Canada Hiking & Trekking Guide 2025
Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Canada.
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 Hiking Trails
The best hikes Canada has to offer.
Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
moderateStarting 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.
West Coast Trail
expertOne 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.
Sentinel Pass Trail via Larch Valley
challengingStarting 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.
Skyline Trail
challengingJasper'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.
Grouse Grind
challengingVancouver'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.
Garibaldi Lake Trail
moderateThe 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.
Fundy Trail
easyDramatic 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.
Tonquin Valley Trail
moderateAccess 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.
Trails by Difficulty
Find trails that match your fitness level.
🟢 Easy
Flat or gently rolling terrain suitable for families with children and beginners. Short distances (under 10 km), minimal elevation gain. Examples: Johnston Canyon Lower Falls (Banff), Stanley Park Seawall (Vancouver), Ottawa Gatineau Park trails.
🟡 Moderate
Some elevation gain and uneven terrain requiring basic fitness. Most popular hiking trails fall in this category. Hiking boots recommended. Examples: Garibaldi Lake, Plain of Six Glaciers, Fundy Trail.
🟠 Challenging
Significant elevation gain (600m+), longer distances, steep sections, and possible exposure. Requires good fitness, proper gear, and navigation experience. Examples: Grouse Grind, Sentinel Pass, Skyline Trail.
🔴 Expert
Technical terrain, extreme exposure, multi-day commitment, or specialized equipment required. Examples: West Coast Trail (multi-day), glaciated peaks, scrambles in the Rockies requiring via ferrata or rope experience.
Complete Hiking Guide
Detailed trail descriptions, packing checklists, and route recommendations.
Hiking Preparation
What to bring and how to prepare.
Essential Gear
Day Hikes
- Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
- Plenty of water (2-3 liters)
- Snacks and lunch
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Rain layer/jacket
- First aid kit
- Navigation (map, GPS, phone)
- Flashlight/headlamp
Multi-Day Treks
- All day hike essentials plus:
- Backpack (40-60L)
- Tent or shelter
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Cooking equipment
- Water purification
- Extra clothing layers
- Emergency supplies
Physical Preparation
- Start training weeks before challenging hikes
- Build up endurance with regular cardio
- Practice on local trails with elevation gain
- Break in new boots before the trip
- Acclimatize to altitude gradually if needed
Hiking Safety
Stay safe on the trails.
Always tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry emergency communication device in remote areas.
Check weather conditions before setting out. Turn back if conditions deteriorate. Never underestimate mountains.
Stay on marked trails. Getting lost in unfamiliar terrain can be dangerous. Carry navigation tools.
Be aware of wildlife. Research local animals and know how to respond to encounters.
Start early to allow plenty of daylight. Always aim to be back before dark.
Local Hazards
- Bears (black bears and grizzly bears) — carry bear spray, make noise, never approach, store all food in bear canisters in backcountry
- Cougars (mountain lions) — present in BC coastal and Rocky Mountain parks; if encountered, do not run, make yourself large and loud
- Moose — unpredictable and more dangerous than bears; give wide berth especially cows with calves
- River crossings — snowmelt peaks June-July making crossings hazardous; check conditions before backcountry travel
- Sudden weather changes — afternoon thunderstorms common in summer in the Rockies; descend from exposed ridges if lightning threatens
- Avalanche terrain — present at many mountain trails even in summer; marked trails avoid worst zones but be aware in spring
- Ticks — found in tall grass and forest edge in southern BC, Ontario, Quebec, and Maritime provinces April-November; check after hikes
- Dehydration and sun exposure — high elevation reduces perceived heat while UV intensity increases; use sunscreen and carry more water than expected
Best Time to Hike
Plan your hiking adventure for optimal conditions.
🌸 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.
Explore Canada's Trails
Get our complete hiking guide with GPS routes, difficulty ratings, and local tips.
Download Hiking Guide