25 of the Best Overnight / First Time Backpacking Trips in BC, Canada (2024)

If you want to truly experience the raw beauty of British Columbia, multi-day hiking is one of the best ways to do it.

Combining camping and hiking, backpacking offers a chance for full immersion into the wild and the ability to reach pristine places inaccessible by vehicle.

It’s not necessary to go far either, with some spectacular places accessible within a relatively short hike.

To prove that, this post features 20+ short BC backpacking trips of 15km or less, perfect for an overnight adventure! Here’s what to expect:

• An introduction
  • Criteria breakdown
• Best overnight or first time backpacking trips in BC
  • San Josef Bay
  • Lake Helen Mackenzie
  • Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
  • Sunshine Coast Trail
  • Strike Lake
  • Lake of the Woods
  • Divide Lake
  • Spectrum Lake
  • Sheila Lake
  • Eva Lake
  • Twin Falls
  • Yoho Lake
• More overnight backpacking trips in BC
• What to bring on a short backpacking trip

Short Backpacking Trips in British Columbia

There are so many reasons why you may want to go on a short or overnight backpacking trip in BC.

Maybe you are:

• Trying out backpacking for the first time
• Looking for a quick escape
• Backpacking with young children
• Testing out new gear
• Limited on vacation time
• Hiking with people who have low fitness or mobility

Whatever the reason, I hope this post will give you some inspiration to plan your next short BC backpacking trip!

Keep in mind that although I have mentioned ‘overnight’ backpacking trips, you can, of course, stay for two night or more in any of these locations. All have day hiking opportunities for further exploration with a lighter backpack.

The following overnight hiking trips have been tried and tested by my partner and I.

As we hike more awesome short backpacking trips in BC, I will update this post. If you have any suggestions to add (particularly in the Cariboo region and northern BC!), do let me know.

Published in June 2020, updated April 2022. This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

Short but sweet overnight adventures: our criteria

To create the following list, I have considered backpacking trips with a hiking distance of 7.5km or less from the trailhead to the campground.

Most of these backpacking trails feature:

• Average hiking time of 3 hours or less
• Low elevation gain, up to 500m
• Established camping areas with outhouses, often with tent pads and food caches too
• First come, first serve allocation systems (no reservations required!)
• Low fees – $10/night or less per person

While I suggest these destinations as great first time backpacking trips, keep in mind that all are located in wilderness areas with limited visitor facilities and phone service.

You must be self sufficient and prepared for variable weather conditions. Stay alert for wildlife, carry bear spray and always Leave No Trace.

If you’re going backpacking for the very first time, check out my Backpacking 101 with all of the planning info you need!

The Best Overnight or First Time Backpacking Trips in BC

Without any further ado, here’s our list of the best overnight or first time backpacking trips in British Columbia.

San Josef Bay, Cape Scott Provincial Park

5km return, 40m elevation gain
$10/per person/per night camping fees, first come first serve

Sitting at the very northwestern corner of Vancouver Island, Cape Scott Provincial Park has that real ‘end of the world’ feel. Old growth forest and rugged coastal scenery abounds, along with plenty of rain and mud.

Get a taste of this wild and remote park on a short backpacking trip to San Josef Bay, a wonderfully golden stretch of sand. A headland divides the beach into two, providing even more to explore at low tide.

The trail through the forest to San Josef Bay is wide, mostly flat and easy to traverse. Getting to the parking lot itself can be considered the more challenging part, with two hours of driving on gravel industrial roads required.

If endurance and time is on your side, consider a longer backpacking trip to Nels Bight beach on the Cape Scott Trail. The 16.8km route takes in forest, marsh and meadows and passes fascinating historical artifacts before reaching the pristine golden sands of Nels Bight.

Read next: Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Cape Scott Trail, Vancouver Island

Lake Helen Mackenzie, Strathcona Provincial Park

8km loop, 185m elevation gain
$10/per person/per night camping fees, first come first serve

Strathcona Provincial Park occupies the very centre of Vancouver Island, protecting mountain ranges, a huge swathe of temperate rainforest, long alpine lakes and more.

There are many access points, with the Forbidden Plateau area being one of the most accessible.

Forbidden Plateau has quite a few hiking options, but beautiful Lake Helen Mackenzie provides a near-perfect overnight BC backpacking trip for beginners.

The well developed trail travels through pretty sub-alpine meadows, gaining very little elevation as it heads to picture perfect Lake Helen Mackenzie.

If 8km seems too short, consider continuing to Kwai Lake from Lake Helen Mackenzie. The circular route (an additional 6km round trip) features a little more elevation gain but is still very approachable for first time or family backpackers.

