Best Hiking Trails in Canada: Our Favourite Scenic Hikes from Coast to Coast
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We moved to Canada from India in 2019 and have spent every season since exploring the country on foot, one trail at a time. From Ontario escarpments to the Canadian Rockies, these are the hikes we keep recommending to everyone we know.
Spring in Canada is a time of renewal, perfect for those looking for the best hiking trails in Canada. Snow melts, wildflowers bloom, and the trails come alive with fresh greenery and wildlife. There’s no better way to embrace the season than getting outside and hiking. Whether you’re looking for easy scenic walks, waterfall hikes, or challenging mountain trails, spring is the perfect time to explore Canada’s breathtaking landscapes.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best hiking trails in Canada, featuring the most scenic hikes in Canada from coast to coast!
Why Spring is the Best Time for Hiking in Canada
Milder Temperatures: Enjoy cool, comfortable weather before the summer heat.
Fewer Crowds: Popular trails are much quieter than in peak summer months.
Rushing Waterfalls: Spring snowmelt makes waterfalls more powerful than ever.
Wildlife Watching: Spot moose, deer, and birds as they become more active.
Blooming Nature: Walk through fields of wildflowers and fresh green forests.
Whether you are chasing the best hikes in Canada for scenery or seeking best hikes in southern Ontario close to home, there is a trail here for every level of adventurer.
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Best Spring Hiking Trails in Canada
1. Bruce Trail (Ontario) – Best for Wildflowers
Location: Niagara to Tobermory | Length: Up to 900 km (choose a section) | Difficulty: Varies
The Bruce Trail is Canada’s longest and most famous hiking trail, stretching across Southern Ontario. In the spring, this trail bursts into life with trilliums, violets, and cherry blossoms. Top spring hikes in Canada along the Bruce Trail include:
Dundas Peak and Webster’s Falls: Waterfall views and breathtaking escarpment scenery.
Lion’s Head Lookout: A challenging but rewarding hike with turquoise water views over Georgian Bay.
Rattlesnake Point: A short and scenic hike with panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment.
While hiking near Tobermory, consider exploring other attractions highlighted in our article on Top Things to Do in Tobermory.
We have hiked the Lion’s Head section twice now and every time the view over Georgian Bay stops us in our tracks. Going early on a weekday in late April means you will have the lookout almost entirely to yourself.
Address: Bruce Trail Conservancy, 1 Mowat Street, Suite 1, Hamilton, ON L8P 3N8 (Main Office)
Hours: Trails accessible year-round (individual conservation areas may vary)
Admission: Free to hike; some trailhead parking may charge a fee
Parking: Available at multiple trailheads along the 900 km route
Confirm current parking fees and seasonal road access before visiting.
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2. Johnston Canyon (Banff National Park, Alberta) – Best for Waterfalls
Location: Banff, Alberta | Length: 5.2 km round trip | Difficulty: Easy
One of the most famous hiking trails in Canada, Johnston Canyon offers a family-friendly spring hike through dramatic canyon walls, bridges, and waterfalls. Spring is an excellent time to visit as the melting snow creates stunning rushing waterfalls.
The waterfalls are at their peak flow from melting snow. The trail is less crowded than in summer. Ice formations still linger, making it a magical experience.
We visited Johnston Canyon on our Banff trip in May and the lower falls were absolutely thundering with snowmelt. The catwalk along the canyon wall makes you feel like you are inside the mountain itself. We strongly recommend arriving before 8 am to avoid the tour buses.
Address: Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Parkway, Banff National Park, AB
Hours: Open year-round; catwalk may be closed in early spring due to ice
Admission: Banff National Park fee applies (Parks Canada pass accepted)
Parking: Johnston Canyon parking lot on Bow Valley Parkway; fills quickly in peak season
Confirm trail conditions and catwalk accessibility before visiting.
If you are planning a full trip to the Rockies, our guide to a trip to Banff has everything you need to plan the perfect visit.
3. Cape Split Trail (Nova Scotia) – Best for Ocean Views
Location: Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia | Length: 13 km round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
For some of the best coastal views in Canada, Cape Split is a must-hike in the spring. This clifftop trail overlooks the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides. Spring offers vibrant green forests and fresh sea air, fewer bugs compared to summer, and a chance to see eagles, seals, and seabirds.
