Canada is home to some of the best hikes in the world. From rugged coastal trails and alpine ridgelines to turquoise glacial lakes and remote backcountry routes, there’s no shortage of incredible places to explore.

But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start.

Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime backpacking adventure or a scenic day hike with unforgettable views, this list of the best hikes in Canada highlights the trails that truly stand out — with options ranging from challenging multi-day treks to more accessible routes you can tackle in a day.

These are the hikes that offer the most spectacular scenery, unique experiences, and the kind of moments you’ll be talking about long after the trip is over.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you book or purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. West Coast Trail, British Columbia

The West Coast Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Canada — and for good reason.

Stretching along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island, this multi-day trek takes you through dense rainforest, remote beaches, and constantly changing terrain. Along the way, you’ll navigate ladders, boulder fields, slippery boardwalks, cable car crossings, riverbeds, and sections of deep mud.

Originally built as a life-saving route for shipwrecked sailors, the trail has evolved into a bucket list adventure for hikers looking to experience the raw, untamed beauty of Canada’s west coast.

What truly sets the West Coast Trail apart is the experience itself. Every day brings something different — from timing your route around the tides to camping on remote beaches and tackling new obstacles around every corner. It’s physically demanding, but incredibly rewarding, and easily one of Canada’s most memorable backcountry adventures.

👉 Read my Complete Guide to Hiking the West Coast Trail
👉 Don’t miss: Packing List + Reservation Guide

2. Panorama Ridge & Black Tusk, British Columbia

Located between Squamish and Whistler, Garibaldi Provincial Park is home to some of the most stunning alpine scenery in Canada. Think bright turquoise lakes, volcanic peaks, and sweeping ridgelines — all accessible via challenging day hikes or overnight trips.

Panorama Ridge and Black Tusk are the park’s highlights, offering some of the most incredible views in British Columbia without requiring a full multi-day expedition.

You can tackle either hike as a long day trip, but staying overnight at Garibaldi Lake allows you to experience both at a more relaxed pace — and catch sunrise or sunset, when the landscape is at its most dramatic.

For those up for a serious challenge, it’s also possible to combine both trails into a single day. The first 8 km (5 miles) follow the same route from the Rubble Creek trailhead, before splitting toward each route.

It’s a big day, but the payoff is huge. After a steady climb, you’re rewarded with sweeping alpine views, dramatic lookouts, and one of the most vibrant blue lakes you’ll see anywhere in Canada.

3. Long Range Traverse, Newfoundland & Labrador

For something completely different, the Long Range Traverse offers one of the most remote and rugged hiking experiences in Eastern Canada. Located in Gros Morne National Park, this unmarked backcountry route takes you through dramatic fjords, alpine plateaus, and vast, untouched wilderness.

This is not a traditional trail — it’s more of an expedition, where navigation skills, route finding, and thorough preparation are essential.

What truly sets this hike apart is the sense of isolation. There are no marked paths, limited signage, and very few other hikers — making it feel like a true wilderness expedition rather than a typical backpacking trip.

The logistics can be challenging. Permits are limited, access requires a boat shuttle, and you’ll need to carefully plan your route in advance. But for experienced hikers, the reward is unforgettable: sweeping fjord views, total solitude, and the chance to experience one of Canada’s wildest landscapes at its most raw.

4. Big Beehive, Alberta

If you’re looking for a day hike with incredible views that’s still relatively accessible, the Big Beehive delivers. Starting at Lake Louise and passing by the iconic Lake Agnes Tea House, this trail leads to one of the best viewpoints in Banff National Park.

From the top, you’ll get sweeping views over Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains — a perspective that’s even more impressive than what you see from the shoreline.

This hike really surprised me. When I first visited Lake Louise, I expected it to feel like a bit of a tourist trap — but once you’re on the trail, the crowds thin out quickly, and the experience feels completely different.

The payoff at the top is incredible. It’s easily one of the best views in Banff, and one of those hikes that far exceeds expectations given how accessible it is.

If you’re visiting Banff National Park, this is a must-do — and it makes the effort of getting to Lake Louise absolutely worth it.

5. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia

Often referred to as the “Matterhorn of the Rockies,” Mount Assiniboine is one of the most iconic peaks in Canada — and the surrounding provincial park is one of the most breathtaking places to explore.

To get there, you can either hike in (with options for a loop, out-and-back, or end-to-end route), or take a helicopter flight to Lake Magog. This is where you’ll find the historic Assiniboine Lodge — North America’s first backcountry ski lodge — along with a large campground set deep in the alpine wilderness.

Surrounded by towering peaks, wildflower meadows, and pristine lakes, the setting feels truly remote and untouched.

While the hike (or flight) in is an adventure in itself, the real highlight is exploring the network of trails around the park. In particular, the viewpoints from the Nublet and Nub Peak offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada, with sweeping views over Lake Magog and Mount Assiniboine rising dramatically in the background.

This is a true bucket list destination. Whether you hike in or fly in, the scenery here is unforgettable — and easily among the most impressive in the country.

6. Skyline Trail, Alberta

The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park is one of the best multi-day hikes in the Canadian Rockies — and for good reason. Known for spending much of the route above the treeline, this trail offers uninterrupted views of mountains, valleys, and vast alpine landscapes.

While it’s typically completed over 2–3 days, very experienced hikers and trail runners have been known to tackle it in a single (very long) day.

What makes this hike so unique is the exposure. Unlike many trails that dip in and out of forest, the Skyline Trail keeps you high above the treeline for long stretches — meaning the views are constant, not just at the summit.