Looking for a longer backpacking experience in Strathcona? Consider hiking the epic Della Falls Trail to Canada’s highest waterfall (32km return)

Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

Choice of routes and trip length
$10/per person/per night camping fees, first come first serve

Juan de Fuca Provincial Park offers the chance to fully experience the power and beauty of Vancouver Island’s magnificent Pacific coastline.

Hear the roaring surf, examine exquisite rockpools, take in the spectacular ocean views, watch for whales and more.

The 47km Juan de Fuca Marine Trail stretches along the shore, providing a strenuous multi-day backpack adventure. Four trailheads allow access to different sections of the route for shorter hiking trips.

Mystic Beach makes for a wonderful overnight destination, with a waterfall and caves to explore as well as the rocky shores. The return hike through the forest is only 4km and also features a suspension bridge.

Sombrio Beach is another option, with one camping area very close to the parking lot and another less than 1km away. There’s another waterfall to find here too, hidden in a canyon just behind the beach.

Sunshine Coast Trail

Choice of routes and trip length
No camping fees, first come first serve

The Sunshine Coast Trail is an spectacular 180km hut-to-hut hiking route in south-west British Columbia, Canada.

Intersected by paved roads as well as gravel logging roads, the Sunshine Coast Trail can be accessed at numerous points along the route. This makes it an ideal destination for short backpacking trips as well as the eponymous thru-hike.

Tin Hat Mountain is an amazing (but challenging) destination for an overnight backpacking trip. This 1150m high peak offers incredible 360 degree views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.

For an adventure with less elevation gain, consider Elk Lake or Rainy Day Lake. Both have tranquil forested settings and swimming opportunities.

Read more: A Complete Guide to the Sunshine Coast Trail

Strike Lake, E.C. Manning Park

16km loop, 60m elevation gain
$5/per person/per night camping fees, first come first serve

Located in a grove of tall spruce trees next to a creek, Strike Lake is an ideal overnight backpacking trip destination for first timers or families.

Part of the Lightning Lakes Chain Trail, this campground is an easy 1-1.5 hour (mostly flat) walk from the parking area. The trail continues another 3km to Thunder Lake, the last lake on the chain.

This short BC backpacking trip is particularly ideal for the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October), since the trail and campsite are snow-free for longer than most others in the area.

An alternative destination for an overnight backpacking trip would be Buckhorn Wilderness Campsite on the Heather Trail.

Only 5km from the parking lot, Buckhorn provides easy hiking access to Manning Park’s spectacular alpine. Wildflowers abound in July and August.

Read More: Complete Heather Trail Hiking Guide

Lake of the Woods, Cathedral Provincial Park

2km return, minimal elevation gain
$10/per person/per night camping fees, first come first serve

This one is a little bit of a cheat as it’s not so much a backpacking experience but a base camping trip. Regardless, I wanted to include it as I think it offers a great taste of the backcountry for beginners.

Cathedral Provincial Park is a lesser known wilderness area located just over half way between E.C. Manning Park and Penticton. The core area of the park is found in the high alpine (2000m+) accessible via a full day uphill hike or a 60 minute 4X4 bus ride.

There are two backcountry campgrounds – Quiniscoe and Lake of the Woods. The latter is an easy 1km walk from the bus drop off and is smaller and usually quieter.

Hiking opportunities abound from either campsite with the highlight being the Rim Trail, a spectacular 13km circularroute taking in panoramic views, rock formations and gorgeous lakes.

Discover more about the fabulous Rim Trail day hike or the base camping experience in Cathedral Provincial Park

Divide Lake, Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

10km return, 550m elevation gain
No camping fees, first come first serve

Rugged and wild, Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park is one of the Okanagan Valley’s most prominent features.

The short but challenging 5km hike to Divide Lake provides a chance to journey into this uncrowded park and discover stunning views and beautiful wildflowers.

Once at Divide Lake, you can fish, swim or hike further to the top of Okanagan Mountain, a 1576m high peak. Even accompanied by a number of communication towers, the summit has some lovely 360-degree panoramas.

There are two hiking routes to Divide Lake. We hiked from the southern trailhead near Naramata. The Mountain Goat Trail is 10km return with around 550m elevation. Please note that the last 2km to the parking lot is narrow and rough. High clearance is recommended.

The second hiking route to Divide Lake leaves from the northern trailhead near Kelowna. Following a service road for the entirety, the hike is longer (9.5km one way with 950m elevation gain) but less interesting.

Read More: Complete Guide to Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

Spectrum Lake, Monashee Provincial Park

12km return, 270m elevation gain
$5 per person/per night, first come first serve

Spectrum Lake is not only an ideal overnight or first-time backpacking trip, but it’s a great shoulder season destination as well. It’s also a favourite with families, who love the well equipped campground and floating dock.

