Cavell Meadows (Jasper National Park)
Is it even possible to write about Alberta trails without starting with Jasper National Park and all it has to offer? How can we even narrow down one trail in the park to talk about? We settled on Cavell Meadows, but, honestly, there are so many options in this park. Cavell Meadows is an experienced hike because it has many rocky parts, but you can make the trek if you are an intermediate hiker. Flowers abound on this trail, and you’ll quickly discover that mountains surround you on every side somewhere in the middle of this hike. No dogs are allowed because of the abundant caribou population, so leave your pup at home.
Johnston Canyon Trail (Banff National Park)
Distance: 5km
Elevation: 235m
Hiking Time: 1 hour
When a short hike that’s not hard but is rewarding is what you’re seeking, head to Banff National park and the Johnston Canyon hike (which is two hikes). You can choose the shorter or longer option, but both will bring you to the Johnston Canyon Falls. You can bring your dog, your walking shoes, and the confidence of knowing that you can take this hike no matter what mood you’re in.
Plain of Six Glaciers (Banff National Park)
Distance: 10km
Elevation: 365m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
This trail is a popular one that leads to a tea house high about Lake Louise, but we still love it because of the outstanding views. You’ll traverse through a pine forest, lose yourself in a spread of wooded trees, and end up staring at the gorgeous aquamarine Lake Louise. This is the perfect hike for a summer or spring day, and we even like it in the fall, but it’s not something we’d recommend during the winter months due to icy conditions. Do check the park’s website before you go, as conditions can change rapidly.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Distance: 22km
Elevation: 1220m
Hiking Time: 7-12 hours
This trail’s sheer size will leave some novice hikers feeling left behind, but if you have the endurance to trek 22km, you can make it through the Waterton Lakes National Park trail. This isn’t a popular trail but bears frequent it and other wildlife, so make sure to be prepared to encounter some unexpected guests along the way. You’ll hike through wooded areas, traverse rocky parts, and enjoy lakeside views.
Grotto Canyon
Distance: 4km
Elevation: 390m
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Have you ever wanted to try an ice hike? Grotto Canyon might be the one to test out your icy trekking skills since it’s not too tricky for moderate-level hikers. The trail itself is only four kilometres, and in the spring and summer months, that means hiking a creek bed by foot (it can’t be reached any other way), but during the winter months, you can ice climb up the canyon if you have the right equipment (we don’t recommend trying this unless you have had a bit of prior experience!).
Siksika Trail
Distance: 5.8km
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
Some trails attract more wildlife than others, and the Siksika Trail is one that happens to be a favourite of creates large and small. You’re more likely to see beavers on this trail than bears (though bears can be found walking throughout the trail at times). This is mostly an uphill hike with various hills and steep climbs combined with some flatter parts. If you’re looking to test your endurance, this is an excellent trail to pick.
Trans Canada Trail (Cypress Hills Provincial Park)
Distance: 10km
Elevation: 180m
Hiking Time: 2 hours
There are many trails in Cypress Hills Park, and some are more advanced than others, but you can access all of them from the park’s main gate. We love this park’s diversity and the fact that you can ski most of these trails during the winter months (which isn’t the case everywhere). During the warmer months, any trail you pick at this park comes with spectacular views and plenty of skill-level options. Check out the park’s website for a detailed map before you go and for ski report details.
Grizzly Ridge
Distance: 7km
Elevation: 560m
There are no markers on this trail up from Highwood Pass in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park making half the fun of the hike finding the actual trail. The hike itself is straightforward and tends to be easy enough to conquer once you find the trail, but know that there are plenty of rocky parts and some challenging inclines. You’ll need to traverse some rocky bits to get where you’re going, but the view is entirely worth it.
Hoodoo Trail
Distance: 3.5km
Elevation: 68m
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Hoo-Doo in Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is something of a trippy trail with plenty of rock art, grasslands, valleys, peaks, cliffs, and, of course, hoodoos. While not a long trail, it is challenging enough that we are going to rank it as an intermediate climb. Steep in some parts and very flat and rocky in others, this is one trail you’ll want good climbing shoes for. Make sure to stop and admire the rock art while you are there — you’ll want to bring a camera.
Window Mountain Lake
Distance: 2km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
If you’ve never hiked to a crystal clear swimming hole, you need to visit Window Mountain Lake near Crowsnest Pass, Alberta and take the hike to the open water. You can jump into the lake once you get there or admire the clear views from a high perch. Most of the walk is through a lovely wooded area, and you will end up near the water no matter which trail you take. This one is ideal for a hot summer day when you want to let loose and feel freedom beneath your feet.
