10 of the Best Hikes Near Quesnel, BC
Quesnel is a city among nature. Set in the central interior of British Columbia, this population centre of about 10,000 residents offers easy access to mountains, river valleys, forests and trail networks in town and beyond.
Visitors enjoy mountain biking, fly fishing, snow sports in winter and hiking. In fact, hiking might be the biggest draw.
So we put together 10 of our favourite trails in and around Quesnel, BC:
Pinnacles Loop
Length: 2.3 km
Elevation gain: 101 m
Situated within Pinnacles Provincial Park, this is an easy-to-follow trail that will provide some excellent views and a chance to stretch your legs. This is a loop trail that’s great for many skill levels, and if you’re feeling adventurous, or energetic, you can continue on past the trail for another few kilometres and make the loop larger. You’ll be walking along the ridge and, with no fences, be sure dogs are on a leash and any children are within reach, for safety’s sake.
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10 Mile Lake Loop
Length: 4.2 km
Elevation gain: 158 m
An easy-to-follow trail that’s great for a variety of skillsets, this loop trail is situated along Ten Mile Lake, within Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park, and not far from the Ten Mile Lake campground. Everything you could want! If you bring your bike along, this would be a good trail to pedal as well.
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Sister’s Creek Viewpoint Trail
Length: 1.3 km
Elevation gain: 39 m
This out-and-back trail will take you to the Fraser River Viewpoint within Sister’s Creek Recreation Site, not far from Quesnel. This is a relatively flat trail that’s great for hikers of many skill levels. Be sure to bring your camera for this trip, the view from the lookout is great! (Check for closures before you head out.)
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Alexandria Falls
Length: 4 km
Elevation gain: 113 m
Located about half-an-hour outside Quesnel, not far from the historic town of Alexandria, you’ll find this great out-and-back trail, which features a waterfall. Although the trail is rated as easy, there will likely be some rocks or logs you’ll need to navigate around. But this would be a great trail for kids and dogs alike to explore, with interesting rock columns, a beautiful forest and Alexandria Falls. Be sure to bring your bug spray and your camera for this one.
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Hixon Falls Trail
Length: 3.9 km
Elevation gain: 105 m
Situated not far from Quesnel, and close to the town of Hixon, this is another out-and-back trail that features a beautiful waterfall. A lot of work has recently gone into improving the trail, as well as the road that takes you to the trailhead. Previously, the road was quite rough and nothing less than a four-wheel drive vehicle could make it in, but after the improvements the average car should be able to make the drive just fine. There’s also a new bridge along the trail, taking you to the falls. One hiker reports that you can walk further down the road to access the top falls, there should be an orange sign pointing you there. This is a steeper climb, so be prepared, but you’ll get a different view of the falls.
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Yellowhawk Trail
Length: 6.9 km
Elevation gain: 505 m
This out-and-back trail will give you a workout, and some rewarding views at the end for all of your efforts! Hikers taking this route as late in the season as June reported encountering snow, so be sure to bring along the appropriate gear. The trailhead is located just off Bowron Lake Road outside Wells, not far from Quesnel and near Wendle Provincial Park. There are campgrounds in the area if you were looking to have an extended adventure.
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Riverfront Trail
Length: 5 km
Elevation gain: 137 m
Located right within the town of Quesnel, this is a beautiful and well-maintained trail that will take you right along the Quesnel and Fraser rivers. The trail is well maintained, with informational signs and picnic tables along the way. If you’re looking for a place to take a stroll, get out for a jog with your dog or a new place for you and your baby in the stroller, this is a great option.
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Route 45, Skinner’s Alley & South Loop
Length: 14.2 km
Elevation gain: 343 m
Be sure to pack a map when heading out on this trail, as it can be tough to folllow. This loop trail is rated as moderate, and it’ll take you through wooded areas near Quesnel. If you enjoy this trail in the summer, put it on your to-do list to come back in the winter with your cross-country skis.
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South Loop
Length: 6.3 km
Elevation gain: 141 m
If you’re looking for a shorter version of the above trail, you could complete just the South Loop portion. This part of the trail is still rated as moderate, and be sure to pack your bug spray since you’ll be trekking through the woods. If you’re looking for a new location to explore with your dog, this would be a great option. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
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Pancake Falls
Length: 1.1 km
Elevation gain: 22 m
This trail is short and sweet! Located near Hallis Lake, this is a loop trail with minimal elevation gain, set in a wooded area. If, by the end of your hike, you’re still looking for more, there are other trails in the area and you could branch off and do some exploring. Be sure to bring a map along with you, just in case. These trails are maintained by the local skiing club for cross-country skiing in the winter months.
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