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The 10 Best Scenic Places to Walk in Canada

The 10 Best Scenic Places to Walk in Canada

Clever Canadian Written By: November 2023

Canada is full of breathtaking trails and paths that’ll have your Instagram feed brimming with natural beauty. From tranquil coastal paths in Newfoundland to awe-inspiring mountain trails in the Rockies, Canada’s got a bit of something for every walker out there.

So, tighten your shoelaces and get that water bottle filled to the brim because we’re about to take you on a tour of our top scenic walks you’ve just got to check out. Read on!

The Butchart Gardens, British Columbia

Website: www.butchartgardens.com 

Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC 

Contact details: +1 250-652-4422

Operating hours:

  • Monday and Tuesday – 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM

What’s not to love about strolling through 55 acres of meticulously maintained gardens? Whether you’re a connoisseur of flowers or just someone who appreciates the simple beauty of nature, Butchart Gardens is a dream.

The Sunken Garden, in particular, will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. And don’t even get me started on the fragrance of the Rose Garden.

Think of it like walking through a live painting, with every turn revealing a new pop of colour or unexpected vista.

Local tip: Time your visit for the evening during the summer for the added spectacle of the Night Illuminations.

Banff National Park, Alberta

Website: www.pc.gc.ca 

Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB

Contact details: +1 403-762-1550

Operating hours:

  • Open 24 hours

Now let’s jet on over to Alberta for a visit to Banff National Park. The majestic mountains stretching into the sky and the crystal-clear turquoise lakes are almost too beautiful to be real.

There are a whole host of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. And, good news for wildlife fans, you might even catch sight of one of the park’s many inhabitants, from elk to grizzly bears!

Local tip: If you love the thrill, opt for the Plain of Six Glaciers trail. It’s a bit strenuous, but the views are totally worth it.

Sault Ste. Marie Boardwalk, Ontario

Website: www.saulttourism.com 

Address: 735 Queen St E, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Contact details: +1 705-759-5448

Operating hours:

  • Open 24 hours

Have you ever met anyone who isn’t a fan of a scenic boardwalk? Probably not, eh? This is the kind of simplicity that never goes out of style.

Walking along the St. Mary’s River, there’s always something to see. Whether it’s the giant freighters carefully navigating the locks or the local fishermen on an early morning catch,

Did I mention that the boardwalk is a whopping four kilometres long? That’s four kilometres of serene river views, people watching, and, generally speaking, some good old-fashioned relaxation time walking, jogging, or even bike riding.

You’ll get to see freighters gliding through the locks and maybe even spot one of the infamous whitefish darting about in the clear water.

Local tip: Stick around for sunset, as the view of the sun going down over the river is magical, I swear.

Green Gables, Prince Edward Island

Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/greengables 

Address: 8619 Cavendish Rd, Cavendish, PE

Contact details: +1 902-963-7874

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

We can’t talk about scenic walks and not mention Green Gables in Prince Edward Island. Walking here is like stepping right into a beloved childhood novel.

From Lover’s Lane to Balsam Hollow, there’s so much to explore. The beautifully maintained house and gardens might be the main draw, but the surrounding landscapes are just as luscious.

You’ll be rambling through beautiful pastures, red sandstone cliffs, and salty sea air in no time.

Local tip: If you’re a fan of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s books, be sure to visit in the fall. The colours around it make it feel like a real-life imitation of Anne’s world.

Village of Yorkville Park, Toronto

Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/319/index.html  

Address: 115 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON

Contact details: +1 416-338-4386

Operating hours:

  • Open 24 hours

The Village of Yorkville Park is divided into 11 different sections, each representing a noteworthy aspect of Canada’s diverse natural environment. If you need a break from city life without actually leaving the city, then this is your spot.

One moment you’re walking amid the hustle and bustle of Toronto’s streets, the next you’re surrounded by towering pine trees straight out of the boreal forest. And let’s not forget about the impressive 650-ton rock that’s millions of years old.

It’s the perfect reminder of how awe-inspiring Mother Nature truly is.

Local tip: If you’re into art, make sure to check out the various public artworks scattered throughout the park. They’re a cool bonus to your park stroll!

Kootenay National Park, British Columbia

Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay/ 

Address: British Columbia, Canada

Contact details: +1 250-347-9505

Operating hours:

  • Open 24 hours

Kootenay National Park has a cornucopia of landscapes, from dramatic canyons and serene forests to glorious glaciers. Honestly, it’s like taking a stroll through a nature lover’s highlight reel.

The park has a little bit of everything, making it an absolute standout for those passionate about exploring the great outdoors. Follow one of the many trails for an experience so surreal that you’ll be wondering if you’ve stepped into a postcard.

Local tip: Swing by the Paint Pots, natural ochre pools that were used by Indigenous peoples as paint containers. The colours are mesmerising!

Waterton Village, Alberta

Website: www.mywaterton.ca 

Address: Waterton Park, AB

Contact details: +1 403-859-5133

Operating hours:

  • Open 24 hours

Waterton Village, the hub of Waterton Lakes National Park, boasts one of the prettiest waterfronts in the country, hands down.

You’ll be walking along crystal-clear lakes, spotting the grand peaks of the surrounding mountains, and maybe even catching a glimpse of the local wildlife, from deer to bighorn sheep!

Take a stroll along the village streets, and you’ll soon realise why so many people fall head over heels for Waterton.

Local tip: For the best wildlife-watching opportunities, take a walk through the International Peace Park, a collaboration between Canada and the United States.

Stanley Park, Vancouver

Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx 

Address: Vancouver, BC

Contact details: +1 604-681-6728

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Stanley Park is a massive urban oasis that is perfect for those who crave a bit of green in the midst of city life.

Whether you’re strolling on the sea wall (a go-to spot for locals) or exploring one of its many forest trails, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views in this park.

The juxtaposition of the lush greenery and the city skyline is nothing short of stunning. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the gorgeous gardens!

Local tip: Squeeze in a visit to the First Nations totem poles, a cultural treasure that showcases the area’s Indigenous history.

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

Website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/ 

Address: Ontario 60, Ontario

Contact details: +1 705-633-5572

Operating hours:

  • Open year-round

Algonquin Provincial Park is a seriously big deal. The third-largest provincial park in the province is kind of big.

With over 7,000 square kilometres to explore, Algonquin is brimming with scenic walking trails. Hiking through the park’s forests, rivers, and lakes, you’ll encounter incredible wildlife, such as loons, beavers, and even moose if you’re lucky!

Local tip: Don’t forget your bug spray during the warmer months. Those pesky mosquitoes sure know how to party here!

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nl/grosmorne 

Address: 31 Main St N, Rocky Harbour, NL

Contact details: +1 709-458-2417

Operating hours:

  • Open year-round

Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a literal geological wonderland. Mountains, fjords, and a stunning Atlantic coastline—whatever landscapes you’re into, Gros Morne has them.

Walking through the park is like exploring different planets: from the alien-esque Tablelands to the idyllic fishing village of Woody Point, everything here feels otherworldly.

Local tip: To fully appreciate the beauty of the park, consider taking a boat tour on Western Brook Pond, a landlocked fjord with staggering cliffs.
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