besthike.com

August 3, 2026July 24, 2026

Gwillim Lakes Hike, Valhalla, B.C.

It’s only 6 km into Gwillim Lakes in small Valhalla Provincial Park — if you can get to the trailhead.

The nearest towns of note are Nelson and Castlegar.

… there are three separate camping spots Drinnon Lake, Drinnon Pass, and the most beautiful one of all – Gwillim Lakes (free, 1st come, 1st served).

At Gwillim Lakes I counted at least 13 tent pads …

Finding the trailhead to Drinnon Pass and Gwillim Lakes

In many ways the crux of the hike is getting to the Drinnon Pass – Gwillim Lakes trailhead. I was ready to give up on account of the road in – though John was definitely not. The rough road is both a blessing and a curse. …

Plan to buy a roll of chicken wire before you head into Valhalla Provincial Park.

Wherever you park, be it at the trailhead or at some point along the final 2 – 3 kilometre section of road, wrap your car in chicken wire like they did in the car pictured below.

This will prevent the pesky porcupine from gnawing away on your car’s brake lines and causing untold misery getting back to civilization.

read more – Hike Bike Travel – Gwillim Lakes Hike, Valhalla Provincial Park

July 31, 2026July 25, 2026

“Hiking & Backpacking for Dummies”

Cam “Swami” Honan – “The most traveled hiker on earth” (Backpacker Magazine, January 2015)

Cam is the hiker I’d trust most with my life.

This is the ideal gift for anyone thinking about getting into multi-day hiking:

Part 1: Getting Started with Hiking
Part 2: Gearing Up
Part 3: Setting Out on the Trail
Part 4: Creating a Home Away from Home
Part 5: Prioritizing Health and Safety
Part 6: The Part of Tens

Available in paperback and kindle from Amazon.

This is now the defacto beginners hiking guide.

BUT if you want to know more, check Cam’s post ➙

Introducing My New Book: “Hiking & Backpacking for Dummies”

July 30, 2026July 24, 2026

Sleep Hacks in your Tent

Tayson Whittaker has some ideas new to me.

To enjoy tenting, it’s essential you find an optimal way to sleep.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

July 29, 2026July 27, 2026

Fairy Creek Falls, Fernie, B.C.

Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles

I ended up staying in Fernie, British Columbia, for the first time because my bike broke down nearby.

Fernie is a fantastic hiking mountain town!

There are over 300 kilometers of multi-use recreational trails accessible without a vehicle.

I walked to the Fairy Creek Falls trailhead while drinking a Tim Hortons coffee. 😀

Only 4.8km there and back, it’s super popular with families and dog walkers.

It follows the creek up to a pretty waterfall.

Expect mud on the trail, even in summer.

Here’s your destination.

Be bear aware. They are frequently spotted, even on this busy path.

In fact my Fernie friend G-Money had to deploy bear spray on the day I arrived in Fernie. They were mountain biking on a nearby trail when Momma Bear decided to protect her 2 cubs.

July 27, 2026July 26, 2026

Fernie B.C. – GREAT Mountain Town

Though I’ve driven through Fernie, British Columbia, at least 100 times, I’d never before stopped as a tourist.

It’s fantastic.

A year round outdoor recreation mecca.

Hiking. Mountain biking. Rafting. River tubing.

Not to mention world-class fly fishing on the Elk River for cutthroat and bull trout.

Fernie is most famous for Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding.

There are over 300 kilometers of multi-use recreational trails accessible directly out of town.

The owner of Edge of the World snowboard shop pointed out that he can hike or bike in any direction from town — and be on a fantastic trail in minutes. (He also had to deploy bear spray to dissuade a Black Bear on the day of my arrival. There is plenty of wildlife around Fernie.)

There are 4 dedicated bike and outdoor shops in a town of less than 6500 locals!

tourismfernie.com

I only ended up exploring Fernie because I broke down my Bikepacking trip nearby.

I’ll be back for sure.

July 23, 2026July 19, 2026

North Coast Trail – Vancouver Island, Canada

A shortened version of the trail over 4 days and 3 nights.

This backcountry trek is not for the first time hiker. The trail is in a remote area, and there are many opportunities to get hurt. Do your homework and make sure you are prepared. …

North Coast Trail is an adventure for the hard core.

A much easier itinerary — in our opinion — is starting at Cape Scott Trail parking lot (getting there by personal vehicle or Shuttle Van) -> hiking as far into the North Coast Trail as you wish -> then backtracking to the parking lot.

IF you insist on doing the full bushwhack, watch this video. 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

July 22, 2026July 22, 2026

Cycling Kettle Valley Trestles & Tunnels

The Myra Canyon section of the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail is one of Canada and the World’s most iconic rides.

Located just southeast of Kelowna, this flat, wide gravel path crosses 18 historic wooden trestle bridges and 2 cliffside rock tunnels over a 12-kilometer span.

I’m cycling the Trans Canada Trail to Calgary for the second time. But this was my 3rd time riding Myra Canyon. In fact, I did it both ways this time. Twice the fun.