Hikes in Canada
Canada is perhaps the ultimate adventure holiday destination, with huge national parks, towering mountain ranges, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and lush forests. If you’re looking for a real experience in the Great Outdoors, Canada certainly won’t disappoint. The world’s second-largest country, Canada has enough awe-inspiring sights to satisfy even the most enthusiastic nature lovers!
Spreading across the top of North America, and extending all the way into the Arctic, Canada is home to an abundance of rare and wonderful wildlife. Travelers here must share the land with a whole host of creatures, including moose, bears, mountain lions, and wild Canadian geese, and if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of some of these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat. Indeed, it’s Canada’s wildness that attracts many visitors – it’s one of the only places in the world where you can really escape from it all and immerse yourself in nature.
Canada’s most popular regions for adventure travel are Alberta and British Columbia, home to the Canadian Rockies and some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Come here for hiking, backpacking, climbing, scrambling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and much more! Whether you want to dip your toes in a crisp alpine lake or trek along some of the most exhilarating ridge walks in the Rockies, there’s something for everyone here.
Canada is so huge, and the possibilities for adventure travel so vast, it can be difficult to know where to start! To help you plan your journey, we’ve put together guides to all the best regions for adventure travel in Alberta and British Columbia. You’ll find activity guides, tour recommendations, and top tips for planning a trip – all you need to do is decide where to go first!
25 Greatest Hikes in Canada
Why not explore the diverse scenery of Nevada on a hiking adventure? With plenty of options to choose from, you can hike through the desert for some peace and tranquility on the Calico Loop Trail, or you can wander the snow capped mountains of Red Rock Canyon National Park.
- Plain of Six Glaciers: This hike remains a classic in Banff National Park, traversing around stunning Lake Louise, past the famed tea house and breathtaking glacier views.
- Golden Ears: Find this popular trail within Golden Ears Provincial Park, as you attempt this two-day long hike through some of the toughest terrain for rewarding views.
- Emerald Basin: This serene trail weaves around an iconic green lake, taking in glaciers, waterfalls and mountainous peaks.
- Opal Hills Hike: This underrated trail is a moderately challenging, but immensely rewarding climb. Follow the path as it undulates up and down through blooming meadows and craggy peaks. This remains one of the best hikes in all of Jasper.
- Peyto Lake: This azure blue lake often makes it to the top of every Rocky Mountain hiking trip itinerary. With stunning views over the entire lake, this family-friendly hike is one you won’t forget anytime soon.
- Crystal Falls: This gentle trail snakes around glistening Upper Coquitlam River for a picturesque hike. Continue through scenic and shaded woodlands before spotting stunning Crystal Falls waterfall off in the distance and canyon pools to cool-off in during the summer months.
- Moraine Lake Hike: Perfect for inexperienced hikers, this quick out and back trail offers lookout points over crystal clear Moraine Lake. Be forewarned though, this trail is incredibly popular so get here early to snag a parking spot!
- Burstall Pass: If you’re looking to hike in Alberta during the fall season, Burstall Pass is the perfect place to spot larches. Those experienced enough to scramble will enjoy the thrill of conquering Snow Peak!
- Paradise Valley Circuit: This is a local favourite hike in the Lake Louise area, where hikers venture past pristine lakes, flowing waterfalls and a challenging scree ascent.
- Kokanee Glacier Cabin: This epic hike makes for a great overnight trip with older children to experience the magic of the Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. Snuggle up in a cabin overnight, then spend the next day exploring the surrounding wildflower fields and wilderness.
- Toe of the Athabasca Glacier: If you’re looking to skip the expensive tours, traverse the Toe of Athabasca Glacier trail to get up close to the icy mammoth for free. The views are amazing and the trail is well-graded and family-friendly, offering fun for all!
- Panorama Ridge Hike: Making for an ideal long day or multi-day hike, this trail will provide ridge views you’ll never forget. Prepare for lots of switchbacks, wildflower fields and alpine meadows on this unforgettable adventure.
- Sarrail Ridge via Rawson Lake: We won’t lie, this hike is quite the challenge, but once you reach Sarrail Ridge, it will all be worth it to look out over the entirety of the Rocky Mountains. This summit should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
- Lake O'Hara All Souls Route: This is one of the standout hikes located directly in the Canadian Rocky Mountains! This circuit trail passes beautiful lakes and amazing views from the ridgeline, all kept pristine by the limited access to the trail.
