Posted on Wednesday, 23 October 2024

Go into the wild, and explore some of the most spectacular adventure trails on the planet. Here are 10 of the best Canada hiking routes.

Why choose Canada for a hiking adventure?

The world's second-largest country offers an incredibly diverse range of hiking routes, offering spectacular views over mountains, glacial lakes and dense forests. It’s little wonder among all Canadian outdoor activities, hiking remains one of the most popular.

Many hikers make a beeline for one of the vast national parks, which tend to offer superbly maintained tracks to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

What you need to know about hiking in Canada

Hiking in Canada is not like in the UK. For a start, if you need emergency help, it will take a lot longer to reach you. And unlike in the UK, you'll need to pay a fee to enter the national parks.

Additionally, there's an avalanche risk in many parks between mid-October and mid-June. If you do decide to visit in colder months, you should wear cleats or snowshoes.

It's also advisable to bring safety equipment like a torch, multi-tool, fire starter kit and whistle, not to mention a first aid kit. Some areas are also populated with bears, so bear spray is another must-have.

But despite the extra preparation necessary for safe Canada hiking, this remains one of the most rewarding places to enjoy nature.

 

Here are ten of the best hiking routes in Canada...

1. Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots

Banff National Park
11.4 km

Explore the spectacular Johnston Canyon along this 11.4 km route in Banff National Park, with accessible wide paths but narrow bridges.

You'll see the impressive Lower Falls and the even more photogenic Upper Falls, with its 30-metre cascade. There's an excellent viewpoint 265 metres beyond Upper Falls, accessed over a bridge and via a small tunnel.

Ascending along this forested adventure trail, you'll eventually reach a meadow called Ink Pots, a mineral spring famed for water bubbles that emerge from deep below the Earth's surface. It can change colour depending on the season.

This route includes a series of iron-clad catwalks fixed to the canyon walls.

The stretch between Lower and Upper Falls ascends fairly sharply, before which many families choose to turn around and go back down the trail.

Visitors are encouraged to stay on the trails, as this is considered an ecologically sensitive area.

The trail can be slippery in winter months. Microspikes or ice cleats are recommended during this period.

Banff National Park Fee: $11

2. Tunnel Mountain Summit

Banff National Park
4.3 km

Also located in Banff National Park, this route affords stunning views over the town of Banff and the surrounding mountains, Bow Valley and Mount Rundle.

This is considered a fairly easy route, but is popular with both beginners and experienced hikers due to its incredible views. It’s an accessible introduction to hiking in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Notable features include Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle, both of which are visible from the peak, as well as several glacial lakes.

Note that this is not the Sulphur Mountain route, at the end of which visitors can take a gondola ride back to the starting point.

Spikes and crampons recommended in winter.

Banff National Park Fee: $11

3. The Big Beehive

Banff National Park
10.8 km

This trek starts at the magnificent Lake Louise and ends high up overlooking the same body of water.

Featuring a number of switchbacks, this is a moderately challenging route, although it does get harder on the final segment to The Big Beehive.

The smaller but no less fetching Lake Agnes is located near The Beehive, as well as the charming log-built Lake Agnes Tea House. Here, you can enjoy a warming drink, although it does get rather busy.

As with most (if not all) Canadian national parks, be sure to take all your rubbish with you, as there are no waste disposal services this high up (the tea house staff must bring all supplies up on foot and don’t have the capacity to deal with refuse).

The area is prone to avalanches between October and June, so it’s best avoided unless you have sufficient experience (and a set of good crampons!).

4. Saint Marks Summit

Cypress Provincial Park
10 km

This popular adventure trail affords spectacular views from the final summit and follows the well-maintained Howe Sound Crest path.

After reaching Christmas Gully, you'll encounter regular hiking terrain, with roots and rocks to negotiate. The elevation increases steadily, and there are no ‘technical’ stretches (challenging sections requiring more agility and alertness).

The best time to visit is summer and early autumn, although wear a hat and sunblock since there is little shade.

Cypress Provincial Park entry fee: $40

5. Plain of Six Glaciers Trail

Alberta Parks
14.6 km

This rewarding route offers fantastic views once you reach Mount Victoria, Victoria Glacier and Mount Lefroy. Park authorities have situated benches along the path so you can rest and enjoy the vistas.

Winter (mid-October to mid-June) comes with increased avalanche risk and attempting the route is not recommended unless you have plenty of experience and the right kit (including snowshoes or cleats).

Basic campsites: $8 - $31; Backcountry camping: $12 per person

6. Sulphur Mountain Trail

Alberta Parks
10.8 km

Enjoy this steady uphill track on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain boasting vast open views at the top. The final stretch to Sanson Peak features a 0.5 km boardwalk.

It’s possible – and recommended – to take public transport up to the hike's start, since parking capacity is limited and fills up quickly.

Public transport information: parks.canada.ca/banff-transit
Real-time parking lot information: parks.canada.ca/banffnow

Basic campsites: $8 - $31; Backcountry camping: $12 per person

7. Little Beehive via Lake Agnes

Banff National Park
10.6 km

This route takes you from Lake Louise to the peak of the Little Beehive and offers excellent views over said lake and Banff National Park.

The route ascends steadily along the edge of Lake Louise and boasts a well-maintained track.

The stunning Lake Mirror is one of the highlights you'll encounter.

There’s an avalanche risk between mid-October and mid-June; only attempt this route at this time with ice cleats and if you have sufficient experience and fitness.

Arrive early since parking fills up quickly.

8. Upper Grassi Lakes Trail

Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
3.4 km

The Upper Grassi Lakes Trail offers tremendous views, but routes are sometimes restricted in order to protect certain natural habitats and animals, as well as hikers. Ensure you stick to the designated paths.

100 metres from the trailhead, the path splits in two: you can choose the easier or more difficult route from here.

The easier route includes an old road and dense forest, while the more difficult route comprises the Grassi Lakes Interpretive Trail, with steeper stretches but great views of a waterfall and the pretty town of Canmore. You can do this route in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

Note that other outdoor activities are undertaken here, most notably rock climbing; if you see any climbers, keep a safe distance to avoid being struck by falling rocks.

Arrive early as parking is limited.

Bear spray is essential here; bears are often spotted in the park.

Basic campsites: $8 - $31; Backcountry camping: $12 per person

9. Lake Agnes Trail

Banff National Park, Alberta
7.4 km

This relatively easy path takes you up to the Lake Agnes Teahouse, constructed by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1901, as a place for hikers to take refuge en-route to loftier destinations.

The well-marked, well-maintained trails offer great views over the dramatic Nokhu Crags and the picturesque Lake Louise.

Take a picnic to enjoy at the beautiful area at the lake's base.

Take rubbish with you as there are no refuse facilities.

Avalanches are a risk between mid-October and mid-June. If you attempt the track during this period, be sure to wear ice cleats.

Arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Banff National Park Fee: $11

10. Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls

Banff National Park
5.5 km

Explore the depths of Johnston Canyon on superbly maintained, wide paths and narrow bridges. Enjoy the pretty Lower Falls and the breathtaking, 30-metre-high Upper Falls.

This is generally a child-friendly route, but it does get more challenging as you approach Upper Falls.

It’s highly recommended that you arrive early to beat the crowds and queues. The park fills up quickly and stays busy all day.

Banff National Park Fee: $11

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