Canada is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking hiking landscapes, stretching from coastal cliffs to glacier-carved valleys and quiet boreal forests. While many popular trails draw crowds each season, there are still lesser-known routes that passionate hikers guard closely. These hidden paths offer solitude, raw natural beauty, and the thrill of discovery away from busy tourist destinations. Here are the 21 hiking routes locals pretend do not exist.
Hidden Lake Trail, Banff National Park, Alberta
Hidden Lake Trail is one of Alberta’s best-kept secrets, offering an alpine experience without the overwhelming crowds typical of Banff’s most famous paths. This route leads hikers through meadows filled with wildflowers in summer and offers unobstructed views of snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake. Despite its beauty, many locals avoid advertising it to keep the foot traffic low and preserve the serenity of the landscape. The trail’s quiet atmosphere allows hikers to spot wildlife, including mountain goats and grizzlies in the distance. For those seeking a lesser-known alpine escape with unforgettable scenery, this trail is worth discovering.
Lynn Loop Trail, North Vancouver, British Columbia
Lynn Loop Trail is a quiet escape tucked inside Lynn Headwaters Regional Park in North Vancouver. While the area is popular, the loop itself is often overlooked as visitors head to more famous destinations such as Lynn Canyon. The route winds through mossy forests, cedar-lined pathways, and peaceful creeks, delivering a classic West Coast rainforest experience without heavy traffic. Locals enjoy this trail year-round, especially after rainfall when the forest glistens and the air feels fresh. Although relatively easy, the loop offers rewarding viewpoints and a steady climb. It remains a favourite hidden spot for those looking to reconnect with nature.
Crypt Lake Hidden Access Route, Waterton Lakes, Alberta
Crypt Lake Hidden Access Route is known as one of Canada’s most thrilling and secluded hikes. The journey begins with a short boat ride across Waterton Lake, followed by a steep ascent through rugged terrain featuring ladders, tunnels, and cliff-edge pathways secured by cables. While the main route is known, the quieter access paths and off-peak times keep crowds minimal, making the adventure feel remote and dramatic. The reward is a pristine alpine lake surrounded by towering cliffs and crystal-clear water. This route is not advertised widely by locals who enjoy keeping it mysterious and less accessible to casual visitors.
Tin Hat Mountain Section, Sunshine Coast Trail, British Columbia
The Tin Hat Mountain section of the Sunshine Coast Trail offers one of the most stunning panoramic viewpoints in British Columbia. Although the larger trail system is well known to backpackers, this particular summit remains a secret gem cherished by locals. The hike climbs steadily through dense forest before opening to sweeping views of surrounding lakes, mountains, and islands of the Sunshine Coast. At the top, an iconic overnight hut allows hikers to experience spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Its remote access and challenging climb keep visitor numbers low, giving it a peaceful, off-grid feel perfect for true adventure seekers.
Grizzly Lake Trail, Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon
Grizzly Lake Trail is one of the Yukon’s most breathtaking and least-advertised hiking experiences. Set within the dramatic Tombstone mountain range, the trail leads into a landscape of sharp granite peaks, expansive tundra, and vibrant fall colours that attract experienced hikers seeking solitude. The steep and technical route makes it a remote journey that many locals quietly protect from becoming overrun. Campers who reach the lake enjoy unmatched silence and clear reflections of jagged mountains in glass-like waters. This trail captures the raw northern wilderness spirit and remains a treasured hidden escape for those willing to take on its challenges.
Grassi Lakes Back Route, Canmore, Alberta
While the front route to Grassi Lakes is widely known and busy, the back route remains a lesser-used path with far more rewarding scenery. It climbs steeply through forested switchbacks with stunning viewpoints overlooking Canmore and the Bow Valley. The payoff is stunning turquoise lakes surrounded by rugged rock walls popular with climbers. Locals often keep quiet about the back route to avoid encouraging overcrowding and to preserve its peaceful atmosphere. It offers a true mountain feel without requiring full backcountry commitment. For visitors willing to take the scenic climb, the experience is vastly superior to the standard approach.
Grey Owl’s Cabin Trail, Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
Grey Owl’s Cabin Trail is a peaceful yet historically rich hiking experience deep within Prince Albert National Park. This trail leads hikers through quiet boreal forest, scenic lakeshores, and wildlife-filled wetlands before arriving at the rustic log cabin once home to famous conservationist Grey Owl. While the site holds national significance, many locals avoid promoting it heavily to preserve its tranquil character. The journey can be long but rewarding, offering true immersion in nature without tourist crowds. The cabin itself stands as a reminder of early environmental protection efforts in Canada, making this trail both meaningful and beautifully remote.
