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
Gwillim Lakes
The Gwillim Lakes Hike is a beautiful hike with a large backcountry campsite located at the top. You can also hike past Gwillim Lakes and explore Lucifer Pass over a full weekend. Passing by many impressive lakes cradled by mountain peaks the whole way up, mirrored pools and flowers a plenty, the Gwillim Lakes hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Valhallas.
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Pocaterra Ridge Hike
This wonderful hike along Pocaterra Ridge is a stunner! A challenging hike, but with spectacular views, we love hiking Pocaterra Ridge in autumn with the beautiful fall colours. Pocaterra Ridge is known as one of the best places to hike among the autumn larch trees in Alberta.
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Lake McArthur
The hike to Lake McArthur is a gem. This is another walk in the Lake O’Hara region, so access is limited by Parks Canada. Lake McArthur is an awe-inspiring hike that you should absolutely put on your hiking bucket list.
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Mount Strachan
Mount Strachan is a wonderful hike in West Vancouver, offering quiet trails and stunning panoramic views of Howe Sound.
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Quarry Lake
A hike around Quarry Lake is one of Canmore’s hidden gems. Not only is Quarry Lake a great place to swim, but a family hike around Quarry Lake and the surrounding area delights with wonderful views. Quarry Lake is also a popular off-leash dog-park.
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Lineham Falls
The Lineham Falls hike is an awesome Waterton activity. The trail passes along a bubbling creak and offers sweeping mountain views. This hike courses through an avalanche path and culminates in a beautiful waterfall view. The best part of the hike is the real possibility that you may have the trail to yourself.
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Kindersley-Sinclair Loop
The Kindersley-Sinclair Loop hike is a classic hike in Kootenay National Park. This is a beautiful hike that takes you through several different landscapes in Kootenay National Park. From meadows of beautiful wildflowers to sprawling vistas of the surrounding peaks, as well as dense forest this hike has it all. The Kindersley Sinclair Loop is a perfect day hike in Kootenay National Park.
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Rummel Pass
The hike to Rummel Pass is spectacular, and not nearly as popular as it should be. While hiking to Rummel Lake is a Kananaskis classic, pushing to Rummel Pass is completely worth it, offering interesting terrain and stunning views from Rummel Pass.
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Athabasca Falls
A walk along Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park is a great family-friendly hike. See one of the most powerful and spectacular waterfalls in Jasper as well as get great views along the Athabasca River.
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Edith and Cory Pass Circuit
This incredible hike through Edith and Cory Passes is the most varied hike close to Banff. This circuit takes in a number of different micro ecosystems – from a steep and dry ridge, to an arid pass, back through a lush forest. Be aware of some modest scrambling sections (both up and down) on the approach to Cory Pass.
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Elk River Trail
The hike along the Elk River Trail to Landslide Lake is a classic Strathcona Provincial Park hike. You can choose to hike the Elk River trail as a day hike or weekend backpacking adventure. Remaining relatively level along a well-maintained trail makes the trek out to see the stunning Mt. Colonel Foster all the easier.
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Wedgemount Lake Hike
The Wedgemount Lake hike is reminiscent of the “Stairmaster” at the gym, as you gain over 1,350 m in just 8.0 km. Trust us, though, that the unbelievable views of the turquoise Wedgemount Lake are too stunning to describe, and make the hike well worthwhile in Whistler.
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Lake Agnes Tea House
The Lake Agnes Tea House hike is an enjoyable trip up to a charming lake with a lovely little tea house. From the tea house, there are options for what to do, such as hiking up to the Little Beehive, contouring around Lake Agnes, or simply just enjoy the picturesque scenery with a cup of tea.
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Vision Quest Ridge Trail
The Vision Quest Ridge hike near David Thompson Hwy is a short challenging hike. The trail up is quite steep, but the views once you go above the treeline are breathtaking! This trail also leads to the site that is believed to have held a spiritual meaning to former inhabitants of the surrounding areas.
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Semaphore Lakes Trail
Hike along the Semaphore Lakes Trail to experience the serenity of tranquil alpine lakes and rugged mountain views. This 5.8 km out-and-back hiking route is only moderate in difficulty and has a slight elevation gain as you climb gently through the forest towards the series of beautiful lakes. Once there, you’ll have views of the Face and Locomotive mountains, with the Train Glacier nestled in between. This is a great half-day hike that is a little off-the-beaten-path.
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Hicks Lake Trail
The Hicks Lake Trail is an easy 6.6 km loop trail in Sasquatch Provincial Park that takes you around the edge of a beautiful lake. Along the trail you will pass through lovely stretches of forest and cross over the many streams that feed into the lake. The easy terrain and nice views make this a great hike for families and casual hikers.
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Long Beach
The Long Beach Trail is an 8.2 km out-and-back route that is more of a walk along the beach than a true hike. Make your way along the white sandy beach as you take in the coastal atmosphere and gaze out into the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean before arriving at the rocky outcrop of Green Point. This route is a perfect way to get out and explore the beautiful coastal landscape around Tofino.
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Glacier Crest Trail
The Glacier Crest Trail is a 12.7 km out-and-back hiking route in Glacier National Park that offers awesome views over the rugged mountains and the nearby Illecillewaet Glacier. Hike up the steep incline and winding switchbacks along the trail to arrive at the pole marking the end of the trail, from which point a further 100m trek will bring you to an amazing vantage point over the glacier. This trail is both a great workout and an opportunity to experience some beautiful BC terrain.
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Wood Bison Trail
The Wood Bison Trail is true to its name and offers the only chance to spot wood bison in the national park. It is a 15.9 km circuit that is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The trail circles around the plains reaching Flyingshot Lake which offers memorable views of the surrounding area. This hike is a must-do for wildlife viewing.
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Three Sisters Trail
The Three Sisters Trail is a 21.1 km out-and-back hiking route near Fernie, BC, that will take you through beautiful alpine meadows and over rocky terrain to reach the summit. This challenging trail will provide phenomenal views over the mountainous terrain, including nearby peaks such as Mount Bisaro, Mount Proctor, and Mount Fernie. This is a tough climb, so make sure to come prepared with all the necessary equipment for a day in the mountains.