19 Epic Backpacking Trips in Canada for Your Bucket List
From rugged coastal trails to alpine routes and forested backcountry, Canada is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking multi-day hikes. Here are 19 unforgettable adventures to add to your list.
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Backpacking in Canada: 19 Best Multi-Day Hikes
1. Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park, BC
The most spectacular view I have ever seen in Canada was on a fall hike in Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park. And, not only does Mt. Assiniboine have some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Canada, it’s also relatively untouched, as it’s not that easy to reach.
There are two ways to get to Mt. Assiniboine, which is located near Canmore, Alberta. One option is to fly in by helicopter. The other is to hike in, which is what we chose to do. Your destination inside the park is Magog Lake, where there is a campground, and North America’s first backcountry ski lodge, Assiniboine Lodge.
There are several routes to hike in, starting from either Sunshine Village or the Mount Shark trailhead. You can either do a loop, out and back, or end to end hike. The trails range from 26 to 30 kilometres (16.1 to 18.6 miles) with between 400 to 580 meters (1312 to 1903 feet) of elevation gain. There are campsites along the way, so its typical to take 2 days to hike in and out.
Once you arrive at Magog Lake, you can base yourself there while you explore the park. I recommend spending at least 2 nights there to make the most of the various backcountry trails and stunning landscape. In particular, it’s worth doing the short hike up to the Niblet and Nublet for the absolute best views!
It’s important to plan your trip to Assiniboine Provincial Park well in advance, as reservations for the lodge and campground book up very quickly. But the planning and journey in is absolutely worth it!
Trail Information: Lake Magog via Assiniboine Pass and Wonder Pass; Sunshine Village to Assiniboine Lodge
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Sunshine Mountain Lodge – This lodge is the perfect place to stay if you’re ending your hike in Sunshine Village, with onsite restaurants, an outdoor pool and hot tub and spa services for you to relax and recharge.
📍Mount Engadine Lodge – Located near the Mount Shark trailhead, this is a convenient and peaceful lodge to stay at to start or end your hike.
2. Garibaldi Lake, BC
Another backpacking trip which will see you hiking in and basing yourself from the campsite to explore the area is Garibaldi Lake near Whistler, where you will see some of the most famous views in Canada!
This is an out-and-back trail which is 9 kilometres (each way) to the lake campground. This trail mostly consists of switchbacks through the forest, so there aren’t many views on the way up. Plus it’s quite a workout as you will gain 820 meters (2,690 feet) of elevation, which is a lot with a heavy pack!
But, the elevation gain is steady, the forest is very enchanting, and once you get to the campground you will be rewarded with a campsite on the shores of stunning Garibaldi Lake, and the opportunity to explore this beautiful provincial park.
Once your camp is set up, the true adventure begins!
Doing the day hikes from Garibaldi Lake really is the highlight of this backpacking trip. For the most spectacular panoramic views of the turquoise-blue lake, you can do a 13.4 kilometre (8.3 mile) out-and-back hike to Panorama Ride.
And to stand on top of the region’s most iconic landmark, there’s a 10.3 kilometre (6.4 mile) trail to the top of the Black Tusk. The hikes to Panorama Ride and Black Tusk follow the same trail for the first few kilometres, so if you’re up for a challenge you can actually do both on the same day. Although, be warned, there is quite a lot of elevation gain, so you do need to be relatively fit to hike these.
When we backpacked in Garibaldi, we hiked to the lake campground on the first day. Then, on the second day we actually tackled both Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge, and hiked all the way back out again. This was a long 30+ kilometre day, but it was definitely worth it!
Note – If you aren’t able to get a reservation for the Garibaldi Lake campground, there is another campground a few kms away at Taylor Meadows. Alternatively, you can also do a (long) day hike to Garibaldi Lake and/or Panorama Ridge or Black Tusk.
Trail Information: Garibaldi Lake from Rubble Creek
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre – Stay right in the heart of Whistler with all the bars, restaurants and shops right on your doorstep. Plus there’s an onsite spa to relax after your backpacking trip!
📍Tantalus Resort Lodge – This traditional lodge-style resort offers self-contained 2-bedroom suites ideal to accommodate the whole family, and plenty of onsite facilities including a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, tennis courts, and volleyball.
