From the challenging West Coast Trail to rugged northern coast around Cape Scott, Vancouver Island is home to some of the world’s best multi-day camping and hiking trips. The trails are not easy as they pass along coastlines, through mountains, and remote forests that receive lots of rain and are battered by the weather elements of the Pacific Northwest. Taryn Eyton (aka @HappiestOutdoors) has compiled a thorough list of multi-day trails in a book titled “Backpacking on Vancouver Island: The Essential Guide to the Best Multi-Day Trips and Day Hikes“. The book includes 35 routes and complete de ..read more

Spring break often feels like the start of the hiking season for many as the weather begins to warm, offering a great opportunity for an adventure with friends and family. The weather forecast is calling for a warm spring break in the Vancouver and southwestern British Columbia region, however there is still snow in the mountains and the risk of avalanches will be high. The good news is there are plenty of lower elevations trails that are snow-free and this year. Buntzen Lake The spring season is a great time to visit Buntzen Lake as it is much quieter compared to the summer month and a parkin ..read more

After a massive atmospheric river event in 2021 caused significant damage to Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Park, the park has remained closed since and is unlikely to re-open in 2024. The damage was so significant that it put the structure of some of the tunnels in question. However, BC Parks have been hard at work to restore the trail, bridges, and tunnels and do plan to provide an update on their progress and when the park might re-open. For now, you can watch this 4K video walk-through of all the tunnels. The post Othello Tunnels Update first appeared on Vancouver Trails ..read more

Pay parking went into effect at three popular West Vancouver hiking trails, including Lighthouse Park, Whytecliff Park, and Nelson Canyon (Whyte Lake Trailhead). The District of West Vancouver voted in 2023 to charge visitors to these parks $3.75 per hour plus taxes and fees to park, which amounts to a total of $5.23 per hour. For example, if you plan to spend a few hours at Lighthouse Park which is a good amount of time for a hike and to enjoy the views, it will cost you $15.69. To pay for parking, users will need to scan a QR code posted on a sign at the park or use the phone apps hangTag or ..read more

This weekend is the BC Family Day long weekend and planning an outing can be a fun, enjoyable experience for the entire family. The weather for the start of 2024 has certainly been eventful, from freezing temperatures and snow to unseasonably warm temperatures over the past month. There are many hiking trails that are snow free at low and mid level elevation levels that might normally have snow on them this time of year. We’ll stick to easier trails and places to explore for families in this article. Here are several recommendations. Rice Lake Located in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve ..read more

The MEC Warehouse Sale is taking place from Saturday, February 3 to Sunday, February 11, 2024 and is open daily from 10am to 7pm. This rare event is located at MEC’s warehouse in Surrey and features a wide range of products at clearance prices. Everything from hiking boots, snowshoes, clothing, camping gear, bicycles, and more. Outdoor Gear at the MEC Warehouse Clearance Sale. We took a look mid-week and, while several items have likely sold out, there are still quite a few good deals and lots of products. For example, we saw some Scarpa Backpacking Boots for $300 (regular $400+), a Pelican 30 ..read more

The Parks Canada Reservation System for booking campsites in 2024 is opening Friday, January 19, 2024 at 8:00am PT. Some campsites will be bookable at that time while others will become available at dates after the 19th. Here are the list of campsites by date that they will be bookable: Friday, January 19, 2024 at 8:00am PT Fort Langley National Historic Site Operating May 15 to September 14, 2024 Glacier National Park Loop Brook – Operating June 28 to October 13, 2024 Hermit Meadows – Operating July 1 to September 30, 2024 Gulf Islands National Park Reserve SMONEĆTEN – Operating May 15 to Sep ..read more

After a very mild and warm December, southwestern British Columbia is about to be hit by a polar vortex, with low temperatures dropping well below -10 degrees Celsius in the city and much colder in the mountains. If you plan to hike in the coming weeks during the cold temperature, it is important to be well prepared with the proper gear and knowledge of the recent weather and avalanche forecasts. This is a quick reminder of what you should do when hiking in the cold. If you are planning multi-day treks or venturing into more difficult areas, you should plan lots of research, take avalanche and ..read more

There were many photos submitted to this year’s contest that were stunning, inspirational, and breathtaking. Alpine views, scenery, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and wildlife, the photos represented some of the best outdoor experiences in British Columbia. Here are this year’s winners of the 2023 Photo Contest: Grand Prize Panorama Ridge – Photo by John 2nd Place Wedgemount Lake – Photo by Fan Runner Ups Needle Peak – Photo by BalazsJumbo Pass – Photo by JoshuaWedgemount Lake – Photo by AmandaThe Gargoyles – Photo by Emily Thanks to our generous sponsors: You can view all of the photos s ..read more

Hiking in Tofino, British Columbia is a truly unique experience. From the breathtaking Pacific coastal views to exploring lush west coast rainforests, there is something for everyone. Visiting the west coast of Vancouver Island really feels like you’re at the edge of the earth. Here are some of the best hiking trails to explore near the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet. Canso Plane Crash This unique hike takes you to a piece of history in the rainforest off of Radar Hill. On February 12, 1945, a Royal Canadian Airforce Canso crashed just after taking off from the Tofino airport. That wreck ..read more