Posted
Where to hike to find wildflowers in BC
Updated:
Posted:
above: hiking at Sun Peaks in wildflower season
Every spring and summer the hillsides and mountain meadows in Western Canada come alive with colour. There's no doubt about it, wildflower season is magical.
Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature photographer, or you're looking for the Zen that comes with being surrounded by the fragrant beauty of wildflowers in the quiet of mountain landscapes, there's a colourful patch of nature calling your name this summer you won't want to miss.
Photo:
Madeline Williams
Alpine blooms in BC typically begin in April, peak in June-July, and last into August.
Not only are these flowers and landscapes beautiful, but wildflowers play an important part in their ecosystems. The more diversity that exists in plant life, the healthier and stronger pollinators like bees will be.
Their deep roots contribute to soil stability, reducing erosion, and increases water retention in alpine and forest environments.
So you can enjoy the gorgeous views, and the good they bring, while hiking BC.
Where to find wildflowers in BC
Revelstoke, Mount Revelstoke National Park, BC
Go for the Revelstoke Wildflower Festival, or any time during the season. If you're there for the festival, you can enjoy learning about conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices while you're there too, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same displays.
Valhallas & Selkirk mountain ranges
Head into the mountains anywhere near my homebase in the Kootenays and you'll find iconic views of mountain peaks, refreshing alpine lakes and rocky faces, and this picture is perfectly completed with summer colours of paintbrushes, lupins and more.
Photo:
Madeline Williams
Looking out over the Goat Range from Idaho Peak Historic Fire Lookout.
On your hiking list in this region: Gwillam Lakes, Gimli Ridge, and although a longer approach in recent years, Idaho Peak (Wakefield Trail) Fire Lookout.
Manning Park, BC
In just over 2 hours, you can drive east from Vancouver and be in the mountains of Manning Park. These trails have epic views of the Cascade mountains and landscapes coloured with wildflowers throughout July. Try Paintbrush or Skyline trails for views like these:
Sun Peaks Alpine Resort
Drive north of Kamloops, and you'll find a year-round mountain village that is the perfect basecamp for all outdoor adventure. Take the chairlift to mid-mountain, which puts you at 1,850m, and you'll have your choice of 20+ trails to follow through colourful meadows and slopes.
Photo:
Zuzy Rocka
Add some extra Zen at Sun Peaks with mountaintop yoga, among the alpine blooms.
Find your zen on the trails during the day, and enjoy a full calendar of summer events at Sun Peaks.
For the real serious flower hunters, you can get more information on the wildflower bloom season at Sun Peaks here.
SilverStar Mountain Resort, Vernon BC
This mountain village comes with year-round outdoor adventure. During the summer months, escape the valley bottom heat for mountain air and scenic hikes (and epic downhill mountain biking.) Hop on the Des Schumann Summit Express Gondola with a Hiking & Sightseeing Ticket and you'll be on your way to enjoy mountaintop wildflowers. Keep an eye out for the gnomes too!
Photo:
Joe Roberts
Learn more plant and Indigenous knowledge at K'nmaĺka Senqâĺten gardens at Okanagan College, near Vernon.
While there, just 20 minutes away in Vernon you can combine a natural plant tour with Indigenous learnings at the K'nmaĺka Senqâĺten gardens at Okanagan College.
As with Sun Peaks, the Vernon area comes with a host of summer events in a soulful local North Okanagan scene, perfect to round out your visit.
A late summer visit here could find you also enjoying the Silver Star's annual Beer & Cider Fest.
Get outdoors, get more connected, get more Zen.
Sign up for ZenSeekers enews for more transformative travel inspiration.
Many other ski resorts across BC also feature summer activities, including Mount Washington, Whistler Blackcomb, Big White and Fernie, to name a few.
Being on resort makes the alpine much more accessible, without the grind of the elevation gain of more backcountry locations, and without the extra risks that come with more remote locations.
"Just go up"
If a wildflower hike is on your summer bucket list, it's not just about the destination, it's all about elevation. Sub-alpine (1,500m-1,850m) and alpine (1,800m-3,000m) wildflowers can be found during summer months, and peak typically in July all across Southern BC and beyond.
But every location is different and affected by environmental factors such as soil content, moisture, local temperature and more.
Respecting nature
Tempting as it may be to pick a flower or two, or step off the path for that perfect Instagram photo, it's important to respect the environment you are in. Wildflowers and the ecosystems that surround them are fragile, especially in the alpine.
Many species are slow-growing and take years to be established. Stay on marked trails, do not pick these flowers, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Appreciate these colourful landscapes with your eyes and take only pictures with you. Wildflower season in BC is a short but beautiful time. With a little care and awareness, we can ensure these ecosystems are preserved for others to enjoy for many years to come.
More trail tips
Spend more time outdoors this summer, in Western Canada. Keep reading, and be sure to sign up to our newsletter below.
