The Top 12 Must-Visit Hiking Trails in Canada

If you love gorgeous shorelines, rocky cliffs, and mountains towering farther up than your imagination, then head to Canada for some of the most incredible hiking experiences of your life! Canada contains nearly 10 million square miles of glorious wilderness, filled with incredible wildlife, and some of the most spectacular waterfalls, glacier zones, and lakes you’ll ever see.

So, strap on some boots and head to these must-visit hiking trails in Canada.

Joffre Lakes, British Columbia

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park contains three incredibly turquoise lakes, surrounded by a 4.78-mile hiking trail that pretty much every hiker who’s visited raves over. The first lake becomes accessible relatively easily, with the second and third up steeper climbs. A waterfall lies near the third, on a side trail, and a plethora of flora and fauna thrive in the area. For folks looking for wildlife viewing, visit in summertime for the most animal activity.

Grey Owl Trail, Manitoba

Tucked into the Riding Mountain National Park, the Grey Owl Trail in Manitoba offers some incredible views and beautiful trekking opportunities. The trail extends as an out-and-back trek of 8.82 miles, meandering through wooded areas, mostly providing shade along the way. Wildlife frequently hangs out nearby, with folks reporting claw marks in the trails, animal tracks in the dirt, and actual sightings along the way. The mountain region is particularly known for its gray wolf population.

King’s Throne Trail, Yukon

Hiking through the Yukon might be a dream come true for many, particularly if the Kluane National Park is involved. The top trail of the park, allowing access to the highest peak in Canada, goes by the name of King’s Throne Peak Trail. The total out-and-back distance climbs some 8.9 miles up 4,500 feet at the top. The trail is still hard — not for those out of shape — but much more viable for most folks than others that take you there. The trail has a lot of exposed spaces with high winds, so go in good weather, and properly fitted for a long journey.

Skyline Trail, Nova Scotia

For anyone looking for a boardwalk hike of about 5 miles, head over to Nova Scotia for the Skyline Trail. The stunning loop offers dramatic views of the region within Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The easy trail takes most folks about 2 to 3 hours, with the boardwalk stretching along the entire route. The reason? The boardwalk helps protect the delicate ecosystems below. Take in the majestic views and observe the wildlife, including whales offshore, bald eagles, moose, and bears.

Kinney Lake and Berg Lake Trails, British Columbia

An easy 2.5-hour trek covering 2.8 miles one way, the Kinney Lake and Berg Lake Trails in British Columbia warrant a visit for the views. The trail heads out north of the Mount Robson Visitor Center and offers some of the most incredible views you’ll find in Canada. For those looking for a bit more intense hike, though, keep going from Kinney Lake to Berg Lake trail, which covers 14 miles. Along this trek, you’ll find multiple camping areas along the way.

Lion’s Head Trail, Ontario

Showing off spectacular views of Georgia Bay in the Bruce Peninsula, the Lion’s Head Trail, is part of the over 550-mile Bruce Trail. This section covers 9.32 miles of glorious trail with shady forest and limestone cliff overlooks of the Bay. Beware, though, as no guardrails exist and you’re hiking over rocky terrain. Go with pairs and wear proper footwear to ensure safety along the way.

The Crack Trail, Ontario

Killarney Provincial Park has drawn Canadian artists Group of Seven members and many other creative types over the years. The stunning park overlooks the Georgian Bay but offers few human amenities to interrupt the flow of nature. This means folks come here to worship, pray, to play in the outdoors, truly, fully immersed in the wilderness.

Along the Crack Trail of the park, you’ll find a moderately challenging 3.72 miles of out-and-back trail with exceptional views along an old logging road. Pass alongside the Kakakise Lake as you circle the edge of the fissure, that is The Crack. Tread on up through narrow passageways between quartzite walls or stick to the main path a shorter distance for more stable footing.

East Coast Trail, Newfoundland

For a multi-day hike in Canada, head to Newfoundland to the East Coast Trail. This trail, deemed the best in the country by many for such an adventure, takes 6 days round-trip to cover 209 miles. The terrain ranges from easy to difficult, so it’s not for the faint-hearted! The trail showcases some of the most incredible natural beauty of the nation, along with many interesting stopovers along the way.

25 wilderness trails connect to create the East Coast Trail, dotted with bed and breakfasts, historic sites, forests, cliffs, bridges, and coastal villages along the way. Stay at campgrounds or stop at the inns for your rest each night.

Lake Agnes and the Beehives, Alberta

Located within, perhaps, the most famous national park in Canada, the Lake Agnes and Beehives offer some of the most incredible views in the nation. The popular destination sits in Banff National Park and calls for hikers to go beyond just the casual hike at the Lake Agnes Teahouse. Instead, go beyond to the Big Beehive, where views of Lake Louise and Fairview Mountain await. The hike has an elevation gain of about 1,770 feet, along a return trek of 6.4 miles.

Fundy Footpath, New Brunswick

While the name “footpath” may imply an easy, casual walk, the Fundy Footpath is actually a 30.6-mile (one-way) trek on difficult terrain. Most folks take four to five days to complete the thrilling hike. They enjoy the Fundy National Park through rugged, steep terrain and intense elevation changes. Some folks consider this the best wilderness hike in all of Canada, so be prepared for true backcountry hiking along an infrequently monitored trail.

The trail stretches along much of the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides, with climbing, dropping terrain, and multiple wilderness campsites along the way. You’ll make your way across river crossings, pass waterfalls, and challenge the tides along the way.

Plain of the Six Glaciers, Alberta

Near Lake Louise in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Plain of the Six Glaciers in Banff National Park calls to hikers with some stamina in their bones. The popular hiking trail accentuates the glorious beauty of the park. It takes you along its moderate hiking trail of 8.57 miles out and back.

The trail begins at the stunning Lake Louise. Then it climbs upward gradually via switchbacks, offering views of the turquoise lake below. Hike along the alpine trail through stunning scenery and finally end in a glorious meadow. When you arrive, use your cash to enjoy the splendid rustic tea house open in the warm months.

West Coast Trail, British Columbia

Head to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island for a thrilling, glorious hike along the West Coast Trail. This beautiful trail leads through sandy beaches, beside sea caves, the gloriously beautiful coastline, and so much more. The backcountry trek usually takes folks 6 to 8 days to trek through the rugged wilderness, landing them at Pacino Bay. The trail is about 46 miles long and is considered difficult.

Summary Table of the Top 12 Must-Visit Hiking Trails in Canada!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Janice Chen/ via Getty Images