Canada is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that lead through towering mountains, lush forests, coastal cliffs, and untamed wilderness. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll with jaw-dropping views or a multi-day backcountry adventure, the payoffs are always epic. From the Rockies to the Maritimes, here are 26 hiking routes across Canada that offer unforgettable rewards.
West Coast Trail, British Columbia
The West Coast Trail is legendary among Canadian hikers. Stretching 75 kilometers along Vancouver Island’s wild coastline, it’s a physically demanding trek filled with ladders, cable cars, and unpredictable weather. But the reward? Soaring sea cliffs, mist-shrouded forests, and whales breaching offshore. Every muddy step brings you closer to awe-inspiring views you won’t forget.
Skyline Trail, Nova Scotia
Located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Skyline Trail offers panoramic ocean views, steep cliffs, and frequent moose sightings. The 8.2-kilometre loop is relatively easy and includes a famous boardwalk lookout over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Sunset here is unforgettable, with golden light washing over rugged terrain and sweeping horizons.
Plain of Six Glaciers, Alberta
Near Lake Louise, this hike winds past the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and up into glacier country. The 14.6-kilometre round trip includes a charming teahouse where you can enjoy homemade treats. The vistas of hanging glaciers, craggy peaks, and deep valleys are dramatic and well worth the effort.
Grizzly Lake Trail, Yukon
In Tombstone Territorial Park, the Grizzly Lake Trail takes you into one of Canada’s most jaw-dropping wilderness areas. It’s a 22-kilometre round trip through rugged, wind-carved mountains and vibrant tundra. The trail’s namesake lake, framed by the dramatic Mount Monolith, offers a surreal reward at the end of a challenging ascent.
The Crack, Ontario
Located in Killarney Provincial Park, The Crack is a short but steep hike through quartzite ridges and boulder-strewn paths. The view from the top looks out over endless forest and sapphire lakes below. It’s only 6 kilometers round trip, but don’t let the short distance fool you, it’s a workout with a serious payoff.
Lake Agnes Tea House Trail, Alberta
This Banff classic starts at Lake Louise and leads hikers up a 7-kilometre trail to a charming log teahouse perched above a glacial lake. Along the way, pass Mirror Lake and Beehive peaks. The reward is warm tea and homemade snacks beside Lake Agnes, all with a stunning alpine backdrop.
Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail, Nova Scotia
One of the Maritimes’ best-kept secrets, this 52-kilometre loop traces sea cliffs along the Bay of Fundy, where tides rise and fall dramatically. Expect solitude, dense forests, and sea stacks emerging from the mist. Backpackers often spend several days completing the loop, but every section offers jaw-dropping coastal beauty.
Iceberg Alley, Newfoundland
Hike along the coast near Twillingate or Fogo Island, and in spring or early summer, you might spot massive icebergs drifting by. These hikes vary in length and difficulty, but all share one thrilling element, the possibility of seeing ancient ice towers floating just offshore, glowing white and blue in the sunlight.
Iceline Trail, British Columbia
Located in Yoho National Park, the Iceline Trail is a challenging 20-kilometre loop or out-and-back option through alpine meadows, glaciers, and waterfalls. You’ll hike above the tree line for much of the route, offering sweeping views of the Takakkaw Falls and the rugged President Range. It’s one of the Rockies’ finest high-altitude routes.
Bald Hills, Alberta
This Jasper National Park trail climbs above Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed spots in Canada. The 10-kilometre hike rewards with epic views of glacier-fed waters, jagged peaks, and colorful wildflowers. It’s especially popular at sunrise and sunset when the light transforms the entire valley into a painter’s dream.
King’s Throne, Yukon
This steep climb in Kluane National Park takes you up to a natural amphitheater overlooking Kathleen Lake. The trail is just under 10 kilometers round trip, but it gains elevation quickly. The view from the “throne” is royal indeed—rugged peaks, expansive waters, and a horizon that seems to stretch forever.
Garibaldi Lake, British Columbia
The hike to Garibaldi Lake is a popular 18-kilometre round trip near Whistler. The final view, a turquoise alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains—is the kind of scene that ends up on postcards. Campers often stay overnight to catch sunrise or star-studded skies reflected on the glassy water.
Acadian Trail, Nova Scotia
This loop trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park climbs to panoramic lookouts over the Cheticamp River and Gulf of St. Lawrence. At 8.4 kilometers, it’s moderate in difficulty, but the views are outstanding. You’ll walk through lush forest and ascend to cliffs where eagles soar and ocean breezes reign.
Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass, Alberta
Each fall, Banff’s Larch Valley glows with golden hues as the alpine larch trees change color. From Moraine Lake, hike through vibrant meadows toward Sentinel Pass for a 12-kilometre journey through one of the most scenic areas in the Rockies. The final push to the pass reveals a dramatic mountain amphitheater.
East Coast Trail, Newfoundland
This 300-kilometre trail system runs along Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula and is divided into manageable day hikes. Whether you’re exploring sea arches, puffin colonies, or dramatic cliffs, the East Coast Trail delivers powerful coastal beauty at every turn. Be prepared for fog, whales, and windswept drama.
Berg Lake Trail, British Columbia
A multi-day classic in Mount Robson Provincial Park, the Berg Lake Trail stretches 23 kilometers one way, climbing past waterfalls, glaciers, and emerald lakes. The crown jewel is Berg Lake itself, lying beneath the sheer north face of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The scenery is absolutely world-class.
Crypt Lake Trail, Alberta
This Waterton Lakes National Park hike begins with a boat ride and ends at a turquoise alpine lake hidden in a cirque. Along the way, you’ll scale ladders, squeeze through a tunnel, and skirt cliff edges. The 17-kilometre round trip is packed with adventure and unforgettable alpine scenery.
Tombstone Ridge, Yukon
For a shorter alternative in Tombstone Park, hike Tombstone Ridge. It’s a more accessible day hike that still grants sweeping views of the Dempster Highway, tundra landscapes, and rugged mountain spires. Autumn is especially spectacular, with fiery red and orange foliage carpeting the valleys below.
Bruce Trail, Ontario
Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath follows the Niagara Escarpment for over 900 kilometers. While most hikers tackle it in sections, areas like the Dundas Valley or Lion’s Head offer day hikes with big payoffs—limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and expansive views of Georgian Bay.
Grey Owl Trail, Manitoba
This serene trail in Riding Mountain National Park takes hikers to the former cabin of famed conservationist Grey Owl. The 17-kilometre round trip passes boreal forest, lakes, and wildlife-rich areas. The historical aspect adds depth to the journey, and the peaceful surroundings make it a rewarding wilderness escape.
Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, British Columbia
Access to Lake O’Hara is limited, which keeps the alpine trails pristine and uncrowded. The Alpine Circuit offers world-class hiking above turquoise lakes, across narrow ledges, and under towering peaks. The beauty here is unparalleled, with every turn offering a new jaw-dropping vista.
Fundy Footpath, New Brunswick
Often described as one of Canada’s toughest trails, the Fundy Footpath stretches over 40 kilometers of rugged, tide-washed coastline. With dramatic elevation changes and tidal timing challenges, it’s a serious backpacking trip. But the untouched forests, cascading waterfalls, and epic ocean views make it worth every sore muscle.
Cape Scott Trail, British Columbia
Located at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, the Cape Scott Trail offers windswept beaches, old-growth forests, and eerie remnants of a failed Danish settlement. The 47-kilometre trail is remote and often muddy, but the sense of wild isolation and dramatic ocean views make for an unforgettable adventure.
Wilcox Pass, Alberta
In Jasper National Park, Wilcox Pass is a 9-kilometre out-and-back trail that delivers stunning views of the Columbia Icefield. Bighorn sheep often frequent the area, and interpretive signs highlight the area’s geological history. The alpine scenery is breathtaking and requires relatively moderate effort to access.
Akamina Ridge, Alberta/British Columbia
Straddling the Alberta–B.C. border, this challenging 20-kilometre loop offers 360-degree views of peaks, valleys, and lakes. It’s one of the most rewarding ridge hikes in the Rockies. Expect dramatic drops, wildflower-filled meadows, and moments where the landscape feels almost too grand to believe.
Mont Albert, Quebec
Located in Gaspésie National Park, this 17-kilometre trail ascends one of Quebec’s most iconic peaks. The summit offers sweeping views of the Chic-Choc Mountains and their moose-rich tundra. It’s a demanding hike, but the unique landscapes and relative solitude make it one of Eastern Canada’s hidden gems.
Tamarack Trail, Alberta
Often overlooked in Waterton Lakes National Park, the Tamarack Trail is a remote, multi-day hike through larch forests, high passes, and flower-filled valleys. Wildlife is abundant, and the scenery is wild and raw. If you want solitude and backcountry majesty, this one delivers in spades.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