3. Skyline Trail, Alberta
The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park is one of the most popular backpacking trips in Canada, and for a good reason. Almost two-thirds of this 44-kilometre (27.3 mile) trail is above the tree line, meaning you get hours and hours of epic unrestricted views!
You can expect to see a bit of everything on this hike, including dramatic mountain peaks, colourful alpine meadows, huge valleys, wind-swept ridges, and pristine glacial lakes.
There are several campsites along the trail and most people will complete the hike in 2-3 days, taking their time to enjoy the breathtaking views. However, you will sometimes encounter trail runners on the trail, challenging themselves to complete the whole thing in just one day!
The terrain on the Skyline Trail isn’t particularly technical, but you can be faced with some challenges. Some of the sections lower down, which pass through meadows, can get very muddy. Plus, there is quite a lot of elevation gain. Although it is gradual and gentle, this can be challenging when carrying a heavy pack.
And, given that so much of the hike is above the tree line, the trail can be particularly affected by the weather, and even impassable due to snow early and late in the season.
Unfortunately this was the case when we did the trail, resulting in us having to turn around half way. Although the half that we did get to see on this hike was stunning and it’s on my radar to try it again soon!
Trail Information: Skyline Trail
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Mount Robson Inn – This is the ideal hotel for a comfortable stay before or after your hike, with exceptionally clean and modern rooms, and breakfast included.
📍Athabasca Hotel, Jasper – This is a beautiful historic hotel full of old-world charm offering a comfortable but budget-friendly stay.
4. Chilkoot Trail, BC, Yukon and Alaska
The Chilkoot Trail is the ideal backpacking trip for those seeking a true journey.
Not only does the trail make its way through various landscapes and two countries, but it’s also a journey through time and history.
Originally a major access route to the Yukon goldfields in the 1890s, you will see remnants of the gold rush along the way. You will get to walk the same path as the Chilkoot Tlingit traders did centuries ago, before the trail was stormed by 100,000 prospectors who made their way to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Starting in Dyea, Skagway in Alaska, the trail takes you through coastal temperate rainforest, historic mining towns, and high into the alpine across the Canadian border. The trail finishes in the abandoned townsite of Bennett City in BC. Once you arrive at Bennett City, there is a train service which can take you back to Skagway, but make sure to book your ticket in advance!
Throughout the hike you can expect to see breathtaking views, pristine lakes, wild rivers and snow-covered mountain passes.
There are multiple campgrounds along the way and most backpackers will complete the journey in 3-5 days. Campsites are on a first come first served basis on the US side, but reservations are required for the Canadian side. You also must have a trail permit to hike this trail, which is bookable through Parks Canada.
Trail Information: Chilkoot Trail Pass
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Historic Skagway Inn – Stay at this historic inn with cozy rooms and a fantastic home cooked breakfast close to the trailhead before starting your hike.
5. West Coast Trail, BC
One of the most famous backpacking trails in the world, the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park is truly a bucket list-worthy hike.
Located on Vancouver Island’s southwest coast, this unique hike spans 75 kilometres (46.6 miles) of interesting terrain through enchanting old-growth rainforest and remote beaches along the Pacific Ocean.
You will encounter all sorts of obstacles and challenges along the way, including huge boulder fields, changing tides, and tons of mud to navigate, as well as several manual cable cars, plenty of slippery boardwalks and bridges, and over 70 ladders to climb!
Plus, on top of the crazy terrain you’ll cover, there are beautiful and rugged coastal views throughout the hike, plenty of marine and wildlife to spot, and beach camping every night.
Backpacking the West Coast Trail is no small feat. Firstly, you need to navigate the somewhat hectic and tricky reservation process – as spots on the trail are in high demand the peak dates sell out almost instantly!
Then, you have to prepare yourself for the hike. This means planning and gathering gear to handle all kinds of weather, ensuring you’re physically prepared for both the hiking and climbing up all the ladders, and organizing all the other logistics of the hike such as getting to and from the trailhead and learning to read tide tables.
But don’t let this scare you, as it is all worth it in the end. The West Coast Trail truly is one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences you will ever have. And, to reassure you, I actually did it as my first ever backpacking trip (although this is not recommended)!
