Canada is full of famous hiking spots, but the real magic often lies in trails known only to locals. These hidden gems offer solitude, breathtaking scenery, and authentic Canadian wilderness experiences away from crowded tourist paths. From rugged mountain trails in British Columbia to serene forest walks in Ontario, these lesser-known hikes let you immerse yourself in nature while discovering the country’s diverse landscapes. Here are 25 hidden hiking trails in Canada only locals know about:
Linda Lake & Cathedral Basin – Yoho National Park, BC
Nestled deep within Yoho National Park, Linda Lake and Cathedral Basin is a serene, lesser-known alpine hike. Accessible via a quiet route from Lake O’Hara, the trail winds through lush forests before opening onto turquoise lakes and dramatic mountain scenery. The hike is moderately challenging, offering a rewarding combination of adventure and tranquility without the crowds of nearby hotspots. Cathedral Basin itself is a picture-perfect destination, with alpine meadows and rock formations ideal for photography or simply soaking in the calm.
Jura Creek – Kananaskis, AB
Located just a short drive from Calgary, Jura Creek offers a rugged hiking experience with a touch of adventure. The trail weaves through a narrow canyon, requiring hikers to scramble over boulders and occasionally cross the creek, leading to a hidden waterfall at the end. It’s a favorite among locals for its off-the-beaten-path charm and sense of discovery. The hike rewards persistence with natural beauty and solitude, making it ideal for those looking to escape crowded parks. Jura Creek’s adventurous terrain makes it a memorable experience for both thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Kolapore Forest – Collingwood, ON
Kolapore Forest, near Collingwood, is a hidden jewel with more than 50 km of trails weaving through mature deciduous forests, scenic meadows, and charming creeks. Less frequented than nearby Blue Mountain trails, it offers hikers peaceful solitude and a strong connection with nature. Highlights include the Metcalfe Creek Side Trail and sections of the Bruce Trail that pass through picturesque gorges and small waterfalls. The forest is also popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.
Massassauga Point – Prince Edward County, ON
Massassauga Point Conservation Area is a hidden gem along the shores of Lake Ontario in Prince Edward County. The 4 km trail takes hikers past quiet beaches, the ruins of a 19th-century hotel, and an old limestone quarry, blending history with nature. The path winds through forested areas and open spaces, offering occasional lake views that feel like a secret escape. Ideal for a peaceful day hike, it’s a favorite among locals seeking tranquility, and the mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue makes Massassauga Point a uniquely charming trail for all skill levels.
Traboulay PoCo Trail – Port Coquitlam, BC
Encircling Port Coquitlam, the Traboulay PoCo Trail stretches 25.3 km through diverse ecosystems, including farmland, riverside paths, and forested areas. This mostly flat and easy trail is ideal for hikers, joggers, and cyclists, offering a full day of exploration without steep climbs. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of the Coquitlam River and glimpses of local wildlife, making it a peaceful, scenic retreat from city life. The trail’s length and accessibility provide flexibility, allowing locals to choose short loops or tackle the full circuit for a rewarding outdoor experience close to Vancouver.
Moul Falls – Wells Gray Provincial Park, BC
Moul Falls is one of the most spectacular hidden waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park, standing 35 meters tall. Hikers follow a quiet trail through lush forests, crossing streams and walking past moss-covered rocks before reaching the cascade. What makes it special is the ability to stand behind the waterfall, feeling the mist and hearing the roar of water, which is a rare experience in Canada. The trail is moderately easy, perfect for families and adventurers alike.
Lynn Valley – North Vancouver, BC
Lynn Valley trails offer a forested retreat close to Vancouver, featuring lush old-growth trees, sparkling streams, and quiet forest paths. Routes like Mount Fromme and St. George’s Trail connect hikers to scenic viewpoints and peaceful clearings away from city crowds. The trails vary in difficulty, from easy strolls to more challenging climbs, making them suitable for all levels, and wildlife sightings and natural beauty abound, especially in spring and summer. For locals, Lynn Valley is a favorite spot to escape busy city life, enjoy fresh air, and soak in the serene coastal forest atmosphere.
Island Lake Conservation Area – Orangeville, ON
Island Lake Conservation Area is a hidden Ontario treasure, featuring trails through forests, wetlands, and along a sprawling lake. The Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail loops 8.3 km around the water, offering serene lake views, abundant birdwatching opportunities, and peaceful forest scenery. Hikers enjoy quiet paths lined with wildflowers, perfect for photography or meditation. This low-traffic trail is ideal for families, bird enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a relaxing day immersed in nature.
