It is indeed challenging to do Canada’s breathtaking vistas justice. Words can never properly express what your eyes see, including the majestic snow-capped mountains, the blue lakes, and the lush, evergreen woods that are home to an array of intriguing species.
Canada, a country of approximately 10 million square kilometres (3.8 million square miles), was made for intrepid trekkers.
No matter how many hiking vacations you take in Canada, you’ll always find a reason to return since there are so many breathtaking hiking routes and national parks to discover. Here is our ranking of the nation’s top must-do hikes.
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Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia
Best overnight hike
15.5 miles, 2 days, 25 kilometres, intermediate
Garibaldi Provincial Park is a hiker’s paradise with five distinct trailheads to select from and 90km (60 miles) of trails with differing levels of difficulty. This region was designated as a Provincial Park in 1927 and was given the name Mount Garibaldi after its enormous 2678-meter-tall (8786-foot) namesake peak.
Garibaldi is reachable through a long day drive from Vancouver and has a lot of lakes and beautiful scenery to keep you occupied. The journey along Helm Creek from the parking lot at Cheakamus Lake to the parking lot at Garibaldi Lake is the longest path in this cosy little gem tucked away in the Coast Mountains.
The best way to complete the trek, which is 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) long, is over two days while taking breaks at the Helm Creek campsite. The Cheakamus Lake Parking lot and Cheakamus Lake are connected via a less challenging 3 km (1.9 mi) route.
On the morning of your trip, always check the British Columbia Parks website for trail closures; unpredictable weather conditions might affect when the park’s trails open.
Kinney Lake & Berg Lake Trails, British Columbia
Best scenic hike
4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles), easy, 2 12 hours
The start for this short, round-trip climb to lovely Kinney Lake is located in the magnificent Mount Robson Provincial Park, 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) north of the Mt. Robson Visitor Center.
The 23km (14 miles) Kinney Lake to Berg Lake trek from Kinney Lake is longer and tougher and has seven camping places along the way. However, the trail is temporarily closed due to flood damage and is scheduled to reopen in 2023.
Check with the park officials for the most recent information since all Berg Lake trekkers must check at Mt Robson Visitor Centre before departing.
Wild Pacific Trail, British Columbia
Best informative hike
Easy to intermediate, 10 km (6.2 miles) roundtrip
The people of Ucluelet have constructed a lovely 10km (6.2 miles) route that is equally stunning in the sun and in the rain as the temperate rainforest descends to kiss the ocean.
The journey begins with a 2.6 km (1.6 mi) circle that travels through the 1915 Amphitrite Point lighthouse before heading northwest to the Ancient Cedars loop and Rocky Bluffs beyond.
The path is well-plotted and well-signposted. You’ll need to take a few connecting trails along calm roads in order to finish the whole trail, passing through a number of picturesque beaches along the way.
The walk is lined with benches, lookouts, and so-called “artist’s loops” with observation platforms for those taking the time to capture the landscape. Various information boards provide background on the area’s history and wildlife.
Lake Agnes & the Beehives, Alberta
Most iconic Canadian hike
two and a half hours, moderate, 7 km (4.4 miles) to Lake Agnes and 10 km (6.5 miles) to the Big Beehive
This trek near Lake Louise in Banff National Park is the most well-liked because of two enticing sights. The famous Lake Agnes Teahouse, where walkers have refuelled since 1901, comes first. At the 3.4 km (2.1 miles) mark, there is a really atmospheric place to stop for tea, sandwiches, and baked goods.
The trail’s final terminus, Big Beehive, at a height of 2270 meters (7447 feet), offers a wonderful view over the lake. To avoid crowds, leave early and confirm that the trailhead’s access routes are open in advance by visiting the Canada Parks website (closures are common in the snowy months).
Johnston Canyon & the Inkpots, Alberta
Most popular Canadian hike
11 km (3.2 miles) roundtrip, 3.5 to 4 hours, easy to somewhat difficult
The broad, paved Johnston Canyon Trail in Banff National Park receives the most foot traffic after the Lake Louise coastline. Once you reach the canyon, where two stunning waterfalls and tremendous rock face a battle for your attention, the crowds become completely understandable (the Lower and Upper Falls).
