as you continue along the loop it gets less and less worn, making things more difficult, but also more natural.The ...
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  • Port Renfrew, British Columbia

    Hiking the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

    5.0
    29.2 mi
    This is no walk on the beach. There are many ascents and descents that range from not so steep to hold on for your life as the mud cliff crumbles steep. You might think 200m of elevation gain isn't much, but it is a constant ascend and descend trail in the moderate-difficult sections.A high level...
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  • Central Kootenay H, British Columbia

    Hike to Gimli Ridge

    The hike to Gimli Ridge is one of only two hikes in the Valhallas that reach up to the alpine area. It provides stunning scenery of the surrounding range, and an intimate experience with the huge monolith that is Gimli Peak.The trail steadily climbs elevation. From the trailhead, Gimli seems dece...
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  • Mount Robson, British Columbia

    Backpack to Robson Pass

    5.0
    24.01 mi / 3766 ft gain
    This trail is one of the most popular in all of Canada, and so reservations must be made to stay at campgrounds quite a way in advance. Find more information here http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcpar... Make sure to check out this map for trail and campsite information, an elevation profile, and good ...
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  • D'Arcy, British Columbia

    Hike to Mt Rohr

    5.0
    / 3200 ft gain
    The Duffy Lake Road area is a scrambling paradise. If you love exploring the alpine off trail, this would be the place.Mt Rohr is a prominent peak, located just above Duffy Lake. One of the highlights of this trip is that you get to hike directly beside the incredible glaciers of Joffre Peak, as ...
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  • Comox-Strathcona D, British Columbia

    Mt. Myra via Tennent Lake Trail

    9.33 mi / 4810 ft gain
    Very few people know about this hidden gem which makes it less crowded and all the more special. The views and serenity that this place possess are what will really draw you in. The hike starts at the Westmin Mine parking lot, located 2 hours north of Courtenay. To find the start of the trailhea...
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  • Field, British Columbia

    Hike Iceline Trail

    5.0
    12.3 mi / 2867.5 ft gain
    The trailhead is accessed at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot, and then you walk to the Whiskey Jack Hostel where the trail officially begins (you can not park here unless you are a guest). The well marked trail then begins its very steep ascent through the forest where you will catch glimpses of ...
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  • Whistler, British Columbia

    Hike the Musical Bumps Trail

    15.5 mi
    The Musical Bumps are a series of rolling summits starting from Whistler Mountain that stretch over to Fissile and the Spearhead Range. It should come as no surprise that each one has a musical name: Flute, Oboe and Piccolo.There are two ways to access this area: you can ride the Whistler Village...
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  • Field, British Columbia

    Backpack to Alberta's Abbot Pass Hut

    3.0
    16.2 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Built in 1922 with the stones from the pass, the Abbot Pass Hut and has served both as a base for mountaineers and as a destination for strong hikers ever since. Sitting at 2,926 meters' elevation, it is second only to the Neil Colgan Hut on the list of highest permanent structures in Canada. The...
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  • Port Renfrew, British Columbia

    Camp and Surf at Sombrio Beach

    5.0
    1 mi
    Heading west from Victoria, take the TransCanada Highway to Hwy 14. Continue past Sooke towards Port Renfrew. Look for the sign that reads Sombrio Beach Trailhead (approximately 45 minutes past Sooke) and take the left. Note that this dirt road can be incredibly rugged (aka full of potholes) and ...
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