THE 10 BEST Canada Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails in Canada
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What travellers are saying
- Rebecca S1 contributionAmazing views and nice well marked path with several look outs with seating for a beautiful view. Area around the light house was under construction when we were there.Written October 2, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HrothmirSmyrna, GA175 contributionsA short and easy walk along a stretch of the Niagara River below the falls with very turbulent rapids. I thought this site was one of the best paid sites on the Canadian side of the river; most of the other paid sites around Niagara Falls were a bit mediocre in comparison.
Note: You're not seeing the falls - just rapids. But the "just" rapids are pretty impressive.
The building at the start of the walk has some fun facts about adventurers who have braved the falls/rapids.Written November 2, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - The HappstersHonolulu, HI7 contributionsThis spectacular view from the summit. The ride to the top and back down is amazing. It was a really smooth ride, even with the winds. You can see the Howe Sound below. Riding the gondola was really fun, and once you get to the top, you can walk on the Pilot Bridge or hanging. It was majestic.Written October 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BruinDanFullerton, CA2,871 contributionsLocated about 15 mi/25 km from the town of Banff and about 21 mi/34 km from Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon is the most popular stop along the Bow Parkway and is considered one of the top attractions in Banff National Park. My wife and I visited there during mid-October 2023.
It is immediately evident that Johnston Canyon is popular when you pull up and see the two sizeable parking lots. The main lot (P1) is just off the traffic circle. This is where you will find the entrance to the trailhead, large restroom facilities, and even areas where you can lock up your bicycle. NOTE that the restrooms by P1 are the only public facilities in Johnston Canyon; there are no toilets along the trail.
When you reach the trailhead, you have two primary choices of hikes – 1) You can go to the Lower Falls, which is a pretty easy 1.5 mi/2.4 km up-and-back hike, or 2) you can continue on to the Upper Falls, which makes for a slightly more challenging 3.1 mi/5.0 km route with a 393 ft/120 m elevation gain. My wife and I (both well into our 60s) opted to hike to the Upper Falls.
You begin the hike with a slight incline along a partially-paved trail along the creek that eventually brings you to narrow catwalks and viewing platforms attached to the canyon wall, where you will get some outstanding views of the canyon. The biggest potential challenge along this portion of the trail is crowds, which can be largely avoided if you arrive early. We started the hike around 8:30 on a Monday morning and had very little issue with this as only one tour bus was just starting to unload.
Once you get past the lovely Lower Falls, you transition from the catwalk to a trail that leads you uphill. This is the point at which most of the tour groups and casual hikers turn around, so the volume of people on the trail goes down dramatically. The trail takes you through a forest, where you’ll see a couple more waterfalls before finally reaching the catwalk that takes you to the Upper Falls. Be sure to walk all the way to the end of the catwalk, because that is where the Upper Falls will suddenly and dramatically appear.
Johnston Canyon is an extremely popular attraction, but once you hike this trail you understand why that’s the case. It is beautiful, appropriate for a wide range of ages and physical abilities, and is an exemplary showcase for the natural wonders that are found throughout Banff National Park.Written November 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - KK78Bay Shore, NY677 contributionsBe prepared for the 184 mile loop around the island because once you start there's only one way out! Gas up, bring water and snacks too - a lot of places were closed. There are places to stop along the trail, for overlooks, hiking, etc. Ingonish Beach was a nice place to rest. The Lone Shieling Hike is a very short path, nice place to stretch your legs if you're not a serious hiker. Bog trail Hike also is along a wooden boardwalk. Bring the bug spray!Written October 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kenna h2 contributionsLong Beach is famous for its long stretches of sandy beaches, dramatic shoreline, and powerful surf. It's a popular spot for surfing, beachcombing, and taking in beautiful sunsets. Visitors can stroll along the sandy shores, watch the crashing waves, and enjoy the coastal scenery.Written July 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- _revrandy3795Bradford, NH56 contributionsIf you find yourself in Quebec's Gaspe region, a visit to Bonaventure Island is a must. Located offshore from Perce, there are a number of lovely hiking trails there, but the high point of a visit there is the Gannet Colony on the south side of the island (a 3.3 km. hike from the dock). There are 100,000 gannets to visit!
