We got the inside scoop on the most breathtaking spots you absolutely need to visit. Even if you've been in the province for years, or your entire life, chances are there are countless trails you've never heard of. To help you find some of the best spots, we asked locals to share their top pick of lesser-known hikes in B.C. that they love. Sure it can be easy to get in a routine of spending your free time binge-watching Netflix, but sometimes you have to shake things up and get outdoors. Plus, there is nothing like spending some time in nature to help you destress and get some exercise in. It is the perfect way to spend some solo time and let you recharge and soak in the natural beauty. On our list of trails, there is something for everyone. There are easy strolls that will take minutes to challenging climbs that will leave your legs feeling like jelly the next day. It is time to ask yourself what do you want to see first? There are all sorts of jaw-dropping sights from a washed-up boat from the 1900s on a beach, to hidden waterfalls. Make sure when visiting any of these spots that you are respectful of them. Stay on the paths, and be considerate of other visitors and wildlife to keep these spots looking as stunning for those who visit next. Christie Falls Price: Free Address: Ladysmith, BC Why You Need To Go: It is an easy 6.8-kilometre loop hike that will take you to a stunning waterfall. The entire journey takes roughly two hours to complete. View this post on Instagram Could life get any more magical than this perfect rainbow under the perfect waterfall moment? đ A post shared by Wanderingmarley đ (@wanderingmarley) on Jun 2, 2018 at 11:00am PDT Website Kinsol Trestle Price: Free Address: 2869 Glen Eagles Rd., Cowichan Valley B, BC Why You Need To Go: This incredible trestle trail is 44 metres above a river. Walking on the 187-metre long structure you'll be able to enjoy views of the water below and surrounding forest. View this post on Instagram this may come as a shock but sometimes i like to pretend my life is a world tour. our resort was a tuscan villa, this trestle is sri lankaâs bridge, my shirt is paree, etc etc. but you know what, our backyard ainât so bad itself either. đđ ⥠thank you @dailyhivemapped @cowichantourism for a lovely lil island getaway and @hpaxian for being the best plus one! very grateful! A post shared by Kellie Paxian đđź (@kelliepaxian) on Apr 6, 2019 at 7:44am PDT Website Shawnigan Lake Price: Free Address: Shawnigan Lake, Vancouver Island, BC Why You Need To Go: @sarahjanegriffiths says exploring around Shawnigan Lake is one of her favourite hikes. One thing is for sure, you'll want to take advantage of the swing at the top, which is a great spot to enjoy the vista. View this post on Instagram This swing was made by a husband for his future wife, at the top of a mountain on Vancouver Island đ Sorry to my future husband, but the bar has been set! đđđđź . . . #aussiesincanada #oldbaldymountain #shawniganlake #vancouverisland #explorevancouverisland #bc #bccanada #explorebc #canada #canadalove #explorecanada #tourismcanada #travelcanada #canadatravel #canadasworld #canadavacations #imagesofcanada #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls #femmetravel #girlsborntotravel #ladiesgoneglobal #girldiscoverers #globelletravels #citizenfemme #neverstoptravelling #darlingescapes #girlsthatwander #girlsthatexplore A post shared by SARAH JANE GRIFFITHS (@sarahjanegriffiths) on Nov 5, 2018 at 11:38pm PST Website Alouette Valley Trail Price: Free Address: Golden Ears Provincial Park, 24480 Fern Cres., Maple Ridge, BC Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like you have the forest to yourself as you follow the 7.1-kilometre loop trail. It is a peaceful walk past towering trees, and in the summer you can often see wildflowers too. View this post on Instagram Forest magic. There are no words to describe just how much we love the moss covered trees in Golden Ears Provincial Park. đ⨠A post shared by VancityWild | Travel Family (@vancitywild) on Feb 18, 2020 at 9:28pm PST Website Brandywine Falls Price: Free Address: Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, Whistler, BC Why You Need To Go: You won't even break a sweat to reach this 70-metre tall waterfall. Local influencer, @angie_ha told Narcity her favourite part of the falls was to "feel the waterfall at ground level was incredible!" View this post on Instagram Live in the moment, like youâre sitting on the edge đż #hikewithangie A post shared by â H ⼠â (@angie_ha) on Sep 22, 2019 at 12:57pm PDT Website Abbott Ridge Price: Free Address: Abbott Ridge Trailhead, Glacier, BC Why You Need To Go: Becca from @beccawhite8 describes the route as a "tough 16ish kilometre round trip but the glacier view is worth not being able to walk the next day." View this post on Instagram Have been feeling on top of the world lately. New job, a new place to live and a new ring on my finger. So many emotions but I havenât stopped smiling in a week đśđ đ ⢠⢠#explorebc #hikebc #beautifulbc #explorecanada #glaciernationalpark #womenwhohike #womenwhoexplore #hiketheglobe #herpnwlife #beautyofbc #pnw #pnwonderland #optoutside #getoutside #passionpassport #exploretocreate #abbottridge #deuter #choosemountains A post shared by Becca White (@beccawhite8) on Aug 7, 2019 at 4:52pm PDT Website Battle Bluffs Price: Free Address: Battle Bluffs, Thompson-Nicola J, BC Why You Need To Go: Outdoor Instagrammer, @sebpic_ praised this hike as being one of his favourites in B.C. What makes it special is you'll be able to enjoy amazing views of Kamloops Lake and the valley. View this post on Instagram Did you see my newest vlog about my Kamloops adventure? If not go see it in my story highlights. That was an amazing weekend. Gonna go up there soon again so stay tuned . . . . #earth_shotz #earthpix #earthoutdoors10k #eclectic_shotz #sonyimages #sonyalpha #instagood10k #roamtheplanet #instagood10k #moodygrams #mg5k #outside_project #stayandwander #ourplanetdaily #viewbug #wildernessculture #campeveryday #bcisbeautiful #dailyviewkamloops #kamloops A post shared by Sebastian | Vancouver Outdoors (@sebpic_) on Jul 23, 2018 at 10:31am PDT Website Sombrio Beach Waterfall Price: Free Address: Sombrio Beach Trailhead, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, BC Why You Need To Go: You'll need to do a bit of searching, but it is worth it to discover the entrance to a cave that has a waterfall hidden inside. View this post on Instagram Long weekends were made for great explorations in this beautiful province we call home. Where did your weekend take you? Thank you @vancitywild for this mossy waterfall capture from your recent Wild Renfrew adventure. ⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠#WildRenfrew #PortRenfrew #SombrioBeach #SombrioBeachWaterfall #PacificMarineCircleRoute #ExploreBC #DestinationBC #BeautifulBC #HelloBC #ExploreCanada #Canada #BestOfCanada #pnw #pnwbc #pnwonderland #VancouverIsland #VancouverIslandGuide #ShareVI #ExploreVancouverIsland #GetWild #StayWild #VanIsle #GreatOutdoors #BritishColumbia #WestCoast #WildernessWithinReach #ItsBetterOutside A post shared by Wild Renfrew (@wildrenfrew) on Aug 5, 2019 at 9:37pm PDT Website Sloquet Creek Hot Springs Price: $5 for a day access pass Address: Sloquet Creek Hot Springs, Fraser Valley C, BC Why You Need To Go: It is a peaceful spot to escape the city and relax with friends. Together you can visit one of the many natural hot springs and soak away your stress. View this post on Instagram bucket list đđź A post shared by k e r r y b a l f o u r (@ker.b) on Jul 22, 2017 at 2:54pm PDT Website Crown Mountain Price: Free Address: Crown Mountain, BC Why You Need To Go: If you are willing to tackle this difficult trail you'll be rewarded with a jaw-dropping view from the summit. View this post on Instagram Sometimes you need to live life on the edge to get a sense of what is important to you... push yourself to every limit and see what youâre capable of! ⢠⢠⢠⢠Crown mountain is one of my favorite hikes, and gives you just enough vertical to test your fear of heights! ⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠What are YOU doing to chase some stoke this Sunday? A post shared by Hiking ⢠Outdoors ⢠Adventure (@freshairfreedom) on Jan 14, 2018 at 11:38am PST Website Coquitlam Crunch Price: Free Address: 1248 Lansdowne Dr., Coquitlam, BC Why You Need To Go: You can skip the gym and head to this urban hike that will have you climbing stairs. Create a playlist of your favourite upbeat songs, as this is a fantastic way to get a leg and glutes workout in. View this post on Instagram Losing sleep to catch the sunrise, great way to start this gorgeous dayđđđ˝ââď¸ A post shared by Sarin Ghougassian (@sarin_ghougassian) on Mar 15, 2018 at 6:16pm PDT Website Cathedral Grove Price: Free Address: MacMillan Provincial Park, 452 Alberni Hwy, Nanaimo F, BC Why You Need To Go: This enchanting ancient forest has trees so huge you won't believe your eyes. Following the path, you'll pass by Douglas-fir trees that are over 800 years old. View this post on Instagram Since I canât really travel right now, I want to share some photos from past trips đ˛ This photo was taken at Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island and is home to some of the largest and oldest trees in the country. The tree I am am standing in front of is 800 years old, 250 ft tall, and 29 ft around! Definitely put this place on your list for the next time you visit Vancouver Island. A post shared by Braden | Travel + Lifestyle (@bradenstanley) on Apr 10, 2020 at 6:34pm PDT Website Tunnel Bluffs Price: Free Address: Tunnel Bluffs, Squamish-Lillooet D, BC Why You Need To Go: @sarahjanegriffiths is a big fan of this challenging trek that will lead you to a spellbinding lookout of Lions Bay. View this post on Instagram What a day đđźđ A post shared by SARAH JANE GRIFFITHS (@sarahjanegriffiths) on May 15, 2019 at 1:52am PDT Website Wedgemount Glacier Price: Free Address: Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC-99, Brackendale, BC Why You Need To Go: If you are up for