Mountain Lakes Trail, Fernie, BC

Make it a long day and enjoy jaw-dropping views all along the way—21 km one way—that ends with a cold beer (if you like) . This epic—one of my favourites—is full of surprises at every switchback. Expect hidden rock trolls, waterfalls, limestone caves and high alpine meadows.

Be Free. Visit Sporting Life to the right jacket to protect you from potential summer storms

Polar Peak, Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie, BC

Let the chairlift at Fernie Alpine Resort take you to a high alpine meadow to access a spectacular ridge-walk that starts from Lost Boys Pass and follows the spine of the Lizard Range, with views a-plenty in all directions. End with short climb from the saddle to Polar Peak before descending to the unload station for the White Pass chairlift, and return to the top of the Timber Chairlift for your ride down. In total it’s only about five km’s, but give yourself three to eight hours to enjoy the eye candy.

Visit Kimberley, British Columbia

Tanglefoot Lake, alpine gem

A local secret! A perfect place to see the brilliant orange of larch trees in late summer; take the plunge into a crystal clear lake and chill out. Access is via Mause Creek Road, off Highway 95 north of Cranbrook.

Elk Lakes Provincial Park

This is a little-visited spot that is big on views, alpine rambling and cool mountain lakes. Once you clear the dust from the long forestry road access, you’re a short jaunt from Elk Lake, but head higher for pure wilderness at its best—exploring Upper Elk Lake, waterfalls and glacier basins.

Crypt Lake

A show stopper. Nature entertains you every step of the way. The only hike on this list that starts with a boat-ride to the trailhead! Begin the upward 8.7 km trek through a forested drainage, opening up with punch-bowl style waterfalls, peak views and a cool (but a bit scary) tunnel you have to crawl through on your way to a rock-walled lake.

Wall Lake

Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park, BC (access from Waterton Lakes National Park, AB)

Located in Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park, this is a relatively easy 5.2 km hike that is perfect for families and first-timers; your reward is a beautiful lake with giant Akamina Ridge providing the backdrop.

Ready to hike. Take the time to get proper fitting trail run or hiking shoes at Sporting Life

Tip of the week- test out your hiking boots or trail running shoes in-store. Visit the professional team Sporting Life to try on the latest in trail running and hiking boots and make sure you have them on longer than the usual 2 minutes. Try them on, walk around the store, go up the stairs and make sure they feel comfortable but also snug for on trail performance.

Get ready to go. Don’t forget the 10 essentials

1. Compass or GPS
2. Sunglasses and Sunscreen
3. Extra clothing
4. Petzl Headlamp
5. First Aid Kit
6. Extra clothing
7. Matches
8. Knife
9. Extra food
10. Map