Best Hiking Spots in Canada

Best Hiking Spots in Canada

Best Hiking Spots in Canada

Author Rasha Rehman / Category Sustainable Living / Published: Aug-20-2019

From coast to coast, there’s a park and hiking trail for every nature enthusiast in Canada. Don’t fret – you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the Canadian West Coast mountains or Newfoundland lakeside views. An adventurous attitude and a sturdy pair of hiking shoes are all you need. Ditch your electronics this season and consider a trip to one of these top 7 hiking spots in Canada that cater to all ages and activity levels!

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

There is a trail for every hiker here at Algonquin Park. You may have seen paintings or graphics of this park on t-shirts and it’s all for a reason. It’s one of Ontario’s most popular and oldest parks that hosts 18 various walking trails. There’s a path for every age group and level with lengths of trails ranging from 1.0 to 10.8km. This 7,630 sq. km park hosts over 1,000 vascular plants, has inspired over 40 books and attracts more than half a million visitors annually. The diverse trails offer stellar lakeside views and potential encounters with animals like deers, beavers, birds or moose!

Image: algonquinpark_maikeehlert_instagram

Photo credit: @maikeehlert via Instagram

Banff National Park, Alberta

 

Located in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park founded in 1885. You may have seen photos of it’s iconic Icefields Parkway on Instagram and this parkway needs no filter. Hiking trails cover high mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, steep canyons and views of grizzly bears and bighorn sheep- depending on your timing of course. This one is not just for the hike but a must for the books.

 

Image: Peyto Lake

Photo credit: Cory Yefet | Awoke N' Aware

Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

 

Fundy National Park is rich in ecological history and hosts the highest tides in the world! This hidden, small national park is located in the Bay of Fundy with over 25 hiking trails to explore. It’s an alternative to more popular parks; offering serene, calm paths and opportunities to see some iconic wildlife. It’s also home to the oldest red spruce tree in the world! Winter is no problem here, visitors can hike, toboggan or go cross-country skiing then too.

 

Image: Fundy_tourismnewbrunswick

Photo credit: TourismNewBrunswick.ca

The West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island

 

The West Coast Trail is an ambitious 75 km hiking path located on the western coast of Vancouver Island. This trail crosses through a variety of scenes - from a deserted beach to a forest of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Open from May till September, 6,000 hikers attempt this path and cross slippery, muddy boardwalks, dark rainforests and extremely cold conditions. It’s a difficult path for serious hikers who are willing to dedicate 6 to 8 days to complete it thoroughly. Are you up for the challenge?

 

Image: westcoast_PaulaReedyk_discovervancouverisland.com

Photo credit: Paula Reedyk via DiscoverVancouver.com

Cape Breton National Highlands Park, Nova Scotia

 

A culturally rich park referred to as the place “where the mountains meet the sea,” Cape Breton National Highlands Park is breathtaking! Its most scenic trail is the Cabot Trail which runs alongside coastal borders of the park and highlands. Why is this trail a top pick? The various, elevated river canyons, and northern and southern species bring dramatic sceneries through a hike or a stroll - whichever you prefer.

 

Image: capebreton_andreaschaffer_flickr

Photo credit: Andrea Schaffer via Flickr

East Coast Trail, Newfoundland & Labrador

 

Located in Canada’s most easterly province of Newfoundland & Labrador, East Coast Trail is alongside the Atlantic Ocean. With over 20 trails, hikers are surrounded by cliffs, abandoned settlements, lighthouses, seabird colonies and a 50-metre suspension bridges. This hike is packed with various views crossing fishing towns and harbours. This path is a great alternative if you’re looking for an alternative to the Western Rocky Mountains!

 

Image: newfound_newfoundsander_wordpress

Photo credit: newfoundsander.wordpress.com

Gaspesié National Park, Quebec

 

Do you prefer a quiet stroll or hike? Then this park is for you! The hike paths of Gaspesié National Park range from 1 to 17 km. Located south of the town of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Quebec, Gaspesié National Park is Quebec’s second largest park. Two mountain ranges of park, lake and water views are close by. Quebec may not be the first province that comes to mind for hiking, but this park attracts thousands every year. Don’t miss out on this one!

 

Image: gaspesie_sepaq

Photo credit: Sepaq.com

Rasha Rehman
 
"Communication lead by day and media entrepreneur by night; Rasha is a passionate Toronto-based journalist. Adopting nutrition and fitness habits and striving to make a positive impact on the environment keeps Rasha going."
 
Aug-20-2019



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