Blueberry Mountain Lookout, Peace River, Alberta
Blueberry Mountain Lookout is a hidden local treasure that rewards hikers with sweeping panoramic views of the Peace River Valley. Despite its name, it’s more of a hill than a mountain, making it accessible for a wide range of hikers while still providing a dramatic summit experience. Locals cherish this trail for its vibrant wildflowers in spring and its peaceful atmosphere year-round. It’s rarely mentioned in mainstream travel guides, helping keep traffic light and the viewpoint serene. The lookout is perfect for sunset hikes, photography, and quiet reflection, offering one of Alberta’s most underrated scenic vantage points.
Cape Split Backcountry Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cape Split Backcountry Trail is a breathtaking coastal hike delivering dramatic cliffside views of the Bay of Fundy’s world-famous tides. Although the main route is well known, hidden access points and lesser-travelled loops remain off the radar for many visitors, which locals prefer to keep quiet. The journey winds through dense Acadian forest before opening to expansive grassy bluffs overlooking churning water far below. The isolation makes wildlife sightings common and enhances the feeling of discovering a secret natural wonder. With huge ocean views and constant wind-swept drama, this trail is a must for adventure-loving hikers.
Mount Carleton Summit Route, New Brunswick
Mount Carleton Summit Route leads to the highest peak in the Maritime provinces, yet it remains surprisingly uncrowded. Located in Mount Carleton Provincial Park, the trail climbs through thick forests and rocky pathways before opening to a summit with incredible views that stretch across multiple provinces on clear days. Despite its significance, locals rarely promote the trail beyond small hiking circles, helping preserve the quiet wilderness atmosphere. The summit’s fire tower and rugged terrain give the hike a remote and rewarding feel. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking challenge, natural beauty, and maritime mountain culture.
Gunflint Lake Border Trail, Thunder Bay Region, Ontario
Gunflint Lake Border Trail is a remote and rugged hiking experience that traces the edge of the Ontario–Minnesota border. Known mostly to seasoned backcountry hikers, this route runs through serene forest and rocky ridge lines with sweeping views of interconnected lakes. The trail is an ideal escape for those looking for solitude away from popular provincial park paths. Wildlife sightings are common, and the area’s canoeing history adds extra depth to the experience. Its remote location and lack of major promotion help keep crowds minimal, preserving the area’s quiet and untouched character that locals deeply value.
Cup and Saucer Adventure Route, Manitoulin Island, Ontario
The Cup and Saucer Adventure Route is an exhilarating extension of the iconic Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island. While the main trail attracts visitors, the lesser-known adventure route adds hidden ladders, narrow cliffside passages, and stunning viewpoints that many travelers never discover. Locals often keep the route quiet to maintain its rugged feel and prevent overcrowding. The trail showcases dramatic Escarpment rock formations and panoramic views of rolling forest below, especially stunning during autumn. For hikers seeking a thrilling challenge off the beaten path, this route delivers a unique and unforgettable Manitoulin Island experience.
Pine Point Rapids Trail, Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba
Pine Point Rapids Trail is a peaceful hiking route tucked inside Whiteshell Provincial Park in Manitoba. The trail winds through dense forest and rocky terrain before opening to powerful rapids along the Whiteshell River. Many locals keep quiet about this spot to preserve its calm atmosphere, especially during peak seasons. Several viewpoints allow hikers to sit beside the rushing water and enjoy the sound of the rapids without large crowds. The trail is well marked but still feels remote and untouched. It offers a quiet escape that stays off the radar for most tourists visiting the region.
Sugarloaf Path, East Coast Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador
Sugarloaf Path is one of the lesser-publicized sections of the East Coast Trail near St. John’s. It features dramatic coastal cliffs, rugged pathways, and sweeping ocean views that are breathtaking in any season. The route is challenging and steep in places, which makes it ideal for experienced hikers who prefer quiet terrain. Locals enjoy keeping it low profile to protect the untouched natural beauty. The views of icebergs and seabirds during spring migrations add even more appeal. Although the scenery rivals world-famous hikes, Sugarloaf Path remains a treasured local secret for those willing to tackle the climb.
