Burnt Knoll via Fat Dog Trail

Burnt Knoll via Fat Dog Trail in E.C. Manning Park is one of those routes that feels bigger than the stats suggest. This 14 km out-and-back climbs about 684 m to around 1,890 m, so it’s a solid day out and rated challenging for good reason. Expect about 5 hours on the go if you keep a steady pace and don’t get too distracted by the views.

The Fat Dog Trail starts just off Highway 3 near Cambie Creek, easing you in with a steady forested climb before breaking into more open terrain with wide views toward the North Cascades in Washington and the local Manning Park peaks. From Fat Dog’s high point, you can look north toward the Three Brothers area, then push on to Burnt Knoll, where the grade kicks up and the final stretch feels steeper and more exposed. It’s an out-and-back, so every metre you gain, you’ll be retracing on the way down.

Right now, Burnt Knoll via Fat Dog Trail is a true winter route, best done on snowshoes once the snowpack sets in. Recent trips in early December report deep but supportive snow, a well-defined boot path, and clear, sunny conditions, with the steeper section to Burnt Knoll being the crux. Roads to the trailhead can be seasonally closed or icy, so check E.C. Manning Park updates, carry proper winter gear, and plan for short daylight hours; in summer the same trail is hikeable but sees far less traffic and can feel like a long, steady grind without the bonus of soft snow underfoot.