Best hiking trails you should try in Canada

Here’s how you can enjoy living and studying in Canada.

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir

Home to an exquisite array of flora and fauna, Canada offers some of the most stunning trails that one can take – whether it’s a path less travelled or a prominent route.

Your counsellors at IDP might have given you a heads-up about how beautiful Canada is, but seeing it in real life is an experience in itself. It’s unlike your walks in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or the Botanic Gardens.

For some, escaping the hustle of city life in the Great White North is a jaunt through the scenic belly of nature, a process that spurs recovery for body, mind and spirit.

With that, we’ve rounded up some of the best hiking trails in Canada, a collection of experiences that you wouldn’t get anywhere else.

Crypt Lake Trail

Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta

Sitting in the southwest corner of Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park is a hotbed for thriving wildlife and hikers.

Keep a lookout for prancing mountain goats, black bears and river otters as you attempt the Crypt Lake Trail - a composition of gritty terrain, waterfalls and small mountain streams.

Venture further and you’ll witness the majesty of Crypt Falls, a gushing centrepiece in the middle of a sprawling valley.

Distance: 20.6km

Route type: Loop

Difficulty: Hard

Plain of the Six Glaciers

Banff National Park, Alberta

Partake in a Canadian classic that offers the best of both worlds: glorious lakes and brilliant glaciers.

Located in Banff National Park, the Plain of the Six Glaciers invites you on a striking journey through distinct scenic points.

The trail opens slowly along the shoreline of Lake Louise, slithers through a narrow valley towards Mount Lefroy, before stretching towards a quaint tea house where many stop for the view and a breather.

If you’re up for the challenge, hike another 1.3km to the Abbots Pass Viewpoint for a breath-taking reward.

Distance: 13.8km

Route type: Out and Back

Difficulty: Moderate

Gros Morne National Trail

Gris Morne National Park, Newfoundland

If tackling rocky terrain is right up your alley, then look no further than the Gros Morne Mountain Trail.

Situated near Norris Point, Newfoundland and Labrador, this hike is known to be a gruelling one that elevates to a height of 800m - the park’s highest peak. We recommend that you don durable hiking boots.

But what awaits at the end is worth every bead of sweat, a terrific view comprising the Ten Mile Pond, Long Range Mountains and arctic-alpine habitant.

Distance: 15.4km

Route type: Loop

Difficulty: Hard

West Coast Trail

Pacific Rim National Park

Considered one of the most popular trails in the world, the West Coast Trail snakes along the edge of Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

It offers a slew of challenges that seasoned hikers revel in, from winding through thick forests and scaling moss-laden ladders, to repelling and ambling along beach treks.

Rugged and demanding, the trail is a gem for adventure seekers, with a chance to spy animals like cougars, black bears and sea lions.

One thing to note, you’ll have to make a reservation with Parks Canada in order to engage in this hike.

Distance: 75.3km

Route type: Point to Point

Difficulty: Hard

Troll Falls Trail

Kananaskis Village, Alberta

Sometimes, all you seek is an easy-going trail that weaves through charming greenery, without the need to strain your calves or to watch out for a loose rock as you make the next step. 

You want a hike that clears your head, to soothe both mind and spirit as you sniff in crisp, fresh air and ponder, say, life.

Or your future career path.

Well, you’ve got the Troll Falls Trail. It’s a hike that everyone can savour, a path through the forest with minimal elevation, leading past moss stones and wildflowers before ending at a tranquil waterfall.

Distance: 3.4km

Route type: Out and Back

Difficulty: Easy

Want to find out more about what Canada has to offer? Book a session with one of our counsellors today!

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