Trail Information: West Coast Trail Guide
Where to Stay Nearby
📍The Hiker Huts, Port Renfrew – If you want to stay near the Sourthern trailhead before you start your hike, book a night in one of the convenient hiker huts!
📍Abigail’s Hotel, Victoria – If you want to spend some time exploring Victoria after your hike, step back in time and enjoy the hospitality (and gourmet breakfast) at this beautiful and historic Victorian hotel.
6. Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, BC
If you haven’t been able to get reservations for Canada’s iconic West Coast Trail, luckily there is another amazing hike just next door. Vancouver Island’s neighbouring Juan de Fuca Marine Trail offers many of the same experiences as the West Coast Trail, across a shorter 47 kilometre (29.2 mile) distance.
However, don’t let this fool you into thinking it’s any easier than the West Coast Trail. In fact, a lot of people consider it to be much harder!
The Juan de Fuca has less infrastructure along the way, meaning that in sections where you would have found bridges or ladders on the West Coast Trail, you will have to make your way through deep mud or scramble up cliffs with the help of ropes. Although these extra challenges can be a lot of fun, they may slow you down quite a lot. But rest assured, there are also easy sections on this trail too!
Another key difference between the Juan de Fuca and the West Coast Trail is that the Juan de Fuca is mostly a forest trail. Although it does have some beach sections, most of your hiking will be in the trees, meaning you won’t get as many views as you do on some other coastal hikes.
But, despite this, it’s still a beautiful hike and, in my opinion, it’s one of the best coastal hikes in Canada.
Plus, it’s one of the few backpacking trails in Canada that you don’t have to reserve! Instead, the campsites operate on a first come first served basis and all you need to do in advance is register your hike with BC Parks.
Trail Information: Juan de Fuca Trail
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Prior Castle Inn, Victoria – Unwind by immersing yourself in charm and luxury at this historic Edwardian-era hotel in Victoria.
📍Raven Point Inn, Ladysmith – If you’re travelling to and from Vancouver Island via Nanaimo, spend a night at this charming inn in nearby Ladysmith.
7. The Rockwall, BC
The Rockwall trail in Kootenay National Park is another must-do hike on every backpacking in Canada bucket-list.
This 56 kilometre (34.8 mile) trail takes you through three breathtaking alpine passes and past bright-turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, hanging glaciers and dramatic mountain peaks.
But the highlight of this trail is the impressive limestone cliffs, known as the ‘rockwall’, after which the hike is named. These towering cliffs stretch for 30 kilometres creating a massive wall along which the trail runs.
Given the high mountain passes, The Rockwall trail is usually only passable from mid-July to early-October, due to snow. And, as long as the snow doesn’t arrive too early, mid-late September is one of the best times to hike the trail, as it’s full of larch trees which turn bright gold during the fall.
The short backpacking window on the Rockwall Trail can make getting a reservation quite challenging. So make sure you plan your trip well in advance and are ready to book as soon as reservations open early in the year.
Most backpackers will complete this trail in 4 to 5 days, to take the time to enjoy the spectacular scenery. But, as reservations can be difficult to get, this may somewhat dictate your itinerary. As such, it’s not uncommon for hikers to complete the trip in 3 days (or sometimes even less)!
Trail Information: The Rockwall
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Bighorn Meadows Resort – This is the perfect resort to unwind after your hike with beautiful grounds, plenty of facilities, and proximity to the Radium Hot Springs pools.
8. Brazeau Loop, Alberta
Another backpacking trip with truly epic views is the Brazeau Loop.
Located near the Columbia Icefield in Banff National Park, this hike isn’t quite as well known as some of the others on the list. But I can say with full confidence that it is one of the best trails for backpacking in Canada!
This breathtaking loop takes you through 82 kilometres (51 miles) of rugged and wild backcountry wilderness in Jasper National Park. Be warned, it does have some difficult sections with quite a lot of elevation gain, but it is absolutely worth the effort.
And, even though the trail can book out during the peak season, it’s so remote that you can easily hike a whole day without running into anyone else.
Similar to The Rockwall trail, this hike takes you over three high mountain passes, for some of the most dramatic views of any hike on this list. Plus, you will pass through colourful wildflower-filled meadows, spend a night camping by the pristine Brazeau Lake, and marvel at huge alpine valleys as far as the eye can see.
