Hiking in fall Sunday, October 7th, 2018 by Prestige Hotels & Resorts

As the seasons start to change so do our activities; trading our days lazing by the lake for lacing up our hiking boots. Hiking is enjoyed throughout the summer, but we don’t need to say good bye to the beautiful trails just yet. There are many reasons why autumn is the best season to get out there, and here are just a few to inspire you to continue until the snow arrives.

1. Perfect Temperatures
With the average temperature for autumn being around 10°-17°you may consider it to be a little chilly to be outdoors, but once you get your heart pumping to reach that look-out, you will appreciate the crisp air. With long pants that can be rolled up and a light jacket, you will be good to go. Additionally, cooler temperatures make for happier hiking dogs.

2. Greater opportunity to spot birdlife
Every fall, millions of birds start the trek from cooler breeding grounds in the north to find warmer homes set in the south. The migrating birds can travel in flocks of tens of thousands, which can be an exciting and delightful experience for even the novice bird watcher.

3. Fall Leaves
It’s hard to not be a fall lover once the leaves begin to change colour. As the days get shorter, chlorophyll begins to breaks down causing those green leaves to change to yellow and orange and it creates that fall splendor. As most trails are surrounded with trees, you get to enjoy these changes in the best way possible.

4. Fewer Crowds
With the schools being back in session, and routines in full swing, you may experience those breathtaking views all to yourself. Remember to try and hike with a friend and always tell someone where you are going.

British Columbia is so diverse that each region has a unique climate and landscape, allowing hikers to have the full outdoor experience. The west coast boasts ocean views with beautiful forest growth, whereas the Kootenay and Okanagan regions will give you breathtaking views with fall foliage. Are you ready to get out there now?

Trail Options:

Okanagan
Salmon Arm Nature Trail – Salmon Arm
Trail Length: 0.5-2+ hours

Mount Ida East – Salmon Arm
Trail Length: 3 km one way
Elevation Gain: 1,100m

BX Creek Falls – Vernon
Trail Length: 3.2 km one way
Elevation Gain: limited

Kalamalka Lake lookout trail – Vernon
Trail Length: up to 2.5 km one way
Elevation Gain: 260m

Knox Mountain Park – Kelowna
Trail Length: 4 km
Elevation Gain: approx. 300 m

Bear Creek Provincial Park – Kelowna
Trail Length: 2.5 km roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 90 m

Mill Creek Regional Park – Kelowna
Trail Length: 1.5 km one-way
Elevation Gain: approx. 200 m

Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park – Kelowna
Trail Length: 22 km one-way

Kootenays
Pulpit Rock – Nelson
Trail Length: 1.6 km roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 300 m

Cottonwood Falls Park – Nelson
A easy, family friendly trail with flower gardens and a waterfall.

Mause Creek Tarns – Cranbrook
Trail Length: 3.1km to the shallow lakes
Elevation Gain: 405 m

Kootenay National Park – Radium Hot Springs
for various trails and distance, click here.

Northern B.C.
Eskers Provincial Park – Prince George
for various trails and distance, click here.

Ancient Forest – Prince George
Trail Length: 2.3 km loop
Elevation Gain: 104 meters

Teapot Mountain – Prince George
Trail Length:1.4km
Elevation Gain: 900 meters

Fort George Canyon – Prince George
Trail Length: 4.8km

Tall Trees Trail – Prince Rupert
Trail Length: 2.2 km one way
Elevation Gain: 500 meters

Twin Falls – Smithers
Trail Length: 150 meters
Elevation Gain: 50 meters

Hudson Bay Mountain – Smithers
for various trails and distances, click here.


Vancouver Island
Avatar Grove
Trail Length: 2.2 km roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 meters

China Beach and Mystic Beach
Trail Length: 2 km on way

Be sure to diligently check the weather report before you embark on any hike as weather during the shoulder seasons can be unpredictable.

Happy hiking!

Sources:
www.explore-mag.com/10-of-the-Best-Hiking-Trails-Near-Kelowna-BC
www.nelsonkootenaylake.com/explore/attractions/parks
www.mountainart.ca/products/nelson-bouquet
www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca
www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
www.theoutbound.com/canada/hiking/hike-to-twin-falls-in-smithers-bc
www.vancouver island.com
www.handsomedans.ca/mystic-beach
www.hellobc.com