The journey to the Lower Falls is around 1.1 kilometres (1 mile) long and takes about 30 minutes, but the hike to the Upper Falls is 2.6 kilometres (1.6 miles) long and has a little ascent. To reach the Inkpots, two vibrant natural ponds in a high alpine valley, more intrepid hikers will need to make a climb.
Avalanche and flood updates may be found on the Canada Parks Banff website since this region is prone to severe weather.
Grey Owl Trail, Saskatchewan
Best hike for birding
tough 19.9km (12.4 miles) round trip, 10–12 hours
In Prince Albert National Park, the Grey Owl Trail provides a tranquil stroll through a landscape studded with wildflowers and parts of marshes, as well as excellent birding possibilities and the opportunity to see a significant Canadian historical monument.
At the route’s finish, right before you turn around, you may visit Grey Owl’s hut. The majority of the walk is covered in a thick forest canopy. The author and environmentalist Archibald Belaney (also known as “Grey Owl”), his companion Gertrude Bernard, a Kanienkehákaor (Mohawk) tribal member, and their two pet beavers once resided in this modest building.
Cup & Saucer Trail, Ontario
Best hike for families
9 km (6 miles) round, simple to challenging, takes 15 to 4 hours
Families love this path because it offers breathtaking vistas, engaging adventure opportunities, and a variety of trek lengths (from 15 minutes to 4 hours).
This stunning path on the Niagara Escarpment travels from its starting point near the intersection of Highway 540 and Bidwell Rd, about 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) southwest of Little Current, to the highest point on Manitoulin Island.
Hikers are greeted by stunning views of the wavy coastline along the North Channel from a height of 351m (1152ft). Take a detour through the 500m (1640ft) Adventure Trail on the way back, which entails scaling precarious wooden ladders and climbing up, over, and through huge rocks.
Bruce Trail, Ontario
The best route for hiking in stages
900km (559 miles) one-way, moderate, hikes of varying lengths
From Queenston Heights Park on the Niagara Peninsula to Tobermory port on the Bruce Peninsula, the Bruce Trail meanders over the top of the Niagara Escarpment for an astounding 900km (559 miles). In the summer, this broad, well-kept track is great for hiking, and in the winter, cross-country skiers can put the trail through its paces.
The Bruce Trail is often traversed in brief segments. Fall is the greatest season to go hiking in this area since Ontario has some of the most vibrant fall foliage in the world. The dense canopy of reds, oranges, and yellows is a photographer’s paradise.
These trails are popular with weekend hikers in Ontario, so reserve your parking in advance. Weekdays are often less hectic, and you can simply show up. How to get passes for the many trailheads is covered in-depth online by the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
Parc d’Environnement Naturel de Sutton, Quebec
Best summertime hike
80 kilometres (49.7 miles), simple, takes 2 hours to several days
Sutton Park is a famous summer hiking destination because of its two magnificent lakes and several swimming-friendly mountain ponds. 80km (49.7 miles) of pathways have been cut across the heavily wooded slopes in this picturesque conservation area.
There are three rustic campsites where hikers may pitch their tents, and the trails range in length from two-hour loops to multi-day adventures (the one at Lac Spruce is the nicest).
To ensure entrance during warm weather and bank holiday weekends, purchase your park tickets in advance on the Sutton Park website. This park serves as a dependable playground all year long, although sometimes icy winter weather forces the closing of the trails; for information on trail closures, consult the park website in advance.
Lower Little Harbour Trail, Newfoundland
Best hike for spooky vibes
4.8 kilometres (3 miles), 1 1/2 hours, and easy to tough
Almost everything that makes Newfoundland unique is included in this 4.8 km (3 km) circle, including old root cellars built by early inhabitants, a natural sea arch, steep cliffs, picturesque stretches of shoreline, lush woods, and the ruins of a long-abandoned settlement. On some sections of this route, you’ll pass through vacant homes that exude a cold, fingers-on-the-neck atmosphere.
Conclusion
No matter how many hiking vacations you take in Canada, you’ll always find a reason to return since there are so many breathtaking hiking routes and national parks to discover. Here is our ranking of the nation’s top must-do hikes.