British Columbia is rich in trail systems, some are existing in communities and others are located in the rough and rugged wilderness backcountry. Combined the BC network of trails and parks covers over 11,400,000 hectares of land with over 2,700 kilometres of hiking and biking trails running through it.

The BC Provincial Parks are, mostly, well maintained with varying degree of amenities and usually cost money to enjoy either dished out in parking fees, park use fees or some other form of tax grab. All in all the provincial protected areas, recreation areas and ecological reserves account for 826 parks in B.C. as of 2004.

British Columbia is home to a diverse collection of some of the worlds best known backpacking trails, wilderness camping locations and day hikes exploring mountains, rugged coastlines, miles of beaches, lush rainforests, crossing over raging rivers and under roaring waterfalls.

Trails vary in difficulty, length and maintenance. Some hiking and walking trails are very well groomed with a pebbled or paved walkway. Some like the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet have viewing benches looking out over the ocean with Bald Eagles soaring high above. Others, like the Cape Scott Trail, although a difficult backpacking trail has interpretive signs on the trail describing the history of the area and the local wildlife.

BC's National, Provincial, Regional and Community Trails and Parks can accommodate every level of fitness. When fully prepared, exploring the wonders and beauty of the outdoors on foot will lead to some of the most rugged, pristine natural wilderness sights that are still around to enjoy.

Outdoor hiking and backpacking in British Columbia requires proper planning and good fitness levels. It is important to take the proper gear, prepare a trip plan and prepare for the unexpected. Proper gear includes, but not limited to, good hiking boots, dressing in layers, matches, first aid kit, whistle, carry a flashlight and pack a sufficient quantity of water.

Preparing a trip plan outlines your routes including departure and expected return dates and who is hiking and backpacking with you. Always leave the trip plan with a friend so if the unexpected happens and you do not return on time, the friend can contact the proper authorities to initiate a search. The BC wilderness has a bad sad to it when it turns nasty.

To minimize injury always hike in groups and travel at the pace of the slowest person. If a member of the party happens to get lost or injured it is important to always maintain calm and stay put. This makes it easier for search parties to locate you.

It is wise to pack with you some sort of signaling device such as flares and whistles. Stay visible so to be spotted from the air and always start a fire. During the night seek shelter from the elements but in the day stay visible.The most common attitude is that it cannot happen to me. Wrong answer!

We have been on hundreds of backpack trips throughout BC and believe us when we tell you lives have been saved because of our groups preparedness. Lack of preparedness for the unexpected and for changing weather is when trouble rears its ugly head. Hiking and backpacking the outdoors in British Columbia is enjoyable when prepared no matter what nature throws at you!