Given the remoteness of the Brazeau Loop, it’s also rich in wildlife. When we hiked it we spotted two grizzly bears and a bull moose (although we kept a safe distance)!
Trail Information: Brazeau Loop
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge – For a cozy mountain lodge with an onsite bar and restaurant, located close to the trailhead.
📍Glacier View Lodge – Explore the Columbia Icefield and relax with views of the Athabasca Glacier after your hike.
9. Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
You probably didn’t expect Canada to have beaches with crystal-clear turquoise-blue waters like the Caribbean. But in Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula National Park (around a 3 hour drive from Toronto) you will find just that!
The backpacking trail on the Bruce Peninsula is part of the 890 kilometre (553 mile) Bruce Trail, which is Canada’s oldest and longest officially marked hiking trail. Although don’t worry, backpacking the Bruce Peninsula section won’t see you hiking quite this far.
There are only two backcountry campsites in Bruce Peninsula National Park: High Dump and Stormhaven. So most people will usually spend 1-2 nights in the park. But there are several hiking trails which you can do to these campsites, or connect multiple trails to do a longer trip. So you can really tailor your hike to suit your itinerary and what you want to see.
It’s possible to do a point-to-point backpacking trip in the park.
To combine both campsites into one longer backpacking trip, you can start on the southern end of the trail, inland at the Crane Lake trailhead. You will then hike 8 kilometres to the High Dump campground for your first night. The next day, make your way north for 9 kilometres to the Stormhaven campground for the second night.
The third day will be a long day, but luckily at this point your pack will be at its lightest. You will hike 21 kilometres all the way to the northern trailhead at Little Cove Beach near the picturesque town of Tobermory.
On this hike you will pass by some of the peninsula’s most stunning scenery, including the Grotto: an intricate natural sea cave filled with clear blue water that you can stop to explore. Although the water here is COLD, it’s beautiful to look at and refreshing for a quick dip after a long day of hiking.
The trail on the Bruce Peninsula isn’t overly difficult, as it’s relatively flat, with small sections of up and down. But it does have a lot of rocks, roots and even some boulders you will need to climb up and down, making it a bit more difficult in sections.
However, the biggest challenge you will face is the logistics of doing an end-to-end hike, as there isn’t any public transport nearby. Therefore, you would need to organize transport to the trailhead in advance, or hike in a group with two cars and leave one at each end. Alternatively, you can plan an out-and-back route inside the park.
Trail Information: Crane Lake to High Dump; High Dump to Halfway Log Dump; Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto; and The Grotto to Little Cove
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Stone Cove Waterfront B&B – stay in Tobermory before or after your hike and relax at this highly rated adults only luxury B&B.
10. Fundy Footpath, New Brunswick
On Canada’s east coast there are also some amazing backpacking routes. And one of the most spectacular ones is the Fundy Footpath in New Brunswick.
What’s special about this hike is that the trail stretches along the beautiful Bay of Fundy, which is famous for having the world’s highest tides!
On the way, you will face difficult terrain including rocks, roots and steep up and down sections. In fact, every day you will hike up and down several times, often along slippery and narrow trails, which can be technically and physically challenging.
But the challenge is worth it, with spectacular views from the top of 100-meter high cliffs, rugged coastline, brick-red coloured rocks, Acadian old-growth forest and beautiful beachfront campsites.
The campsites along the way are primitive, but a lot of them feel very remote, which adds to the adventure. And, you don’t need to reserve them, which means you can take the hike at your own pace and tailor it as you go along.
Some sections of the Fundy Footpath also attracts day hikers. But not that many people backpack the trail, so it’s mostly very quiet. Therefore, you’re not likely to encounter many other people which is another reason why the Fundy Footpath is one of the best backpacking trips in Canada!
Trail Information: Fundy Footpath (Note – AllTrails shows a shorter route)
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Beach Street Inn – Stay close to the Salmon River trailhead at this beautiful beachfront inn in St. Martins after your hike.
11. East Coast Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador
Another scenic coastal hike in eastern Canada is the famous East Coast Trail in Newfoundland and Labrador. In fact, it follows the Avalon Peninsula on North America’s eastern most coastline. So you can’t get any more east coast than this!
This trail is made up of 25 different paths which add up to a total of 336 kilometres (209 miles)! It’s definitely feasible to hike the whole trail, but you will probably need 3 to 4 weeks to do so. Therefore, most people choose to backpack just certain sections over several days.
