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
North Cooking Lake Trail
The out-and-back trip on the North Cooking Lake features a quaint lake that is located just outside of Elk Island National Park. If you are passing through the area, this is a great option to stop for some fresh air. The trail is easy to follow and manageable for all abilities.
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Mount Fernie Trail
The Mount Fernie Trail is a 7.6 km out-and-back hiking route that will take you along a forested route up the mountain to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Elk Valley. This steep trail is well-maintained for most of the route, with the last portion being a bit more rugged and requiring some light scrambling. Although challenging, this hike is a great option for casual hikers looking to build up their experience for longer and more difficult routes.
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Whitemud Park Trail
The Whitemud Park Trail is a great route in the middle of a diverse recreation area. The park itself occupies a space between a popular campground and the North Saskatchewan River making for an excellent hiking option within city limits. The trail starts just off Fox Drive and follows a lollipop route down to the Rainbow Valley Campground and back.
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Fish Lake
The trek to Fish Lake follows a 12.6 km out-and-back hiking route that will allow you to experience the impressive scenery within Top of the World Provincial Park. The route travels south through a dense stretch of forest that runs closely alongside the Lussier River before arriving at the calm waters of Fish Lake. Once there, you will be surrounded by an amazingly serene atmosphere with views of Mount Doolan and the peaks of Mount Dingley.
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Apple Pie Loop
The Apple Pie Loop is a 7.1 km hiking route in Invermere that forms a circuit within a dense network of multi-use trails in the area. This route will have you climbing gently uphill to reach a scenic lookout with views over the valley and Windermere Lake, with the Swansea and Four Points mountains in behind. Make sure to bring a GPS or trail map to stay on the correct course during your hike.
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Myra Canyon Trail
Myra Canyon Trail, located in Myra Bellevue Provincial Park, just over 30 minutes from Kelowna, BC, is an easy-going hike, tailor-made for families, mountain bikers, along with hikers seeking a relatively flat but long route. You can create your own itinerary by turning around whenever you want, which is what makes this a kid-friendly walk! However, those craving hours and hours in nature will fall in love with tunnels, trestles, wildflowers, and Okanagan Valley views painted across this hike.
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Ripple Rock Trail
The Ripple Rock Trail is an 8.0 km out-and-back hiking route near Campbell River, BC that will take you out to a scenic lookout with views of Menzies Bay and the Seymour Narrows. In addition to featuring breathtaking scenery, this is also the historic site of one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, when the Canadian government reshaped the waterway to make it safer for ships to pass. Whether you are hiking the trail for the views or the history, the well-maintained and easy to navigate trails are sure to make this a pleasant hike for every member of your party.
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Dawson Falls
The trek to Dawson Falls is a short 1.4 km out-and-back trail that will take you to two separate viewpoints from which you can view this scenic waterfall. The trail meanders through a wonderful forest setting along the edge of the Murtle River until you arrive at the vantage point overlooking the horseshoe-shaped waterfall that is reminiscent of a miniature Niagara Falls. With a short overall distance, well-maintained trails, and breathtaking views; this trail is a perfect way to start your adventure in Wells Gray Provincial Park.
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Westwood Lake Trail
The Westwood Lake Trail is a 5.8 km hiking circuit west of Nanaimo, BC that will lead you around the edge of this stunning woodland lake for a fun, family-friendly adventure. Along the trail, you will experience a peaceful forest setting and have access to some amazing views that stretch out across the calm lake and the surrounding woodland landscape. This trail is perfect for a quick outdoor getaway to reconnect with nature without needing to leave the city.
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Nile Creek Trail
The Nile Creek Trail is a 10.0 km out-and-back hiking route near Port Alberni, BC, that travels uphill alongside Nile Creek to visit several stunning waterfalls. Along the trail, hikers will experience a breathtaking temperate rainforest setting that is packed full of vibrant green vegetation on the way to the cascading falls that have an almost mystical feel in the atmosphere of the dense forest. The trail follows a fairly gradual incline for the majority of the route until you begin to approach the falls, where the trail will steepen; however, it is still manageable for casual hikers
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Marvel Lake Trail
The Marvel Lake Trail is a scenic adventure that will take you between two camping sites within Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. While out on the trail, you will hike past several charming lakes and traverse the rugged terrain of Wonder Pass, enjoying the beautiful views of the park as you cross over the British Columbia-Alberta border. This is a point-to-point trail, so make sure you plan on staying overnight at the Marvel Lake Campground or else you will be in for a very long 30.0 km day on the trails!
