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Canada is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural scenery, and what better way to experience it than by taking a hike!
However, with so many incredible trails, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best 15 hiking trails in Canada – perfect for those looking to explore Canada’s outdoors!
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, Canada hiking trails cater to all levels, so lace up your boots, and let Canada’s wilderness captivate you.
Read on to discover some of the best hikes in Canada!
Garibaldi Lake Hike is a Canada hiking trail you’ll find in Garibaldi Provincial Park and you’re in for gorgeous scenery if you take this trail.
You can start the hike at the parking area in Rubble Creek – you can park your car here and get going on your hike.
Not to worry, the path is well marked, so you can clearly see which way to go.
Once you get to Garibaldi Lake, you’ll see the turquoise water with surrounding mountains and alpine meadows and you can even swim here!
You can also camp at Garibaldi Lake, however, you need to ensure you make a reservation.
Note that this is a popular trail during the summer, especially during the weekends.
Lake Agnes Trail is a popular hike not only in Banff National Park but also in Alberta. It’s one of those hikes that’s loved by the locals too!
This hike offers splendid views of the mountains, glaciers, and lakes.
On this trail, you’ll get to see the beautiful Lake Agnes, alongside a tea house. You can grab a bite to eat at the Tea House, and tea of course!
If you want to make it to the Tea House at Lake Agnes, ensure to check if it’s open as they’re only open during certain times of the year.
It’s suggested that if you are driving to this trail, you try to get there as early as possible as parking can be difficult to find, particularly during the later part of the morning and early afternoon.
If you take the Lake Agnes trail but you’d like to hike further, you can climb to the Big Beehive – a mountain with more beautiful views awaiting!
So get your shoes on and go hiking in Banff, Canada!
The Valley of the Five Lakes is not a hike to miss as it’s one of the most beautiful hikes in Canada.
It offers stunning views of five interconnected turquoise lakes, surrounded by the beautiful Canadian Rockies.
As you can probably tell by the name (‘Valley of the Five Lakes’), you’ll be hiking around five different lakes.
There is both a short and a longer trail you can take – the Short Loop and the Long Loop.
It’s one you can go with your family since it’s not too difficult of a trail.
On this hike, you can enjoy the peacefulness of the lakes and the surrounding forest, as well as the chance to spot local wildlife such as elk, deer, and even bears.
Next up we’re at the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail – one of the best hikes in western Canada!
On this hike, you can enjoy views of glaciers, stunning alpine landscapes and the opportunity to spot wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats.
Once you make it to the end of the trail, there’s the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse where you can stop for some food and drink. Note that it’s only open during certain seasons. For 2023, it will open on the fourth of May at 9am. Ensure you bring cash if you’re making a stop here as it’s cash only.
This trail can be quite busy during peak season, so if you want to try and avoid the crowds, it’s best to arrive early or plan to visit during the shoulder season.
One of the greatest hiking Canada destinations is the Bruce Trail – the longest trail in Ontario.
It’s actually said to be the longest Canadian footpath. It goes from Niagara to Tobermory.
Since the Bruce Trail is so long, you can hike from as little as one hour to a week. Along the way, you can expect to see breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment, lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning waterfalls.
You can camp at Bruce Peninsula National Park, which will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and spend more time exploring some of the different trails.
Hiking in Ontario, Canada is a great experience with hikes ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day hikes.
Gros Morne National Park is a breathtaking destination. The park is popular for its striking natural beauty, which includes towering cliffs, deep fjords, and pristine lakes.
One of the top hiking trails in Canada in Gros Morne National Park is the Gros Morne Mountain Trail, which takes you to the summit of the park’s highest peak. Another popular trail is the Green Gardens Trail, which leads you through a stunning coastal landscape.
Other notable hikes include the Western Brook Pond Trail, which takes you to a breathtaking fjord, and the Tablelands Trail, which explores a unique geologic landscape.
Since there are hikes with different difficulty levels, it’s a suitable spot for experienced hikers or casual nature lovers.
It’s no wonder why it’s considered one of Canada’s must-see destinations since there is so much to see in this spectacular park!
Love a challenge? A trail awaits in Fundy National Park that is not for the faint of heart, as it requires you to go up steep inclines and rugged terrain.
Despite the challenges, the Fundy Footpath offers hikers unparalleled natural beauty, including stunning views of the Bay of Fundy and the surrounding wilderness.
Ensure if you take this hike, you bring plenty of water, food, and camping gear, as there are limited facilities along the trail.
The Fundy Footpath is challenging but rewarding, offering a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Fundy National Park.
With careful planning, proper equipment, and a sense of adventure, hikers can complete this trail and create memories that will last a lifetime.
One of the best hiking trails in Algonquin Provincial Park is Centennial Ridges, where you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of the park.
What sets Centennial Ridges apart from other hikes in the park is the opportunity to experience a variety of ecosystems, from dense forests to open ridges with expansive views.
The trail is also less crowded than some of the other popular hikes in the park, allowing hikers to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and take in the beauty of the park.
Centennial Ridges also offers a chance to learn about the history of Algonquin Provincial Park. The trail is named in honor of the park’s centennial anniversary and features several interpretive displays along the way, providing you with insights into the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
Sound like a hike you’d enjoy? Pack your bags and get strolling on the Centennial Ridges Trail for a peaceful experience.
Of course, we added another hike located in Banff National Park on the list, after all, it’s one of the most popular national parks in Canada.
