Discover the Best Hiking Trails in Canada
It’s difficult to do justice to Canada’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Words can never fully capture what you see with your eyes: towering snow-capped mountains, azure lakes, and lush evergreen forests filled with fascinating wildlife. A great way to take it all in is by exploring on your own two feet.
Covering nearly 10 million sq km (3.8 million sq miles), Canada was built for adventurous hikers. There are countless gorgeous hiking trails and national parks to explore, ensuring you’ll always find a reason to come back, no matter how many hiking holidays you take here.
1. East Coast Trail, Newfoundland
Best multi-day hike
336km (209 miles) round trip; 6 days, easy to challenging
This epic 336km (209-mile) trail showcases another bit of the country’s natural beauty with each national historic site, coastal village, forest, cliff, and bridge you pass. Choose specific trails based on your comfort level; stages range from around 4km (2.5 miles) to 20km (12.4 miles).
2. Lower Little Harbour Trail, Newfoundland
Best hike for eerie vibes
4.8km (3 miles); 1½ hours, moderate to challenging
This loop takes in everything that makes Newfoundland special, including historic root cellars, rocky cliffs, and scenic stretches of coast. The empty houses along the route provide an eerie, nostalgic ambiance.
3. Skyline Trail, Nova Scotia
Best hike for water views
8.7km (5.4 miles) loop; 2–3 hours, easy
Located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Skyline Trail features a boardwalk to protect the delicate ecosystems. Wildlife spotting opportunities are abundant, with moose and bald eagles among the highlights.
4. Cape Split, Nova Scotia
Best coastal hike
13km (8.1 miles) round trip; 5 hours, moderate
This trail concludes with dramatic cliffs above the Bay of Fundy, offering a stunning view of seabirds and tidal rips below. Enjoy some agate stone hunting along the beach before or after your hike, adding extra adventure.
5. Fundy Footpath, New Brunswick
Best hike for experienced wilderness trekkers
49.3km (30.6 miles) one way; 4–5 days, challenging
The Fundy Footpath is an incredibly challenging wilderness trail perfect for seasoned hikers who crave rugged terrain and adventure. It’s essential to check conditions and be prepared for a trek that should only be attempted in warmer months due to the risks involved.
6. Parc d’Environnement Naturel de Sutton, Québec
Best summertime hike
80km (49.7 miles); 2 hours up to several days, easy
With beautiful lakes and swimming spots, Sutton Park offers well-maintained trails that provide a fantastic summer hiking experience, with versatility ranging from short loops to multi-day excursions.
7. Cup & Saucer Trail, Ontario
Best hike for families
9km (5.6 miles) round trip; 15 minutes to 4 hours, easy to challenging
This trail on Manitoulin Island leads to breathtaking views from its high point and features a variety of hiking durations, making it perfect for families seeking adventure and scenery.
8. Bruce Trail, Ontario
Best hike for fall foliage
900km (559 miles) one way; hike durations vary, moderate
The Bruce Trail provides a remarkable experience along the Niagara Escarpment, especially during the fall when vivid foliage transforms the landscape into a photographer’s paradise. Prepare to share the trail with many fellow nature lovers.
9. Grey Owl Trail, Saskatchewan
Best hike for birding
20km (12.4 miles) one way; 10–12 hours, challenging
Offering great birding opportunities, this hike traverses the serene landscapes of Prince Albert National Park before leading to Grey Owl’s cabin, which serves as a remarkable historical highlight.
10. Lake Agnes & the Beehives, Alberta
Most iconic Canadian hike
Lake Agnes round trip: 7km (4.3 miles), Big Beehive round trip: 10km (6.2 miles); 2–4½ hours, moderate
Famous for its picturesque teahouse and stunning views of the lake from the top of Big Beehive, this popular hike is essential for anyone visiting Banff National Park.
11. Johnston Canyon & the Inkpots, Alberta
Most popular Canadian hike
5km (3.2 miles) round trip; 3–4 hours, easy to slightly challenging
This crowded yet breathtaking trail features impressive waterfalls and scenic views that keep hikers coming back for more throughout the year.
12. Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia
Best overnight hike
25km (15.5 miles) one way; 2 days, moderate
With five trailheads and scenic vistas, Garibaldi Provincial Park is a hiker’s dream. Ensure to check conditions and plan for safety in this stunning natural environment.
13. Wild Pacific Trail, British Columbia
Most informative hike
10km (6.2 miles) round trip; 3–4 hours, easy to moderate
This trail runs along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and access to rich ecological and historical information along its path.
14. Kinney Lake & Berg Lake Trails, British Columbia
Best scenic hike
4.5km (2.8 miles) one way; 2½ hours, easy
This picturesque hiking route provides stunning views of Kinney Lake, along with access to the more challenging Berg Lake Trail for seasoned hikers.
15. Canol Heritage Trail, Northwest Territories
Best multi-week hike
358km (222 miles) one way; 3–4 weeks, challenging
This long and isolated trail offers a true wilderness adventure perfect for experienced trekkers looking for remote landscapes and wildlife encounters.
16. Grizzly Lake Trail, Yukon
Best hike for major adventure
11km (6.8 miles) round trip; 6 hours, challenging
Accessible via the Dempster Highway, Grizzly Lake Trail provides stunning views and is ideal for those seeking an adventurous day trip in the heart of nature.