The main campground is located on the forested lakeshore, offering plenty of shade on hot summer days. 12 designated tent pads are available, each with picnic tables. Some have wooden shelters over the picnic tables.

The short and mostly flat forested trail to Spectrum Lake is usually snow free from early June to early October. The campground can be used as a stopover (or lunch spot) for hikers heading into the subalpine of Monashee Provincial Park.

Little Peter’s Lake is located 6.5km from Spectrum Lake, though the trail is considered difficult with 762m elevation gain. There is small backcountry campground here and another at Big Peter’s Lake, 2.5km further on.

Sheila Lake (Trophy Meadows), Wells Gray Provincial Park

10km return, 400m elevation gain
No camping fees, first come first serve

It’s hard to find a first time backpacking destination in BC more suitable than Sheila Lake in Wells Gray Provincial Park!

The trailhead starts at 1700m, which means only a short ascent is required to reach gorgeous sub-alpine meadows, which stretch all the way to the eponymous lake.

There are seven tent pads in the spacious backcountry campground, which is located right on the shore of Sheila Lake. The campground is backdropped by the Trophy Meadows, a chain of nine soaring summits.

Day hiking opportunities abound, with the Plateau of Lakes and Little Hill located on a ridge just above Sheila Lake, with Long Hill, West Summit and the Trophy Skyline as further objectives.

To see this trail at its best, time your hike for the peak of the wildflower bloom. This usually happens at the end of July or the start of August. Of course, this is also the most popular time to the Trophy Meadows Trail so expect company.

The parking lot for the trailhead is 13km from the main Clearwater Valley Road (Wells Gray Corridor), accessed via two dirt roads.

Read More: Trophy Meadows Trail (to Sheila Lake) Complete Hiking Guide

Gwillim Lakes, Valhalla Provincial Park

12km return, 650m elevation gain
No camping fees, first come first serve

The reward-to-effort ratio is high while hiking the trails of Valhalla Provincial Park, near Nelson.

This is especially true in the Gwillim Lakes area, where the path leads to a gorgeously intricate landscape of alpine meadows and lakes, surrounded by grandiose mountain peaks.

There are three choices for camping along the trail – Drinnon Lake (4km return), Drinnon Pass (7.2km) and Gwillim Lakes (12km return). The latter is the most popular and is one of the prettiest places I have camped in British Columbia so far.

This short backpacking trip is accessed via gravel industrial roads. The last 2.4km is very rough; so much so that we parked our vehicle and hiked up the remaining amount. The trailhead will apparently be moved forward sometime in the future.

Another option for an overnight backpacking trip in Valhalla Provincial Park is Gimli Peak. The main attraction here is a dramatic 2803m high ‘horn’ of rock rising from a ridge. Trail info can be found in the post linked below – it’s shorter but a bit more difficult than Gwillim Lakes.

Read more: A Complete Guide to Valhalla Provincial Park, British Columbia

Eva Lake, Mount Revelstoke National Park

14km, 270m elevation change
$10.02/per person/per night plus National Park fees, reservation recommended

If you’d like to explore the beauty of the alpine without most of the effort required to usually get there, check out the Eva Lake trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park. The trailhead is located on the upper summit area of Mount Revelstoke, at the impressively high elevation of 1778m.

The journey to the lakeside camping area takes in subalpine meadows filled with vibrant wildflowers and boulderfields squeaking with pikas as well as beautiful views of snow capped mountains. Eva Lake, sparkling turquoise in the sun, sits waiting at the end of the trail.

Besides the namesake lake, there’s also the opportunity to check out gorgeous Jade Pass. The 3km return trail has challenging elevation gain (265m) but offers dramatic panoramas of tree lined valleys and surrounding peaks.

There are four tent spots available at Eva Lake. During the busiest time of the camping season (30th July to 30th September), it is possible to reserve a spot. Otherwise, there is a first come, first serve-style system but you must secure a permit at Snow Forest Campground before heading to the trailhead. More details in the post below!

Read more: Hiking the Eva Lake Trail, Mount Revelstoke National Park

Twin Falls, Yoho National Park

13km return, 159m elevation gain
$10.02/per person/per night plus National Park fees, reservation recommended

If you love waterfalls, this is the overnight BC backpacking trip for you! There are no less than four waterfalls (including one of Canada’s highest!) to see en-route to the pretty creekside campground.

From there, you’ll need to hike another 1.5km to see dramatic side by side cascades of Twin Falls itself.

The hike starts slowly, with a long, flat section along the bottom of the valley. It then gradually ascends to Laughing Falls, where you can take in your first waterfall. From here, the trail stays close to the rushing Twin Falls creek all the way to the campground.

One particularly exciting aspect of this BC backpacking trip is the chance to visit a historic tea house. Though temporarily closed in 2020, the Twin Falls Tea House usually serves up sweet treats to hikers and overnight Chalet guests.