On this hike, you’ll get some of the best views of Banff National Park!
The trek starts at the beautiful shoreline of Lake Minnewanka and takes hikers through dense forests, across clear streams, and up a steep climb to the lookout point.
The reward for the effort is well worth it, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that are sure to take your breath away.
This is a must-do Canada trail if you’re a hiking enthusiast visiting Banff National Park!
The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park is lengthy but well worth it.
Along the way, you will have gorgeous views of glaciers, lakes, and mountain peaks.
The trail has four main sections:
You can bring your camping gear and camp along the way. However, you need to ensure you obtain a backcountry camping permit as it’s required for all overnight stays.
You can get camping permits through the Parks Canada website or by visiting a Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Jasper. Note that permits are limited, so it’s best to book in advance to secure a spot.
This is definitely one to add to your bucket list of Canada hiking trails!
This is a stunning hiking trail that offers a unique wilderness experience!
The trail begins at the Tombstone Interpretive Centre and leads through some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in Canada.
This hike offers beautiful valleys, alpine meadows, and glacier-fed streams.
The highlight of the trail is undoubtedly Grizzly Lake, a crystal-clear lake that is surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers.
You may also encounter wildlife sightings on the trail, we’re talking wildlife like grizzly bears, dall sheep, and caribou.
Grizzly Lake Trail awaits you for a true wilderness adventure in the splendid Yukon Territory.
Ready for an adventure? We’re talking rugged terrain, steep climbs, rocky scrambles, and narrow crevices – this is what makes it a favorite among experienced hikers!
Crack Trail starts and ends at the George Lake campground.
Once you reach the top of the ridge, you’ll get a panoramic view of Georgian Bay.
You will hike through dense forests and past stunning rock formations, which will give you a true sense of the natural beauty of the park.
The park offers several backcountry camping options, including campsites along the trail. Ensure that you obtain a camping permit if you are planning to hike.
Grey Owl Trail is a popular trail that follows the path of the famous conservationist and writer, Grey Owl.
The trail goes through a beautiful forest and offers lovely views of Clear Lake and the surrounding landscape.
Along the way, you can stop at the cabin where Grey Owl lived, which has been restored and now serves as an interpretive centre. The cabin is located approximately 6.5 km from the trailhead.
This is a suitable hike for most people with a reasonable level of fitness.
Head to Grey Owl Trail for a unique and rewarding hiking experience that offers a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the area.
The East Coast Trail in Newfoundland and Labrador is a breathtaking hiking destination that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastal landscapes.
The entire trail is 336km long, however, it’s broken down into different small sections that can be completed as day hikes.
The East Coast Trail has hikes for everyone, from easy to difficult trails.
The Silver Mine Head Path is an easy trail you can take. It takes you to a lookout point with panoramic views of the coastline.
For a more challenging hike, the Spout Path is a popular choice. It’s an 11.4 kilometre roundtrip trail that takes you to the Spout – a natural sea arch that shoots water high into the air. The trail is known for its steep climbs and rugged terrain, but the views are well worth the effort.
Last on our list is West Coast Trail in Vancouver Island. It’s a world-renowned backpacking trail, known for its stunning coastal scenery, challenging terrain, and rich history!
This is a difficult terrain that is best for more experienced hikers since the route includes steep ascents and descents and a rugged rocky shoreline.
This trail is a one-way hiking trail that starts at Pachena Bay in the north and ends at Gordon River in the south. It’s neither an out-and-back or roundtrip trail, but rather a linear trail that takes hikers through the rugged coastal terrain of Vancouver Island.
The trail is typically hiked from north to south, but it can also be hiked in the opposite direction, from south to north, with proper planning.
If you’re going to take this hike, it’s mandatory that you attend an orientation session to learn about the trail’s hazards and safety protocols.
You can of course camp on this trail but again ensure you obtain a permit for your overnight stays. However, the number of permits issued each day is limited, so ensure you make a reservation in advance.
Despite the challenges, hiking the West Coast Trail is an unforgettable experience, offering unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and the opportunity to explore one of Canada’s most stunning coastal landscapes.
There you have it – the best 15 Canada hiking trails for you to explore!
Some of these hikes may be quite long, however, remember you only have to go as far up as you’d like and you can turn back anytime. Meaning you can still immerse yourself in these hiking trails in Canada but not complete the entire hike.
The best time for hiking trails in Canada depends on the region and the specific trail you plan to hike.
In general, the summer months between June to September are the most popular and ideal for hiking in most regions of Canada. During these months, the weather is warmer and more pleasant, and the hiking paths are open for business. However, because of the good weather, these months are also peak hiking season, meaning popular trails can be overcrowded.
If you prefer a quieter hiking experience, you can visit during the shoulder months instead – early June or late September. A benefit to travelling during these periods is that accommodation prices are lower. However, the lakes may only be fully defrosted from mid-June onwards, so you might not get to see the beautiful colours of the lakes as you would during peak season.
Interestingly, different areas in Canada have different optimal hiking times. Let’s take a closer look:
Regardless of when you choose to go hiking in Canada, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience!
If you’re planning a hiking adventure in Canada, there are some important tips to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe hike in Canada’s beautiful wilderness.
You may wonder ‘What should I bring with me on my hiking adventure?’… Here’s a useful list of hiking equipment you can consider:
By taking the necessary precautions and having the right equipment, you can enjoy hiking in Canada’s stunning natural beauty with confidence and safety.
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