We had Cape Split on our bucket list for years and it absolutely delivered. The final section where the land narrows to a point and you look down at the swirling tides of the Bay of Fundy is something we talk about to this day. Wear sturdy footwear because the roots and rocks on this trail are unforgiving.
Address: Cape Split Provincial Park, Cape Split Road, Scots Bay, NS
Hours: Open year-round
Admission: Free
Parking: Trailhead parking lot at the end of Cape Split Road
Confirm road conditions and parking availability before visiting.
Planning a longer East Coast adventure? Our guide to things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick pairs perfectly with a Nova Scotia hiking trip.
4. Garibaldi Lake Trail (British Columbia) – Best for Alpine Lakes
Location: Whistler, BC | Length: 18 km round trip | Difficulty: Hard
If you’re up for a challenge, the Garibaldi Lake Trail is a stunning spring hike near Vancouver. The reward is a brilliant blue alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Spring offers snow-covered peaks and wildflowers for stunning contrast, fewer crowds compared to summer months, and great views of mountain glaciers and waterfalls.
The Garibaldi Lake Trail is the most physically demanding hike on this list, with a significant elevation gain, but the payoff is one of the most photographed alpine lakes in Canada. We recommend checking trail conditions carefully before visiting in spring as snow may remain on the upper sections well into May.
Address: Garibaldi Lake Trailhead, Rubble Creek parking lot, Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC
Hours: Open year-round (upper sections may be snow-covered in spring)
Admission: Free
Parking: Rubble Creek parking lot on Highway 99 between Squamish and Whistler
Confirm snow conditions and trail status with BC Parks before visiting.
Our guide to exploring the best of British Columbia has more ideas for your BC trip beyond the trail.
5. Fundy Footpath (New Brunswick) – Best for Coastal Hiking
Location: Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick | Length: 49 km (or do a shorter section) | Difficulty: Challenging
The Fundy Footpath is one of Canada’s most scenic and remote hiking trails, winding through the Bay of Fundy’s rugged cliffs, beaches, and dense forests. Spring is the best time for this hike because the temperatures are cool, spring tides create dramatic beach views, and you can spot whales offshore if you are lucky.
New Brunswick is criminally underrated as a hiking destination and the Fundy Footpath is the jewel in its crown. Even completing just the first section down to the beach gives you a real sense of the dramatic scale of the Bay of Fundy. We recommend packing light layers because coastal temperatures can shift quickly in spring.
Address: Fundy Footpath, New River Beach, Lepreau to St. Martins, NB (various access points)
Hours: Open year-round
Admission: Free
Parking: Available at New River Beach and St. Martins trailheads
Confirm tide schedules and trail conditions before visiting.
If New Brunswick is on your radar, our guide to things to do in Fredericton is a great starting point for planning your visit.
6. Montmorency Falls Trail (Quebec) – Best for Easy Waterfall Views
Location: Quebec City, Quebec | Length: 3 km | Difficulty: Easy
Spring is the perfect time to visit Montmorency Falls, which is taller than Niagara Falls! The rushing waterfall is at full power after the snow melts, and you can explore the trails, viewpoints, and even a suspension bridge over the falls.
Montmorency Falls was part of our Quebec City weekend and we were completely unprepared for just how dramatic it is up close. Crossing the suspension bridge with the falls roaring beneath us was genuinely thrilling. It is an easy trail that works for all fitness levels, making it one of the most accessible scenic hikes in Canada.
Address: 2490 Avenue Royale, Quebec City, QC G1C 1S1
Hours: Grounds open year-round; gondola and some facilities seasonal
Admission: Free to access trails; gondola ride charged separately
Parking: Parc de la Chute-Montmorency parking lot (fee applies)
Confirm gondola hours and seasonal facility availability before visiting.
Pair this with a broader Quebec City visit. Our article on things to do in Quebec City covers the best spots in and around the old city.
7. Skyline Trail (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia) – Best for Sunset Views
Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park | Length: 8.2 km loop | Difficulty: Easy
If you love dramatic ocean cliffs and wildlife watching, the Skyline Trail is a must-do. This iconic spring hike in Canada offers panoramic sunset views over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a chance to see moose, bald eagles, and whales, and a boardwalk path leading to breathtaking lookout points.
The Skyline Trail is one of those hikes that surprises you with its final reveal. You walk through dense boreal forest for most of the loop and then the boardwalk emerges suddenly onto an open headland overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. We actually spotted a moose grazing at the treeline on our visit, which made it completely unforgettable.