- Stanley Glacier: Located in Kootenay National Park, there are plenty of pretty spectacular trails to be found, but Stanley Glacier is our favourite for its spectacular views, alpine picnic meadows, cascading waterfalls and of course, the glacier!
- Tent Ridge Horseshoe: One of the most popular hikes in the Kananaskis Country area, this is a can’t miss hike! With multiple peaks, this trail is perfect for hikers who love to scramble, offering rewarding views and even better pictures.
- Tunnel Bluffs: This scenic hike is relatively easy, but rewards with amazing views over Howe Sound and the surrounding islands. It also makes for an ideal spot for a sundowner picnic.
- Mount Loki: Prepare for an incredible challenging feat at Mount Loki, the highest peak seen from the highway between Nelson and Kaslo. This mountain is only to be hiked during the summer season and offers 360 degree views as far as the eye can see.
- Heart Mountain Horseshoe: Get your heart pumping on the aptly named Heart Mountain Horseshoe hike in Canmore. This circuit is not overly difficult, but it does require some technical skill and a bit of scrambling if that’s your thing!
- Upper Myra Falls: For an easy, but beautiful hike in Strathcona Park, check out Upper Myra Falls. With well-paved trails spanning through old growth forest, this stroller-friendly trail makes for a quick, but adventurous day spent in nature.
- Lineham Ridge: This out and back trail should be at the top of your bucket list, snaking through creeks, forests and meadows to bring you to a jaw dropping ridgeline with panoramic views of Rowe Valley, Rowe Lakes, and Lineham Lakes.
- Joffre Lakes: Tucked away just past Pemberton, you’ll find a hike winding past multiple stunning alpine lakes--Joffre Lakes. Find picturesque picnic spots and stunning views of the magnificent Matier Glacier in Whistler.
- Brandywine Falls: For an ideal day hike from Whistler Village, this easy, gentle hike is popular among trail runners and families alike all looking to spot the cascading waterfall.
- Garibaldi Lake: This is a favourite hike in Whistler for its colourful, kool-aid blue lake. With steady switchbacks for most of the trail, this will get your legs burning and heart pumping!
- Citadel Pass: While on a hiking holiday in Banff, the Sunshine Meadows to Citadel Pass trail is not to be missed. Pass by wildflower fields, scenic lakes and eventually panoramic views while enjoying some steep elevation gains.
When is the Best Time to Hike in Canada
Canada is a truly outstanding all-year-round destination with amazing hikes to enjoy regardless of season (yes, even in the winter!). While temperatures are more pleasant in the shoulder seasons, spring and fall, the winter season brings a whole new scenery with snow blanketing the trails. In the summer, hikers can enjoy plenty of lake dips to cool down on hot days and bursting wildflower fields, but trails can be busy and overrun with tourists.
Best Regions to Hike in Canada
There are countless stunning regions to hike in Canada, but we did our best to narrow it down to just a few of our favourites (though it’s always changing!). In Alberta, Banff National Park is a local favourite and for good reason, we never tire of the rockies. Jasper is a bucket list location, with its stunning landscape of lakes, mountains and glaciers. The Kananaskis Trail falls at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies and is a lesser-known region, making it quieter and more serene. Castle Provincial Park is new, but growing in popularity for its fascinating archaeological and historically significant sites. And Waterton Lakes is tucked away where the prairies meet the Rocky Mountains and home to a bit of everything.
Over in British Columbia, Kootenay National Park forms one of seven parks that connects the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Yoho National Park is often overlooked, but is an adventure enthusiasts dream with options for hiking, biking, or skiing. In Whistler, this iconic ski destination offers fantastic training trails and is just a quick drive from Vancouver. Strathcona Provincial Park is tucked away on Vancouver Island remains a bit of a hidden gem, we won’t tell if you won’t! Finally, Vancouver’s North Shore isn’t to be missed, with stunning beach fronts and challenging trails.
Other Activities in Canada
Canada is an adventure paradise, with plenty of activities to choose from, regardless of season or skill level! From XC skiing in Banff National Park, to testing your scrambling skills in Castle Provincial Park, to backpacking through Kootenay National Park, to snowshoeing in the hills of Kananaskis Country, there are plenty of chances to get outdoors and enjoy that crisp Canadian alpine air.