North Simcoe Railtrail – Simcoe County, ON
The North Simcoe Railtrail follows the former North Simcoe Railway, stretching over 31 km through forests, wetlands, and historical landmarks. Hikers experience a mix of nature and heritage, passing Fort Willow and the Josephine Ruins along the way. The trail is flat and accessible, suitable for walking, cycling, or winter cross-country skiing. Its low visitor traffic allows for peaceful exploration, and seasonal changes provide dynamic scenery, from autumn foliage to spring blossoms. North
Assiniboine Forest – Winnipeg, MB
Assiniboine Forest is a 700-acre urban forest reserve in Winnipeg, offering peaceful trails through wetlands, woodlands, and meadows. The trail network is perfect for walking, running, or birdwatching while escaping the city’s hustle. Locals treasure the serenity, occasional wildlife sightings, and educational opportunities about the region’s ecosystem, and the well-marked paths ensure hikers of all levels can enjoy a safe, relaxing adventure. The forest provides a rare mix of urban accessibility and natural beauty.
Silver Creek Conservation Area – Halton Hills, ON
Silver Creek Conservation Area spans over 1,000 acres, offering forested trails, riverside paths, and boardwalks. The Bruce Trail passes through, connecting hikers to waterfalls, cliffs, and Niagara Escarpment vistas. Wildlife sightings are common, and seasonal foliage adds dramatic color, particularly in fall. The terrain varies, with gentle slopes and moderate climbs, appealing to beginners and experienced hikers alike. Quiet and under-visited, the area offers an immersive outdoor experience close to Toronto.
Devil’s Pulpit Lookout – Caledon, ON
Devil’s Pulpit Lookout, perched along the Niagara Escarpment, offers a short hike with a big payoff of sweeping views of the surrounding valley and forest. The trail passes through quiet woods, creating a sense of solitude and escape from city life. The lookout is famous for its dramatic cliffs and natural beauty, perfect for photos or simply soaking in the view. Accessible for most fitness levels, the hike is popular among locals seeking a quick nature fix, and the combination of striking scenery and peaceful atmosphere makes Devil’s Pulpit a hidden gem for hikers in Southern Ontario.
Kananaskis Country – Alberta
Kananaskis Country is a vast, less-traveled area in the Rockies, offering multiple hiking options away from the crowds of Banff and Jasper. Trails wind through alpine meadows, dense forests, and rugged mountain landscapes, providing a mix of challenge and peace. Wildlife such as deer, bears, and eagles can be spotted, enhancing the wilderness experience, and hikers appreciate the solitude and natural beauty, whether on short day trips or multi-day adventures. With diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels, Kananaskis Country remains a favorite for locals.
East Coast Trail – Newfoundland and Labrador
The East Coast Trail stretches along Newfoundland’s rugged coastline, offering dramatic sea cliffs, hidden coves, and historic sites. Less frequented by tourists, the trail is perfect for hikers seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes. Paths vary in difficulty, from gentle walks to challenging cliffside hikes, and along the way, hikers encounter lighthouses, shipwreck remnants, and diverse ecosystems, including seabird colonies and wildflowers. Its combination of history, ocean vistas, and isolation makes the East Coast Trail a favorite among locals.
Valley of 1000 Devils – Grasslands National Park, SK
The Valley of 1000 Devils in Saskatchewan showcases hoodoos and unique badlands formations, creating a surreal hiking landscape. The trails are quiet, rarely crowded, offering solitude and dramatic scenery, and the area is ideal for hikers seeking something different, with minimal elevation but stunning geological features. Wildlife such as pronghorn and prairie birds can be spotted, enhancing the experience, while the hikes are moderately easy, suitable for most skill levels. The valley’s unusual terrain and stark beauty make it a memorable adventure.
Moraine Lake Road – Banff National Park, AB
While Moraine Lake itself is popular, the trails along Moraine Lake Road provide quieter, scenic options. Hikers can enjoy panoramic lake and mountain views without dealing with heavy foot traffic, and the trails vary from easy lakeside strolls to moderate climbs offering elevated vistas. Wildlife sightings, including birds and small mammals, are common, and locals prefer these paths for their solitude and natural beauty, making them a perfect escape from the crowded main attractions.
Mount Fromme – North Vancouver, BC
Mount Fromme features a network of forested trails offering stunning city and coastal views while avoiding the crowds of Grouse Mountain. Hikers traverse lush forests, moss-covered rocks, and peaceful streams. Trails vary in difficulty, with options for beginners and experienced hikers alike, while the local hikers enjoy the serenity, wildlife sightings, and well-maintained paths. Fromme is especially popular for those seeking a quick escape into nature without leaving the city. Its combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and quieter atmosphere makes it a hidden treasure for Vancouver locals looking for scenic outdoor adventures.