What makes this trail so special is how it combines the best of wilderness hiking with historic communities. You will make your way along a mix of wild trails and maintained walking paths, connecting various charming towns and key landmarks along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. These include historic sites, abandoned coastal villages, archaeological dig sites, and a 50-meter high suspension bridge.
And the views on this backpacking adventure are stunning, as you will pass by plenty of geographical wonders. You can expect to see rock arches, sea stacks, towering cliffs, fjords, and even a sea-driven freshwater geyser, known as ‘the spout’. Plus, there’s a chance you will spot icebergs floating past, as well as a range of marine and wildlife.
There are six established (but primitive) campsites on the trail. However they are a little far and few between so camping alongside the trail is permitted (although you should seek permission if the land is on private property).
If you prefer to hike in more comfort, you can instead stay in B&Bs and guesthouses along the way. Organizing this can be a little logistically challenging. But having a comfortable bed and a hot home cooked meal every night can make it worth it!
Trail Information: Trans Canada Trail – East Coast Trail
Where to Stay Nearby
📍B&Bs and Guesthouses – If you want to stay in B&Bs and Guesthouses along the trail, one option is to book a package through Great Canadian Trails.
12. Berg Lake Trail, BC
The Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park is one of Canada’s most popular backpacking trails. This is largely due to the views of the huge Berg Glacier cascading into the brilliant-blue Berg Lake, which is the highlight of Mount Robson Provincial Park.
And although this truly is a spectacular sight to see, this is just one of many reasons why the Berg Lake Trail is one of the best destinations for backpacking in Canada.
It has a little bit of everything, with towering peaks, colourful valleys, powerful waterfalls, impressive glaciers and pristine lakeside campsites. And you get almost constant views of Mount Robson, which is the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies!
It is a 21 kilometre (13 mile) out-and-back hike to the Berg Lake Campsite. Although there are other campsites along the way, so you can break up the hike in and out into multiple days.
Once you get to Berg Lake, this is a great place to base yourself for a couple of days while you explore the park. There are several beautiful day hikes you can do in the park. In particular, hiking up to Snowbird Pass, although a challenging hike, is especially rewarding as you will get some of the best glacier views in Canada.
Reservations for the Berg Lake Trail have always been challenging to get, especially now that the trail has reopened following several years of closures. So, if the trail is of interest to you, make sure you plan well in advance and book your spot as soon as reservations open.
Trail Information: Berg Lake Trail
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Twin Peaks Resort – For rustic but comfortable cabin-style accommodation with excellent views near the trailhead.
13. Skoki Loop, Alberta
For an easy backpacking trip without compromising on views, the Skoki Loop hike near Lake Louise is ideal. This is a great hike to do if you’re new to backpacking, or don’t have too much time but still want to explore Banff’s backcountry.
Typically this 37 kilometre (23 mile) hike is done over 3 days. But it’s also easily fit into 2 days if you’re short on time, or 4 days if you want to take your time to admire the spectacular views.
While the trail isn’t particularly difficult, you will encounter a nice variety of terrain to keep things interesting. This includes everything from flat valleys and forested trail, to steep climbs, scrambles and loose rock.
But the best part are the views! You will come across several pristine mountain lakes, gushing waterfalls, colourful alpine meadows, towering peaks and an abundance of wildlife.
There are four backcountry campsites on the loop, which are all beautiful spots to spend the night. For an evenly split three day itinerary you will want to stay at the Baker Lake Campground on night one, followed by the Merlin Meadows campground on night two.
Trail Information: Skoki Loop Backpacking Trail
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Fairmont Château Lake Louise – For a truly memorable experience, spend a night at the iconic Fairmont Château on the shores of Lake Louise!
14. Joffre Lakes, BC
Another easy overnight trip, which is ideal for first time backpackers, is beautiful Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. This park is famous for its three pristine turquoise lakes and is a very popular day hiking destination, just an hour north of Whistler.
In fact, it’s one of the most Instagram famous spots in Canada and is so popular that it’s overrun with day hikers in the summer. But, one way to get around this and enjoy the park without the crowds is to camp overnight.
