Chasing Golden Hours
Top 5 Hikes in BC, Canada
1. PANORAMA RIDGE
Garibaldi provincial Park
The Garibaldi Panorama Ridge is among the most beautiful and rewarding hikes in British Columbia. This challenging trail spans about 30 km round trip, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,500 meters. While the hike is stunning at any time of day, experiencing it at sunset requires careful planning. Consider your hiking level and start early enough to reach the ridge before golden hour, allowing ample time to navigate back in the dark. Many hikers opt to reserve a campsite through Parks Canada to extend their stay in this breathtaking provincial park.
Rated as a difficult trail, Panorama Ridge is challenging primarily due to its length rather than technicality. Around 8 km in, you’ll arrive at the Taylor Meadows campground, a popular stopover with gorgeous views of Black Tusk. From there, you’ll trek another 6 km through relatively flat terrain, dotted with alpine lakes and incredible scenery. The final kilometer up to the ridge is steep and demanding, but reaching the top is beyond rewarding, with views that are nothing short of spectacular. The sight of those vibrant blue lakes and majestic Mount Garibaldi feels like stepping into a dream—you’ll want to pause time to soak it all in.
Having completed this hike many times, it continually reveals new levels of beauty, making it one of my absolute favorites in BC. Just remember to tread carefully and stay on marked trails to protect the sensitive environment. This hike is not dog-friendly, and campfires are prohibited.
My advice? Check weather conditions before setting out, and pack enough layers to brace for the winds at the top, especially during sunset or sunrise. This adventure is challenging, but for those who venture to Panorama Ridge, the experience is unforgettable.
2. LAKE O'HARA
Yoho National Park
Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park is one of the most beautiful places l've visited in Canada, offering stunning views and pristine wilderness. Due to its ecological sensitivity, Parks Canada carefully controls access to the area, so you'll need to reserve a bus ticket in advance to reach the trailhead.Without a bus, it's a 10km hike along a service road just to get to the main lodge. Once you arrive, you'll be surrounded by incredible lakes, including the iconic Lake O'Hara, Lake McArthur, and Lake Oesa. While the area is best explored over multiple days, a single day hike covering all the lakes can be ambitious, with a 40-kilometer round trip. Camping is only permitted with a Parks Canada permit, so make sure to plan accordingly.
When hiking here, it's important to stay on the marked trails to preserve the delicate environment.
The weather can change quickly, especially near sunset, so dressing in layers is essential to stay warm. Wildlife is abundant in the area, so bear spray is a must, and since cell service is limited, downloading an offline map will help ensure you stay on track.
The sunset at Lake O'Hara is truly spectacular. As the sun sets behind the peaks, the lake's unique blue colour shines like a diamond. It's an unforgettable sight, one that makes you want to stay and soak in the beauty. After your hike, don't forget to stop by the lodge for a well-deserved treat. The carrot cake is a delicious way to end the day.
Lake O'Hara is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Yoho National Park. It's a pristine, awe-inspiring place that should be experienced with respect and care, so future generations can enjoy its beauty too.
3. CHEAM PEAK
Bridall Falls, Chilliwack
The Chilliwack Mountain Range has become one of my favorite places to explore in BC, and I feel incredibly grateful to have spent the past few years hiking its stunning trails. Among these, Mount Cheam stands out as a gorgeous and popular hike that combines beauty with a bit of history; the peak and the surrounding summits even have interesting backstories behind their names.
One thing to note is that getting to the trailhead of Cheam Peak is an adventure in itself. The access road is really rough, so you'll need a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance to reach it safely. For anyone planning this hike, it's essential to keep this in mind before heading out. Once you start on the trail, the hike offers around a 9km round trip with about 700 meters of elevation gain. Most of the trail is fairly manageable for beginners, but the last kilometer is quite steep, making for a challenging but rewarding final stretch.
I highly recommend planning this hike for late September. During this time, the fall colours transform the alpine meadows into a vibrant scene that makes the experience even more magical. Hiking through those meadows, with the golden and red hues surrounding me, was a highlight of my visit. If you have extra time and energy, you can also add Lady Peak to your list, as both trails share the same path for the first 3 km.
