Best 5 Hikes in Canada
Anyone who has ever been to Canada will know picking the country’s top five hiking destinations is as challenging as climbing the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Why? Because Canada is a natural wonderland.
From lush forests to breathtaking coastlines and frosty mountains that look like they were cropped out of a scene from a fairy tale, Canada has landscapes that make it an adventurer’s paradise.
You could walk the country’s rugged wilderness scenes for a year and still not run out of destinations to explore. With so many incredible spots to find hiking trails, how do you pick the best places to start?
As someone who has seen much of what Canada has to offer in terms of natural landscapes, I know some hidden gems that are worth exploring for first-time hikers and experienced trekkers alike. Here are my top five hiking destinations in Canada:
Skyline Trail, Nova Scotia
The Skyline Trail will appeal to casual hikers who aren’t looking for anything torturous but still desiring to catch stunning landscape views. It’s located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park and offers some unique mountain-top and coastline sights, including the picturesque estuarine views of The Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Hikers who love spotting wildlife on their treks will also fancy this trail. It’s one of the best destinations to see Canada’s wilderness dwellers, including bears and moose.
That said, I recommend packing a jacket if you’ll make your way to the mountains, as it can get windy up there. Also, get an eSIM if you’re coming in from overseas so you don’t rely on a pricey roaming plan for a mobile connection while you’re exploring the rugged Canadian wilderness.
The West Coast Trail, British Columbia
The West Coast Trail is considered by most people as the ultimate hiking challenge in Canada. Located on Vancouver Island, it stretches across 47 miles. As such, it requires around a week to complete.
The area combines different breathtaking landscapes. Your journey will take you through beaches, rainforests, rivers, shipwreck sites, and rugged cliffs. Based on the difficulty level, the West Coast Trail is for expert hikers.
Plain of Six Glaciers, Alberta
Located in Banff National Park – one of Canada’s most popular national parks – the Plain of Six Glaciers is an 8-mile hike that you can navigate within five hours. It starts on the shoreline of Lake Louise and leads you up to steep, rocky mountain scenes.
The hill-top spots offer amazing views of glaciers around the lake and snow-covered peaks. For a quick break, you can stop at the historic teahouse for some freshly-baked refreshments.
Crypt Lake Trail, Alberta
If you’re coming to Canada for a hiking holiday, the Crypt Lake Trail is one of those destinations that should make it to your must-see list. Located in the Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, this trail is built for unique and unforgettable adventures.
The journey begins with a boat ride across Waterton Lake. From there, you’re exposed to a rugged world filled with waterfalls, dense forests, and a ladder climb. The Crypt Lake offers a fitting end to the hike. Here, you might even catch sights of mountain goats and marmots.
Johnston Canyon, Alberta
Considering a family-friendly hike with kids? I can’t think of anywhere better than Johnston Canyon. Waterfalls are the main highlight here, with the upper and lower falls offering incredible views of cascading water.
You can also catch an enchanting glimpse of the canyon from the catwalk connected to the cliffs or the blue-green pools in the Ink Pots. Come here during the winter, and you get to see how the snow transforms the waterfalls and canyon into a winter wonderland.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s natural landscapes make it one of the best destinations for a hiking adventure. If you’re preparing for a hiking trip in the country but not sure where to start, any of the five destinations in this blog post are ideal for unforgettable adventures.