10 Must-Hike Trails in Canada for Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures
If you’ve ever stood at the edge of a turquoise lake, watched clouds roll over a jagged ridgeline, or listened to the wind whisper through an ancient forest - you know that hiking isn’t just about moving your feet. It’s about getting grounded. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and remembering how big and beautiful this world really is.
In Canada, nature isn’t something you have to search for - it finds you. From the coastal cliffs of Newfoundland to the glacial valleys of the Rockies, hiking in Canada offers a rare chance to explore some of the most untouched and soul-stirring terrain on Earth. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a road tripper, a traveling family, or a solo explorer, these ten hikes showcase the best of Canada’s wild heart - with views that will stay with you long after your boots are off.
Let’s lace up and dive in.
1. Plain of Six Glaciers Trail – Lake Louise, Alberta
Length: 13.8 km (8.6 miles) round trip
Level: Moderate
Region: Banff National Park
Tucked behind the famous turquoise waters of Lake Louise lies a quieter, more rugged adventure. The Plain of Six Glaciers trail winds through glacier-carved valleys and scree slopes, bringing you face-to-face with hanging glaciers, thundering avalanches (in spring), and one of the most scenic tea houses in North America.
Why it’s worth it: Fewer crowds than Lake Agnes, with bigger views and deeper stillness.
Pro tip: Go early to beat the crowds - and bring cash for the tea house.
2. The Skyline Trail – Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia
Length: 8.2 km (5.1 miles) loop
Level: Easy–Moderate
Region: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
This coastal clifftop trail is a rite of passage on Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail. The wooden boardwalk leads to one of Canada’s most iconic views: the ocean stretching endlessly west, cliffs plunging into the sea, and - if you’re lucky - moose grazing below.
Why it’s worth it: Epic sunsets, ocean air, and a chance to spot whales and eagles.
Best season: Autumn for cooler temps and fiery foliage.
3. Berg Lake Trail – Mount Robson, British Columbia
Length: 41.5 km (25.8 miles) round trip
Level: Difficult
Region: Mount Robson Provincial Park
This multi-day hike through waterfalls, meadows, and alpine passes ends at a turquoise lake framed by the towering, ice-capped Mount Robson - the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Why it’s worth it: Glacier views, thundering falls, and a backcountry campsite you’ll never forget.
Book early: This trail requires permits and fills up fast every season.
4. Grizzly Lake Trail – Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon
Length: 22 km (13.7 miles) round trip
Level: Moderate–Difficult
Region: Yukon Territory
Remote, raw, and untouched, this hike into Yukon’s alpine tundra brings you through golden valleys to a pristine glacial lake surrounded by knife-edge peaks. Welcome to the wild north.
Why it’s worth it: Total wilderness immersion. In late August, the fall colors are unreal.
Tip: Bring bear spray and book ahead for backcountry sites.
5. Garibaldi Lake Trail – British Columbia
Length: 18 km (11.2 miles) round trip
Level: Moderate
Region: Near Whistler, BC
Climb steadily through dense forest to one of Canada’s most photogenic alpine lakes. Snow-capped peaks reflect in the turquoise water, while glaciers loom silently in the distance.
Why it’s worth it: The payoff at the top is pure postcard.
Tip: Pack a picnic - it’s the perfect spot for a long, lazy lunch with a view.
6. Fundy Footpath – New Brunswick
Length: 41 km (25.5 miles) point-to-point
Level: Challenging
Region: Bay of Fundy Coast
This rugged East Coast gem follows forested cliffs and river crossings above the dramatic Bay of Fundy. You'll hike through fog, ferns, and solitude - with sea views that feel like the edge of the world.
Why it’s worth it: A true test of endurance and solitude, plus access to the world’s highest tides.
Best for: Experienced hikers and coastal backpackers.
7. Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass – Alberta
Length: 11.6 km (7.2 miles) round trip
Level: Moderate
Region: Banff National Park (Moraine Lake)
This hike shines in late September, when golden larches light up the valley like something out of a fairytale. From there, Sentinel Pass offers a jaw-dropping view over Paradise Valley.
Why it’s worth it: Possibly the most magical fall hike in the country.
Note: Moraine Lake access is shuttle-only - reserve in advance.
8. Gros Morne Mountain Trail – Newfoundland & Labrador
Length: 16 km (10 miles) round trip
Level: Difficult
Region: Gros Morne National Park
Climb to one of Canada’s wildest summit views: fjords, valleys, and Arctic-alpine landscapes that feel more like Iceland than Newfoundland.
Why it’s worth it: Raw, dramatic terrain and true East Coast wilderness.
Be ready: This hike is no joke - expect wind, boulders, and steep climbs.
9. The Crack – Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario
Length: 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip
Level: Moderate–Challenging
Region: Georgian Bay region
A classic Ontario hike that delivers massive reward for a short (but steep) effort. Scramble through a giant quartzite rock crack to panoramic views over sparkling blue lakes and ancient pines.
Why it’s worth it: The landscape here is unlike anywhere else in Ontario.
Tip: Combine it with a paddle on nearby George Lake.
10. East Coast Trail – Newfoundland
Length: 336 km (209 miles total) – choose sections
Level: Easy to difficult
Region: Avalon Peninsula
More than 25 individual trail sections span this coastal path, winding past lighthouses, cliffs, icebergs, puffins, and sea stacks. Whether you hike an hour or a few days, you’ll leave with salt air in your lungs and stories in your soul.
Why it’s worth it: Unfiltered coastal Canada - raw, rugged, and rich in local charm.
Don’t miss: The Cape Spear to Maddox Cove section for a perfect day hike.
In Canada, hiking is more than exercise - it’s a journey of discovery. These trails invite you to breathe deeper, walk slower, and reconnect with something ancient and wild. Whether you're hiking for the views, the challenge, or the quiet in between, Canada offers a trail that’s just right for your adventure.
Evolve Tours is happy to help build a custom hiking itinerary - whether it’s a cross-country trail-hopping road trip, a wellness retreat with yoga and paddling, or a family-friendly journey with nature walks, Indigenous cultural stops, and local food experiences.
Let’s design your perfect outdoor escape.
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Email: info@evolvetours.com
Phone: 1-888-222-5066
Website: www.evolvetours.com
