VANCOUVER, BC — July 1, 2025 — Netflix is venturing deep into the heart of nature with its latest documentary series titled “Above the Pines: Trails of British Columbia.” This visually spectacular project highlights the untamed landscapes, rich cultural history, and transformative experiences found along some of Canada’s most iconic hiking paths. Slated for release worldwide on October 3, 2025, the series aims to captivate viewers with its blend of cinematic visuals, environmental storytelling, and heartfelt human narratives.
Created in collaboration with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Above the Pines offers a rare look at British Columbia’s majestic terrain. This four-part series goes beyond scenic beauty to focus on the people who connect with the trails—hikers, conservationists, and Indigenous leaders—capturing the physical, emotional, and spiritual rewards of venturing into the wild.
🌄 Exploring British Columbia’s Hiking Soul
The documentary series explores the remarkable diversity of British Columbia’s natural world. From the Pacific coastline’s fog-draped forests to the soaring, snow-dusted peaks of the Rocky Mountains, the filmmakers utilize high-resolution drone footage, ultra-slow motion scenes, and immersive natural soundscapes to bring these places to life.
Each episode features a distinct region:
- Episode 1: The West Coast Trail – A demanding 75-kilometer hike through ancient forests, tide-swept beaches, and old shipwreck zones.
- Episode 2: The Bugaboos – Glacial landscapes and granite towers where climbers push their physical limits.
- Episode 3: Garibaldi’s Heart – A volcanic wonderland filled with emerald lakes, flowered valleys, and discussions on ecological preservation.
- Episode 4: Kootenay Echoes – Guided by members of the Ktunaxa Nation, this episode connects culture, spirituality, and environmental healing.
Rather than simply show nature, the series uses it as a lens through which to understand community, self-reflection, and belonging.
👣 Human Connections to the Land
Above the Pines is filled with personal stories that illustrate the emotional and mental effects of time spent in the wilderness. Hikers from all walks of life are featured—newcomers, veterans, and people on transformative journeys. One featured voice is Liam Grant, a former paramedic from Vancouver, who recounts how solo hiking helped him cope with anxiety and trauma after years working in emergency medicine.
Also featured is Elder Marie Baptiste, a respected Secwépemc Nation storyteller, who shares her memories of hiking the same ancestral paths her grandparents once walked. Her reflections on the sacredness of the land add profound depth to the series.
“The trails teach us patience, purpose, and presence,” says director Fiona Chow. “But more than that, they remind us that we are guests in these spaces, and we carry a duty to protect them.”
🔥 The Environment in Crisis
A key theme throughout the documentary is climate change and environmental responsibility. Several episodes highlight how wildfires, rising temperatures, and melting glaciers are threatening access and biodiversity in even the most remote hiking areas. Experts from BC Parks, local universities, and conservation organizations weigh in on the increasing fragility of British Columbia’s ecosystems.
There is also a focus on overuse and the pressures that increased foot traffic brings to popular routes. Trail managers and rangers speak about sustainable practices and the need to balance tourism with preservation.
The documentary concludes with a quiet but powerful message: that while nature can heal us, it also needs our care and commitment in return.
🎶 A Feast for the Senses
Visually, Above the Pines is nothing short of breathtaking. Filmed in 6K Ultra HD across four seasons, the series captures scenes from dawn-lit mountain ridges to starlit backcountry campsites. The visuals are enhanced by an atmospheric musical score composed by Kaitlyn Aurora, a rising Canadian talent. Her use of ambient strings, subtle drums, and real-world sound recordings from nature—waterfalls, bear calls, wind through the trees—makes the series as rich audibly as it is visually.
Viewers will feel as if they’re hiking along the paths themselves, breathing in the crisp air and pausing to admire the vistas.
🌐 Part of a Larger Netflix Vision
Netflix sees Above the Pines as a centerpiece in its growing portfolio of global nature series. This documentary is the inaugural feature in a planned collection called “Earthbound Trails,” which will spotlight unique trekking and nature experiences from around the world. Future installments are expected to include journeys through the Andes in Peru, New Zealand’s South Island, and the Alps in Switzerland.
The company aims to both inspire travel and promote environmental stewardship through these high-quality productions.
📅 Release Info
- Title: Above the Pines: Trails of British Columbia
- Number of Episodes: 4 (each approximately 45 minutes)
- Global Release Date: October 3, 2025
- Rating: TV-G
- Platform: Netflix
- Narration By: Tatiana Maslany
In today’s digital world, where many feel disconnected from nature, Above the Pines serves as a visual reminder of what’s worth preserving. Whether you’re a hiking veteran, an armchair traveler, or someone curious about reconnecting with the earth, this documentary offers an inspiring and urgent call to appreciate, respect, and protect the natural wonders that still remain.
