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
Grassy Knoll (T2 Peak)
The hike up to Grassy Knoll (T2 Peak) is a quick 2.6 km out-and-back hiking route at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort that will take you up a short and scenic ridge to the summit. From here, you will have sensational views overlooking Golden and the surrounding area, including the Columbia Wetlands and the rugged Purcell Mountains. While the views on this hike seem as though they belong to some difficult-to-reach peak, the route up to Grassy Knoll is accessible and should not pose a problem to beginner hikers.
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Astotin Lake Lakeshore Trail
The Astotin Lake Lakeshore Trail is an out-and-back route that leaves directly from the Astotin Lake Campground in the heart of Elk Island Park. It is great for all abilities, and groups can choose to turn back at any time to shorten the overall distance. You will get great views of the lake and its many islands, including the notable Long Island.
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Lizard Lake Trail
The Lizard Lake Trail is a 6.8 km out-and-back hiking route near Fernie, BC, that climbs uphill through the subalpine terrain to reach the stunning shores of the unsurprisingly lizardless lake. Although fairly overgrown, this trail is also well-trodden and distinctive enough to make navigation easy, even for casual hikers. Remember to bring bear spray and travel in groups as grizzly bear sightings are frequent along this trail.
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Horseshoe Canyon Loop Trail
Hiking the 3.9 km loop that makes up the Horseshoe Canyon Trail is the best way to see Horseshoe Canyon Provincial Park. This trail is the highlight of the area, and even though it is highly popular, it is worth a visit. You’ll feel like you have been whisked away to another planet when you catch a glimpse of the incredible canyon.
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Cameron Heights Loop
Hiking the Cameron Heights Loop trail is a great way to spend a few hours in the city. The park is full of forested areas and clearings with great views. There are multiple starting areas and intersecting trails, which makes this a great trail to make your own. Choose your own adventure on this family-friendly trail.
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Lussier Hot Springs
The trail to the Lussier Hot Springs is a short 0.5 km hiking route within Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park that will take you down a gently-graded path to reach a series of relaxing thermal pools. Along the trail, you will be surrounded by a beautiful forest landscape that is only amplified when you reach the pools that are nestled along the edge of the Lussier River. This route isn’t so much a hiking trail, as it is a means to access the restorative properties of the hot springs.
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Fat Dog Trail
The Fat Dog Trail is a 14.8 km out-and-back route in E.C. Manning Provincial Park that is open for winter access only, operating from December-March. Because of this, the route is popular with snowshoers and cross country skiers, but can also be utilized by hikers depending on trail conditions. This amazing trail is a great option to get out into the scenic winter landscape of the park and enjoy majestic views of nearby mountains.
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Panorama Mountain Village Trail
The Panorama Mountain Village Trail is a 6.4 km hiking loop at the top of Panorama Mountain Resort near Invermere, BC, that will expose you to seriously scenic views that look out over the rugged subalpine landscape. With moderate changes in elevation and relatively easy terrain, both casual and experienced hikers will be able to utilize the trail and admire the sights of the neighbouring mountains of the Purcell Range. To reach the trailhead, hikers will need to either travel up the mountain by foot or utilize the Mile 1 chairlift.
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Enderby Cliffs Trail
The Enderby Cliffs Trail is an incredible hike in the Okanagan Valley! It's a fantastic half-day excursion, so pack a lot of water and snacks. especially if you're hiking in the summer heat. Get ready to wind up a steady elevation gain until you stand atop soaring cliffs. Here, you'll get a chance to walk along the ridge, providing ample opportunity to admire the views of the Shuswap River, twisting between layers of green in the valley below.
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Elk Falls Loop Trail
The Elk Falls Loop Trail is a 1.4 km lollipop hiking route in Campbell River, BC that takes you through Elk Falls Provincial Park for some amazing views over the plunging falls. Along the trail, hikers will pass through a gorgeous stretch of forest along the edge of the rushing Campbell River before arriving at a viewpoint where you can witness the violent water dropping 25 m into the moss-covered canyon below. With easy to navigate trails that are well-maintained and beautifully scenic views, this is a family-friendly adventure that everyone will be sure to love.