Canada's Adventure Tours
If you’d rather skip the headache of planning your own trip, why not let 10Adventures help? With our wide-range of tours in Canada, all you have to do is pack your bag—the rest is taken care of! From immersing yourself in the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains to paddling the waters of the Yukon, our 10Adventure tour options are guaranteed to be epic and worry-free.
How to Plan a Trip to Canada
Convinced you need to explore the natural beauty of Canada while hiking? We’ve got you covered with our complete guides on planning a trip to plenty of areas across Canada, outlining the best spots for food and a pint (or two), cozy hotels, and fun activities to fill your day. From Squamish, to The West Kootenays, to Kananaskis Country, to Strathcona Provincial Park, to Whistler, to Victoria, to Castle Provincial Park, to Waterton Lakes National Park, to Banff, to Jasper, to Kananaskis Country—we took out all the guesswork, leaving more time for daydreaming.
Hiking regions in Canada
Best Hikes in Canada
Red Rock Canyon Hike and Blakiston Falls
Hiking Red Rock Canyon treats hikers to spectacular layered, red canyon walls, flowing water, and surrounding mountain views. Explore the canyon, dip your feet in the watern and bask in the beauty of the impressive Blakiston Falls hike. This is the best way to introduce you to Waterton Park at a leisurely pace.
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Mt Becher
The hike to Mt Becher is a fantastic half-day in Strathcona Provincial Park. This hike has unbelievable access to the alpine and yields amazing views over to the Comox Glacier and Mt. Albert Edward. The sloping dome of Mt. Becher is the easternmost peak in the park.
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Lady MacDonald Tea House
Hiking to the Lady MacDonald Tea House is a great hike in Canmore, but beware, you won’t get a Tea House, as it was never built. The Lady MacDonald Teahouse Trail gives great views of Canmore and has wonderful views almost the entire way.
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High Note Trail
Save your legs and get whisked to the peak of Whistler Mountain by the gondola and the Peak Chairlift to embark on the High Note Trail. This wonderful walk has stunning views of Garibaldi Provincial Park and Cheakamus Lake and makes for a very memorable hike.
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Allstones Ridge and Lake Hike
Allstones Ridge and Lake hike near David Thompson Highway is a bucket-list trail that leads to the calm Allstones Lake with lots of space for camping and a possibility to hike to the Allstones Peak just nearby. The trail is relatively short, but most of the scramble is quite steep hiking. At around half of the climb to the lake, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains and this view will lead you all the way to the top.
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One Mile Lake Trail
Hiking around One Mile Lake will take you on a 6.9 km trek through the woodlands south of Pemberton. Along the trail, you’ll have scenic views over the charming lake before heading through the forest cover on a loop that will reveal viewpoints overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains. This easy trail is great for families looking to experience the outdoors—just remember to bring bug spray!
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Abby Grind Trail
The Abby Grind Trail is an out-and-back hiking route that climbs a sharp 424 m over a short distance of 3.4 km. While not as difficult as its Vancouver cousin the Grouse Grind, this trail is definitely a great workout on the more challenging side of moderate. From the top of the trail you’ll be able to look out over the Fraser Valley and spot the many mountain peaks that frame the landscape.
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Big Tree Trail
The Big Tree Trail is a 3.2 km hiking loop near Tofino, BC, that will take you through the rainforests of Meares Island to view several massive, ancient trees. The atmosphere along the trail will almost feel magical as you hike along the wooden boardwalk and look out onto the large trees and thick underbrush that blankets the forest floor. This trail is only accessible by boat, so hikers will need to make arrangements to reach the island.
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Rockgarden Trail
The Rockgarden Trail is a quick little hike along the side of Highway 1 in Glacier National Park that features a beautiful stretch of rainforest and a unique boulder field. Thanks to the easy terrain and interesting setting this hike can be utilized by almost anyone, including families and experienced hikers. Walking along this forested trail is a calming experience, and likely a welcome one if you’ve been on the road for a while.
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Astotin Lakeview Trail
From the campground, the Astotin Lakeview trail follows an interpretive route through marshes and beaver ponds to panoramic views of the lake. If you are staying at the campground or stopping for the day, this is a bucket list trail in the area. It is quick and easy to complete and provides excellent views of the lake and its landmark islands.
