5 of Canada’s Top Hiking Trails

You’ve probably dreamed of tackling Canada’s legendary hiking trails, but with thousands of options stretching from coast to coast, choosing where to start can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re craving rugged Pacific coastlines, towering alpine peaks, or ancient mountain summits, Canada’s got something that’ll test your limits and reward your efforts. Here are five trails that consistently rank among the country’s best—each offering a completely different adventure that’ll leave you planning your next expedition.

Key Points

• West Coast Trail (75 km) offers rugged coastal hiking through ancient rainforests with whale sightings and Pacific Ocean views.
• Skyline Trail in Jasper provides 44 km of alpine terrain with glaciated peaks and wildlife like mountain goats.
• Gros Morne Mountain Trail features 16 km of boreal forest and rocky scrambles with panoramic Newfoundland vistas.
• The Crack Trail in Killarney offers unique quartzite cliff formations and Georgian Bay views in just 6 km.
• Cabot Trail Highlands provides multiple connected trails with cliff-top ocean views and dramatic highland landscapes in Nova Scotia.

West Coast Trail, British Columbia

The West Coast Trail stretches 75 kilometers along Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline, challenging even experienced hikers with its demanding terrain and unpredictable weather.

You’ll navigate ancient rainforests, traverse suspension bridges, and climb steep ladders carved into cliffsides.

The trail typically takes 5-7 days to complete, requiring advance reservations and permits.

You’ll encounter muddy bogs, slippery boardwalks, and creek crossings that can become treacherous during storms.

Pack waterproof gear, sturdy boots, and emergency supplies.

The trail’s difficulty means you shouldn’t attempt it without proper preparation and hiking experience.

Despite the challenges, you’ll be rewarded with pristine beaches, whale sightings, and breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.

The trail connects Bamfield and Port Renfrew, offering a truly wilderness experience that’ll test your limits while showcasing British Columbia’s stunning coastal beauty.

While this trail focuses on hiking rather than water sports, learning proper safety tips can be valuable for any outdoor adventure involving water crossings or coastal conditions.

Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park, Alberta

Moving inland from British Columbia’s coastal challenges, Alberta’s Skyline Trail offers an entirely different but equally spectacular mountain wilderness experience. You’ll traverse 44 kilometers of alpine terrain through Jasper National Park, with most hikers completing it in 2-3 days.

The trail showcases the Canadian Rockies at their finest—you’ll walk along ridgelines above treeline for extended stretches, providing unobstructed views of glaciated peaks and pristine valleys.

You’ll encounter diverse wildlife including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and potentially black bears. The route’s relatively moderate elevation gain makes it accessible to intermediate hikers, though weather can change rapidly at altitude.

Book backcountry camping permits well in advance, as this popular trail fills quickly. July through September offers the best conditions, with wildflower displays peaking in late July.

Given the remote nature of this multi-day hike, carrying essential first aid items can be crucial for handling minor injuries or emergencies that may occur on the trail.

Gros Morne Mountain Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador

Why venture to Canada’s easternmost province for hiking? The Gros Morne Mountain Trail delivers one of the country’s most rewarding summit experiences. You’ll tackle a challenging 16-kilometer round trip that gains 806 meters of elevation through diverse terrain.

Canada’s easternmost province offers one of the nation’s most rewarding summit experiences with challenging terrain and stunning elevation gains.

The trail starts in boreal forest before shifting to alpine meadows and rocky scrambles. You’ll navigate cairn-marked routes across exposed granite near the summit. The final push requires basic scrambling skills, but you don’t need technical climbing experience.

From the 806-meter peak, you’ll witness stunning panoramic views of Western Brook Pond, the Long Range Mountains, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Plan for 6-8 hours total hiking time.

Weather changes rapidly here, so pack layers and waterproof gear. The trail’s typically accessible from June through September. Before tackling this challenging ascent, familiarize yourself with proper climbing ethics to ensure you respect the mountain environment and fellow hikers.

The Crack Trail, Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario

Where else can you experience Ontario’s rugged Canadian Shield beauty like Killarney Provincial Park’s famous Crack Trail? This 6-kilometer round-trip hike leads you through dense forests before rewarding you with breathtaking panoramic views from a dramatic quartzite ridge.

You’ll climb approximately 200 meters of elevation gain, making it moderately challenging but accessible for most hikers. The trail’s highlight is “The Crack” itself – a narrow crevice between towering white quartzite cliffs that you’ll squeeze through to reach the summit.

From the top, you’ll witness stunning vistas of Georgian Bay’s turquoise waters and the surrounding La Cloche Mountains. The contrast between white quartzite ridges and crystal-clear lakes creates an almost otherworldly landscape.

Plan for 3-4 hours total hiking time, and bring plenty of water since there’s limited shade along the exposed ridgeline. This incredible trail consistently ranks among the top hikes featured in international hiking guides and travel publications.

Cabot Trail Highlands, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

How does it feel to drive along one of the world’s most scenic coastal highways while accessing incredible highland hiking trails? You’ll discover the answer on Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail Highlands, where rugged beauty meets accessible adventure.

Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail delivers an unmatched combination of world-class coastal driving and accessible highland adventures in one spectacular destination.

The Skyline Trail stands as the crown jewel, offering breathtaking cliff-top views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You’ll traverse wooden boardwalks through boreal forests before emerging onto dramatic headlands where moose often graze.

Key highlights include:

• Skyline Trail: 8.2km loop with spectacular sunset viewpoints
• Franey Trail: Steep 7.4km climb rewarding you with panoramic valley vistas
• Middle Head Trail: Easy 5km coastal walk perfect for families

Each trail connects you directly to the famous Cabot Trail, making logistics simple while delivering unforgettable Maritime mountain experiences. If you’re considering exploring these coastal waters further, weighing whether to rent or buy a boat for fishing excursions from nearby harbors can enhance your Cape Breton adventure.

Sum Up

You’ve glimpsed Canada’s hiking crown jewels—trails that’ll paint your adventure canvas with coastal drama, alpine poetry, and forest symphonies. Whether you’re chasing whale spouts on the West Coast Trail or drinking in glacier vistas from Jasper’s ridgelines, these paths don’t just lead through landscapes—they thread through your soul. Lace up those boots and let Canada’s wilderness weave its magic around you. Your next unforgettable chapter’s waiting on these legendary trails.