British Columbia is packed with stunning trails, but let’s be honest, some of the best-known spots can get pretty busy. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and find a little more solitude in nature, these lesser-known trails are just the thing.
1. South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park
South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park is perfect for those who love wide-open spaces and mountain adventures. The park is full of rolling hills, flower-filled meadows, and stunning mountain views. You can explore on foot, by bike, or even on horseback—there are tons of trails to choose from. It’s a bit more remote, so you’ll likely have some quiet time with nature. Wildlife like deer, black bears, and maybe even grizzlies call this place home, so keep your eyes peeled.
Check out this map: South Chilcotin Provincial Park by Backroad Mapbooks
2. Babine Mountains Provincial Park
If you’re looking for stunning mountain views and a real escape into nature, Babine Mountains Provincial Park is the place to go. The trails here take you through colorful wildflower meadows, past clear lakes, and up to amazing viewpoints. You should keep an eye out for wildlife like moose, mountain goats, and bears along the way. Plus, with its old mining history, exploring this park feels a bit like stepping back in time as there’s always something cool to discover!
Check out this map: Babine Mountains Provincial Park Trail Map by BV Backpackers
3. Cape Scott Provincial Park
Cape Scott Provincial Park is the place to go for those looking for a real adventure. It’s at the very top of Vancouver Island and feels like a hidden gem. The park has beautiful sandy beaches and thick, green forests, and big ocean views. You can take a shorter hike to San Josef Bay or go all out on the longer trail to the Cape Scott Lighthouse. Along the way, you might see old buildings from past settlers and spot wildlife like black bears and eagles. It’s a bit out of the way, but that’s what makes it so cool and worth the trip!
Check out this map: Cape Scott - Holberg Adventure Map by Backroad Mapbooks
4. Rampart Ponds, Garibaldi Provincial Park
For those craving a true backcountry experience, Rampart Ponds Campground offers a peaceful escape deep in Garibaldi Provincial Park. While most hikers stop at the busy Elfin Lakes, the trek to Rampart Ponds is a solid 25 km from the trailhead, which is double the distance of the standard Elfin Lakes hike. However, we believe the extra effort is worth it! You’ll trade the crowds for quiet alpine lakes, glacier views, and, if the skies are clear, an incredible view of stars. It’s a remote spot, so be ready for changing weather and possibly even snow late into the summer.
Check out this map: Garibaldi Park, BC by Clark Geomatics Corp.
5. Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park
Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park is a real treat for nature lovers. This park is all about huge, old trees, and some trees are the tallest in Canada! As you walk along the trails, you’ll see big Sitka spruce and red cedars, and the whole place feels like a green, mossy wonderland. It’s not the easiest spot to get to as there are bumpy roads along the way, but the calm and quiet you’ll find there make it worth the trip.
Check out this map: South Vancouver Island Recreation Map (BC Rec Map Bundle) by Backroad Mapbooks
Download Avenza Maps
When you’re heading off the beaten path, having a reliable map is a must, especially when cell service is spotty. Avenza Maps lets you download maps, track your location with GPS, and navigate with confidence, no matter how remote you go. So grab your gear, download your maps, and set out to explore some of BC’s best-kept hiking secrets.
Scan this QR code to download the Avenza Maps app.