20 Best Sights in British Columbia, Canada

This 17.3-km (10.7-mile) loop hike with an elevation of 1,325 meters (4,347 feet) is well worth the challenge. The trail passes through forests and valleys streaked with multiple avalanche paths and follows a meadowy ridgeline to the summit that provides 360-degree views of the surrounding snowy peaks. Bears love the vegetation that grows on the avalanche paths, so it's best to heed the signs posted at the trailhead and have a group of at least four to hike the trail. The final 1.2 km (0.7 mile) of the loop is along the highway. Difficult.

Vancouver's seawall path includes a 9-km (5½-mile) paved shoreline section within Stanley Park. It's one of several car-free zones in the park, and it's popular with walkers and cyclists. If you have the time (about a half of a day) and the energy, strolling the entire seawall is an exhilarating experience. It extends an additional mile east past the marinas, cafés, and waterfront condominiums of Coal Harbour to Canada Place in Downtown, so you could start your walk or ride from there. From the south side of the park, the seawall continues for another 28 km (17 miles) along Vancouver's waterfront to the University of British Columbia, making it the longest shoreside path in the world, and allowing for a pleasant, if ambitious, day's bike ride. Along the seawall, cyclists must wear helmets and stay on their side of the path. Within Stanley Park, cyclists must ride in a counterclockwise direction. The seawall can get crowded on summer weekends, but inside the park is a 27-km (16-mile) network of peaceful walking and cycling paths through old- and second-growth forest. The wheelchair-accessible Beaver Lake Interpretive Trail is a good choice if you're interested in park ecology. Take a map—they're available at the park information booth and many of the concession stands—and don't go into the woods alone or after dusk.

This 5.2 km (3.2 miles) hike starts by crossing two suspension bridges across the crystal blue Kootenay River and finishes at a picture-perfect mountain lake. Along the forested trail there are several spots to catch glimpses of the river and surrounding mountains, plus there's a rustic log bench at the highest point on the trail to take a break. When you reach the lake you can reward yourself with a refreshing swim. Easy 

One of Kootenay's most popular hikes, this 21-km (13-mile) out-and-back hike is a mix of easy stretches and steep switchbacks, with 1,110 meters (3,642 feet) of elevation gain. The views along the way offer a bit of everything: meadows, burnt forest, glaciers, and peaks, with a large spectacular lake at the end. The lake has a backcountry campground, which is the most southern point for the Rockwall Trail, a multiday 54-km (34-mile) trail that stretches in a northerly direction from here through Numa Pass and beyond. Difficult.

Located just outside the town of Radium Hot Springs, on the edge of Kootenay National Park, this moderately easy 6.4-km (4-mile) loop trail is popular with hikers and runners. The trail, which can be started at either the trailhead behind the hot springs or the trailhead at Redstreak Campground, goes through the forest, and alongside cliffs where you may spot the local mountain sheep herds, and eventually offers outstanding views down the Columbia Valley. Moderate.

This 2.8-km (1.7-mile) trail with minimal ups and downs in elevation takes you close to the shoreline of the vibrant, turquoise-colored Lake O'Hara. You generally follow the shoreline, and at times the trail cuts higher along the mountain and across gullies above the lake. A highlight is the Seven Veils Falls that cascades into the lake. Easy.

This 6.4-km return (4-mile) well-signed trail starts along Lake O'Hara, then proceeds past a waterfall and another small turquoise lake before reaching Lake Oesa, which is nestled among the scree slopes at the bottom of towering snow-covered mountains. Although the trail is above Lake O'Hara, elevation gain is minimal at 240 meters (787 feet) made via a series of switchbacks that pass through some grassy slopes and meadows surrounded by quartzite cliffs. In places, huge slabs of flat rock provide a stable walking surface. Moderate.

For beautiful views of the Columbia Valley Wetlands, a protected ecosystem with more than 216 animal species, this 9-km (5½-mile), mostly flat trail is the answer for both biking and hiking.

It will take 2--3 hours to hike this 5.9-km (3.7-mile) circuit with an elevation gain of 250 meters (820 feet). You can access it either via the West Opabin or East Opabin arm. The west arm trail takes you up along the shores of Mary Lake and then climbs steeply for approximately 120 meters (394 feet) onto the rolling terrain of the Opabin Plateau, a beautiful hanging valley above Lake O'Hara. From there, the circuit continues into the Opabin Creek Valley and finally arrives at Opabin Lake, where you can see the foot of a glacier in the narrow gap in the peaks at the end of the lake. Moderate.