Tonquin Valley (Jasper National Park)
Distance: 70km
Elevation: 1,300m
Hiking Time: Variable
You can choose to spend days hiking through Tonquin Valley or pick a path or two to try. With more than 70km of trails, it’s no surprise that National Geographic named this area as one of the world’s best trails. If you have the time and experience (this one is a bit on the hard side), take the McCarib Pass towards Jasper National Park (but bring camping gear because this is one serious hike that will require an overnight rest!).
Mount Stearn Trail
Distance: 17km
Elevation: 1,000m
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
This is a great out-and-back hike in the Sulphur Lakes Provincial Recreation Area that includes a river and some fantastic vistas, a pond in the meadow before the summit. It’s a serious workout this one, so expect some burning quads with all the climbing. But, hey, that’s what hiking is all about. When hikers finally make it to the top and take in the panoramic views, it’ll be worth it. Plenty of deep snow here so prepare yourself.
Skyline Trail (Jasper National Park)
Distance: 48km
Elevation: 1800m
Hiking Time: multi-day hike
If hiking above the treeline is your kind of hike, the Skyline Trail is where you should go. More than 20km of the trail is above the tree line, making the views from this hike unbeatable. This is not a trail for beginners or those not prepared for camping overnight, but it is a trail to experience if you have the time and want to escape from the world. There are campsites throughout the trail, so make sure to mark those on your virtual map before you go.
Wood Bison Trail (Elk Island National Park)
Distance: 15km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
This trail is marked difficult by Parks Canada because it does have some rocky parts, is longer than average, and includes traversing through herds of bison. Yep, bison. The Wood Bison Trail is home to the Wood Bison, and it’s one of the few places on the planet where you can view the animals close-up (don’t get too close). Wooded areas, a large field, plenty of wildlife, and a lake view is what you’ll find when you visit the Wood Bison Trail. Check out the park map before you go to make sure that the trail is open and accessible.
Turtle Mountain
Distance: 6.2km
Elevation: 780m
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Turtle Mountain is an intense hike, but it’s not reserved for experienced hikers only. If you have a few hikes under your belt, you can quickly get through this hike. In 1903, a massive landslide at the mountain caused the top of Turtle Mountain to slide off, but today the terrain is stable and makes for a great trek. It’s best to check in with a park ranger before you go on this hike and bring sustenance with you — it can be challenging in parts.
Horse Thief Canyon
Okay, we admit it: we love the name of this area but not more than we love the hike along the Dinosaur Trail in the Canadian Badlands! While you’re making your way through the canyon near the town Drumheller, think about this: archaeologists have found evidence that dinosaurs used to call the canyon home. You can take big dinosaur steps through this canyon or take your time and enjoy the diverse landscape.
Buller Pass, Kananaskis Country
Distance: 20km
Elevation: 1,200m
Hiking Time: 6 hours
This is just a pretty hike, plain and simple. Buller Pass is rated moderate because it can be rocky in parts, but we think beginners can make the trek without too many hiccups (and it’s a great challenge hike). You’ll find waterfalls, lakes, and plenty of fantastic scenery along the way. This is a 13km hike up and back, but it’s doable in one day if you leave early enough.
Ha Ling Peak
Distance: 5.6km
Elevation: 762m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
This one, in Bow Valley Provincial Park, is for the experienced hikers only because it is not well marked, comes with some rocky parts, and can be hard on the legs if you aren’t used to gruelling hikes. Bring proper hiking gear, a pack with water and food, and be ready for a decent test of endurance. Ha Ling is popular with tourists, so get there early if you want to avoid crowds. The trail is open during the spring and summer but closes towards winter.
Fairview Mountain (Banff)
Distance: 10km
Elevation: 1,000m
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Another one of our best hikes, Fairview Mountain comes with a steep climb at the beginning of the trail but is worth the trek when you reach the top and look down at Lake Louise. We love this moderate hike for those lazy summer and spring days. Fairview is an excellent hike for packing a picnic, spreading out a blanket, and enjoying the mountain air. Check the site before you go to make sure weather conditions are favourable.
Wilcox Pass (Jasper National Park)
Distance: 9.8km
Elevation: 409m
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Some of the hikes on this list include bison sightings and other wildlife sightings, but Wilcox Pass comes with sheep sightings (nearly guaranteed). This is a favourite spot to spread a picnic blanket and lay in the sun, thanks to plenty of open fields and large flat rocks to sprawl out on. Wilcox Pass is okay to hike if you are new to trekking, but experienced hikers will also enjoy this trail. At four hours, the Pass is a great way to spend the day.