You’ll spend much of the hike walking along ridgelines with panoramic views in every direction, making it one of the most scenic and rewarding backpacking trips in Canada — and a true bucket list experience for hikers exploring the Rockies.

7. Bruce Peninsula (Georgian Bay), Ontario

It might surprise you, but some of Canada’s most beautiful hikes don’t require a remote mountain expedition. Just a couple of hours from Toronto, the Bruce Peninsula offers an accessible yet incredibly scenic hiking experience along the shores of Georgian Bay.

With dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise water, and forested trails, this is one of the best places to hike in Central Canada. It’s also part of the Bruce Trail — the oldest and longest marked footpath in the country.

One of the best things about this region is its variety. You’ll find everything from short, family-friendly walks to more technical day hikes and even multi-day backpacking routes along the coastline.

No matter which route you choose, the scenery is unforgettable. The contrast between the rugged limestone shoreline and the vibrant blue water of Georgian Bay gives this area a look that feels almost tropical on a clear day.

Visit in the fall, and you’ll get an entirely different experience — with vibrant foliage adding another layer of colour to an already stunning landscape.

8. Berg Lake Trail, British Columbia

The Berg Lake Trail is a classic Canadian multi-day hike, leading you to the base of Mount Robson — the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

Along the way, you’ll pass powerful waterfalls, ancient glaciers, and expansive alpine scenery before reaching the highlight of the trail: Berg Lake. Known for its vibrant turquoise colour, floating icebergs, and the glacier that feeds directly into the water, it’s one of the most iconic landscapes in Canada.

Here, you can camp along the shoreline and spend a couple of days exploring the surrounding trails, making this as much a destination as it is a hike.

This hike is all about the views. Seeing Mount Robson reflected in Berg Lake — often with chunks of ice floating across the surface — is one of the most unforgettable sights in the Canadian Rockies.

It’s also worth noting that the trail has become more popular than ever. After being closed from July 2021 to June 2025 due to severe flood damage, it has now fully reopened following major repairs. As a result, demand is extremely high, and reservations can sell out quickly — so if this hike is on your bucket list, plan well in advance and be ready when bookings open.

9. East Coast Trail, Newfoundland & Labrador

The East Coast Trail is a network of coastal hiking routes stretching along Newfoundland’s rugged Avalon Peninsula — the easternmost edge of North America. With dramatic cliffs, crashing Atlantic waves, and frequent wildlife sightings, it offers one of the most unique and scenic hiking experiences in Canada.

Rather than a single trail, the East Coast Trail is made up of 25 interconnected routes, giving you the flexibility to choose anything from a short coastal walk to a multi-day backpacking adventure.

What makes this trail stand out is the combination of wild coastal scenery and rich cultural history. Along the way, you’ll pass towering sea cliffs, rock arches, sea stacks, and even a sea-driven geyser known as “The Spout.” You’ll also encounter historic fishing villages, abandoned settlements, and archaeological sites that offer a glimpse into Newfoundland’s past.

If you’re lucky, you might spot whales offshore, seabirds nesting along the cliffs, or even icebergs drifting by in early summer — something you won’t find on most hikes in Canada.

Whether you hike a short section or link multiple routes together, this is one of the most flexible and rewarding hiking experiences in the country.

10. Joffre Lakes, British Columbia

Joffre Lakes is one of the most popular hikes in British Columbia — and one of the most visually rewarding for the effort required. This relatively short trail takes you past three striking turquoise lakes, each fed by glacial melt and framed by rugged alpine peaks.

The hike begins just a few hundred metres from the first lake, but the real highlights come further along. As you continue up a steady forest climb, the views gradually open up to reveal the second and third lakes. While the second lake is the most famous — and where many hikers turn around — the final lake offers the most dramatic scenery, including stunning views of the Matier Glacier feeding the vibrant blue water.

What makes Joffre Lakes stand out is how quickly the landscape transforms. In just a few hours, you go from shaded forest to expansive alpine views that rival much longer and more demanding hikes.

It’s an extremely popular trail, especially in summer, so expect reservations to fill quickly and crowds up to the second lake. If you want a quieter experience, starting early in the day makes a big difference. Another option is to camp overnight near the upper lake, which allows you to experience the area after most day hikers have left.

For those looking for maximum reward with minimal time commitment, this is easily one of the best hikes in Canada — delivering iconic scenery without the need for a multi-day trek.

Quick Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison of the best hikes in Canada to help you choose:

Which Hike Should You Choose?

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a quick breakdown based on your experience level and what kind of adventure you’re looking for:

• Best for beginners: Joffre Lakes — short, well-maintained, and incredibly rewarding for the effort
• Best day hike: Big Beehive — classic Banff views without needing a multi-day commitment
• Best multi-day adventure: West Coast Trail — challenging, varied, and one of the most iconic hikes in Canada
• Best remote experience: Long Range Traverse — wild, unmarked, and perfect for experienced hikers seeking solitude
• Best for families / casual hikers: Georgian Bay (Bruce Peninsula) — flexible trails with options for all levels
• Best weekend trip: Skyline Trail: a perfect 2–3 day adventure with nonstop alpine views
• Best overall scenery: Mount Assiniboine — arguably the most dramatic and photogenic landscape in the country

Final Thoughts: Best Hikes in Canada

From coastal adventures and alpine ridgelines to accessible day hikes and remote backcountry routes, these are some of the very best hikes in Canada.

Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or just looking for inspiration, there’s something on this list for every type of hiker — and no matter which one you choose, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.