10 Can’t-Miss B.C. Trails That Take Under A Day

Do you love hiking but find all the best trails take too much time? Who can manage the week-long trails that promise the best views in Canada while balancing a family and a job too? Not many of us, that’s for sure. You’ll be happy to know, though, there are plenty of day trails all across our beautiful country. I’m going to give you a top ten in each province, starting this week with the left coast:

Mineral Licks Trail - Located at Muncho Lake, just a few kilometres west of Fort Nelson, BC, this trail should only take you about two hours. The cliffs are full of minerals that draw wildlife in to lick them. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of these animals.

Al's Habrich Ridge Trail - This trail is pretty unique in that it starts at the top of the Sea to Sky gondola. Not only do you get a great hike in, but you also get to take in one of the most spectacular gondola rides in Canada. This trail will take you about half a dozen hours to complete, and can be fairly difficult.

Mount Cheam - This hike in Chilliwack should take you about four hours to complete. From your hike, you’ll get so far above Chilliwack that you can see the whole town, plus the surrounding areas and lakes. You’ll also be able to get a clear view of Mt. Baker.

Stawamus Chief - Up the Sea to Sky highway, this looming cliff face also makes a breathtaking hike. It’s about three hours, and you’ll take in gorgeous 360 views of Howe Sound, Squamish and all the little peaks and valleys in between.

Judges Route, Mt. Arrowsmith - One of the highest peaks on Vancouver Island, this mountain climb offers spectacular views. The hike is a difficult one, but for experienced hikers, it should only take you about six hours. This trail is near Port Alberni.

Sun Peaks Resort Trail Network - Sun Peaks Resort is just a hop, skip and a jump from Kamloops, in the Southern Interior of BC. The resort has a network of alpine hiking trails that you can choose from, based on the amount of time you have to hike. The longest one is about half a day.

Blue Grouse Mountain - This trail, near Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley in Southern BC promises views of almost the entire Okanagan. It’s going to take you about five hours and is not too difficult, but not that easy, either.

Paul's Tomb, Knox Mountain - This super easy hike, also near Kelowna, is only going to take about two hours to complete, but the views are no less awe-inspiring. You’re going up a mountain on this hike, so you’ll get another great view of Okanagan Lake. This is the absolute perfect hike to bring a picnic on.

Vermillion Peak - Located near Radium Hot Springs, Vermillion Peak is a five hour hike of moderate difficulty. The hike takes you up an avalanche gully that is all flowers in spring and summer. The best part of this hike? You get to see glaciers!

Rainbow Range Trail - This three hour trail in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park will take you through loads of wildflowers, alpine views, the remains of an old forest fire, all the way to a breathtaking lake. It’s relatively moderate as far as difficulty goes, and perfect for a day out with a packed lunch.

Are there any other trails in BC you think we should have included? Let us know in the comments!