Whether rigorous hiking is your bag or you’re more of a relaxed and casual stroll kind of person, Canada offers a variety of magnificent options. From full-on overnight camping to daytime excursions, there are many different kinds of hikes to suit your needs. Beginner or advanced, it doesn’t matter, get outdoors this spring and marvel over some of Canada’s most breathtaking trails. Don’t forget to pack a lunch!
1. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Photo courtesy of Vacay.ca
Located on the north end of the Appalachian mountain range and reaching 800 meters out of the bogs along the Atlantic coast, the Long Range Traverse is an unmarked route known for its difficulty and splendour. You might even find yourself sharing your hike with the likes of caribou, moose, arctic hare, and black bear.
2. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Photo courtesy of Expedia
Of the three geographically separated units that make up the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, The Long Beach unit, located between the villages of Ucluelet and Tofino, is ideal for casual strolls. With roughly 22 km of beaches and 12 km of trails, you can either walk on the beach or hike one of its natural trails.
3. Fundy Trail, New Brunswick
Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor
For many years, parts of the Bay of Fundy were virtually unreachable—now they’re wide open. The 19 km trail that begins just outside St. Martins boasts stunning panoramic views and is one of the last remaining coastal wilderness areas between Florida and Labrador. It’s one of the world’s best places to check out marine and wildlife—it’s also the breeding habitat for Right Whales.
4. Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia
Photo courtesy of Freenaturepictures.blogspot
Designated a National Historic site of Canada and a National Park, Kejimkujik National Park offers wilderness trails, lakes, rivers, and stone-carved pertroglyphs left by the Mi’kmaq who set foot on these lands thousands of years ago. Also designated a Dark Sky Preserve, the idea of a starry, starry night is given a whole new meaning.
5. Killarney Park, Ontario
Photo courtesy of Killarneyoutfitters.com
Founded in 1820, the historic Village of Killarney was a fur trading post on Georgian Bay and home of the famous Herbert Fisheries fish and chips. The iconic landscape had inspired The Group of Seven’s A.Y Jackson, Franklin Carmichael, and A.J. Casson so profoundly that they convinced the Ontario government to make it a park. From cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter to a remarkable 80 km hike, Killarney is accessible—and magical—in every season.
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