The campsite is located right at the end of the trail, above the third lake (Upper Joffre Lake), and most day hikers won’t come this far. In fact, many of them stop at the second lake, so the third lake is much quieter even during peak times. And little do they know, they’re missing out on some of the best views in the whole park!
At the third lake, you can see the Matier Glacier (which feeds the Lakes) closer up. And you can walk up above the campsite for spectacular views of the Upper Lake and the surrounding mountain range.
This is a great beginner backpacking trip!
Given the short distance of this hike (4.7 kilometres / 2.9 miles each way), it’s a great way to try backpacking as a first-timer, as you won’t have to carry the heavy pack for too long.
The trail is also relatively easy, as it’s well-maintained, but there is a bit of elevation gain which can slow you down, and there are some obstacles like roots and rocks in sections to be cautious of. The biggest technical challenge is the very end of the trail when you have to hike across a field of boulders and rocks to get to the campground. But just go slow and be careful with your footing!
It should only take you 2-3 hours to reach the campground, so you can even start this backpacking trip later in the day.
We actually did Joffre Lakes as a stop on a road trip, and started our hike at 6pm, once most of the crowds had left for the day. But I would only recommend doing this if you’re an experienced backpacker and are prepared to hike in the dark, in case you don’t make it to camp before sunset.
Trail Information: Joffre Lakes Hike
Where to Stay Nearby
📍SweetWater Lane Farm – After your hike enjoy a nearby farm stay in a private cabin, surrounded by nature and animals, with a jacuzzi and sauna.
📍Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre – Spend a couple of nights in the heart of Whistler before or after your trip, with an onsite spa to relax at!
15. La Cloche Silhouette Trail, Ontario
Considered the Crown Jewel of Ontario parks, Killarney Provincial Park is home to the province’s most famous backpacking route, the La Cloche Silhouette Trail.
This 78 kilometre trail takes you on a multi-day loop around the park, challenging you both technically and physically. It’s recommended to hike this trail over 7 to 10 days, although more experienced backpackers will sometimes do it in 5 or 6 days.
The reason it takes so long to complete the distance is the rugged and technical terrain which involves constant steep ascents and descents, boulders, rocks, roots and mud.
But it’s not just the challenge of accomplishing this hike which attracts backpackers every year. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the best of Ontario’s rugged wilderness, with hiking along quartzite ridges, through dense forest, and by crystal-clear lakes. Plus, you will get stunning views of the La Cloche mountain range, and can enjoy private lakeside campsites every night.
Trail Information: La Cloche Silhouette Trail
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Killarney Mountain Lodge – Stay near the trailhead to relax and enjoy more of the beautiful natural surroundings at this full-service luxury rustic resort.
16. Long Range Traverse, Newfoundland and Labrador
If you’re looking to truly get off the beaten path and test your backpacking skills, the Long Range Traverse in Newfoundland is the hike for you. This is one of Canada’s most difficult and remote hiking trails. But you’ll be blown away by the truly epic views!
The trip starts by taking a boat shuttle down the Western Brook Pond – a landlocked fjord carved out by glaciers and now home to foliage covered cliffs, cascading waterfalls and plenty of wildlife. It’s hard to imagine a better way to start a backpacking trip!
Once the boat drops you off at the start point, you will have 3-4 days of hiking and camping your way through Gros Morne National Park’s most wild and beautiful terrain.
But the thing that makes this hike such a memorable backpacking trip is the fact that there is no official trail, and the majority of the route is unmarked. This means you have to use a map and compass to find your way, for a true backcountry experience. Plus, the park only allows up to 12 people to start the hike per day, meaning you’ll have most of the trail to yourself.
Although the trail is roughly 36 kilometres (22.4 miles) long, based on your navigation skills and how much you choose to explore, you can easily cover far more distance than this.
Although an epic backcountry adventure, this hike really isn’t for the faint hearted. You will need to be an experienced backpacker, know how to navigate using a compass and be prepared for all types of challenges and discomfort. But it will all be worth it!
Trail Information: Long Range Traverse – Parks Canada
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Ocean View Hotel – Relax with ocean views and indulge in a fresh lobster dinner after your hike at this Rocky Harbour hotel and restaurant.
17. La Traversée De Charlevoix, Quebec
In addition to its charming European-style towns and delicious food, Canada’s French province, Quebec, also has some excellent hiking and backpacking. And one of it’s best trails is the multi-day Traversée de Charlevoix.
