Living in Western Canada comes with its perks, and for those who love the great outdoors, you really can’t do much better. But if you’ve ever wondered how the hiking compares in Alberta versus B.C., I have some personal experiences to share.
I moved to Calgary, Alta., from the Lower Mainland in B.C. roughly three years ago, and I think it’s safe to say that it’s been an adjustment period. Trading the temperate rainforest for the prairies was a big change. Although it was the affordability that drew me in, it’s the climate that made me a believer.
Yes, there is real winter to contend with now, but having the Rocky Mountains on my doorstep is a luxury I’ve grown far too accustomed to.
Of course, B.C. is resplendent with trails and stunning nature. But despite what their tourism board would have you believe, it’s not the only province in Canada with mountains. If you love hiking, then Alberta is a veritable paradise, but it is different from B.C. in several ways.
But before I get too far into things, here’s a disclaimer.
I’m what you would call a casual hiker, a weekend warrior maybe. I enjoy the outdoors and love spending a nice day in nature. I tend to stick to moderate trails that can be completed in half a day or less, with enough time to grab food and a cold beer afterward.
If you’re looking for a hiking review by the type of person who routinely dangles off cliffs or gets dropped off in the wilderness via helicopter so that they can trek back to civilization, this is the wrong article for you.
But if you’re a casual hiker like me, here are the biggest differences I’ve noticed about hiking in Alberta as a B.C. transplant.
The trails are way more accessible
As someone who enjoys a little spontaneity, it’s so easy to go for a hike in Alberta. I’m talking: sleep in, eat a late breakfast, and decide “hey, let’s do a hike today or something.” Then you drive out at 1 p.m., find parking, and hike.
Now, if you haven’t done a lot of hiking around Vancouver or the Fraser Valley in B.C., you might not realize why this is so groundbreaking. A side effect of being in a more densely populated area is that everyone has the same ideas you do. So if it’s a nice day, you’d better get to that trailhead bright and early, or you’re not going to have anywhere to park. And chances are, if the lot is full at your first choice, it’ll be full at the next one, and the one after that.
Maybe you’re more responsible than I am, so making plans a day in advance isn’t such a chore. But personally, I love that in Alberta, I can decide on a whim to drive to Kananaskis and don’t have to worry about finding a trail to enjoy. That’s not to say that popular routes don’t ever get crowded, but I’ve never had the experience of driving from one trailhead to the next until eventually giving up and going home because everywhere is full.
As far as I’m concerned, Alberta wins here. Sorry, B.C.
It’s not nearly as crowded
This might be double-dipping after the above point, but another big difference about hiking in Alberta compared to B.C. is the crowds.
Now I understand that Vancouver and the Lower Mainland have well-deserved reputations as hiking meccas. Drive out a bit further, and you can avoid the worst of it. But I will say that I’ve had a much easier time dodging the crowds on Alberta trails. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll still see people. Canadians love to get outside, after all! But it’s less mall-escalator-on-a-Saturday and more tourist-spot-in-the-off-season.
The short, easier hikes in Alberta are the ones where you’ll get the most foot traffic, especially with families and those with pets. The nice part is that these easy trails can also be crossed off during the week after work, so it’s not hard to beat the crush.
You see more wildlife
I’m not making any empirical claims here. Far be it from me to pretend I’m the expert on Alberta and B.C. wilderness statistics. But what I will say is that I’ve seen far more wildlife scrambling around Alberta mountains than I ever did hiking in B.C.
Whether it’s the panicked scurry of grouse hustling off the trail or the sight of elk casually grazing next to the Banff sign, my Canadian animal bingo card has filled up fast since moving here. Maybe it’s the thinner crowds or just the fact that the Alberta wilderness is further removed from cities and towns, but if you love spotting native species in their natural habitat, you’re bound to get lucky out here.
You don’t have to hike in the rain
This might be low-hanging fruit, but it’s also just a fact. It rains a lot in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Like, a lot. All that rain is great for keeping everything green, lush, and stunning. But the natural byproduct of constant precipitation is that you have to either stay home on the weekend, or suck it up and do the things you want to do anyway. Hiking is no exception.
Hiking in the rain can be just as beautiful as a sunny day, and as a bonus, you don’t have to worry about getting sunburned or dealing with as many bugs. But if waterproof gear isn’t a staple in your wardrobe, Alberta hikes might be more up your alley.
The arid Alberta climate and ample sunshine mean it’s easy to find a dry day to hit the trails. Wide open skies and windy conditions also make most showers short-lived. When I first moved to Calgary, I was greeted with a chorus of “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it’ll change.” After three years, I have to say that statement still rings true.
Killer views are easier to come by
Now hold on, hear me out on this one. Under no circumstances am I trying to say that hiking in B.C. isn’t beautiful. It’s stunning out there. Everything is a shade of green so saturated it’s like you’re living in Technicolour.
Now that being said, all that dense rainforest, misty weather, and crowded trails mean it can be a little harder to uncover those views. Anyone who’s ever gone hiking in B.C. on an overcast day knows the disappointment of finally making it to the summit, waterlogged through your raincoat, only to look out and see… clouds. Or rather, a wall of mist that makes it impossible to spot the edge of the mountain you’re on, let alone any peaks surrounding it.
Of course, this isn’t always the case. But timing your treks so that you’re not competing for space with other hikers or fighting against the weather requires some extra planning. That’s all.
Comparing that experience to Alberta, I feel like you’re pretty much guaranteed stunning views from the moment you park at the trailhead. The more arid climate means trees aren’t as tall, vegetation is a little more sparse, and days are often clear. You’re also starting at a much higher elevation — the city of Calgary sits on a plateau that’s over 1,000 metres above sea level, and that’s before you even get to the Rockies.
As you trek through the Alberta forest, you’re more likely to catch views through the trees of the natural drama around you. This, coupled with clear days and fewer people, means that even if you’re not part mountain goat, you will find ample opportunity for those Instagram-worthy summit shots.
Now, does all this mean I would never hike in B.C. again? Definitely not. Just like Alberta trails have a unique appeal, there’s something magical about walking through a tunnel of green, mossy foliage with trees towering above you along the West Coast.
In truth, I wouldn’t worry about splitting hairs. Rain or shine, you really can’t go wrong if you’re spending the day outdoors.
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Alicia Lyons
Staff Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not writing, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling up under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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