British Columbia's Top Five

Five Amazing Summer Adventures in British Columbia

1) Hello, Sunshine!

Hike BC’s Sunshine Coast Trail, Canada’s longest hut-to-hut trail system—and the only free one! Hikers from around the world come to do this 111-mile journey along the coast, through old-growth forests and up to panoramic mountaintop views, all with the comforts of a hut system.

2) Some Like It Hot

The Hot Springs Circle Route in the Kootenay Rockies will have you soaking in a natural oasis surrounded by wilderness. Lounge in cave hot springs, camp overlooking a lake, sink into one of Canada’s largest hot spring mineral pools, or spot bighorn sheep on surrounding red cliffs. Just a few of the many sights and hot springs on this route.

3) Are You for Wheel?

Rail trails are a near-perfect way to explore BC’s wild spaces and wine country. In all, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is 400 miles of decommissioned tracks to be explored by bicycle, or on foot. Join a tour (wine or brewery tours pair nicely!), or rent a bike to set out on your own.

Wine touring by bike along the Kettle Valley Railway

4) Ready, Set, Salmon!

You haven’t experienced rush hour like this. Don a snorkel and swim alongside thousands of salmon fighting their way upstream. Campbell River on Vancouver Island is the “Salmon Capital of the World” and the best (and perhaps only) place to swim with the salmon!

5) Sea-to-Sky Road Trip

If you like your road trips to be more than just driving, then the Sea-to-Sky Highway should be on your short list. This 100-mile route from Vancouver to Whistler has stunning mountain, forest, and ocean views. It can be done in one to three days and is packed with adventure: stop for a hike, morning yoga with a view of Howe Sound at the Sea to Sky Gondola, or check out one of the many mountain biking trails in North Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler.

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  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

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  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

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  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

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  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

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  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

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  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

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  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

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  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

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