Canada’s natural beauty is impossible to ignore, and one of the best ways to experience it is on foot. From coastal boardwalks to alpine ridges, the country is full of trails that offer far more than just exercise, they offer connection, perspective, and moments of awe. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just in search of a peaceful stroll, there’s a trail that will leave you speechless. Here are 28 Canadian trails that turn a walk into a wow.
Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, Alberta
This iconic trail in Banff National Park begins at the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and winds through towering cliffs to the base of several ancient glaciers. The journey offers breathtaking alpine views, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of mountain goats scaling nearby rock faces. The optional tea house along the way makes for a memorable rest stop, making it a classic Rockies hike that’s as rewarding as it is scenic.
East Coast Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador
Stretching over 300 kilometers, the East Coast Trail winds through some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Canada. Cliffs plunge into the ocean, seabirds circle overhead, and small outport villages offer hospitality and heritage. Choose from various segments, each with its own character and level of difficulty. The trail lets you walk beside whales, lighthouses, and crashing surf, nature and culture side by side.
Skyline Trail, Nova Scotia
Located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Skyline Trail offers expansive views over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The boardwalk section that extends to a headland cliff makes this hike a standout, especially at sunset. Moose sightings are common, and the trail’s high elevation provides a fresh breeze even in summer. It’s a place where the vastness of land and sea meet in perfect harmony.
Garibaldi Lake Trail, British Columbia
This popular BC trail leads you through dense forest and over ancient lava flows to the surreal blue waters of Garibaldi Lake. Surrounded by glaciers and peaks, the lake is one of the most photogenic spots in the province. The hike is challenging but well-marked, with alpine meadows and panoramic views at the top, making it a must-do for hikers exploring the Sea-to-Sky Corridor.
Larch Valley Trail, Alberta
Autumn transforms this trail into a golden paradise as the larches change color. Starting from Moraine Lake in Banff, it ascends to sweeping views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. It’s one of the best places in the country to experience fall foliage at altitude. Even outside of fall, the alpine beauty and peaceful atmosphere are unforgettable.
Fundy Footpath, New Brunswick
This rugged trail along the Bay of Fundy coast offers dramatic views of cliffs, sea stacks, and tidal rivers. It’s a backcountry experience, with campsites along the route for multi-day hikes. The ever-changing tides create unique landscapes you won’t see anywhere else. It’s a challenging but deeply rewarding hike for those looking to unplug and immerse themselves in wild beauty.
The Crack, Ontario
Located in Killarney Provincial Park, The Crack offers a steep and rocky climb that rewards hikers with one of the best views in Ontario. White quartzite ridges, forested valleys, and sparkling lakes stretch to the horizon. It’s a moderate to difficult trek that’s popular in the fall, when the foliage creates a patchwork of color and few trails offer such a dramatic reward for your effort.
Grassi Lakes Trail, Alberta
Close to Canmore, this short hike packs a lot into a modest distance. A steep route and an easier path lead to two strikingly blue lakes nestled beneath a cliff face popular with rock climbers. Interpretive signs share local history, and the views over the Bow Valley are impressive. It’s family-friendly, yet still full of visual surprises.
Bruce Trail, Ontario
Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath stretches nearly 900 kilometers along the Niagara Escarpment. Hikers can explore everything from waterfalls to limestone caves, vineyards to escarpment cliffs. Each section offers its own charm and character, and many are easily accessible from urban centres. The Bruce Trail is not just a walk, it’s a journey through Ontario’s geological and cultural heritage.
Lake Agnes Tea House Trail, Alberta
Another Lake Louise gem, this trail takes you through thick forest and past Mirror Lake before arriving at the historic Lake Agnes Tea House. The rustic setting, framed by towering peaks and overlooking a glacial lake, feels like something out of a storybook. Hikers can enjoy homemade tea and snacks while soaking in the alpine serenity as it’s an achievable yet magical mountain experience.
Johnston Canyon Trail, Alberta
This Banff trail is known for its catwalks suspended along canyon walls, giving hikers a front-row seat to waterfalls and turquoise pools. The route to the Upper Falls is scenic and moderately easy, making it popular year-round. In winter, the frozen waterfalls add a whole new level of wonder. It’s one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring walks in the Rockies.
The Bluff Wilderness Trail, Nova Scotia
Located just outside Halifax, this trail network offers a backcountry feel without the remoteness. Granite ridges, quiet lakes, and thick boreal forest create a peaceful setting perfect for reflection and solitude. Wildlife sightings are common, and the multiple loops allow for flexible hiking distances. It’s a hidden gem that showcases Nova Scotia’s inland wilderness.
La Cloche Silhouette Trail, Ontario
This 78-kilometre loop in Killarney Provincial Park is a serious undertaking, but its mix of quartzite ridges, deep forests, and turquoise lakes is unmatched in eastern Canada. Named after Group of Seven painter Franklin Carmichael’s painting “La Cloche Silhouette,” the trail feels like walking through a canvas. It’s a multi-day experience for seasoned hikers. Every turn offers another masterpiece of nature.
