16 Unforgettable Hikes in Canada

Canada's breathtaking landscapes are truly hard to describe.

No words can fully express the sights you encounter: majestic snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and vibrant evergreen forests teeming with fascinating wildlife. And the best way to absorb it all? By hiking through it yourself.

Spanning nearly 10 million square kilometers (3.8 million square miles), Canada is a hiker's paradise. With countless stunning trails and national parks to discover, you'll always have a reason to return, no matter how many hiking adventures you embark on here.

As you prepare for your first (or 17th) adventure in Canada's wilderness, here's our curated list of the finest hikes across the country, from one coast to the other.

1. East Coast Trail, Newfoundland

Top multi-day hike 336km (209 miles) round trip; 6 days, varying from easy to challenging

This stunning 336km (209-mile) trail, one of Canada's longest, reveals the country's natural beauty at every turn, featuring national historic sites, charming coastal villages, lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and scenic bridges along the way.

The trail system comprises 25 interconnected wilderness paths, organized linearly. Hikers often select one or two trails that match their comfort levels, with distances ranging from approximately 4km (2.5 miles) to 20km (12.4 miles).

Completing the trail typically requires about six days of hiking. Along the way, you have the option to camp at designated sites or stay in local B&Bs and inns. The East Coast Trail website offers valuable guidance on selecting the best routes for your skill level.

2. Lower Little Harbour Trail, Newfoundland

Ideal hike for a haunting atmosphere 4.8km (3 miles); 1½ hours, moderate to challenging

This 4.8km (3-mile) loop encompasses all the unique features of Newfoundland. Experience historic root cellars built by early settlers, a natural sea arch, rugged cliffs, beautiful coastal views, lush forests, and the remnants of an abandoned community. The empty houses along parts of the trail add a chilling, spine-tingling sensation.

3. Skyline Trail, Nova Scotia

Top hike for stunning water vistas 8.7km (5.4 miles) loop; 2–3 hours, easy

A gem of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Skyline Trail lives up to its impressive name. This hike features a boardwalk that spans the entire route to safeguard the fragile ecosystems, allowing for a 7km (4.3-mile) out-and-back trek or an 8.7km (5.4-mile) loop.

If you can overlook the stunning scenery (especially magical at sunset), the wildlife viewing here is exceptional. Expect to see moose, bald eagles, bears, a variety of boreal bird species, and even whales off the coast.

4. Cape Split, Nova Scotia

Top choice for a coastal hike 13km (8.1 miles) round trip; 5 hours, moderate

Situated on a peninsula extending into the Bay of Fundy, this 13km (8.1-mile) round-trip trail from Scots Bay takes approximately five hours to finish. It's one of the most frequented hikes in Nova Scotia, featuring minimal elevation change as you traverse through a lush forest.

The hike culminates in a breathtaking, windswept clearing atop cliffs towering over the Bay of Fundy, where seabirds nest below. Make your way to the rocky point at the end of the trail to witness the tidal rips flowing through jagged rock formations. Don’t forget to spend some time before or after your hike searching for beautiful agate stones along the shores of Scots Bay.

5. Fundy Footpath, New Brunswick

Ideal for seasoned wilderness adventurers 49.3km (30.6 miles) one way; 4–5 days, challenging

A must-do for experienced hikers, the Fundy Footpath is a demanding wilderness trail located in Fundy National Park, New Brunswick. The path spans 49.3km (30.6 miles) of rugged landscape with significant elevation changes. It offers the ultimate backcountry hiking experience, and while portions are within the national park, the trail is rarely maintained.

Completing the trek can take up to five days, and it's best attempted during the warmer months (hypothermia risks start from mid-October). If you're considering this once-in-a-lifetime journey, check the Fundy Hiking Trail Association planning guide, as the path can be both treacherous and exhilarating.

6. Parc d’Environnement Naturel de Sutton, Québec

Top choice for summer hiking 80km (49.7 miles); 2 hours to several days, easy

Featuring two stunning lakes and several mountain ponds perfect for a dip, Sutton Park is a hiking paradise in the summer. This picturesque conservation area in Québec boasts 80km (49.7 miles) of trails winding through lush, wooded mountains. Hikers can choose from short 2-hour loops to multi-day adventures, with three primitive campgrounds available for backpackers.

