Hiking : Backpacking : Walking Trails and Parks
Northern British Columbia, Canada

Hiking, Walking and Wilderness Backpacking in North BC: The northern portion of British Columbia, Canada is the most rugged and remote region of the province covering 1/3 of the total landmass. The mountains and valleys are home to thousands of lakes, rivers and trees. An environment creating ideal hiking, walking and backpacking adventures.

Each community has many designated self guided hiking and walking trails that are ideal for day walks. A community trail is a great way to view the city, village or town. Although trails like communities vary in many ways. Some trails follow a paved walkway through town connecting parks. Other trails follow gravel paths, surrounded by trees, exploring one of the local parks. Some trials visit fish hatcheries, viewpoints and local attractions. Plan accordingly.

The wilderness, longer day hikes located outside of the communities vary also. Some trails follow a well maintained, hard-packed, earthy route covered in pine needles.. and other trails require navigation over boulders, around dead fall trees, up mountains and down cliffs. Each and every trail ends with a prize like a fantastic viewpoint, towering waterfall, serene lake, alpine meadow or raging river.

Travelers will enjoy the selection of trails listed on this website. Everything from easy to hard can be found here. Every casual hiker will enjoy the day trails and experienced hikers will enjoy the selection of long haul hikes. If you are not an experienced backpacker then a tour is recommended.

The more difficult to access trails and wilderness backpacking areas are usually explored best with a tour group led by a qualified guide. Hiking tours should be arranged well in advance and should include certified trained guides with first aid training. Backpacking in the British Columbia backcountry is no joke, be prepared.

The Coast, Skeena, Cassiar and Omineca Mountain Ranges dominate the northern portion of the province while the looming Coastal Mountains capture the west, the Rocky Mountains dominate the east and the Cariboo Mountains the south. All mountain ranges include parks with hiking and wilderness backpacking routes.

Many of the backpacking routes are multi day trips exploring deep into the backcountry. Most of the routes have designated wilderness campsites with pit toilets. The campsites are usually by a water source like a lake or river. Some of the long haul hikes treat you real nice by providing first-come first-serve warming huts and cabins along the route. .

Be prepared when hiking and backpacking in the wilderness as the wilderness is home to wildlife also. It is not uncommon to see wildlife on a hiking adventure. The type of wildlife viewed depends on your location and remoteness of your adventure. Wildlife in North BC includes deer, elk, Bald Eagle, beaver, moose, bears, cougar and much more.