Canada is the world's second-largest country, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Arctic oceans. This vast nation offers stunning natural beauty from the Rocky Mountains to Niagara Falls, vibrant multicultural cities like Toronto and Vancouver, and rich Indigenous heritage alongside French and British influences.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
Starting from the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, this trail climbs through alpine meadows to the historic Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse before continuing to a dramatic glacial moraine. Views of Victoria Glacier and the surrounding peaks are extraordinary.
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2
West Coast Trail
One of the world's great multi-day hikes along a remote stretch of Vancouver Island's west coast. Originally built as a lifesaving trail, the route combines beach walking, old-growth rainforest, dramatic sea caves, and waterfalls. Requires permit and reservation.
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3
Sentinel Pass Trail via Larch Valley
Starting from Moraine Lake, this celebrated trail climbs through larch forests (spectacular gold in September) to Larch Valley before the steep scramble to Sentinel Pass at 2,611 metres. One of the most dramatic high passes in the Canadian Rockies.
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4
Skyline Trail
Jasper's premier multi-day backcountry hike traverses above the treeline for much of its length with sweeping views of the Athabasca Valley and surrounding peaks. Backcountry camping permits required; wildlife including caribou, grizzly, and wolverine are commonly seen.
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5
Grouse Grind
Vancouver's famous 'Mother Nature's Stairmaster' is a near-vertical climb up the face of Grouse Mountain through old-growth forest. The trail is extremely steep but extremely popular with locals as a fitness challenge. Take the gondola down. Open May to November.
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6
Garibaldi Lake Trail
The hike to glacier-fed Garibaldi Lake rewards hikers with one of the most spectacular turquoise alpine lakes in North America, set against the backdrop of Mount Garibaldi's volcanic cone. The trail passes through beautiful forests and alpine meadows.
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7
Fundy Trail
Dramatic coastal hike along the Bay of Fundy cliffs offering access to remote beaches accessible only on foot at low tide. The massive tidal fluctuation (up to 16 metres — world's highest) reveals kilometres of ocean floor twice daily.
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8
Tonquin Valley Trail
Access one of the most remote and beautiful valleys in the Canadian Rockies, where the Ramparts — a cathedral wall of 1,000-metre cliffs — rise dramatically above Amethyst Lakes. Horse-guided trips also available. Backcountry camping with permit.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Canada.
- Spring
- April-May at lower elevations — wildflowers bloom in BC coastal valleys and Ontario forests. High alpine routes (Rockies, Coastal Mountains) remain snowbound until June or July. Excellent for birding and waterfall hikes after snowmelt.
- Summer
- June-August is peak season for alpine and high-elevation trails. Wildflowers peak in July, weather most reliable, all trails accessible. Book popular trails and backcountry permits well in advance — they sell out weeks ahead.
- Fall
- September-October offers spectacular foliage — golden larches in the Rockies peak in mid-September. Fewer crowds, excellent photography, bear activity peaks before hibernation. Some higher trails may get early snow after mid-October.
- Winter
- Snowshoeing replaces hiking at most destinations. Groomed cross-country trails at national parks (Gatineau, Banff) and provincial parks. Some coastal BC trails (Juan de Fuca, Gulf Islands) hike year-round. Avalanche awareness essential in the Rockies.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Bears (black bears and grizzly bears) — carry bear spray, make noise, never approach, store all food in bear canisters in backcountry
Hazard: Cougars (mountain lions) — present in BC coastal and Rocky Mountain parks; if encountered, do not run, make yourself large and loud
Hazard: Moose — unpredictable and more dangerous than bears; give wide berth especially cows with calves
Hazard: River crossings — snowmelt peaks June-July making crossings hazardous; check conditions before backcountry travel
Hazard: Sudden weather changes — afternoon thunderstorms common in summer in the Rockies; descend from exposed ridges if lightning threatens
Hazard: Avalanche terrain — present at many mountain trails even in summer; marked trails avoid worst zones but be aware in spring
Hazard: Ticks — found in tall grass and forest edge in southern BC, Ontario, Quebec, and Maritime provinces April-November; check after hikes
Hazard: Dehydration and sun exposure — high elevation reduces perceived heat while UV intensity increases; use sunscreen and carry more water than expected