West Coast Trail, British Columbia
Legendary among long-distance hikers, this 75-kilometre trek along Vancouver Island’s southwest coast is not for the faint of heart. Rope ladders, cable cars, and muddy forests challenge even the most experienced, but the beaches, waterfalls, and wildlife are world-class. It’s a bucket-list trail that tests your limits and rewards you with unforgettable memories. The history of shipwrecks and Indigenous landmarks adds powerful context to the journey.
Grey Owl Trail, Manitoba
Located in Riding Mountain National Park, this trail leads to the rustic cabin of Grey Owl, a famed conservationist. The route winds through peaceful forests and ends at the shores of Ajawaan Lake, making it both a scenic and meaningful walk. Wildlife is abundant, and the sense of history adds emotional depth, making it an excellent introduction to prairie-park hiking.
Les Graves Trail, Quebec
Running along the coast of the Gaspé Peninsula in Forillon National Park, this trail offers panoramic ocean views and ends at the Cap Gaspé lighthouse. Along the way, hikers encounter wildflower meadows, seabird colonies, and sometimes even whales offshore. It’s an invigorating and culturally rich route, accessible yet unforgettable. The sea breeze and horizon views refresh body and soul.
Green Gardens Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador
In Gros Morne National Park, this trail descends through forest to a surreal coastline of sea stacks, caves, and waterfalls. It’s a feast of natural variety, shifting from alpine tundra to dramatic cliffs to lush meadows. The contrasts keep things visually exciting from start to finish. Camping along the coast offers a truly immersive experience.
Tombstone Mountains Trails, Yukon
Often called the Patagonia of the North, the Tombstone Mountains offer otherworldly landscapes shaped by ancient glaciers. Trails like Grizzly Lake are challenging but jaw-droppingly beautiful, with jagged peaks mirrored in alpine lakes. The isolation makes it feel like you’re discovering a new planet. For serious hikers seeking a raw, majestic experience, there’s nothing quite like it.
Sentier des Caps, Quebec
Overlooking the St. Lawrence River in the Charlevoix region, this series of trails ranges from gentle walks to challenging climbs. Panoramic viewpoints offer endless photo opportunities, especially in fall when the forests ignite with color. Rustic shelters allow for overnight stays, making it perfect for weekend treks. The combination of elevation and ocean views is simply spectacular.
Algonquin Park Lookout Trail, Ontario
This short loop offers one of the best bang-for-your-buck views in Ontario. A steady climb brings you to a lookout that showcases rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and thick forests, a quintessential Algonquin scene. It’s especially magical in autumn, when the landscape turns into a painter’s palette and easy access makes it a favorite for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
Prairie View Trail, Alberta
Located in Kananaskis Country, this trail offers sweeping views of Barrier Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. It’s a steady climb with open switchbacks that reward hikers with fantastic photo spots at the summit. The area is popular with mountain bikers and trail runners as well, which is perfect for a half-day hike with high impact.
Top of the Giant Trail, Ontario
This challenging hike in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park rewards your effort with one of the most dramatic views in Ontario, overlooking Lake Superior from atop a massive rock formation. The cliffs seem to drop off into the endless water below, making it a stunning photo op. The hike is long but the payoff is unforgettable, offering a trail that ends in a “wow.”
Mont-Saint-Hilaire Trails, Quebec
Just a short drive from Montreal, these trails offer an escape into nature without straying far from the city. The summits provide wide views over the Richelieu Valley, especially stunning in fall. Birdwatchers will appreciate the abundance of feathered wildlife, including hawks and songbirds, creating a perfect half-day adventure for urbanites needing a nature recharge.
Avalanche Crest Trail, British Columbia
Starting near Rogers Pass, this trail climbs into alpine tundra and delivers jaw-dropping views of glaciated peaks. The trail is strenuous but well maintained, with a wide-open ridge at the top that makes it all worthwhile. Summer wildflowers add vibrant color to the dramatic landscape, meaning this is alpine hiking at its best with no crowds, just mountains.
Beechy Head Trail, Prince Edward Island
Winding along the red cliffs of PEI’s south shore, this lesser-known trail offers coastal charm and island serenity. Grassy meadows give way to cliffside views, and you might spot seals or seabirds along the way. It’s peaceful, easy, and wonderfully photogenic and a walk here feels like stepping into a postcard.
Mont Albert Trail, Quebec
Situated in Gaspésie National Park, this tough trail offers a mix of rugged mountain terrain and peaceful alpine plateaus. It’s one of the best spots in eastern Canada to see caribou and dramatic geological formations. The ascent is challenging, but the summit view of the Chic-Choc Mountains is worth every step.
Dog Mountain Trail, British Columbia
Located on Mount Seymour near Vancouver, Dog Mountain is a short hike with an incredible payoff. The summit offers panoramic views over the city, Burrard Inlet, and surrounding mountains. It’s especially stunning at sunset or under a full moon. The easy access and high reward make this one of BC’s best urban escapes.
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