Twin Falls is an ideal overnight hiking destination but you could also build a stay into a longer two-night itinerary, also taking in the magnificent Iceline Trail (loop of 26km total).

Yoho Lake, Yoho National Park

9km return, 300m elevation gain
$10.02/per person/per night plus National Park fees, reservations recommended

Another great option for an overnight backpacking trip in Yoho National Park is Yoho Lake. This gorgeous turquoise lake has a secluded feel, alongside awesome views of Wapta Mountain.

The campground is set into the trees but still feels quite breezy, with picnic tables (and two Parks Canada’s famous red chairs) spread out by the lakeshore itself.

The trail to reach Yoho Lake may be short but features a number of steep switchbacks. Luckily, this elevation is gained pretty early on the hike so it’s just a matter of getting it done and over with!

Besides enjoying the tranquillity of beautiful Yoho Lake, you can also day hike along the first portion of the Iceline Trail or towards Burgess Pass.

The latter offers stunning panoramas of Emerald Lake and Emerald Glacier (we hiked it as part of our Burgess Shale fossils tour).

Read next: Lake O’Hara Hiking and Camping Guide, Yoho National Park

More overnight backpacking trips in BC

As hard as I try to hike as much as possible, my backpacking trip ‘to do’ list is still pretty long! So although I haven’t personally tried the following 14 overnight BC backpacking trips yet, all are highly rated.

Some of the below backpacking trips suggestions will move to the top section with more first hand details as and when I personally hike them.

More first time backpacking trip ideas in British Columbia:

Raft Cove, Raft Cove Provincial Park (4km return)

Viewpoint Beach, Golden Ears Provincial Park (9km return)

Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Provincial Park (6km return, reservations required)

Upper Joffre Lake, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park (11km return, reservations required)

Lindemann Lake, Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park (3.4km return)

Greendrop Lake, Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park (11km return)

Falls Lake, Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area (2km return)

Laughing Falls, Yoho National Park (8.6km return)

Kaslo Lake, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park (15km return)

Some other short but more challenging (>500m elevation gain) backpacking routes include:

Bedwell Lake, Strathcona Provincial Park (12km return)

Elk River, Strathcona Provincial Park (12km return)

Hermit Meadows, Glacier National Park (6.4km return)

Boulder Camp, Bugaboo Provincial Park (10km return)

What to bring on a short backpacking trip in BC

Whether I’m backpacking for one night or four, my packing list looks very similar with the exception of the amount food!

Hiking essentials

In addition to our sleeping equipment and tent, we always bring the following essentials on every backpacking trip:

• Appropriate First Aid Kit
• Map
• Headlamp
• Sun hat, sunscreen
• Warm hat, gloves, Buff
• Water filter / purification equipment
• Emergency fire starters
• Knife
• Small repair kit (including some tenacious tape)
• A whistle (attached to my backpack)
• Portable battery charger

Read more about the 10 essentials and why it is so important to carry them on every hike here

Clothing

Never assume the weather at your destination will be the same as at the trailhead. This is especially true in alpine regions, when weather conditions can change very quickly.

Even in summer, it is so important to bring clothing suitable for rain, wind, sun and colder temperatures (even snow!)

We swear by merino wool for backpacking (base layers, tshirts, long sleeve tops). Breathable, naturally moisture wicking and warm even when wet, merino wool out performs so many other outdoor clothing materials.

Soft against the skin, merino wool also smells SO much better than polyester blend alternatives, especially after a few days in the backcountry!

The only downside to merino wool is the price but some of my Icebreaker baselayers are 7 years old and counting. If your budget is pretty small, start with some merino wool socks.

Packing list

My clothing list for a short or overnight BC backpacking trip typically looks like this:

• Waterproof jacket – I use the Arc’teryx Beta
• Insulated jacket (either this one or this one)
• Two merino wool tshirts
• Two merino wool base layer tops
• Quick dry trousers with DWR
• Merino base layer trousers/leggings
• Pair of shorts
• Underwear
• Two pairs of merino wool socks (three for wetter/muddier trails)
• Camp shoes

I also sometimes bring a pair of light, waterproof trousers.

Check out our shop for more tried and tested outdoor gear recommendations.

Click to read about how to stay safe in nature and how to avoid negative bear encounters.

For more hiking trip inspiration, read these next:

Complete Hiking Guide to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

How to Reserve Backcountry Camping in BC: Essential Details and Dates

Backpacking Alternatives to the West Coast Trail

Hiking the Grizzly Lake Trail, Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon

How to Find Big Trees on Vancouver Island

11 Fast and Fun Hikes in Penticton, BC

Hiking the Kananaskis Valley from Mount Engadine Lodge, Alberta