There are no bug issues in the winter.    Wise hikers stick to unplowed backroads, low-level trails or do their trekking on cross-country skis or snowshoes.     Winter is not a B Season.

The first hiking season is Before Bugs.   Starting in March and ending in mid-June, the BB Season is the perfect time to do low-elevation hikes, south slopes, or mild-areas.   It is too early for alpine areas, but wise hikers choose to do the snow-free hikes Before Bugs (and Before Heat).   The days are still short, but it is prime hiking season.   As soon as the snow clears, do these hikes first.   Just watch our for one bug – ticks.

The second season is Bug Season.   The mosquito hatch starts mid-June and lasts through the end of July, depending on elevation and breeding habitat.   You can finally get higher up, but you will pay the price.   In bug season we choose open and airy hikes – wind is your friend.   We like to paddle or do fast-paced hikes.   We avoid the wet areas, which includes all of Wells Gray and the Cariboo.   There have been several coordinated attempts by the Bugs to carry me away so we are very careful with bug-infested hikes.   We prefer to wait until Season 3 to do the better alpine hikes.

The third Season is After Bugs.   It starts about August 1, even though you may run into horseflies and blackflies for 2 or 3 weeks, they are much more manageable than mosquitoes.   Save the best high hikes for August and September.     Although the wildflowers are mostly spent, September and October are outstanding hiking months since a frost at altitude eliminates the bugs.   There is only one pest to worry about – hunters :).  Wear brightly colored clothing, make some noise, and avoid grunting like a bear.

Once you have completed a trail, return again in the right season and you will be a happier hiker!