Canada is home to some very extraordinary landscapes from coast to coast. There is enough variety in the landscape, including coastal rainforests, imposing mountain ranges, vivid meadows, and rocky cliff faces, that even Canadians could never grow tired of exploring their own country. The most excellent way to experience the best of Canada is to put on your hiking boots and explore since many of these beautiful locations can only be reached on foot. We’ve selected some of the best places to hikes and hiking trails in Canada you should absolutely check out on your next holiday, whether you have a week to spend completely immersed in nature or are just looking for a few hours of solitude.
The West Coast Trail, British Columbia
The well-known West Coast Trail is a must-do for any ardent hiker and is regarded as one of the best multi-day hikes in Canada. The adventure, which spans more than 75 kilometers inside the Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island, takes around seven days, but it is well worth taking time off for.
Wander through an old-growth coastal rainforest with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and pause to cool off at the different waterfalls. Many hikers see wolves, bears, and even whales, and there are plenty of scenic landscapes and wildlife to see. The summer months of July and August are ideal for the journey. Just remember to book your reservation early in the year to ensure your access.
Garibaldi Lake, British Columbia – Best Places To Hike In Canada
Garibaldi Lake, which lies close to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway, is well-known for its turquoise waters and mountain views. The 18-kilometer roundtrip distance of the day climb should take you around five hours. But give yourself more time for touring. In addition to the stunning alpine and glacier settings, the region is dotted with waterfalls and meadows. Take advantage of lengthier overnight excursions in the Garibaldi Provincial Park, such as to Panorama Ridge or Elfin Lakes, if you have more time.
Skyline Trail, Alberta
Ever wanted to hike in the Canadian Rockies? Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains hiking and trees are available from the Skyline Trail. This 44-kilometer path, which usually takes two to four days to complete, has several entry locations, the most well-liked of which is at Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park. This journey promises stunning views and chances to see wildlife up close—but hopefully not too near. Grizzly bears, grey wolves, and caribou are all seen here!
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Plain of Six Glaciers, Alberta – Best Places To Hike In Canada
If you’re looking for hikes close to Calgary, plan on taking the Plain of Six Glaciers hike in four to six hours. At Chateau Lake Louise, the trailhead begins next to the walkway. The route gives breathtaking views of mountains and lakes and offers a small oasis of tranquility away from the mass of tourists. Additionally, a cute tiny Swiss-built tea shop is located around 5 kilometers into the hike and is a fantastic place to stop for a coffee, scone, or sandwich to feed you for the remainder of your adventure. The journey is roughly 10 km long overall, though there is an option to extend it by joining the Lake Agnes trail.
The Bruce Trail, Ontario
The Bruce Trail is the nation’s first hike since it is Canada’s longest and oldest marked hiking mountain trail. It is one of Canada’s most well-known trail networks, stretching over 900 kilometers from Niagara to Tobermory in Southern Ontario. The majority of hikers choose day treks across the entire route system, while you can go large and finish the entire path in roughly a month. The Bruce Trail is also one of Canada’s 13 UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves. As if you needed another justification to include this hike on your must-do hikes in Canada list!
La Cloche-Silhouette Trail, Ontario
This is one to put on your list if you’re looking for mountains in Ontario. The 78-kilometer trail around the La Cloche mountain range. Along with lakes and white quartzite peaks, there is a ton of other animals to be seen, such as moose, beavers, and porcupines. Fun fact: Franklin Carmichael, a member of the Group of Seven, painted “La Cloche Silhouette,” which inspired the trail’s name. Speak proudly of Canada. Day walks are an option if you don’t want to take up the difficulty in Killarney Provincial Park.
Mont-Saint-Alban, Quebec
The Petit-Gaspé beach in Forillon National Park serves as the starting point for this challenging day trip. To get a better perspective of the sea and cliffs, climb the 928-foot observation tower. It should just take a couple of hours to complete the approximately 7km loop. But look at those sights! Value it.
Fundy Trail, New Brunswick – Top Places To Hike
The Fundy Trail Parkway has day walks that range from easy to intermediate. The Bay of Fundy, one of North America’s seven natural wonders, may be seen from the park’s 30 km of coastline in New Brunswick. Discover different routes and enjoy the perfectly untamed cliff and beach vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Looking for a little more amazing content? Wander the Fundy Footpath. One of the top 50 mountain hiking trails in the entire globe, a multi-day, 41-kilometer walk!
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Cape Chignecto Loop Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cape Chignecto Loop Trail is undoubtedly the most well-liked of the many day treks available in Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. Allow at least three days to do this one because it is just over 50 miles long. This track is pretty calm, so you can fully recharge in nature, aside from the stunning coastal views.
East Coast Trail, Newfoundland & Labrador – Best Places To Hike In Canada
The East Coast trail is last but by no means least. This should be included on your Canadian mountain hiking bucket list because it has 25 interconnected wilderness pathways along the continent’s easternmost coast. There is approximately 330km of trails, ranging in difficulty from basic to difficult, so there is something for everyone. Enjoy the untamed Atlantic coastline vistas as you walk by Signal Hill and Cape Spear, two national historical monuments. You might even see a few icebergs, depending on the time of year.
