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Nature’s Best Views: 10 Epic Hikes in Canada (+ Local Tips!)
We can all safely say that Canada is a nature wonderland with impressive mountains, pristine lakes, lush trees and majestic wildlife. It’s impossible not to love the outdoors when it surrounds us every day!
If you listen closely, nature is always calling with easy and challenging trails worth every step. The end of the hike is rewarding because it never disappoints, giving us unforgettable views of Canada’s finest vistas.
Say goodbye to the city (for a while!). Go somewhere quiet, walk the mountains, and appreciate the best things in life with the best hiking trails in Canada!
Smutwood Peak
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Trailhead: Smutwood Peak Trailhead, Kananaskis, AB
Distance: 17.9 km
Elevation Gain: 929 m
Difficulty: Hard
One of the best and most popular hikes in Canada is Smutwood Peak, found in the Canadian Rockies. This trail in Kananaskis Country is easily one of the most breathtaking you will see (it almost feels unreal!).
The trailhead is past Mount Engadine Lodge (do not drive to the lodge). Drive past the lodge’s road entrance and cross the bridge, continue straight and go to the road on your left, where you’ll see a parking section.
This is a challenging hike, taking around seven hours to complete, but it can take longer, depending on your pace and skill level. Expect some muddy grounds and overgrown plants, particularly in the wooded areas.
The first part will trick you, as it’s pretty flat, but on the 6 km mark, you’ll have to scramble through steep sections (which is challenging). The final stretch requires some scrambling, but the views are worth every step.
Pro Tip:
Don’t make the mistake of getting lost in the trail. It’s actually easy to follow since there are marks, so make sure you pay close attention to the ribbons on the branches.
Plain of Six Glaciers
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Trailhead: Parking Lot near Lake Louise, AB
Distance: 14.6 km
Elevation Gain: 514 m
Difficulty: Moderate
The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail is one of our favourites due to the scenic hike (from start to finish!). Drive to Fairmont Château Lake Louise and park there, then walk to Lake Louise, which is the starting point.
The trail, which takes around five hours, starts out flat since you’re still on the Lake Louise Trail, but the end stretch has some steep sections. It’s a long and mostly exposed hike as well, so don’t forget to bring lots of water to keep hydrated.
The hike will bring you extraordinary views of Lake Louise and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Once you’ve reached the end of the Lake Louise trail, your Plain of Six Glaciers officially starts.
Expect the trail to slowly become an incline all the way to the popular Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse (you can stop by here to rest and have a snack). Past the teahouse, the trail gets rocky and steep (there are slopes, so be careful).
The end stretch of the trail is rocky, even once you reach the Plain of Six Glaciers, which is magnificent and worth the scary ledges. The descent is the same way you came, which is way easier than the steep steps.
Pro Tip:
Bring cash because the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse doesn’t accept debit cards and credit card payments have a $4 fee. Also, avoid hiking in the winter because there’s a risk of avalanches in the area.
Skyline Trail
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Trailhead: End of Maligne Lake Road, Jasper, AB
Distance: 44 km
Elevation Gain: 1560 m
Difficulty: Hard
The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park is not for the faint of heart. This is a very long hike, taking about two to three days.
It’s a popular backcountry destination because of the cool alpine areas you’ll see. You’ll come across Maligne Lake, Little Shovel Pass, and Big Shovel Pass.
There’s not a lot of elevation gain and it’s pretty well-maintained. The campsites are in decent condition and there are toilets (they’re mostly barrel).
You can stop by Evelyn Creek, which is located by the creek, and at Little Shovel and Snowbow for spectacular views.
Pro Tip:
Check the list of campgrounds, which you need to note if you’re doing the whole two to three-day hike.
Sulphur Mountain
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Trailhead: Near the parking lot of Banff Upper Hot Springs, AB
Distance: 10.8 km
Elevation Gain: 755 m
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
One of the wonders of Canada is the Sulphur Mountain Trail, an out-and-back hike that takes two to three hours. You can expect a lot of elevation gain as soon as you start.
It’s easy to navigate and well-marked but challenging since it’s steep all the way to the viewing point, and you’ll go through some switchbacks. All through the hike, you’ll see stunning views of the mountains.
To get to the trailhead, go to the parking lot on Banff Upper Hot Springs. The access point is marked and located just across the roundabout.
Pro Tip:
Finding a parking spot is going to be tough. Arrive early or ride the Roam Transit and alight at the bus stop near the trailhead.
Ha Ling Peak
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Trailhead: Along Highway 742, Canmore, AB
Distance: 7.4 km
Elevation Gain: 755 m
Difficulty: Hard
One of the most popular and best hiking spots in Canada is Ha Ling Peak, an out-and-back trail in Canmore. It is challenging, though, because of the steady, steep inclines and rocky sections.
It starts off steep but on a fairly easy pathway. But you’ll soon reach a section with loose gravel, which needs some careful steps.
There’s a section at the top that’s too steep and a little scary, to be honest. You’ll need to do some scrambling to reach the summit, where you’ll also encounter switchbacks—and it’s very windy at the peak!
The descent is the same way you went up— it’s not too challenging, but it definitely needs some time since it descends all the way down, which can feel scary if you hate heights. All in all, it can take approximately four hours.
Pro Tip:
Ha Ling Peak Trail is very popular and gets crowded. While hiking, remember to be careful with every step since there are lots of loose rocks, which can be dangerous for other hikers.
Cup & Saucer Trail
Trailhead: 4097 ON-540, Sheguiandah, ON
Distance: 5 km
Elevation Gain: 154 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Cup & Saucer Trail is a short hike through a forest, taking under two hours to complete. This trail on Manitoulin Island is a scenic one, with sweeping views of Lake Huron.
There are basically three trails to choose from: the Red Trail is beginner-friendly with some uphill, the Blue Trail is fairly flat and will take you along the Niagara Escarpment, and the Yellow Trail (aka Adventure Trail) is challenging and will require crawling.
Just stick to the Red Trail, which will still take you to the viewpoint. Once you reach the flat trails, you’re near the lookout.
Pro Tip:
This is a popular trail, so arrive early if you want to avoid crowds. Also, stick to the trails—don’t go wandering about—because some areas near the ledges are very steep and dangerous.
Grotto Canyon Trail
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Trailhead: Grotto Mountain Pond, Bighorn No. 8, AB
Distance: 7.1 km
Elevation Gain: 342 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Grotto Canyon Trail is a family-friendly hike for all ages (okay, maybe not for babies and toddlers!). It’s one of those places you can take a detour to when you’re in Canmore or Banff.
Kids can see the waterfalls around the 2 km mark, and then you can turn back. But if you want to venture more, you will see the Inukshuk Garden, which is a place filled with stone statues.
The challenging part is the rocks and boulders on the way to the canyon. The trail is mostly rocky with inclines, taking approximately two to three hours, so be careful with your footing.
Since the trail is basically full of loose rock, make sure you’re always looking at where you’re going. To prevent slipping, wear shows with good traction.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a beginner or hiking with kids, turn around once you reach the waterfall. If you do continue, the descent on the rocky sections is going to be tough.
Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit
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Trailhead: Only accessible through a Parks Canada shuttle service, AB
Distance: 11 km
Elevation Gain: 882 m
Difficulty: Hard
Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, located in Yoho National Park, is a loop trail combined with impressive scenery. It basically skirts Lake O’Hara, which also means you get panoramic views of the mountains and the lake.
There are three trails: Wiwaxy Gap/Huber Ledges, Yukness Ledges, and All Souls Prospect. The Wiwaxy Gap/Huber Ledges will only take a little over two hours with a distance of 3.8 km, but it is steep with switchbacks.
You can take a break once you reach the Lake Oesa Trail before you move on. From Lake Oesa Trail, continue to the Yukness Ledges, which is a rocky terrain that may require you to scramble the boulders.
Then, you’ll reach All Souls Prospect, a gravelly slope that will take you to a jaw-dropping viewpoint. From here, you can descend back to Lake Oesa Trail.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to book a reservation through Parks Canada via a random draw, which is the only way to get to the trailhead.
Lake Agnes Trail
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Trailhead: At Lake Louise, AB
Distance: 7 km
Elevation Gain: 384 m
Difficulty: Moderate
One of the famous hiking trails in Banff is Lake Agnes, which starts beautifully. The trailhead is actually at Lake Louise, after Fairmont Château Lake Louise.
From Lake Louise, the Lake Agnes Trail starts, a well-maintained trail nestled in a forest. There aren’t a lot of viewing points since you’re on a forested trail.
Continue towards an incline until you reach an opening with some switchbacks. Once you see the view of Lake Louise, continue going uphill until you reach Mirror Lake.
You will have to climb the stairs to Lake Agnes Tea House, which is located to the right of the Big Beehive. It won’t take long to hike to a warm cup of tea, only a little under two hours.
Pro Tip:
Remember to take the short paved path and look for the Lake Agnes sign. If you go to the other trail, you’ll end up at the Plain of Six Glaciers instead of Lake Agnes Tea House.
Don’t forget to bring cash because it’s the only mode of payment the tea house accepts.
Grey Owl Trail
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Trailhead: Down Kingsmere Road, Waskesiu Lake, SK
Distance: 38.1 km
Elevation Gain: 974 m
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
A challenging hike that’s worth every uneven track is Grey Owl Trail in Prince Albert National Park. This popular backpacking trail takes approximately ten to twelve hours (some do it for two days), so you’ll have to camp every now and then.
You have to prepare your ankles and legs—there are uneven single tracks that can challenge your skills. Expect overgrown areas as well, so be careful with small wildlife nesting in the area.
The out-and-back trail is straightforward, as it’s well-maintained with signs. It basically follows Kingsmere Lake.
The end of the trail will bring you to Grey Owl’s Cabin (on the shore of Ajawaan Lake), the home of Grey Owl, a wildlife conservationist and writer who is said to have saved the beavers from extinction.
Pro Tips:
Make sure you’re equipped for the Grey Owl Trail. This is a challenging hike due to the distance and uneven tracks, so keep hydrated and camp out when you need to.
Bring lots of water since you’ll be hiking for a while! Don’t forget to bring bug spray because these insects will definitely come out of hiding.
