Top 10 Best Hikes in Canada
It's no secret that Canada has some spectacular scenery, from breathtaking mountains to pristine lakes to densely forested woods. While some beautiful areas ... read more...are accessible by car, many of Canada's top destinations can only be accessed on foot. Below are some of the Best Hikes in Canada that you won't want to miss out on!
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The West Coast Trail, located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, features the best of the rugged coast. It is a legendary multi-day hiking trail in the backcountry that is a bucket list challenge for many hikers. Even the most experienced hikers might be brought to their knees by this encounter.
Hikers must climb over 100 ladders while carrying a heavy pack, wade through deep mud, wade through fast-flowing hip-deep waters in mountain-fed rivers, and fight through whatever weather the wild West Coast throws at them – typically driving wind and rain. You'll walk through sandy beaches, over giant boulders, and past magnificent caverns while hiking along the ocean. You'll spend nights sleeping on beaches beneath the stars, get an insight into the life of a lighthouse keeper, and most likely experience some of the notorious West Coast rain - but it'll be a trip you'll never forget.
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Many people consider Cape Breton's Highlands National Park to be one of Canada's greatest national parks, due to the breathtaking views from anywhere in the park. Rolling hills, seashore cliffs, swampy marshlands, and an endless ocean, all of which are combined in this great place.
The Skyline Trail, which offers one of the greatest lookout points in the park, is one of the most popular hikes in the park. The hike is short enough to complete in a few hours but long enough to truly immerse you in Nova Scotia's magnificent surroundings. The trail is quite easy to follow, the most difficult section is a set of stairs. Aside from spectacular views of the Atlantic, Skyline Trail offers plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, look for bald eagles, whales, bears, and moose, which are the park's most famous species.
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The Plain of the Six Glaciers, located near Lake Louise in Banff National Park, is a famous trail that highlights the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Plain of Six Glaciers trail begins with an easy stroll along the shoreline of the world-famous Lake Louise and ends with an incredibly scenic and rewarding hike.
The trail begins in the popular Lake Louise and gradually rises 587 meters over switchbacks, offering breathtaking views of the blue lake below. Seasonally, a rustic teahouse set in an alpine meadow is open for business (cash only). This trail is best hiked in the mid-summer months unless you're prepared for winter weather; otherwise, expect to face ice and snow. Because of the nature of the Rockies, it's a good idea to bring layers all year, since the weather may change quickly, especially as you climb higher.
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The 336-kilometer East Coast Trail winds its way down Newfoundland's eastern coast, with some sections hugging the rugged shoreline and others meandering past charming towns. There are over 336 kilometers of trail to explore. When you're there, visit abandoned settlements, lighthouses, natural reserves, seabird colonies, whales, icebergs, the world's southernmost caribou herd, historic landmarks, a 50-meter suspension bridge, and two active archaeological dig sites, and more.
Most people choose to hike specific parts of the East Coast Course rather than the entire trail. From super easy walks to tough excursions that will challenge experienced adventurers, there's something for everyone. Try the Silver Mine Head Path, a seven-kilometer out-and-back trail that runs along a sandy beach, through the woods, and across a river. The White Horse Path, a steep 18.2-kilometer (one way) hike with wonderful views of the coast, is a true challenge.
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Tombstone Territorial Park in the Yukon is one of the most unique landscapes in the country. The park provides a choose-your-own-adventure hiking experience, with the Dempster Highway passing directly through it and rugged peaks as far as the eye can reach.
Check out the hike to Grizzly Lake if you prefer a well-marked path. Most hikers choose to stay overnight near the lake because it's just 11 kilometers one way and only 797 meters in height, but you'll need a permit, and the number of permits available is restricted. If you don't have time or aren't lucky enough to get a permit, the first four kilometers of the trail are well worth hiking as an out-and-back hike. As you work your way towards the lake, the hike takes you through alpine meadows and springy tundra. When you get to Grizzly Lake, you'll understand why everyone is so excited when seeing mountain peaks rise into the sky like Dracula's castle, looming above the lake.