Address: Skyline Trail, Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, NS
Hours: Open year-round; boardwalk section may have restrictions during nesting season
Admission: Cape Breton Highlands National Park entry fee applies
Parking: Pleasant Bay parking area off the Cabot Trail
Confirm nesting season boardwalk access before visiting.
Thinking of camping or glamping near your hike? Our guide to glamping in Ontario covers our top picks if you want a comfortable base after a long day on the trail.
Best Time to Visit for Hiking in Canada
Spring (April to June) is our favourite season for hitting Canada’s trails. Temperatures are cool and comfortable, waterfalls are at maximum power from snowmelt, and the most popular trails have noticeably smaller crowds than in summer. The one caveat is mud: pack waterproof boots because many trails in Ontario and BC are genuinely boggy in March and April.
Summer (July to August) is peak hiking season and for good reason. Nearly all trails are fully accessible, the days are long, and the alpine wildflowers in BC and Alberta are extraordinary. The trade-off is crowds: popular routes like Johnston Canyon and Garibaldi Lake can feel very busy, especially on weekends. We recommend starting early in the morning if you visit in summer.
Fall (September to October) brings stunning foliage across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, and the cooler temperatures make long hikes genuinely comfortable. Crowds drop off sharply after the Labour Day weekend. This is arguably the most visually dramatic season for the Bruce Trail in Ontario, where the hardwood forest turns spectacular shades of red and gold.
Winter (November to March) is not off the table for experienced hikers. Snowshoeing sections of the Bruce Trail or exploring the lower, less exposed sections of Maritime trails can be magical. However, many mountain trails in BC and Alberta are inaccessible or dangerous without backcountry skills and proper equipment. Always check Parks Canada advisories before heading out in winter.
Best Hiking Trails in Canada by Region
Best Hikes in Ontario
Ontario is home to the Bruce Trail, Canada’s longest footpath, as well as the stunning Niagara Escarpment. The trail runs from Niagara to Tobermory and can be done in sections over multiple trips. Rattlesnake Point, Lion’s Head, and Dundas Peak are our personal favourite sections for a day hike, each offering sweeping views over Georgian Bay or the escarpment valley.
Best Hikes in British Columbia
BC has some of the most dramatic scenery in the world and the Garibaldi Lake Trail near Whistler is the showpiece. The Sea to Sky corridor offers dozens of trails ranging from easy forest walks to multi-day backcountry routes. We recommend the Icefields Parkway if you want to combine driving and hiking, as roadside pullouts lead to genuinely world-class viewpoints.
Best Hikes in Alberta
Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park is the most accessible of Alberta’s famous hikes, but the province has much more on offer. The Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper passes trailheads for some of the most iconic alpine scenery in Canada. If you are planning a Banff trip, building in two or three different hikes of varying difficulty is absolutely worth it.
Best Hikes in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies straddle Alberta and BC and the hiking here is on a scale unlike anywhere else in the country. Banff and Jasper national parks together contain hundreds of maintained trails, from easy boardwalk loops to challenging multi-day backcountry routes. The light in the Rockies during spring and fall is extraordinary and the wildlife sightings, from elk to grizzly bear, are genuinely common.
Best Hikes in Eastern Canada
Eastern Canada is underrated as a hiking destination. Cape Split in Nova Scotia and the Skyline Trail on Cape Breton are world-class coastal hikes. The Fundy Footpath in New Brunswick is one of the most remote and dramatic trails in the country. Montmorency Falls near Quebec City offers a spectacular waterfall hike that is easy enough for families and accessible right from the city.
Best Hikes in Banff and Jasper
Johnston Canyon is the most visited trail in Banff for good reason but Banff and Jasper together have trails to suit every fitness level. Maligne Lake, the Plain of Six Glaciers, and the Valley of Five Lakes near Jasper are all exceptional choices. We recommend checking Parks Canada for current trail conditions as snow lingers into June at higher elevations.
Free and No-Reservation Hiking in Canada
The majority of Canada’s best hiking trails are completely free to access. The Bruce Trail in Ontario, Cape Split in Nova Scotia, and the Fundy Footpath in New Brunswick all have no admission fee and require no advance reservation for day hiking. This makes them some of the most accessible scenic hikes in Canada for spontaneous trips.
Trails within national parks such as Johnston Canyon (Banff) and Skyline Trail (Cape Breton) require a Parks Canada entry pass, which you can purchase at the park gate or in advance online. The good news is that a single Parks Canada Discovery Pass covers entry to all national parks for a year, making it excellent value if you plan multiple hikes across different parks.
