Canada’s Top 8 Hiking Trails

Walking has many benefits for health, such as reducing stress, improving cardiovascular health, preventing chronic diseases, and decreasing obesity-related complications.

In Canada, hiking has become more popular since the pandemic, with 72 percent of Canadians stating that they regularly use trails across the country for outdoor activities.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, here are eight top hiking trails from one coast to another.

First Footsteps Trail, Mount Revelstoke National Park, British Columbia

An ideal hike for beginners, this 0.75-kilometer trail loops through meadows with some short steep sections and steps. Visitors can learn about the indigenous people’s stories, including traditional artwork, while also exploring the fascinating icebox, a large crack in the rock that contains snow all year round. For a longer trek, hikers can connect to the nearby Koo Koo Sint trail, a simple mountain-top hike that takes approximately 60 minutes.

Emerald Lake Trail, Yoho National Park, British Columbia

This lakeside trail offers views of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding forest, providing an easy-level hike around the west side of the lake. With a length of 5.2 kilometers, it takes about two hours to complete. The trail features a gravel path from the parking area to the bridge located at the back of the lake.

Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail, Banff National Park

This trail is a simple way to explore one of the most picturesque spots in Banff, winding around Lake Louise with its turquoise waters. Hikers will enjoy mountain views, a waterfall, and the glacier waters at the far end of the lake. The trail leads to milky creek, where the lake gets its stunning color.

Sand Dunes Nature Trail, Douglas Provincial Park, Saskatchewan

A unique hike in the prairies, this trail at Douglas Provincial Park takes visitors through one of only three sand dune areas in the province. The 11-kilometer trail winds through grasslands and aspen woodlands, with the towering dunes reaching 25 meters in height. Due to the lack of shade, it’s recommended to hike this trail in the morning or evening to avoid the heat.

Nassagaweya Canyon Trail, Milton, Ontario

Located just a short drive from Toronto, the Nassagaweya Canyon Trail offers lush woods and a view from the crest of the Niagara Escarpment at Rattlesnake Point. This 9.4-kilometer trail connects Rattlesnake Point to Crawford Lake and takes about four to five hours to complete.

Georgian Bay Trail, Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario

One of the most popular hiking spots in Southern Ontario, this trail leads visitors to scenic cliffs and shores in the park. The three-kilometer trail is of moderate to difficult level and takes about three hours to complete. Hikers can explore two sea caves by heading into Indian Head Cove and navigate through boulders along the Marr Lake return route.

Williams Falls, Mount Carleton Provincial Park, New Brunswick

This easy trail offers spectacular views of the falls, making it perfect for families or novice hikers. With a length of 0.3 kilometers, it can be completed in less than 30 minutes. Visitors can stand on the bridge over the falls or head to the lookout platform below to admire the cascading water.

Coastal Trail, Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador

Hikers can begin the Coastal Trail at the visitor center or Newman Sound Campground, exploring the coast of the inner Newman Sound with sandy spots and boreal forest. The 9.5-kilometer trail takes about three to four hours to complete, ending at Pissamere Falls and is considered easy to moderate.

Skyline Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

Considered an easy trail, the Skyline offers stunning views at a headland cliff overlooking the coast. Visitors can spot whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence from various lookout points along the 8.2-kilometer loop, which takes about two to three hours to complete.