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Moe’s Canyon Loop
Moe’s Canyon Loop is a 4.7 km lollipop hiking route just west of Kimberley that sets out from the Kimberley Nordic Club and traverses some forested and rocky terrain. You can expect to experience an amazing forest setting with wild berry bushes and some rock falls scattered across the area along the route. Although a tiny bit overgrown, this trail is still accessible for the majority of hikers.
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Beaumaris Lake Trail
The Beaumaris Lake Trail in Edmonton is another short and simple trail in the city. If you find yourself near the park, definitely consider stopping in. It is close to many restaurants and amenities and is easy to access. The trail is a short loop around the park that features a stunning lake.
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Lightning Lake Loop
The Lightning Lake Loop is a scenic woodland hike in E.C. Manning Provincial Park that takes a waterside route to some nice viewpoints over the lake. This 8.5 km loop trail has some easy terrain and small changes in elevation, making it a great day hike option for families to get out and enjoy nature. This trail is the perfect way to take in the beauty of the park without tackling one of its tougher climbs.
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Mount Nelson Trail
The Mount Nelson Trail is a rugged and challenging 10.6 km out-and-back hiking route that travels into the backcountry of the Purcell Mountains and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. The route climbs very steeply uphill before working through a basin and up the scree towards the summit. The final approach will involve some scrambling; however, the panoramic views from the summit are definitely worth the effort.
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Rattlesnake Point Trail
Tack on a short hike to Rattlesnake Point in Kalamalka Provincial Park amid your day at Juniper Bay Beach. The best part about the Rattlesnake Point Trail—other than the exceptional view of the blue-green, glistening Kalamalka Lake—is that it connects to a network of different paths. You can spend hours walking around Kalamalka Provincial Park, stopping at various swim spots as you explore! If you’re looking for a short jaunt to get your legs moving, the Rattlesnake Point Trail is a great stand-alone adventure, too.
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Seal Bay Horse and Bike Loop
The Seal Bay Horse & Bike Loop is an 8.7 km hiking circuit near Courtenay, BC that passes through the temperate rainforest environment that can be found within the Seal Bay Nature Park. While out on this trail, hikers will be able to utilize well-groomed paths that showcase the large, moss-covered trees and variety of other flora within the pristine forest atmosphere. Remember to keep an eye out while on the trail as this route is also used by horseback riders and mountain bike enthusiasts.
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Skutz Falls to 66 Mile Trestle
The Skutz Falls to 66 Mile Trestle trail is a 6.9 km hiking circuit west of Duncan, BC that loops around the Cowichan River to provide views of a beautiful old railway trestle. While out on this hike, you will enjoy a peaceful forest setting with breathtaking views across the rushing water of the river, gushing waterfalls, and of course the mammoth wooden structure of the trestle standing high above the valley floor. Combine this hike with a weekend of camping at the Horseshoe Bend Campsite for a fun multi-day adventure filled with amazing sights and exploration of the trails.
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Trophy Meadows Trail
The Trophy Meadows Trail is a 10.5 km out-and-back hiking route in Wells Gray Provincial Park that will take you uphill through various types of terrain to a viewpoint overlooking Sheila Lake before descending down to its calm shores. Along the trail, you will hike through a beautiful subalpine meadow and traverse a small ridge, where you will have some amazing views of the surrounding mountains. For the moderate amount of effort required, this is a fantastic day-hike from Clearwater that should be on your list.
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Mount Wesley Trail
The journey to the summit of Mount Wesley is a tough uphill hiking route near Port Alberni that will see you traverse a rugged ridge for views overlooking Cameron Lake. While out on the trail, you will climb a series of switchbacks to reach the top of the ridge for some scenic views of the lake before continuing on to reach another lookout at the end of the trail. Make sure to bring bug repellant to stay comfortable on this forested hike.
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Niagara Whirlpool Trail
The Niagara Whirlpool Trail in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is best known for introducing hikers to the spectacular, naturally occurring Niagara Whirlpool. The Whirlpool formed over 4000 years ago and is located in the Niagara Gorge, which unfolds downstream from the world-famous Niagara Falls. The 2.1 km out-and-back trail leads hikers on a steep descent into the plunging depths of the Niagara Gorge, along an undulating trail, toward the Niagara River. Surrounded by beautiful forest scenery, hikers will be beckoned toward the rapids by the sound of the rushing whirlpool, turbulently swirling in the distance.