This extensive hike seamlessly connects the Grands-Jardins National Park to Mont Grand-Fonds via Charlevoix’s remote hinterland. Taking you on a journey through the region’s enchanting semi-boreal forest, you will encounter diverse ecosystems, varied terrain, and panoramic views of the surrounding summits and valleys below.
Typically completed in 5 to 7 days, you will cross 105 kilometres (65 miles) of well-maintained trails. Although, depending on the time of year, you may encounter a lot of mud, or even snow early in the season.
In addition to the beautiful terrain and views, another reason why this is such a great trail for backpacking in Canada is that is open all year! In the shoulder seasons you can snow shoe the trail. And in winter, it’s open for ski touring. Although you do need to be an experienced backcountry skier to do this.
And if you prefer not to camp, there are cabins and cottages along the trail which you can rent, which is a particularly great option for winter trips.
Trail Information: La Traversée de Charlevoix (Note – AllTrails shows a shorter route)
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Auberge Fleurs de Lune – Spend a night at a charming inn in the Charlevoix region with views of the St. Lawrence River following your hike.
18. Tonquin Valley, Alberta
The Tonquin Valley is another amazing alpine destination for backpacking in Canada.
Located in Jasper National Park, you will come across picturesque meadows, scenic lakes, dramatic glaciers and impressive mountain peaks. Plus, the trail is known for having a lot of wildlife, including black bears, grizzly bears and caribou.
The trail is 43 kilometres (26.7 miles) which is generally hiked over three days. However, there are several side trails in the park, so some people choose to spend more nights camping, to do these extra trails.
Another great thing about the Tonquin Valley is that it’s a relatively easy hike, with less elevation gain than many other backpacking trips in the Rockies. And, while it can book out during peak season, this trail generally isn’t as popular as some of the other hikes on this list. Therefore, it can be easier to get a reservation.
However, there are some downsides: the Tonquin Valley is known for being very buggy and muddy. The mud can be hard to avoid, especially in the marshy sections of the trail. But you can minimize the bugs by hiking the trail at the end of summer or in the fall.
Trail Information: Tonquin Valley Trail via Astoria Trailhead
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Athabasca Hotel, Jasper – This beautiful historic hotel offers a comfortable but budget-friendly stay in Jasper, amidst old-world charm.
📍Mount Robson Inn – This is one of the most highly rated hotels in Jasper, with comfortable, clean and modern rooms, and breakfast included!
19. Lake Superior Coastal Trail, Ontario
The final hike to make the list is another coastal trail, this time on the shore of Lake Superior, the largest of the great lakes.
Not only will this hike give you the opportunity to experience the power of Lake Superior, but you will also traverse lush forests, hike up rocky headlands and relax on pristine beaches with spectacular views of the rugged coastline.
And, the daytime views aren’t the only sights worth seeing on the trail. Lake Superior Provincial Park is one of the darkest certified Dark Sky Preserves in Ontario, meaning it’s a stargazer’s paradise.
The 65 kilometre (40.4 mile) trail can be backed in its entirety over 5-6 days, or broken down into smaller sections.
Hiking only a section of the trail is actually quite common, given there are lots of access points along the way, and it’s actually a very challenging trail. There are plenty of steep climbs, large boulders and slippery rocks, which can be difficult to navigate with a heavy pack. But, if you’re up for the challenge you’ll be rewarded with stunning views, gorgeous campsites, and a huge sense of achievement.
Trail Information: Lake Superior Coastal Trail
Where to Stay Nearby
📍High Falls Motel & Cabins – For a relaxing and comfortable stay before or after your hike, spend the night at one of the cabins at this Wawa property.
Map of Backpacking Trips in Canada
Final Thoughts on Backpacking in Canada
From multi-day mountain adventures to rugged coastal treks, there’s something for everyone when it comes to backpacking in Canada.
And, not only does Canada have some of the most diverse and epic terrain in the world, but it also has treks to suit all ability levels. So, even if you’re new to hiking, with the right preparation you can also experience Canada’s wild and beautiful backcountry.
I hope this list has helped you narrow down which multi-day hikes to do next, so you can start preparing for your Canadian backpacking adventure.