Getting there requires a boat ride, and there are two companies in Perce that provide them. A nice side benefit of these cruises is that they take you around Perce Rock, which is well worth seeing up close. The Island is one of Quebec's Provincial Parks (SEPAQ), which means that you need to get a pass to be there. This you need to do online before going there. The cost of a day pass is minimal.
The boat ride is wonderful. Beside passing close by Perce Rock, it takes you around the island, which allows one to see the many (!) gannets and other shore birds nesting on the side of the sheer cliffs of the island's south side. This you cannot see from land.
As noted, it is a 3.3 hike from where the boat drops you off to the entrance to the gannet colony. Believe it or not, there is a simple snack bar there and picnic tables. The rangers there are terrific at answering questions about the birds. Seeing so many birds in one place is a stunning experience. It is well worth the hike to see them.Written August 6, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - KatGourock, UK584 contributionsVisited on a rainy Saturday in October on the free bus hop on /off shuttle from Ottawa -"Fall Rhapsody Tour ," and would highly recommend this trip.
We caught the bus(one of the yellow school buses) from outside the History Museum and on arrival at the park we were able to get off at any of the stops and wander around to take photos and then catch the next shuttle .We never had any more than about 10 mins to wait . Volunteers /staff were on hand at each stop to provide information and the notice broads were also very informative.
The bus drivers were all very friendly and helpful .
Despite the rain and the mist we managed to have a great morning and captured some stunning photos .
Highly recommend this tour .Written October 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - forrestselkirkSelkirk, UK20 contributionsThrall was the best lower walk we found ! Even in the rain ! The many viewing spots are fabulous.Safe walk and easy walking.Written November 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RedbankEntToronto, Canada19 contributionsOne of those magical places in the world to walk/hike. Have never walked in the forest to the sounds of the ocean crashing down below the cliffs. Look-out points are awe inspiring! The smells, sights, and sounds are a memory that will last a lifetime. A definite must if yer in the area! Be sure to hike safely and stay away from those cliff edges !Written September 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cynthia AColumbia, MO488 contributionsThe view and the lake were breath taking. Air was crisp and clean. Just perfect setting. Weather was spitting snow so it made for a perfect fall day.Written October 14, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TraceyKariong, Australia29 contributionsThis is a lovely spot for some scenic hiking. I did wish that I had worn my hiking boots, rather than sneakers, as the trails are quite rough, but it is a really pretty area and you can get right down to the river for some lovely views. There is quite a large iron staircase to get to any of the hiking areas and we found the signage a little confusing at times, but it was a lovely way to spend an hour or so while visiting Niagara Falls.Written November 5, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nancy_OttawaOttawa, Canada613 contributionsIf you really want to enjoy the views and pristine shores the ideal time to plan your trip would be June or mid-Sept. We last visited the Grotto early in August and it was too crowded to enjoy. Even May or October would be nicer. A wetsuit is handy if you want to swim; the water temp doesn't really warm up but on a sunny day, and especially after a little hike, it can be refreshing. Some of the beach areas are in small coves or bays and the water warms up there a bit. Parking for national and provincial park sites must be reserved online ahead of time, so plan your day accordingly.Written August 14, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jamie H-DPoole, UK687 contributionsA wonderful well groomed hiking / walking loop that goes through dense vegetation and trees on each side before reaching the magnificent viewing boardwalk area overlooking the Cabot Trail. Although you can get gorgeous views from the murmurous view points along the Cabot Trail this is a great way to combine the walk and the views easily.
The first time my husband and I attempted the trail it was closed due to Hurricane Lee, we tried the following day and were lucky enough for it to be open, not only that but we had breaks in the cloud offering full views over the water and trail which were absolutely stunning! The weather is very changeable, one moment it’s clear then it’s cloudy then raining… be prepared for everything but you will not regret going on this trail.
We were lucky enough to be visiting out of season as it was very quiet with only a few people and I read a lot of reviews about crowds in season.Written October 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Nan MChipman, Canada2 contributionsLovely drive, some wildlife, driftwood, solitude when you want it, beautiful views, great place for a walk tooWritten June 2, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