During holiday weekends and warm spells, be sure to purchase your park tickets in advance through the Sutton Park website to ensure your entry. While this park offers year-round enjoyment, winter's icy conditions may lead to trail closures, so it's wise to check the park website beforehand for updates.

7. Cup & Saucer Trail, Ontario

Ideal hike for families 9km (5.6 miles) round trip; 15 minutes to 4 hours, easy to challenging

With stunning vistas, engaging adventure opportunities, and a variety of hike lengths (ranging from 15 minutes to 4 hours), this trail in Ontario is a favorite among families.

Beginning near the intersection of Hwy 540 and Bidwell Rd, about 25km (15.5 miles) southwest of Little Current, this stunning trail on the Niagara Escarpment leads to the highest elevation on Manitoulin Island.

At an elevation of 351m (1152ft), hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of the rugged coastline along the North Channel. On your return, you can take a shortcut via the 500m (1640ft) Adventure Trail, which features wobbly wooden ladders and requires climbing over large boulders.

8. Bruce Trail, Ontario

Best hike for autumn colors 900km (559 miles) one way; duration varies, moderate

The Bruce Trail meanders along the Niagara Escarpment for an impressive 900km (559 miles), stretching from Queenston Heights Park on the Niagara Peninsula to Tobermory Harbour on the Bruce Peninsula. This well-maintained and broad path is ideal for summer hiking, while cross-country skiers enjoy it during winter. Most hikers prefer to explore the Bruce Trail in shorter segments.

Fall is the prime season for hiking here: Ontario boasts some of the most vibrant autumn foliage globally, with a thick canopy of reds, oranges, and yellows perfect for photographers. Weekenders often flock to these trails, so it's wise to reserve parking in advance. Weekdays tend to be quieter, allowing for easier access. The Bruce Trail Conservancy offers a detailed online guide on how to obtain passes for various trailheads.

9. Grey Owl Trail, Saskatchewan

Best hike for birdwatching 20km (12.4 miles) one way; 10–12 hours, challenging

The Grey Owl Trail provides a tranquil hike through landscapes adorned with wildflowers and marshy areas, offering excellent birdwatching and the opportunity to explore a historic site within Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan.

Much of the trail is shaded by a thick forest canopy; at the trail's end, just before turning back, you can visit Grey Owl’s cabin. This modest dwelling was once home to writer and conservationist Archibald Belaney, known as “Grey Owl,” his partner Anahareo, a member of the Kanienʼkehá(Mohawk) tribe, and their two pet beavers.

10. Lake Agnes & the Beehives, Alberta

Most iconic Canadian hike Lake Agnes round trip: 7km (4.3 miles), Big Beehive round trip: 10km (6.2 miles); 2–4½ hours, moderate

Two standout features make this the most beloved hike at Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta. First is the historic Lake Agnes Teahouse, a charming spot where hikers have been enjoying refreshments since 1901. At the 3.4km (2.1-mile) point, it’s the perfect place to pause for tea, sandwiches, and delicious baked goods.

The second highlight is the breathtaking view over the lake from the summit of 2270m (7447ft) Big Beehive, the trail's highest point.

Start your journey early to avoid the crowds, and be sure to check the Canada Parks website in advance to ensure the roads to the trailhead are open, as closures are frequent during winter.

11. Johnston Canyon & the Inkpots, Alberta

Most popular Canadian hike 5km (3.2 miles) round trip; 3–4 hours, easy to slightly challenging

Beyond the Lake Louise shoreline, few places in Banff National Park attract as many visitors as the well-paved Johnston Canyon Trail. Its popularity is easily understood once you step into the canyon, where striking cliff walls and two stunning waterfalls (the Lower and Upper Falls) draw your gaze.

The path to the Lower Falls stretches about 1.1km (0.6 miles) and takes roughly half an hour, while the trek to the Upper Falls is slightly more demanding at 2.6km (1.6 miles) with a modest elevation gain. For adventurous hikers, a climb to the Inkpots reveals two vibrant natural pools nestled in a high mountain valley.

This region is susceptible to extreme weather conditions, so make sure to visit the Canada Parks Banff website for the latest updates on potential avalanches or flooding.

12. Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia

Best overnight hike 25km (15.5 miles) one way; 2 days, moderate

Garibaldi Provincial Park is a hiker’s paradise, featuring five trailheads and 90km (56 miles) of paths with varying difficulty levels. Named after the impressive Mt Garibaldi, which stands at 2678m (8786ft), this park was established in 1927. Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, it's easily accessible from Vancouver and boasts numerous lakes and breathtaking views.

The longest trek is the route from the Cheakamus Lake parking area to Garibaldi Lake parking, which spans 25km (15.5 miles). It's best to tackle this over two days, stopping at Helm Creek campground. For a shorter option, a 3km (1.9 miles) path connects the Cheakamus Lake parking lot to Cheakamus Lake.

Be sure to visit the British Columbia Parks page for trail closure updates on the morning of your hike, as changing weather can lead to temporary trail closures.

13. Wild Pacific Trail, British Columbia

Most informative hike 10km (6.2 miles) round trip; 3–4 hours, easy to moderate

This stunning 10km (6.2-mile) trail, where the temperate rainforest meets the ocean, offers breathtaking views in both sunshine and rain. It begins with a 2.6km (1.6-mile) loop that passes by the historic Amphitrite Point lighthouse, built in 1915, before continuing northwest to the Ancient Cedars loop and the scenic Rocky Bluffs beyond.

The trail is clearly marked and meticulously mapped. To complete the entire route, you'll need to navigate a few connecting paths along quiet roads, with several beautiful beaches along the way.

Throughout the trail, various information boards share insights into the area's history and ecology. You'll find benches, lookouts, and “artist’s loops” with viewing platforms for those wishing to take in the scenery.

14. Kinney Lake & Berg Lake Trails, British Columbia

Best scenic hike 4.5km (2.8 miles) one way; 2½ hours, easy

Located in the breathtaking Mount Robson Provincial Park, the trailhead for this easy round-trip hike to the beautiful Kinney Lake is found 3km (1.9 miles) north of the Mt Robson Visitor Centre.

For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Kinney Lake to Berg Lake trail stretches 23km (14 miles) and features seven designated camping spots along the way. Although severely impacted by extreme weather in 2021, this backcountry route has reopened, with reservations now mandatory and available up to four months in advance.

Before embarking on the Berg Lake hike, all hikers must check in at the Mt Robson Visitor Centre, so be sure to consult the park authorities for the most recent updates.

15. Canol Heritage Trail, Northwest Territories

Best multi-week hike 358km (222 miles) one way; 3–4 weeks, challenging

The rugged and demanding Canol Heritage Trail stretches southwest across the Northwest Territories for 358km (222 miles), featuring a diverse landscape of peaks, canyons, and barren land before reaching the Yukon border. It offers abundant wildlife, numerous deep river crossings, and old Quonset huts as the only places for shelter.

Constructed at a significant financial and human cost during WWII to transport oil to Whitehorse, the Yukon Territory capital, the Canol project (short for “Canadian Oil”) was ultimately abandoned in 1945 as more affordable oil sources emerged.

Completing the entire trail typically takes three to four weeks, and most hikers organize food drops along the way. Before setting out, consult Northwest Territories Tourism for essential information, as this trek requires serious preparation.

16. Grizzly Lake Trail, Yukon

Best hike for major adventure 11km (6.8 miles) round trip; 6 hours, challenging

Nestled in Tombstone Territorial Park, the Grizzly Lake Trail is accessible via the Dempster Highway, a gravel road. The breathtaking views of Grizzly Valley along the way will remain etched in your memory.

While you can complete this trail in a day, if you plan to explore other famous routes in Tombstone, such as the 37km (23 miles) Divide Lake and Talus Lake trails, an overnight stay is necessary.

Campers must use bear-proof food containers, as the park's squirrels can be quite the nuisances. They particularly enjoy chewing on sweaty backpack straps and the tops of hiking poles, so be sure to store these items securely while camping.

Make sure to reserve hiking passes well ahead of time, as they can sell out for the entire year by January. Given the trail's challenges, all hikers are required to complete a mandatory backcountry hiking orientation for safety, regardless of experience level.

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