Our guide to Canada’s best hiking trails

From the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and the majestic Rockies to the ancient forests of Ontario and the sparkling waters of the East, Canada offers some of the world’s most breathtaking hiking experiences.

Here, we’ve rounded up some of the finest trails across the country split by region, with options for every skill level and interest.

Length: 75km (one-way)

Duration: 5-7 days

Difficulty: Difficult

Type: Thru-hike (point-to-point)

The legendary West Coast Trail traverses the southwestern edge of Vancouver Island through lush temperate rainforest, pristine beaches and dramatic rugged coastline. Originally built as a lifesaving trail for shipwreck survivors, it now attracts intrepid hikers worldwide for its challenging terrain and panoramic ocean views.

Natalie’s insider tip: Book months in advance as permits are limited and fill quickly. The northern section (from Bamfield) is generally easier than starting from the southern end.

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Length: 47km (one-way)

Duration: 3-5 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Thru-hike (can be done in sections)

A more accessible alternative to the West Coast Trail, the captivating Juan de Fuca offers similar coastal beauty with less technical difficulty. Enjoy sweeping ocean vistas, secluded sandy beaches and thrilling chances to spot majestic whales and playful sea lions.

Natalie’s insider tip: China Beach to Sombrio Beach (about 8.5km) makes a perfect day hike if you’re not ready for the full trail.

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Length: 11km (loop)

Duration: 4-6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Loop

The enchanting alpine wonderland of Yoho National Park offers incredible bang for your hiking buck. The Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit connects a series of turquoise alpine lakes surrounded by towering jagged peaks. Access is limited by a bus reservation system to protect the fragile pristine environment.

Natalie’s insider tip: Make bus reservations the moment they open (three months in advance), or try for last-minute cancellations by calling the parks office daily.

Length: 14km (round trip)

Duration: 4-5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Out-and-back

Starting at iconic emerald Lake Louise, the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse Trail climbs to a historic teahouse offering panoramic views of six magnificent glaciers. The trail continues past the family-run teahouse for even more dramatic views of the glacial valley.

Natalie’s insider tip: Bring cash for the teahouse – they don’t accept cards, and a warm cup of tea at 2,100m elevation is an experience not to be missed.

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Length: 44km (one-way)

Duration: 2-3 days

Difficulty: Difficult

Type: Thru-hike

The most popular backcountry hike in Jasper National Park, the exhilarating Skyline Trail lives up to its name with nearly 25km of hiking above the treeline. The alpine views include the breadth of the Canadian Rockies, plus abundant and diverse wildlife.

Natalie’s insider tip: Hike from Maligne Lake to the Signal trailhead (not vice versa) for less elevation gain and better views as you approach the most scenic sections.

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Length: 42km (round trip)

Duration: 1-3 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Out-and-back

The Berg Lake Trail offers majestic views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and leads to the brilliant turquoise waters of its namesake, where you can watch massive glaciers calve into the water. The diverse terrain includes lush valleys, dense forests and alpine meadows.

Natalie’s insider tip: Emperor Falls, about 5km before Berg Lake, is worth the short side trip – especially in early summer when snowmelt creates powerful thundering cascades.

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Length: 22km (Top of the Giant Trail)

Duration: 7-8 hours

Difficulty: Difficult

Type: Out-and-back

Located on Lake Superior’s north shore, this challenging trail climbs to spectacular, if not dizzying, cliff-top views 250m above the vast lake. Wondering the reason behind the name? Provincial Park is said to resemble a sleeping giant when viewed from the city of Thunder Bay.

Natalie’s insider tip: The most scenic section starts at the South Kabeyun Trailhead. Take Kabeyun to Talus Lake, then the Top of the Giant Trail for the best route.

Length: 500+ km (full trail)

Duration: Variable (sections from hours to days)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Type: Thru-hike (best done in sections)

The impressive Ganaraska Trail connects Port Hope on Lake Ontario to the Bruce Trail, passing through diverse picturesque landscapes, including the rolling Oak Ridges Moraine and the famed ancient Canadian Shield.

Natalie’s insider tip: The wilderness section through Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park offers a true backcountry experience surprisingly close to Toronto – a hidden gem in central Ontario.

Length: 60km (one-way)

Duration: 5-7 days

Difficulty: Difficult

Type: Thru-hike

This remote, untamed trail follows Lake Superior’s rugged northeastern shoreline through dense boreal forest and across rocky windswept beaches. It’s among the most isolated hiking experiences in Ontario, with views of the world’s largest freshwater lake.

Natalie’s insider tip: Time your visit for late summer when water levels are lower (making stream crossings easier) and juicy blueberries line parts of the trail.

Length: 10.5km (round trip)

Duration: 4-5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Loop

Located in the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, this enchanting trail in Mont-Mégantic National Park offers panoramic views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. The summit also houses an impressive astronomical observatory.

Natalie’s insider tip: If you can, stay past sunset. Mont-Mégantic is one of the best places in eastern Canada for spectacular stargazing (hence the observatory…)

Length: 35km (one-way)

Duration: 3-5 days

Difficulty: Very Difficult

Type: Thru-hike

This challenging, unmarked route in Gros Morne National Park traverses the imposing Long Range Mountains with jaw-dropping views of deep fjords, towering cliffs and untouched wilderness. Hikers must pass a navigation test before receiving a permit.

Natalie’s insider tip: The first day’s climb is the steepest. Once you’re up on the plateau, the hiking gets easier, although navigation remains challenging.

Length: 336km (full trail)

Duration: 10-14 days (full trail)

Difficulty: Easy to difficult

Type: Thru-hike (easily done in sections)

This coastal trail links 30 charming communities along Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula. Highlights include impressive sea stacks, misty fjords, historic lighthouses, haunting abandoned settlements and exciting whale watching.

Natalie’s insider tip: The Spout Path section features a natural wave-driven geyser. If possible, time your visit with high tide and heavy seas for the most dramatic display.

Length: 78km (loop)

Duration: 7-10 days

Difficulty: Difficult

Type: Loop

This challenging loop winds through the quartzite La Cloche Mountains, made famous by Group of Seven (a set of famous Canadian landscape artists) paintings. Expect rugged demanding terrain with stark white ridges, crystal-clear sapphire lakes and whispering pine forests.

Natalie’s insider tip: Silver Peak, the park’s highest point, is a must-visit side trip, offering sweeping views of Georgian Bay and the surrounding wilderness.

Length: 97km (one-way)

Duration: 8-12 days

Difficulty: Very difficult

Type: Thru-hike

This remote Arctic trail crosses Auyuittuq National Park through a naturally carved valley, beneath towering granite peaks and beside massive ancient glaciers. The 24-hour summer daylight provides ample time for hiking and photography in this otherworldly landscape. It should be noted that river crossings on this hike can be dangerous, and that you should try to reach major crossings in the early morning when glacial melt is at its lowest.