Big Beehive (Banff National Park)
Distance: 9.6km
Elevation: 540m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Start at Lake Agnes and wind your way towards the Big Beehive trail. This trail winds upwards through the woods until you find yourself standing at the viewpoint. From there, you can look down on Lake Agnes in all its summer or springtime splendour (there’s even a tea house that’s open during the warmer months). This trail near Lake Louise is ideal for hikers of any skill level and is a great way to spend the day.
Eiffel Lake
Distance: 11.2km
Elevation: 600km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
A hike rarely offers a view of ten different mountain peaks, but that’s what you’ll find when you visit the Eiffel Lake trail. This hike can be enjoyed by moderate to experienced hikers and comes with plenty of perks (mountain peaks aside) like wildflowers and plenty of wildlife. You’ll want to check the weather before you go here.
British Columbia Best Hikes
Cape Scott Trail
Distance: 24km
Hiking Time: 2-4 days
Vertical gain: 1048m
Technically, this trail is marked ‘moderate,’ but we think the terrain is manicured and maintained enough to be a good choice for beginners. The Cape Scott Trail is long, though, so you’ll want to either break it up or plan to hike for a few days and camp between stretches of trail. Wooden bridges, plenty of forest greenery, and changing weather makes this trail popular with hikers. Make sure to pack correctly because Cape Scott is in a spot where the weather can change rapidly, making the path exciting but challenging to traverse if you don’t have the right gear. Bears tend to enjoy this route, too, so make sure to watch out for wildlife! More details about Cape Scott Trail are here.
Al’s Habrich Ridge Trail
Distance: 12km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Vertical gain: 350m
You’ll be hard-pressed to find better scenery on most hikes, but Al’s ridge trail is on the more technical side terrain-wise. This trail travels through glacial formations, old forests, and rivers and is best suited for more experienced hikers. The trail takes a full day to complete (five or so hours if you are skilled and in a rush) and offers plenty of picnic spot break options. Find this trail at the start of the Sea to Sky Gondola and find additional details here.
Paul’s Tomb on Knox Mountain
Distance: 3km
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Vertical gain: 100 meters
If you’re looking for a wide trail that you can leisurely traverse, Paul’s Tomb in Know Mountain Park is the one for you. This trail is well maintained, doesn’t come with overly rugged terrain, and still offers Lake Okanagan’s impressive views. This trail is easy enough for beginners, kids, and anyone that wants a nice break from city life. You can find information about the trail and other details here.
Dogtooth Traverse
Distance: 16km
Hiking Time: 8-11 hours
This is not a trail for beginners or even intermediate hikers. Dogtooth doesn’t offer a course of any kind, to be accurate. Instead, this is a place to hike that’s filled with rocks and no real clear cut path, so you’ll have to make your way by picking through the rugged mountainside. If you are an experienced hiker, and you do want a challenge, Dogtooth’s views are unparalleled, and you’ll be glad you took the time to explore this path. You will want to read up on the trail and current weather here before you go.
Panorama Ridge
Distance: 28.3km
Hiking Time: 2-3 days
Vertical gain: 1,541m
We’re talking 28km of rough and rugged terrain when we’re telling you to only venture to Panorama Ridge if you are an experienced hiker! If you fit that description, this trail is not to be missed. Panorama Ridge comes with a crazy lake view and some serious mountainous trails that are roughly maintained. It’s recommended that you visit Panorama in the summer or fall but not during the colder winter months as the mountains can get snowy and icy. Bring a tent, overnight essentials, and plenty of warm gear. More details about Panorama are available here.
Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park
Distance: 14km
Hiking Time: 1-2 days
Vertical gain: 864m
There’s nothing quite like looking up to see glaciers above your head, and that’s what you can expect from the Iceline Trail. This aptly named trail is best for experienced hikers because it can be steep and treacherous in parts, but it’s also a trail that allows dogs on a leash, so you may want to take your pup with you just in case you need some companionship along that 14km. The road that leads to Iceline does close depending on the season, so definitely look at the details before you go.
Wapta Falls
Distance: 4.8km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Vertical gain: 1,000m
This is a straightforward hike, but the scenery does not disappoint. Wapta Falls is in Yoho National Park and is a popular spot to visit if you’re camping in the park or just out on a day trip adventure. You’ll see an amazing waterfall (hence the name of the trail) at the end of this quick loop through a well-maintained path that’s wide enough for kids and older adults.
Brandywine Mountain
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Vertical gain: 550m
Get your ice picks and serious hikers out if you’re heading to Brandywine. This trail is not for amateurs, but it does deliver where challenging trails are concerned. Forests, meadows, and some snow-capped boulders await you with this trail. Brandywine is considered a day trip trail and isn’t a camping destination unless you want to spend a few days discovering the area. We recommend visiting the mountain’s main website to find out the best way to get to this trail, in addition to current weather updates.
