My Top 5 Long Distance Trails in Western BC
As we gear up for summertime in Western British Columbia with those long, sunny days and so many beautiful landscapes to explore, you might be searching for more opportunities to lace up for some long distance runs. But with so many great options, how do you narrow it down, or even decide where to begin? Lucky for you, I’ve rounded up five of my favourite trails in Western BC where you can test your endurance and take in some picturesque views while getting plenty of deep breaths of that fresh, mountain air.
1. SQUAMISH - GARIBALDI PARK - PANORAMA RIDGE FROM CHEAKAMUS LAKE
Reward yourself with stunning views at the summit of this fairly challenging trail (about 31km out and back), considered to be one of the top routes in the region for long distance runs. You’ll find yourself sufficiently warmed up with the 7km climb to Helm Creek near the outset of the run and will be challenged once again with the final 5km push to the top of Panorama Ridge. The beautiful views of glaciers, volcanos and vast forests and the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you reach the summit of this reasonably difficult trail will be well worth the challenge along the way.
2. WHISTLER - HIGH NOTE TRAIL TO RUSSET LAKE DOWN SINGING PASS
While the Garibaldi Lake Provincial Park is currently closed due to Covid-19, the High Note Trail in Whistler is certainly deserving of it’s place on this list and will give you something to look forward to until the Park opens up again to visitors. Starting with a gondola ride to the trailhead where you can begin your adventure with some incredible views of the gorgeous mountainscapes around you, the trail quickly descends with some rocky patches and steep sections - be careful here in the slippery spots as you take in more breathtaking views of the Cheakamus River and turquoise-coloured lake below. With more changing terrain and hours of downhill hiking, there is a final uphill push at the end of the hike that will both challenge and empower you as you near the end of your run.
3. MANNING PARK - FROSTY MOUNTAIN
Another intermediate trail with a roundtrip distance of 22km and approximate time investment of eight hours, Frosty Mountain trail offers spectacular views of all the peaks in Manning, including The Three Brothers. With glimpses of beautiful Lightning Lake and Flash Lake through the trees, the trail steadily ascends before levelling off about one-third of the way in; from this point, you can start to pick up your pace and begin to gain some distance more quickly as you enjoy the picturesque scenery around you. There are some loose and slippery rocks along the way, so it’s important to stay present and mindful as you take in these incredible mountain views.
4. VANCOUVER ISLAND - JUAN DE FUCA TRAIL
If you’re looking for a rugged coastal trail on Vancouver Island where you can test your limits and find a true sense of accomplishment, the Juan De Fuca trail might be the perfect long distance trail to add to your bucket list. Even the most seasoned runners will be challenged by this highly technical 47km trail; with changing terrain and a number of campsites along the way, the Juan de Fuca will give you an opportunity to experience a wide variety of coastal wildlife through the dynamic landscapes of caves, beaches, waterfalls and botanical gardens. While it is possible to complete the run in a single day, you might consider stretching it out over several days to tailor the experience to your own interests and goals. I’m very excited to be offering a guided experience of the Juan de Fuca trail this August! This is a great option for more experienced runners who are seeking a bit of support on their next epic adventure - click here for more information or to reserve your spot.
5. NORTH VANCOUVER - HANES VALLEY
This 33km loop on Vancouver’s North Shore starts with a fun and relatively flat run of about 8.5km. But don’t let this slow start fool you about what’s to come on the remainder of this challenging trail run - be prepared to traverse through more narrow, rugged sections as you continue on the trail and be careful at the creek crossing just past Norvan Falls. Summer is definitely the best time of year to take on the Hanes Valley loop, as snow and ice can make it not only more difficult, but also much riskier. Beyond the metal suspension bridge you enter the backcountry; these trails are less travelled, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for markers on rocks and trees to keep you on track. When you emerge from the trees and reach a wooden helipad, you’ll notice a breathtaking view that is just one of several stunning landscapes to enjoy on this beautiful trail. If you’re up for some bouldering and a challenging climb to the top of the pass, Hanes Valley offers up an incredible opportunity to push yourself to new levels while enjoying this unique long distance trail.
Have you conquered any of these epic long distance trails, or are there some others you’d add to this list? Let me know which trails you plan on hitting this summer in the comments below, or reach out if you’d like more information about the guided experience I’m hosting on the Juan de Fuca trail this summer.