Green Gardens Coastal Trail, Gros Morne, Newfoundland
Green Gardens Coastal Trail in Gros Morne National Park offers one of the most unique hiking environments in Atlantic Canada. The route travels from barren volcanic rock landscape to lush coastal meadows and dramatic sea cliffs. Many tourists focus on the park’s bigger attractions, leaving this trail quieter and more secluded. Hidden coves, sea stacks, and sweeping beaches reward hikers who take the time to explore the full distance. Sheep graze along the coastline, adding a pastoral charm rarely seen elsewhere. Green Gardens remains a favourite among locals who appreciate its peaceful location and stunning geological diversity.
Skyline Extended Ridge Route, Jasper National Park, Alberta
Skyline Trail is famous, but the extended ridge route is a quieter offshoot that many hikers do not know exists. This variation offers higher elevation sections with incredible views of the Rocky Mountains and wide open sky. The trail avoids the more crowded parts of Jasper National Park, giving hikers room to enjoy the alpine landscape in silence. Weather can change quickly, adding a sense of adventure without heavy foot traffic. Wildlife sightings such as mountain goats and elk are common. The ridge route feels remote and challenging, keeping it a prized route for those in the know.
Mount Arrowsmith Unmarked Alpine Route, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Mount Arrowsmith’s unmarked alpine route is a rugged backcountry experience known mostly to dedicated Vancouver Island hikers. The trail is not officially marked, which keeps it quiet and prevents large groups from crowding the mountain. The climb rewards determined hikers with panoramic views stretching from coastal shorelines to neighbouring mountain ranges. Scrambling is required in places, adding an exciting technical challenge. Locals appreciate how untouched and wild the area feels compared to popular island trails. The summit offers one of the most rewarding viewpoints on the island, making this route a hidden gem for adventurous hikers.
Turtle Mountain Summit Trail, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
Turtle Mountain Summit Trail is known quietly among Alberta hikers for its dramatic views and powerful history. The trail climbs steeply to a ridge overlooking the Frank Slide, the site of the 1903 rockslide that remains one of Canada’s most tragic natural disasters. The route provides striking views of the valley, rugged rock formations, and surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks. Although it offers some of the most impressive scenery in the region, many locals avoid advertising it widely because of its steep exposure and challenging sections. Those who reach the summit experience a remarkable and less-traveled perspective of the Crowsnest Pass.
Auriol Trail Loop, Kluane National Park, Yukon
Auriol Trail Loop in Kluane National Park is a quiet treasure that many Yukon adventurers prefer to keep off the public radar. The trail makes a scenic loop through alpine meadows, dense forests, and open ridges with sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Wildlife sightings such as caribou and Dall sheep are common. Even though the route provides big mountain scenery similar to world-famous hiking destinations, it remains peaceful and uncrowded. Locals enjoy the escape into untouched wilderness and the ability to spend a full day immersing themselves in the outdoors without meeting many other hikers.
Mount Nemo Side Escarpment Trail, Burlington, Ontario
Mount Nemo’s side escarpment trail offers a lesser-known alternative to the busier main paths along the Niagara Escarpment. This hidden route follows rugged limestone ledges and forested stretches that provide incredible viewpoints overlooking sprawling farmland and Lake Ontario. Rock climbers frequent the area, but day hikers often overlook the side trail, leaving it quiet and naturally preserved. The route includes narrow cliffside sections that require careful footing and reward hikers with secluded lookout points. Mount Nemo remains a favourite among locals who want the escarpment experience without the crowds common at more popular conservation areas.
Bald Hill Lookout Route, Golden Ears Provincial Park, British Columbia
Bald Hill Lookout Route is a quietly celebrated trail in Golden Ears Provincial Park that many locals prefer not to publicize widely. The climb is steep and demanding, which helps keep visitor numbers low. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Alouette Lake, surrounding peaks, and vast coastal forest. The peaceful summit clearing makes it perfect for reflection and photography. Most tourists stick to the lake trails, leaving Bald Hill to dedicated hikers who appreciate the challenge. Its remote feel and sweeping views make it a cherished hidden route in the Lower Mainland.
22 Groceries to Grab Now—Before another Price Shock Hits Canada
Food prices in Canada have been steadily climbing, and another spike could make your grocery bill feel like a mortgage payment. According to Statistics Canada, food inflation remains about 3.7% higher than last year, with essentials like bread, dairy, and fresh produce leading the surge. Some items are expected to rise even further due to transportation costs, droughts, and import tariffs. Here are 22 groceries to grab now before another price shock hits Canada.
22 Groceries to Grab Now—Before another Price Shock Hits Canada
