In our ten provinces, three territories, and 9,984,670 square kilometers of land, Canada’s population density is a mere 3.41 people per square kilometer (among the lowest in the world). The majority of the population of Canada lives in the southern part of the country leaving a vast wilderness of varying terrain to be explored, much of which is mountainous.
Canada has a long history of trails. From the first footpaths of the original natives to today’s Trans Canada Trail, trails have played a part in our lives (beginning with commerce & transportation and followed by recreation & adventure). The most common hiking regions in western Canada are in the Rocky Mountains while the best in eastern Canada are in the Appalachians. If the adventure of hiking is your idea of a great vacation, look no further than our vast and beautiful country to find some of the best hiking trails in the world.
Top Five Canadian Hiking Destinations:
1) West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island, B.C.
- Located on the southwestern west coast of Vancouver Island, BC Canada, this 75 km stretch of land is arguably one of the most arduous hiking trails in North America. The beauty of the trail is hard to beat as well with its dramatic rocky headlands; side, sandy beaches and lush rainforests.
2) Sunshine Village to Mount Assiniboine, Banff National Park, Alta.
- With some of the most stunning vistas in the Canadian Rockies, this well-marked 56 km trail winds its way past wildflower strewn meadows, alpine lakes and glaciers. The trail passes through the Matterhorn of the Rockies (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
3) Long Range Traverse, Gros Morne National Park, Nfld.
- This trail ventures deep into the wilderness of the Gros Morne National Park and in addition to a physical challenge, you will see 35 kilometers of dramatic mountain landscape of glacier carved fjords, lush valleys, numerous streams and ponds, and arctic alpine barrens. Much wildlife is to be seen as well. You will be sharing the path with woodland caribou; moose, rock ptarmigan, Arctic hare, and on occasion black bears.
4) Chillkoot Trail, B.C. and Alaska
- The Chillkoot Trail is any hikers dream! With expeditions ranging from single to multi-day and hikes from the ‘Sea to Sky’, along Tagish Lake, through Tombstone Park, across the Coast Mountains, and even braving the Coast Mountain Trek (with no man-made trails!).
5) Tombstone Traverse, Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon
- The Tombstone mountain range is known as the Patagonia of the North for its jagged pinnacles of black granite. Hikers can navigate the lone hiking trail (18 km round trip) from the Dempster Highway to Grizzly Lake. Those who want more of an extended route can follow the Tombstone range for roughly 40 kilometers (keep in mind that this route is advanced and is a 5 day hike to complete the route).
Before booking your next hiking vacation, keep the Canadian backwoods in mind and explore the wild wilderness that our country has to offer.