Easy hikes with awesome views in BC
The west coast of B.C. and Vancouver Island offer up amazing scenery and hiking trails that can take you into the heart of the forest or bring you to the top, where the views are breath taking. So, take a break from the drive to connect with the scenery around you. And hey, if we missed a short hike to an incredible view point, waterfall or shoreline, let us know. We’d love to share it with everyone.
Alice Lake
If you're driving between Vancouver and Whistler, Alice Lake is a great spot to stop and stretch or stop. There's camping in the summer, the parking lot is within 100m of the lake and there's an easy trail to follow all the way around. If you get inspired, it's also connected to a veritable web of trails of varying difficulty and lengths, all through the beautiful rain forest. Whatever your energy levels or time constraints, it's a beautiful stop.
Cleveland Dam
Only 15 minutes outside of Downtown Vancouver and wedged between two major tourist attractions (Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain), Cleveland Dam is basically a man-made Yin and Yang. Tranquil to the north, the reservoir provides a third of the city's drinking water. To the south, it's a raging man-made waterfall with a 90m drop. Here again, you can simply meander over to enjoy the view, take a longer hike to view the towering waterfall, or get completely carried away along the 48km Baden Powell Trail.
Brandywine Falls
Closer to Whistler than anything else, Brandywine Falls is a great rest stop if you're road tripping through. There's next to no elevation gained or lost and it's about 1km round trip to go see what looks like an innocent creek turn into a beautiful 70-metre tall monster.
The Spit in Squamish
If you want to get some dirt on your tires without risking any actual off-roading, The Spit in Squamish, BC, is a good place to go. You can drive the whole way, or go for a stroll for as far as you like. While walking say hello to “bad hair day.” The constant breeze is hell on your hair but makes for a popular spot with wind and kite-surfers. The Stawamus Chief provides a striking backdrop to the bright sails. If you're looking to stray a little further, the base of The Spit is right next to the Squamish Estuary with loads of flat trails to follow there.
Little Qualicum Falls
Little Qualicum Falls is one of Vancouver Island's best and biggest waterfalls. It is easily accessible from Parksville and a true crowd pleaser for tourists and locals alike. You’ll love the short trail with rustic steps and bridges. Pack a picnic as there are covered areas for you to enjoy a snack while exploring. To find Little Qualicum Falls, head 19 kilometres west of Parksville off Hwy 4 - Watch for the signs it’s hard to miss!
Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain is a little less known to tourists visiting Nanaimo. However, it offers gorgeous views of Departure Bay where you can watch the BC ferries roll into Nanaimo nearly every hour. Also, if you are looking for an epic place to catch sunrise over the Georgia Straight, look no further. From the Departure Bay Ferry terminal head north on Departure Bay Road to 3160 Marion Way
Helmcken Falls
At 141-metres tall Helmcken Falls is the fourth largest waterfall in Canada and the reason Wells Gray Provincial Park exists. There's a viewing platform not far from the road or you can do the one-hour hike to get closer.
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