Stawamus Chief Trail
Distance:6km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Vertical gain:772m
Tired of hiking that involves just shoes? Stawamus Chief Trail, or just The Chief, might be the adventure for you. This hike doesn’t just include using your feet — expect to use chains, ropes, ladders, and other gear to make it to the top (we love this kind of fun). The view is impressive with peaks that overlook the town of Squamish, and you can hike all of the peaks in one or two days if you are super motivated. Do check the Stawamus Chief Park website before you go, though, in case of pandemic-related restrictions and weather shutdowns.
Crown Mountain
Distance: 9.8km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Vertical gain: 385m
Crown Mountain is a well-known hike beloved by many folks and is appropriate for those with skills ranging from moderate to advanced. While this mountain provides fantastic views and a trip that you won’t forget, it’s not a place to bring kids or beginner hikers because it does come with some serious terrain that can get sticky at times. We don’t recommend visiting Crown Mountain if it’s raining, snowing, or anything else that could provide some steeper grades to become slick. If it’s a nice fall or summer day, this trail is worth trekking to.
Alice Lake
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Vertical gain: 200m
Sometimes you want to step into nature without ice picks or tents. When that time comes, Alice Lake is a great day trip option that’s suitable for a stroll or a hike with the kids. This trail is well-maintained and is easy, but it also comes with beautiful scenery and plenty of fun places to explore. At 6km, Alice Lake might be a bit much for little kids, but it’s ideal for a picnic day or just for fun. Here’s more about Alice Lake: https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/alice-lake/
Grouse Grind
Distance: 2.9km
Hiking Time: 40 minutes to 1 hour
Vertical gain: 853m
You know that any trail with the word ‘grind’ in it will be reserved for advanced hikers, and that’s precisely the case with the Grouse Grind. But it’s also one trail that you don’t want to miss if you love the thrill of the hike and all the exhilaration that comes with treacherous terrain. This trail climbs a steep 850m right off the bat (in the first 3km). Grouse Grind is a great trail to get your heart pumping, but it is one of the more frequently used trails. You’ll find wooden steps part way to help you make it to the top and a nice and easy Skyride to bring you to the bottom once you do break the ascent sweat. Due to the pandemic, Grouse Grind does require a reservation, so make sure to book ahead.
Ascent Trail
Distance: 3.5km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Vertical gain: 1150m
Ascent Trail is part of the Blackcomb Mountain resort, so you’ll have to purchase a day pass through the mountain if you decide to venture out to do this hike. Ascent is a nicely maintained trail, but it can be steep in parts and does run parallel to the ski trails (though you can’t tell because it is separate enough from the trails to offer peace away from the ski crowd). It’s a good idea to check out the ski lift schedule, too, just in case you can’t get to the top (usually people ride up and hike down though you can hike up and ride down again!). More details about Ascent Trail are here.
Crater Rim Trail
Distance: 4.5km
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Vertical gain: 230m
Head to Whistler for Crater Rim Trail and the intermediate-level hiking experience it has to offer. You’ll get to see a volcano (extinct!), lush forest, gorgeous views, and check out the rim around the crater. This hike is marked “intermediate” because it does have some slippery and edgy terrain, but it’s not so crazy that you can’t try it out if you’ve only been hiking a few times. The trail is well marked and is not a place where you can get lost, so we think it’s worth checking out if you are in the Whistler area or want a new trail to explore — check trail seasons and weather here.
Twin Falls
Distance: 1.5km
Hiking Time: 1hour
Vertical gain: 65m
Twin Falls is an excellent option if looking for a day trip and don’t want to push the limits too much (but still want to enjoy some fantastic scenery). Twin Falls crosses the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, so make sure that the bridge is accessible before visiting the trail (due to the pandemic, the bridge may be closed when you want to see so don’t skip check out the site before you go).
Wedgemount Lake
Distance: 12km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Vertical gain: 1160m
Who said that a short hike is an easy hike? Wedgemount Lake might be just 12km, but it is a very, very, steep ascension reaching 1160m in a short amount of time. Because of the slope, the Wedgemount Lake hike is considered difficult and can be a challenge for beginner hikers. If you do like to break a sweat, this is probably one of the best ways to do it. Wedgemount is in Garibaldi Provincial Park and requires some checking ahead of time to ensure the trail is open and accessible.