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Mount Gardner Loop Trail
The Mount Gardner Loop Trail is a 9.7 km lollipop hiking circuit on Bowen Island that will take you up to a wooden viewing platform at the summit. From there, you will have a sweeping view that stretches west to Vancouver Island and east across the North Shore Mountains and the city of Vancouver. This is a fairly easy trail; however, it is poorly marked in places, meaning that you will need to bring a GPS or a good trail map to stay on the correct route.
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Hemlock Bluff Trail
The Hemlock Bluff Trail is a quick and easy hiking route in Algonquin Provincial Park that will see you traverse a good variety of terrain along its short length, including a beautiful stretch of mixed forest. While out on the trail, you will make your way through a tranquil woodland setting in a clockwise direction before enjoying some amazing views overlooking the calm surface of Jack Lake. With easy-to-navigate paths and beautiful scenery - including the chance to spot wildlife - this route is perfectly suited for a fun family hike in Algonquin.
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Eugenia Falls and Hoggs Falls Loop Hike
The Eugenia Falls and Hoggs Falls Loop is an amazing gem of a hike in Ontario that will take you through the Beaver Valley to visit two stunning waterfalls. This 12.6 km trail sets out from the quaint hamlet of Eugenia, the home of a would-be gold rush in 1852, and travels along the Boyne River for scenic woodland views and the chance to swim below Hoggs Falls. With easy-to-navigate terrain and beautiful views, this route is perfectly suited for both casual and experienced hikers alike.
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East Don Parkland Trail
Hiking the East Don Parkland Trail is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring a small slice of nature in the heart of North York. While out on the trail, you will follow along a well-maintained path along the banks of the East Don River, crossing over it at several points by means of a series of charming bridges. With almost no elevation gains present throughout the trail, this route is perfectly suited for hikers of almost every skill level. While the paths are largely paved, there may be a few sections of gravel that could slow travel for those with wheelchairs or strollers.
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Canterbury, Sherman, and Tiffany Falls Hike
Hiking the Canterbury, Sherman, and Tiffany Falls Trail is a fun, family-friendly experience near Ancaster that will take you along a stretch of the Niagara Escarpment to visit a series of waterfalls. While out exploring the trail, you will make your way through a beautiful stretch of woodland terrain, before visiting the Canterbury, Sherman, and Tiffany waterfalls. This hiking route is a perfect escape for when you need to get away from the city and reconnect with the natural world.
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Lac du Bois Hike
The Lac du Bois Trail follows a 10.3 km out-and-back hiking route in Kamloops, BC, that will allow you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the terrain that makes up the Lac du Bois Grasslands Provincial Park. Along the trail, you will have views of beautiful rolling hills, charming grassland meadows, the picturesque lake, and rugged mountains in the backdrop. In addition to being a family-friendly hike, this trail is also dog-friendly, providing the perfect opportunity for your canine companions to run free through the open grassland terrain.
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Fish Creek and Parkland Ridge
The Fish Creek and Parkland Ridge Hike starts in Canada’s largest urban park, spanning over much of the south side of Calgary. Exploring Fish Creek Park is ideal for a day trip, with gentle trails leading towards Fish Creek. Bring binoculars for spotting wildlife, including beavers, deer, and endemic bird species.
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Crooked Falls
Experience the magical waterfall on the Crooked Falls hike, located in Upper Squamish. Wander through peaceful forests on this challenging hike, then take in the beautiful view of the Sigurd Creek tumbling down the mountain face.
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High Knoll
Head to Minnekhada Regional Park to hike to High Knoll for mesmerizing views and plenty of trails to explore throughout. Pass by marshes split into two sections by a dyke, and teeming with local wildlife
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