Self care? That's hot.
A wellness trend with a tongue-in-cheek name has taken off globally and found a natural home here in British Columbia. The “Hot Girl Walk,” coined on TikTok by creator Mia Lind, is about more than fitness. It’s a mindset. A slow rebellion against burnout culture. A space for self-reflection, gratitude, and movement, all grounded in the simple act of walking.
Rooted in the belief that you should walk not just for physical health but also to clear your head, practice gratitude, and boost self-esteem, the Hot Girl Walk has become a global ritual of self-care. In B.C., where natural beauty is never far away, the trend has found fertile ground.
The Stanley Park Seawall at Sunset.
The Hot Girl Walk was born in November 2020, when Mia Lind, then a stressed-out college senior navigating the uncertainty of the pandemic, needed a way to clear her mind and stay active. What started as a personal practice soon evolved into a global wellness movement.
By January 2021, she had shared her first video on TikTok. The idea resonated en mass. Since then, the hashtag #hotgirlwalk has garnered over 641 million views, and Lind has received messages from around the world describing how the practice has improved people's mental health, self-esteem, and daily routines. The world has now been Hot Girl Walk-ing for five years, and has proven to be a simple yet powerful way to promote wellbeing.
The name itself is a playful nod to the spirit of Megan Thee Stallion’s 2019 anthem Hot Girl Summer, which celebrates empowerment and confidence (if you've never listened to it, do yourself a favour). True to that spirit, the walk is designed to be both energizing and affirming.
Meg Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj in the Hot Girl Summer music video.
Traditionally, a Hot Girl Walk is about four miles long. But the beauty of the ritual is its flexibility. It can be as long or as short as you want it to be. Whether you’re walking for ten minutes or an hour, the focus remains on how you feel, not how far you go.
At its core, the practice is built around three simple mental prompts:
Reflecting on what you're grateful for
Manifesting your goals
Planning how you will achieve said goals
... and of course, think about how hot you are. Duh!
Don't forget to embrace your hot! Photo: Boonchai Wedmakawand
Despite the catchy name, the walk is for anyone seeking clarity, confidence, and calm. While lighthearted on the surface, the Hot Girl Walk taps into something deeper. It reflects a desire for intentional movement, self-connection, and moments of clarity in an increasingly chaotic world. In B.C., with its coastal paths, forest trails, and accessible green spaces, the walk fits seamlessly into local wellness culture. Whether you’re listening to an affirmations playlist or walking in total silence, the ritual becomes what you make it. And in B.C., where access to nature is often just a few steps away, it’s easier than ever to integrate this practice into everyday life.
As with many wellness movements, the Hot Girl Walk reflects a broader cultural shift. From performative self-care to deeply personal rituals, it reminds us that transformation doesn’t always require a destination. Sometimes, it’s just about putting one foot in front of the other with purpose.
Stanley Park Seawall (Vancouver)
The iconic 9 km waterfront path offering stunning views of the city skyline, mountains, and ocean.
Galloping Goose Trail (Victoria)
A multi-use trail spanning over 55 km, weaving through urban neighborhoods, farmland, and forests.
Lynn Loop Trail (North Vancouver)
A lush, 5 km rainforest loop that’s especially magical after rain with towering trees and moss-covered paths.
Lost Lake Trails (Whistler)
Easy to moderate trails circling a glacier-fed lake, ideal for peaceful forest walks.
The Rail Trail (Kelowna)
A flat, scenic route following an old railway line past orchards, vineyards, and lakeshore views.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park (Vancouver)
Over 73 km of trails through dense coastal forest, offering a quiet escape just minutes from the city.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (Victoria)
Popular for its peaceful lake views, gentle trails, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park (near Whistler)
A short walk to a stunning 70-meter waterfall surrounded by old-growth forest.
Queen Elizabeth Park (Vancouver)
Beautiful manicured gardens and paved paths with city views, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Your neighbourhood
A Hot Girl Walk doesn't always have to be stunningly Instagram-able. Walking when you can, where you can, for yourself is the name of the game!
Stunning views at Lost Lake Park. Photo: Whistler Insider
In a world that often demands we rush, the Hot Girl Walk is an invitation to slow down. To move through life and our landscapes with presence, gratitude, and strength. Whether on a forest trail or a city seawall, the ritual offers a return to self in a place already rich with natural healing.
In B.C., where wellness is often a way of life, this modern walk is less a trend and more a gentle reminder. Sometimes, the path forward starts with a walk outside.
Get the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox.