Canada’s wild landscapes are a backpacker’s dream come true. From rugged coastlines to towering mountains, there are backpacking trails for every kind of adventurer. Whether you crave the solitude of the backcountry or the camaraderie of fellow hikers, these ten backpacking trails promise epic multi-day journeys. Here is just a taste of the 10 best backpacking trails Canada has to offer. Check them out, and plan your next adventure out there.
1. West Coast Trail, British Columbia
Distance: 75 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Renowned for its challenging terrain and breathtaking coastal views, the West Coast Trail is a bucket-list hike. This trail weaves through lush rainforests, along sandy beaches, and past historic shipwrecks. Prepare for ladders, cable cars, and river crossings that add to the adventure.
2. East Coast Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador
Distance: 336 km (divided into multiple segments)
Duration: Varies (2-5 days for popular sections)
The East Coast Trail offers a rugged journey along Newfoundland’s dramatic coastline. Highlights include sea stacks, fjords, and picturesque fishing villages. Popular segments like the Spout Path and Cape Spear Path provide stunning vistas and opportunities to spot wildlife.
3. La Cloche Silhouette Trail, Ontario
Distance: 78 km
Duration: 7-10 days
Located in Killarney Provincial Park, the La Cloche Silhouette Trail showcases the beauty of Ontario’s backcountry. Named after the famous painter Group of Seven’s Franklin Carmichael, this trail features white quartzite ridges, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests.
4. Skyline Trail, Alberta
Distance: 44 km
Duration: 2-3 days
Perched in Jasper National Park, the Skyline Trail offers panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. This high-elevation trail traverses alpine meadows, passes glacial lakes, and provides a front-row seat to some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the country.
5. Chilkoot Trail, British Columbia/Yukon
Distance: 53 km
Duration: 3-5 days
Steeped in history, the Chilkoot Trail follows the path of gold rush prospectors. Starting in Alaska and ending in the Yukon, this trail combines challenging climbs with historical artifacts, lush forests, and striking alpine landscapes.
6. Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail, Nova Scotia
Distance: 52 km
Duration: 3-4 days
Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail offers a challenging trek with rewarding views of Nova Scotia’s coastline. Hike through old-growth forests, across rocky headlands, and along secluded beaches. The towering cliffs and tidal rivers add to the trail’s allure.
7. Fundy Footpath, New Brunswick
Distance: 41 km
Duration: 4-5 days
The Fundy Footpath meanders along the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides. This rugged trail features dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and dense forests. Keep an eye out for seals, porpoises, and even the occasional whale in the bay.
8. Akshayuk Pass, Nunavut
Distance: 97 km
Duration: 8-12 days
For those seeking remote wilderness, Akshayuk Pass in Auyuittuq National Park delivers. This Arctic adventure takes you through glacial valleys, past sheer granite peaks, and alongside massive icefields. Be prepared for river crossings and unpredictable weather.
9. Juan de Fuca Trail, British Columbia
Distance: 47 km
Duration: 3-4 days
The Juan de Fuca Trail, situated on Vancouver Island, is a coastal gem. This trail offers a mix of beach walking, forested paths, and breathtaking ocean views. Keep an eye out for sea lions, otters, and even orcas as you navigate this scenic route.
10. Rockwall Trail, British Columbia
Distance: 55 km
Duration: 4-5 days
Located in Kootenay National Park, the Rockwall Trail is a must for alpine enthusiasts. The trail hugs the base of towering limestone cliffs, passes glacial lakes, and offers stunning wildflower displays. The frequent elevation changes make this a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Embarking on a multi-day backpacking adventure in Canada is a journey into the heart of the wilderness, it is quiet, stunning and monumentally impactful on well-being. These 10 trails, with their unique landscapes and challenges, promise an experience that will stay with you long after the final step. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and discover the natural wonders that make Canada a backpacker’s paradise.
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