Reaching the summit of Cheam Peak was unforgettable. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, with 360-degree vistas of the surrounding mountains and the Fraser Valley below. I've done this hike at sunset, and watching the sun dip below the peaks with such an expansive view was truly a memorable moment. Just remember to bring enough layers, as the temperature drops quickly once the sun sets, and, as always in BC, bear spray is a must.
Cheam Peak is an incredible hike that offers a little bit of everything-beautiful scenery, seasonal colours, and an unforgettable summit experience. Whether it's your first time hiking in the Chilliwack Range or you're returning to explore even more, Cheam Peak is well worth the journey.
4. MOUNT HARVEY
Cypress Mountain Provincial Park
Mount Harvey is one of the most challenging hikes I've tackled in British Columbia, offering an intense but rewarding adventure for those ready to push their limits. With a 13km round trip and around 1,400 meters of elevation gain, this trail is for experienced hikers seeking a serious test. I would definitely rank it as one of the most difficult hikes in the area. However, all that effort is worth it once you reach the summit-the views of the North Shore mountains and Howe Sound are truly incredible and make every step worthwhile.
This trail starts in Lions Bay, the same location as other popular hikes like Mount Brunswick, Tunnel Bluffs, Unnecessary Mountain, and The Lions. Right from the trailhead, you're faced with a steep climb for the first 2km. After this, there's a relatively flat section for about a kilometer, giving you a brief break before the real challenge begins. At the 4km mark, the climb gets steep again, and from there to the summit, it's a demanding ascent that will test your endurance.
For beginners, this hike can take more than 7 hours, so be prepared for a full day's adventure. I recommend downloading the offline map via AllTrails, as cell service can be spotty, and it's easy to get off track on such a steep and winding trail. Bringing warm layers is also essential, especially if you're planning to stay for the sunset-the temperature drops quickly at the summit, and you'll want to be comfortable for the views.
The descent can be quite tricky too, so I highly recommend bringing hiking poles— especially for the slippery sections. I've done this hike in different seasons, and it's significantly harder with snow on the trail. In winter conditions, crampons or spikes are essential for reaching the summit safely, and checking the avalanche risk report beforehand is crucial.
One of the things that makes Mount Harvey unforgettable for me is the sunset view from the summit. This hike is among my top favorites for sunset because you're so close to the Lions' peaks and have an uninterrupted view of Howe Sound and the ocean beyond. The way the sunset lights up the mountains and water is just stunning, and being closer to the ocean gives it a unique perspective compared to other peaks in the area.
If you're looking for an intense, rewarding adventure with unforgettable views, Mount Harvey is well worth the effort. Just be prepared, pace yours.
5. SAINT MARK SUMMIT
Cypress Mountain Provincial Park
If you're looking for a hike that combines a solid challenge with absolutely stunning views, the Howe Sound Crest Trail should be at the top of your list. Stretching over 32km with 2,000 meters of elevation gain, this trail offers some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in British Columbia. Starting from Cypress Ski Resort Lodge, the first major stop along the trail is Saint Mark's Summit, a rewarding viewpoint over Howe Sound and the Sea to Sky Highway.
For those seeking a shorter adventure, the round trip to Saint Mark's Summit is about 11 km with 550 meters of elevation gain, rated as moderate. It's a great way to experience part of the Howe Sound Crest Trail, and the view from the summit is simply breathtaking. Personally, one of my favorite things about this hike is the sunset over Howe Sound. Watching the sun dip below the mountains and cast warm colours over the ocean is magical-and it's just a quick 20-minute drive from Vancouver!
The trail to Saint Mark's Summit offers a mix of terrain. You'll pass through beautiful, moody forests with glimpses of iconic peaks like the Lionslas you climb. Trail conditions vary with the seasons, so it's worth being prepared. In winter, you'll likely encounter snow and ice, while summer can bring mud, especially in shaded areas. Each season adds its own character to the hike, keeping it fresh and interesting.
Dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they're leashed, making it a great outing for furry friends too.It's also wise to carry bear spray for safety, and in the warmer months, bug spray will make your experience more comfortable. Water sources can be limited depending on the season, so be sure to bring enough for the journey. Whether you're tackling the full Howe Sound Crest Trail or just hiking to Saint Mark's Summit, this trail offers incredible vistas and a chance to experience the best of BC's landscapes. If you can time your hike to catch the sunset, it's an experience you won't forget.