Assiniboine Provincial Park – Manitoba
Assiniboine Provincial Park offers trails through boreal forests, along pristine lakes, and across rolling hills. It’s less visited than other provincial parks, giving hikers a peaceful, immersive experience. Trails vary from easy lakeside walks to moderate forest climbs, and the local wildlife, including beavers, deer, and birds, adds to the experience. The park is ideal for day hikes, camping trips, and photography. Its quiet trails and beautiful scenery provide a true escape into Manitoba’s natural wilderness, allowing visitors to enjoy serene landscapes away from crowded tourist destinations.
Glen Eden – Milton, ON
Glen Eden trails wind through forests and open meadows, offering peaceful walks away from busy city paths. The area is under-visited, giving hikers solitude and a chance to connect with nature. Wildlife sightings, wildflowers, and serene streams enhance the experience, and the trails are suitable for all fitness levels, making it accessible for families or casual hikers. Local hikers appreciate the quiet, scenic environment, especially in spring and fall.
Wasaga Beach – Ontario
While Wasaga Beach is Canada’s longest freshwater beach, the trails behind the beach are often overlooked. Winding paths through forests and dunes offer a quiet escape from the bustling shoreline, and hikers can enjoy birdwatching, shaded walks, and scenic views of the Nottawasaga River. Trails are mostly easy, suitable for beginners and families, and the local hikers cherish these paths for their peaceful surroundings, natural beauty, and occasional wildlife sightings. Exploring Wasaga Beach’s hidden trails provides a fresh perspective, blending the beach’s charm with forested serenity, making it a unique and underrated destination.
Rattlesnake Point – Milton, ON
Rattlesnake Point features trails along the Niagara Escarpment, providing stunning cliffside views, wildlife sightings, and quiet forest walks. Hikers can explore hardwood forests, meadows, and escarpment overlooks with panoramic vistas, and the trails vary in difficulty, offering options for beginners and experienced hikers. Locals love the area for its accessibility, tranquility, and dramatic scenery, especially at sunrise or sunset. Less crowded than nearby conservation areas, Rattlesnake Point is ideal for hikers seeking both adventure and peaceful outdoor experiences close to the Greater Toronto Area.
Boler Mountain Trails – London, ON
Boler Mountain, primarily known for skiing, has quiet hiking trails during warmer months. Winding paths through forests and gentle hills provide a scenic, less-trafficked escape. Trails are ideal for beginners, families, and locals seeking a short outdoor adventure, as the mix of forest, open areas, and elevation changes adds interest while remaining accessible. Wildlife sightings and seasonal foliage also enhance the experience. Boler Mountain’s trails are a hidden local favorite, offering a peaceful alternative to crowded city parks and showcasing Southwestern Ontario’s natural charm in a serene setting.
Red Rock Canyon – British Columbia
Red Rock Canyon trails feature rugged terrain, unique rock formations, and quiet forest paths. The moderately challenging hike offers a mix of climbing, creek crossings, and panoramic views. Local hikers appreciate the solitude and dramatic scenery, which is often found away from tourist-heavy areas. The trail also provides opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography. With its combination of adventure, natural beauty, and minimal crowds, Red Rock Canyon is a hidden gem for those exploring British Columbia’s wilderness.
Mont Tremblant Backcountry Trails – Quebec
Mont Tremblant’s lesser-known backcountry trails provide quiet hiking paths through forests, lakes, and rolling hills. Far from the busy resort area, these trails offer solitude and breathtaking scenery, including wildlife sightings and colorful foliage. Local hikers use them for multi-hour treks or day hikes, and the terrain varies, appealing to both casual and experienced hikers. Mont Tremblant’s backcountry trails combine natural beauty and a chance to explore Quebec’s outdoors without the tourist crowds.
Cape Split – Nova Scotia
Cape Split is a stunning coastal trail along the Bay of Fundy with cliffs, forests, and ocean views. The 12 km hike offers panoramic vistas, rugged terrain, and minimal crowds compared to other coastal trails. Hikers can spot seabirds, enjoy quiet cliffs, and explore hidden coves, and the locals treasure the trail for its combination of adventure, beauty, and solitude, while the well-maintained path makes it accessible to intermediate hikers. Cape Split provides a quintessential Maritime hiking experience with dramatic scenery that feels like a secret shared only among locals.
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