Top 10 Iconic Hiking Trails in Canada

Travelers from across the globe visit Canada to experience its remarkable hiking trails, and for good reason.

Canada encompasses a landmass and freshwater area totaling 9,984,670 square kilometers (or 3,855,174 square miles). This offers an abundance of hiking opportunities. Beyond sheer quantity, the country’s extensive lakes, mountains, forests, and wildlife provide a unique chance to behold breathtaking natural wonders.

Moreover, a robust network of governmental organizations, including Parks Canada, is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of some of Canada’s most scenic natural areas. Engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and boating in Canada is straightforward and secure if one adheres to designated areas.

Below are ten classic hikes in Canada that promise satisfaction; however, they merely scratch the surface.

01 of 10

West Coast Trail, British Columbia

Not suitable for the inexperienced, the West Coast Trail is arguably the most renowned hiking path in Canada. Situated within Pacific Rim National Park, bordering Vancouver Island, this 75 km trail meanders through rainforest, inlets, and beaches, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and, with some luck, the chance to spot whales.

A quota system restricts the number of individuals on the trail simultaneously, in addition to a significant reservation fee. The hike itself is challenging, featuring numerous stairs and ladders to navigate. Coupled with potentially slippery conditions, this expedition can be arduous. It typically takes between 5 to 7 days to complete. Alternatively, nearby day hikes provide a lower intensity option.

02 of 10

Killarney Park, Ontario

Ontario’s premier provincial park, Killarney Park gained recognition through Canada’s Group of Seven, who not only immortalized its landscapes in oil paintings but also advocated for its designation as a protected area.

Today, Killarney Park attracts thousands of visitors annually, inviting them to traverse its trails, including the picturesque Granite Ridge Trail, which presents captivating views of the La Cloche Mountains, the unspoiled Georgian Bay, and resilient pines weathering the elements.

Visitors can opt for day hikes in Killarney or find accommodation at campsites managed by Ontario Parks. Reservations are available up to six months ahead and tend to fill quickly.

03 of 10

Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, Alberta

There are numerous breathtaking methods to appreciate the Rocky Mountains; nevertheless, the “Plain of Six” undoubtedly provides an exceptional scenic experience for a moderately challenging hike.

Beginning at the historic Lake Louise, this uphill trek past the turquoise lake leads through a valley to a panoramic viewpoint featuring glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, and diverse wildlife.

Enhancing the experience are tea houses situated at the Plain of Six Glaciers lookout and at the trek’s conclusion. This hike enjoys widespread popularity, particularly since it can be comfortably completed within a day.

04 of 10

Cape Breton National Highlands Park

Cape Breton is a captivating region within the maritime province of Nova Scotia, where picturesque landscapes coalesce with some of the nation’s most affable inhabitants.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers an intimate opportunity to explore the northern section of the area, whether through leisurely walks or more demanding hikes. Both types provide astonishing canyon and ocean views. Opt for overnight camping or join for a day hike.

05 of 10

Sunshine to Mt. Assiniboine, Alberta

Praised by many as the premier multi-day hike in the Canadian Rockies, the Sunshine to Mt. Assiniboine trail necessitates some planning yet is suitable for families. Participants can expect to see alpine meadows, lakes, mountains, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and elk along the route.

This trail spans two provinces (from Alberta to British Columbia) requiring coordination with three organizations for passes and permits. Despite the associated logistics, fees, and challenges presented by wildlife and insects, it remains one of the globe’s most sought-after hiking experiences.

This journey typically requires about 5 days to complete.

06 of 10

Bruce Trail, Ontario

The Bruce Trail is cherished by local residents as a protected refuge within the country’s most densely populated region. In several sections, the trail navigates through golf courses and borders roadways.

As Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Bruce Trail extends 885 km from Niagara to Tobermory, along with an additional 400 km of supplementary pathways throughout Ontario. Hiking the entire length typically encompasses approximately 30 days; however, the Bruce Trail Conservancy website offers detailed guides and maps for various day hikes and camping expeditions, featuring abundant woodland, wildlife, and waterfalls along the path.

07 of 10

Fundy Trail, New Brunswick

The Bay of Fundy stretches from the northern edge of Maine into Canada, situated between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Twice daily, the Bay experiences tidal changes, moving an impressive 100 billion tonnes of water, resulting in the highest tidal ranges in the world—exceeding 50 feet (16 m) in certain areas.

This tidal force has sculpted a striking landscape characterized by dramatic cliffs and sea stacks, revealing a wealth of fossils and intriguing signs of aquatic life.

A variety of trails around the Bay of Fundy cater to both rigorous multi-day hikes and less demanding day hikes. Bay of Fundy Tourism provides comprehensive hiking maps and trail descriptions.

08 of 10

East Coast Trail, Newfoundland & Labrador

The East Coast Trail, stretching 540 kilometers (340 miles) in Canada’s easternmost province of Newfoundland & Labrador, follows the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, leading through coastal towns—such as the remnants of La Manche, decimated by waves and storms in the 1960s—alongside fjords, sea stacks, crashing waves, and rugged cliffs.

A significant aspect of the East Coast Trail is the opportunity to visit the communities it connects. The stunning Newfoundland landscape serves as an ideal backdrop to the warmth and hospitality of its residents.

Feel free to embark on a day hike or, ideally, extend it into a multi-day adventure.

09 of 10

Gaspésie National Park, Quebec

Boasting over 3,000 kilometers of coastline along the St. Lawrence River, Gaspésie National Park is home to striking hiking paths. Climbers will particularly appreciate the convergence of two mountain ranges within the park, creating stunning vistas of mountains meeting the water.

Hikes vary in length from 1 to 17 kilometers, or for those seeking a more daunting challenge, there is a 100-kilometer backpacking route. Be prepared for the possibility of encountering snow, even during the summer months, due to the significant elevation.

10 of 10

Canol Heritage Trail, Northwest Territories

Concluding our exploration of notable Canadian hikes is one of the most demanding: the Canol Heritage Trail in the Northwest Territories. This trail is entirely remote, lacking developed campsites or facilities, though remnants from its original purpose supporting an oil pipeline during World War II—such as abandoned trucks and pumping stations—can be encountered along the way.

It is advisable to allocate approximately 20 days to complete the entire trail. This hike is best suited for experienced outdoor adventurers; caution is urged for novice hikers when considering this route.