Whistler Train Wreck
Distance: 2km
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Vertical gain: 30m
What better way to spend an afternoon than hiking past an old train wreck and snapping some images of the now graffiti-covered twisted metal? The Whistler Train Wreck is an easy hike and a trendy one, but it’s also one that you can’t miss if you are near the Whistler area. You can bring kids and new hikers on this simple trek but make sure to check the conditions before you go.
St. Mark’s Summit
Distance: 11km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Vertical gain: 460m
St. Mark’s Summit is part of Cypress Mountain and does require some spikes if you intend to go on a wintry day. This trail crosses a lush meadow (during the warmer months) and two bridges worth snapping some photos of. The trail is best for intermediate hikers as it does reach steep grades quickly, but it can also be enjoyed by beginner hikers in good shape, looking for a challenge.
Zoa Peak
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Vertical gain: 600m
Zoa Peak is in the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area and offers some of the best views of Thar Peak, Zum Peak, and Nak Peak. If you aren’t familiar with those peaks, know that Zoa is one way to escape hectic life and gaze at some mountain peaks for hours while sitting on top of a boulder that nearly reaches the sky. This is an intermediate trail that won’t take too long to conquer (a few hours should do it), but you do want to add some time to sit and reflect or munch on some snacks when you reach the peak. There’s not much shade here, so we recommend visitation on a fall day or cooler summer day. More details here.
Wild Pacific Trail, Vancouver Island
Distance: 8.6km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Visiting Vancouver Island is a must-do, and while you’re there, it’s essential to check out some of the island’s hiking trails. Ucluelet’s Wild Pacific Trail is one of the longest and most scenic day hikes on the island, and it’s worth the 9km hike to view the coastline as you’ve never seen it before. The trail itself is long and windy, and well-maintained, so we will rate it okay for beginners to traverse if endurance isn’t an issue. Some closures are happening and other details to note before you go.
Rainbow Ridge Trail
Distance: 16km
Hiking Time: Two hours out and back, or hike for days in the Rainbow Range
Vertical gain: 300m
You’ll find Rainbow Ridge in the Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park, and it won’t be easy to miss given its signature red, orange, lavender, and yellow mountains (hence the name ‘rainbow’). The trail is long, though, so make sure to pack water and snacks because, at 16km, you’re going to need the extra fuel. You can make this a one-day trip or pack a tent and camp in the summertime (harder to do during other seasons). Find details and additional notes here.
The Golden Ears Trail, Golden Ears Park
Distance: 12km
Hiking Time: 1-2 days
Vertical gain: 1500m
Golden Ears is a rugged trail that winds on for 12km. This trail is best reserved for intermediate to advanced hikers but is also tame enough to take leisurely because of its length. The trail is operating with winter hours in effect, so make sure to check the site before you go. Other things to note is that this trail is frequented by wildlife and can be busy during the summer months as it’s a popular option. There aren’t many stopping points, so bring water and snacks with you.
Berg Lake Trail
Distance: 41.5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 days
Vertical gain: 1509m
To get lost, you have to find a trail that offers little in the way of downtime. Berg Lake Trail is one of the most popular off-trail options in BC because there’s no avoiding ice patches, snowy parts, glaciers, and cold streams. You’ll have to traverse tricky terrain to cross Berg Lake, and it can get chilly! Make sure to bring warmer gear, plenty of snacks and water, and the right shoes. It’s also a good idea to tell someone where you are going before you leave and check-in at the park here.
Dog Mountain
Distance: 5km
If you have an afternoon off and live in Vancouver, there’s no reason not to go outside and take a hike, especially to Dog Mountain, one of the most easily accessible hikes near the city. This is a short and straightforward hike atop Mount Seymour but comes with great views, clearly marked paths, and plenty of space for you and your dog to run around. It’s not advised to visit Mount Seymour during the winter months due to snow and ice, but you can enjoy the trail until October.
Garibaldi Lake
Distance: 18km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Vertical gain: 820m
There are a lot of hiking options at Garibaldi Provincial Park, including the popular Garibaldi Lake hike. This hike will take you past glaciers and through mountains, but it’s not considered an advanced walk, so you can quickly bring the kids or take your time strolling through the pathways. You can check out other trails while you’re at the park, too but go before the snow starts to fly and some of the trails close. Garibaldi comes with some reasonably detailed maps too that you’ll want to look at before you go.
Quarry Rock
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 100m
We added this one last to our list of best hikes because it’s a quick jaunt that’s not far from the Vancouver city centre and makes for a perfect nature break. Quarry Rock is beloved by many city dwellers and is a well-worn path ideal for a dog walk or quick stroll, but it also comes with lush pine forest views and a lovely lake to look at when you get where you’re going. Get to Quarry Rock early and skip the crowds or go during a cooler autumn day.
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