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Englishman River Falls Trail
If you are looking for a quick and easy hiking route with amazing views near Nanaimo, then the Englishman River Falls Trail is the perfect option for a fun day of adventuring. The trail winds through the dense forests of Englishman River Falls Provincial Park and visits the rushing waters of both the upper and lower waterfalls. With well-maintained trails and an easy to navigate route, this is a fantastic hike that is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
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Helmcken Falls
Hiking to Helmcken Falls is a quick adventure that will take you along a 1.0 km lollipop route to a viewpoint overlooking the falls. Along the trail, you will pass through a lovely forest setting and experience some amazing views looking out across the gorge to the western escarpment of the Murtle Plateau and the torrenting water of Helmcken Falls. This trail features easily traversable terrain and is well-suited for hikers of all skill levels.
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Hole in the Wall
The Hole in the Wall Trail is a 1.3 km out-and-back hiking route just outside of Port Alberni, BC, that allows hikers to explore a wonderful creekside landscape within a beautiful stretch of West Coast temperate rainforest. Along the short trail, you will be able to relax as you stroll through the peaceful atmosphere of the forest and visit the cascading waterfall that passes through the Hole in the Wall, as well as a tranquil spot along the creek that is adorned with rock cairns. Many people drive by this magical spot everyday to access other areas on the island without even knowing what they have missed, so make sure to stop in the next time you are in the Port Alberni area for a bit of fun exploration.
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Mono Cliffs Trail
The Mono Cliffs Trail is an extremely popular hiking route in southern Ontario, due to its dramatic rock formations, beautiful scenery, and relatively easy access from Toronto. This route eschews the main entrance and parking area for roadside parking along 2nd Line, entering into the forest to follow an undulating trail through the tree cover that features the large sections of rock escarpment that gives the park its name. Well-marked and maintained, this route is perfect for exploring the outdoors with the family.
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Humber River Recreation Trail
This stretch of the Humber River Recreation Trail is an 8.2 km out-and-back route that will take you from Etienne Brulé Park near the Old Mill, to the James Gardens and back. While out on the trail, you will walk along the forested edge of the river and take in some lovely views across the water. This beautiful route is popular with cyclists and walkers as a means to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
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Lake Magog Campground to the Niblet Hike
The trail from the Lake Magog Campground to the Niblet is a fairly easy and beautifully scenic hike that will reveal some panoramic views of the surrounding forests, mountains, and lakes of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. While out on the trail, you will hike past several lakes and traverse some tranquil woodland terrain before experiencing unforgettable views of Mount Assiniboine from the Niblet. This is a fantastic hike requiring very little effort for a great payoff.
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Smuggler Cove
The trail to Smuggler Cove is a 3.7 km lollipop hiking route that will take you through the forests of Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park to arrive at a viewpoint overlooking the coast. Along the trail, you will experience a charming forest setting with a wooden boardwalk and breathtaking views across the Strait of Georgia. With relatively easy terrain and picturesque scenery, this scenic hike is sure to be a family favourite where you can create lasting memories on the Sunshine Coast.
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Track and Tower Trail
Hiking the Track and Tower Trail is a great adventure in Algonquin Provincial Park that showcases the natural beauty and diverse wildlife in the area. While out on the trail, you will hike through the beautiful woodland landscape and take in stunning views of waterfalls, powerful rivers, and scenic lakes, with a good chance of spotting the blackbears and moose that inhabit the area. This route isn’t overly difficult, yet it still features a good variety of terrain, making it a suitable adventure for beginner and experienced hikers alike.
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Decew Falls Loop
The Decew Falls Loop is a quick and easy adventure near St. Catherines that features some amazing natural and historic elements, making it appealing to a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way past the site of an old 19th Century grain mill before looping through a serene stretch of forest to visit Decew Falls. Whether you decide to try this hike for the waterfall, the history, or the chance to just reconnect with nature, there is no shortage of fun to be had on the Decew Falls Loop.
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Stake Lake Cartwheel Trail
The Stake Lake Cartwheel Trail is a 2.6 km hiking circuit within McConnell Lake Provincial Park that will take you along the edge of a beautiful woodland lake for some scenic views looking out across the water. Along the trail, you will experience an amazing forest setting of mature trees, as well as charming stretches of grassland meadows that feature wildflowers in the summer months. With flat terrain and gorgeous views, this is a quick hike that can be enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts of any skill level.