a challenge, you should try this journey to a glacier and @angie_ha describes the journey as "by far the most difficult hike I've done thus far but it was truly the most rewarding!" She suggests you bring your camping gear and spend the night. View this post on Instagram Never forget how wildly capable you are đť . . đˇ @lynntruong_ #hikewithangie A post shared by â H ⼠â (@angie_ha) on Aug 17, 2018 at 11:53am PDT Website Pesuta Shipwreck Price: Free Address: Haida Gwaii N., BC Why You Need To Go: You will get to discover the wreckage of a 1900s steamship on a gorgeous stretch of beach. View this post on Instagram The remains of what used to be a 264 foot log barge lie on the eastern beaches of Haida Gwaii. The ship crashed during a storm in 1928 and has remained ever since now creating a destination for hikers to stop at. #unlimitedcanada #haidagwaii #gohaidagwaii #pesuta #pesutashipwreck #shipwreck #haidanation #abandon #hiking #haidagwaiidiscovery #haidaheritagecentre #haidastyle_expeditions #hikingculture #councilofthehaidanation #HikingWorldWide #canada #britishcolumbia #westcoast #exploreBC! #explorebc #hellobc #britishcolumbiamagazine #ExploreCanada #ImagesofCanada #natgeo #natgeoadventure #natgeotravel #we_are_explorers #pacificnorthwest A post shared by Ori Nevares (@orinevares) on Dec 13, 2016 at 11:05am PST Website Alexandra Bridge Price: Free Address: Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park, Yale, BC Why You Need To Go: It will only take you a few minutes to reach an eye-catching suspension bridge that offers a fantastic view of the rushing water below. View this post on Instagram Hi @aliya_rose_ â¤ď¸ A post shared by Caitlin Cramerđ¤ (@caitlin__cramer) on May 17, 2019 at 6:11pm PDT Website High Note Trail Price: Free Address: High Note Trail, Whistler, BC Why You Need To Go: This 10.3-kilometre walk will lead you to a marvellous lookout point of a bright turquoise lake. Late in the summer, you can often find colourful flowers blooming here too. View this post on Instagram Proud that I finally got these girls out the clubs and outside exploring @isabellawatt @stephwalczak A post shared by Shannon Seiler (@shannonseiler_) on Aug 19, 2019 at 8:36pm PDT Website Othello Tunnels Price: Free Address: Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, Hope, BC Why You Need To Go: Skip your typical forest walk to explore abandoned train tunnels instead. The 3.5-kilometre path is nice and flat, and perfect for novice hikers. View this post on Instagram Hello Spring, Iâm happy youâre here đą A post shared by Haley Collins (@haleycollinso2) on Mar 21, 2020 at 9:06am PDT Website Osoyoos Desert Centre Price: $8.00 Address: 14580 146 Ave., Osoyoos, BC Why You Need To Go: Do you wish you could go on a vacation to Arizona to see their famous desert landscape? Even if you can't afford to leave the province, you can enjoy a similar experience on this stunning boardwalk that leads you through B.C'.s own desert. View this post on Instagram We found Canada's desert today đľ and took a stroll through it! The Osoyoos Desert is a bit less dry than traditional deserts but its vegetation and wildlife classify it as a desert. All the rain typically falls on the other side of its surrounding mountains, keeping this area fairly dry and "deserty" đľâď¸ The pathway was built to protect the very sensitive biotic crust which allows all the vegetation to grow on the sand đ Nature is oh so beautiful! đ A post shared by Stephanie đ¸ Travel + Lifestyle (@thewanderessdiaries) on Jun 10, 2017 at 6:22pm PDT Website Watersprite Lake Price: Free Address: Watersprite Lake, Squamish-Lillooet D, BC Why You Need To Go: Local influencer @allypintucci recommends this route saying, "hit this trail and hike up to a magical, bright green lake." She also suggests you book a nearby cabin, to extend your stay. View this post on Instagram Part two of #TheStayCationSeries launches TONIGHT. â â â â â â â â â â â â â â Iâll be chatting all things needed for a relaxing mountain getaway in Fernie, BC. â â â â â â â â â â â â â â Not on the list? Tap the link in my bio âď¸ A post shared by Ally - Travel & Lifestyle đ¸ (@allypintucci) on Oct 25, 2017 at 7:48am PDT Website Falls Lake Price: Free Address: Falls Lake, Fraser Valley B, BC Why You Need To Go: Becca from @beccawhite8 praises this trail as, "a short but sweet hike off of the Coquihalla and is a great stop when you are driving by." View this post on Instagram Lake I need another reason to love BC A post shared by Becca White (@beccawhite8) on May 29, 2019 at 3:41pm PDT Website Ladner Creek Trestle Price: Free Address: Siwash Creek Rd, Yale, BC Why You Need To Go: @sarahjanegriffiths highly recommend this hike that lets you visit this breathtaking part of the Kettle Valley Railway but do so safely. View this post on Instagram Reminder to self and others: Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure. đ¤ A post shared by SARAH JANE GRIFFITHS (@sarahjanegriffiths) on Jun 13, 2019 at 12:42am PDT Website We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