For those visiting Montmorency Falls near Quebec City, the trail and viewpoints are free to access though the gondola ride carries a separate charge. We always recommend confirming whether a specific trail requires a parking fee even when the hike itself is free. Several Ontario Conservation Authority trailheads charge for parking, so keeping a few dollars in the car is a good habit for spontaneous hiking days.
Tips for Hiking in Canada with Kids or Toddlers
Canada’s trails range dramatically in difficulty, and the good news is that several of our top picks are genuinely family-friendly. Johnston Canyon in Banff is probably the best hike on this list for young children. The catwalk path is wide and well-maintained, the waterfalls provide constant visual excitement, and the round trip is short enough to keep small legs happy. Montmorency Falls near Quebec City is another excellent choice for toddlers, with wide accessible paths and dramatic scenery that keeps everyone engaged.
For families tackling Ontario trails, we recommend choosing a short section of the Bruce Trail rather than attempting a long continuous stretch. Rattlesnake Point is a great option because it offers real escarpment drama without a brutal distance. Pack more snacks than you think you need, bring a carrier backpack for toddlers on the steeper sections, and always plan your turnaround point before you start rather than playing it by ear.
If you are planning an overnight trip with the family, choosing a comfortable base makes an enormous difference. Our guide to best places to stay in Muskoka has options that work well as a base for Ontario hiking trips with kids.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one hike in Canada?
There is no single definitive answer as the best hike in Canada depends heavily on what you are looking for, but Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park is consistently cited as one of the most visited and beloved trails. For sheer scenic drama, the Garibaldi Lake Trail in BC and the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton are also exceptional contenders. We personally rank Johnston Canyon highest for accessibility combined with genuine wow factor.
What is the most scenic place in Canada?
The Canadian Rockies are widely regarded as Canada’s most scenic region, particularly the stretch along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper. However, Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail and the Bay of Fundy coastline in New Brunswick are equally breathtaking in their own way. Canada’s scenery is so varied that answering this honestly depends on whether you prefer mountains, coastlines, or forests.
Where should I go in Canada for hiking?
For mountain hiking, Banff and Jasper in Alberta are the obvious starting points. For coastal hiking, Nova Scotia’s Cape Split and Skyline trails are outstanding. Ontario’s Bruce Trail is the best choice if you are based in the province and want scenic day hikes without a long drive. British Columbia’s Garibaldi Provincial Park near Whistler is ideal for alpine lake scenery.
What is the number one hike in the world?
Various travel publications place different hikes at the top of global rankings, with the Inca Trail in Peru, the Tour du Mont Blanc in Europe, and Nepal’s Everest Base Camp trek all regularly featuring. Within Canada, the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is frequently cited on international lists of the world’s best multi-day hikes.
What are the 11 Great Walks of Canada?
Parks Canada has designated 11 signature trails under its Great Trail network, which include routes across multiple provinces. These cover everything from coastal paths in Atlantic Canada to alpine routes in the Rockies. We recommend visiting the Parks Canada website directly for the current official list, as designations and featured trails are updated periodically.
Are Canada’s national park hiking trails safe for beginners?
Yes, most national parks have a good range of beginner-friendly options. Johnston Canyon in Banff, the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton, and the Montmorency Falls trail near Quebec City are all excellent starting points for beginner hikers. We always recommend checking trail ratings on the Parks Canada website before going and carrying essentials including water, a first aid kit, and a charged phone.
Final Thoughts: Exploring the Best Hiking Trails in Canada
If you’re looking for the best way to enjoy spring in Canada, hiking is the answer! Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring wildflower meadows, or trekking along ocean cliffs, Canada’s spring trails offer unforgettable scenery and adventure.
Which spring hikes in Canada are your favourite? Let us know in the comments! Whether you are a seasoned backcountry trekker or planning your very first scenic hike in Canada, we hope this guide helps you get outside and explore.
We have done the planning so you do not have to. Browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries and start your adventure.
Related Destinations
For a unique overnight experience after your hike, consider glamping. Learn more in our post on Experience Luxury Camping in Ontario.
Enhance your trip by Exploring the Charms of Quebec, offering a blend of cultural and natural attractions.
If your hike takes you near the water, do not miss our guide to the best waterfalls in Canada for even more spectacular natural destinations to add to your list.
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