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The Fundy Footpath, which stretches 47.5 kilometers along the Bay of Fundy and is home to the world's greatest tides, is not for the faint of heart. The trail is tricky to access since it constantly climbs and descends for a total elevation gain of nearly 2,750 meters. Your legs will be sore at the end of the journey, but you won't be able to take the smile off your face.
This is a challenging multi-day hike through steep and remote terrain with magnificent views of the Bay of Fundy and unspoiled wilderness. It is a point-to-point trail with a combination of woodland and seaside sections that takes most hikers four days to complete. Starting in Alma (Fundy National Park Goose River Trail) and ending in St. Martin's is recommended to have the most difficult portion done first. At numerous spots along the trail, there are wilderness campsites. This trail is ideal for trekking, birdwatching, and camping, May through October are the ideal months to explore this trail.
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You must see Riding Mountain National Park's forests, and there is no better way to do it than by hiking the beautiful Grey Owl Trail. This trail, which is 14.2 kilometers round trip, runs through the woods and is mostly shaded. Keep an eye out for signs of wildlife, such as tracks on the ground or tree claw marks.
It takes an average of 3 hours and 41 minutes to finish this fairly difficult route. Although this is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and trail running, it may still be peaceful at certain times of the day. The trail is mostly shaded by a forest canopy, which is ideal for hot summer days. It is brightly colored in the summer, with butterflies fluttering by and bright wildflowers in full bloom among the brown earth and green trees. The trail is snow-covered in the winter and may be accessed by snowshoe or skis. Grey Owl's cabin, located near the trail's end, has picnic tables where you may have your lunch before returning to the trailhead.
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The Lion's Head Trail is a bucket-list hike and one of the most well-known sections of the Bruce Trail network. Lion's Head Trail, which is part of the 890-kilometer Bruce Trail, is an ideal spot for breathtaking views of Georgian Bay. This trail, which is around 15 kilometers long, starts in the shady woodland and finally leads to the teetering 60-meter limestone cliffs that overlook the bay.
Hikers often spend between six and nine hours on this hike. The hike's first half is breathtaking, with numerous stunning lookouts over the blue ocean and cliffs. The trail then descends to a rocky beach area, with the second half being more of a woodland hike. The last five kilometers are on a woodland trail with easier terrain and are mostly level. You should bring hiking shoes for this journey because it is fairly rough and has a lot of roots.
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Starting at the Rubble Creek parking lot, it is a 9 km hike to reach Garibaldi Lake. Garibaldi Lake is one of British Columbia's most gorgeous places, with turquoise-colored water tucked between alpine mountains and a stunning glacier as a backdrop.
The hike begins at the wooden steps at the top section of the parking lot in the Rubble Creek parking lot, just south of Whistler. The first 6 kilometers of the trail are an uphill climb through dense Douglas Fir forests. The journey may appear to go on forever at times, but keep moving because the prize will be well worth the effort. You can camp at the lake, but you must make a reservation with Garibaldi Provincial Park ahead of time. In the summer, especially on weekends and holidays, this is a popular trail. Despite the challenges of the workout, the sights make it well worth the effort. -
The Crack Track in Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, is often referred to as one of the most amazing hiking experiences in Ontario, and it follows a well-maintained trail with incredible views from the top.
Follow the red sign from the parking lot to the blue sign, which will lead you to the top of the Crack after 1 kilometer. As the name suggests, it's a big crack between two quartzite cliffs, and if you want to continue hiking, you'll have to navigate the narrow passageway. The trail here is rough and has unstable footing, so take extra precautions. Views of Killarney Lake will appear on the other side of the crack, a fantastic reward for your efforts. If you come here in August, there are plenty of wild blueberries and juniper berries to pick, so bring a small container if you know your berries and are confident picking/eating the proper ones!