Due to severe fires in the early to mid-1900s, several fire lookouts were built in the Rockies, and the Paget Fire Lookout is the oldest in Canada's national parks. This 7-km (4.3-mile) moderately difficult round-trip hike, with 520 meters (1,706 feet) of elevation gain, will have you switchbacking through the forest until you almost reach the lookout shelter (which is no longer in use). Allow plenty of time to take in the amazing views of the Kicking Horse River valley, the Continental Divide, and the surrounding peaks from the strategically placed bench. If you're feeling energetic, you can continue on to Paget Peak, but beware that it's steep, with a 446-meter (1,463-foot) elevation gain on the 1.4-km (0.8-mile) trail. The trail is also challenging because of several scree-filled and exposed sections, and there can be snow at the summit well into July. If you're a seasoned hiker, however, the views from the top are worth it. Difficult.

A 1 km (.6 miles) interpretive trail takes you through a grassland restoration area. As you walk through meadows that have been revived by prescribed fire burns, chances of seeing bighorn sheep are high. Easy 

Traversing three alpine passes through subalpine meadows and past hanging glaciers, this 55 km (34 miles) trail with 2,600 meter (8,530 feet) is hands-down Kootenay National Park's most epic hike. The trail derives its name from a massive limestone cliff running more than 900 meters (2,953 feet) at points. Recommended hiking dates are mid-July to October as often higher sections are snowy outside of those dates. Note that backcountry camping reservations must be booked before you go, and these spots get booked quickly. Difficult 

It takes 3--5 days to complete this stunning 54-km (34-mile) hike that winds through subalpine meadows and past hanging glaciers while traversing three alpine passes and requires overnighting in backcountry campgrounds. The namesake "Rockwall" is a massive limestone cliff that towers above the trail in several locations. Reservations are necessary and are open for booking at the end of January each year through the Parks Canada website or via phone; book early to ensure a spot. Difficult.

This 17.6-km (11-mile) return trail has an elevation gain of only 135 meters (443 feet), but it's still rated as difficult, with many up and down sections. There are interpretive panels along the first part of the trail educating you about the regeneration of this forest via lightning and wildfire, which is very evident in the burned forest around you for most of the trail. Ultimately you will arrive at a three-valley river confluence. Difficult.

This lovely trail system follows a 2-km (1-mile) loop, crossing Sinclair Creek with two footbridges. Interpretive signs educate users on the environment and history of the area. There are picnic tables by the lower parking lot, and benches along the trail provide good rest stops to enjoy the scenery.

A 1½ hour hike (4.2 km one way; 2.6 miles) up a switch-back trail will take you through a regenerated forest filled with wildflowers and lodgepole pines, up near the base of Stanley Glacier. The talus slopes beneath the cliffs and the glaciated peaks are home to the Burgess Shale fossils, discovered only in 2012. If you're inspired to learn more about these unique fossils, sign up for the Parks Canada guided interpretive hike which is offered several times a week. Moderate

This 4.6-km (3-mile) out-and-back trail has minimal elevation, making it a fun one for the whole family. The trail is a wide, heavily trafficked path through the forest, until you eventually reach the Wapta Falls ("wapta" means "river" in the Sioux language of the Stoney people). The falls are especially forceful and impressive in June and early July, when the runoff is still high. Easy.

Running along the coast from Bamfield to Port Renfrew, this is an extremely rugged 75-km (47-mile) trail for experienced hikers only. It takes an average of six days to complete and is open from May 1 to September 30. A quota system helps the park manage the number of hikers, and reservations, through Parks Canada, are mandatory. Hiking requires payment of a reservation fee, ferry fares, and an overnight-use fee.

This is a 21.3-km (13.2-mile) circuit with 700 meters (2,297 feet) of elevation gain which takes you to Twin Falls backcountry campground. The trail takes you through the Yoho Valley and past Twin Falls and Marpole Lake. There is a seasonal suspension bridge, so check the trail report to ensure it's in operation before you go. Note that reservations for the campground must also be made in advance. Difficult.