Canada’s national parks are some of the most stunning natural spaces in the world. From towering mountains and pristine lakes to lush forests and expansive tundra, the country’s parks offer an incredible array of landscapes that are perfect for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or someone who simply enjoys a scenic walk in nature, there’s a trail for you. Canada’s vast wilderness is home to many awe-inspiring hikes, so let’s explore some of the best hikes to discover in Canada’s national parks. Lace up your boots and get ready to experience the beauty of the Great White North!

Banff National Park – The Lake Agnes Trail

Banff National Park is perhaps the most famous of Canada’s national parks, attracting visitors from all over the world for its dramatic mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. One of the park’s best hikes is the Lake Agnes Trail, a moderate 7 km (4.3 miles) round-trip hike that takes you through a beautiful forested area, with views of Lake Louise, up to Lake Agnes.

The trail begins at the iconic Lake Louise and steadily ascends through a forest of spruce and fir trees. As you climb, you’ll pass several viewpoints offering magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier. At the top, you'll reach the serene Lake Agnes, a crystal-clear alpine lake nestled beneath the towering cliffs. Don’t forget to stop by the charming Lake Agnes Tea House for a warm drink or snack before heading back down. This hike is an ideal choice for hikers who want a short but rewarding trek with spectacular mountain views.

Yoho National Park – Takakkaw Falls and the Iceline Trail

Just a short drive from Banff is Yoho National Park, located in British Columbia. Known for its dramatic waterfalls, towering peaks, and wild landscapes, Yoho is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the park’s best hikes is the Iceline Trail, which is considered one of the most scenic hikes in Canada.

The Iceline Trail is a 20 km (12.4 miles) challenging hike that takes you high above the treeline, offering stunning panoramic views of glaciers, waterfalls, and the jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies. The trail begins at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot and ascends quickly toward the Iceline, a ridge that offers breathtaking vistas of the Yoho Glacier and surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter snowfields, alpine meadows, and sparkling streams, with the majestic Takakkaw Falls providing a dramatic backdrop. It’s a demanding hike but well worth the effort for the incredible views and the feeling of being immersed in nature.

Jasper National Park – The Skyline Trail

Jasper National Park, another gem of the Canadian Rockies, is less crowded than Banff but just as beautiful, offering spectacular views of glaciers, wildlife, and pristine wilderness. For those looking for a multi-day adventure, the Skyline Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes.

The Skyline Trail is a 44 km (27.3 miles) point-to-point hike that takes you through some of the most remote and pristine landscapes in Canada. This challenging backcountry hike offers a combination of alpine meadows, subalpine forests, and high mountain ridges, with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. One of the highlights is the section through the Jasper National Park Wilderness, where you might encounter elk, bighorn sheep, or even a bear. Most hikers take four days to complete the trail, and camping is available at designated sites along the way, making it the perfect hike for those looking to experience Jasper’s rugged beauty up close.

Gros Morne National Park – Green Gardens Trail

Gros Morne National Park, located in Newfoundland and Labrador, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse landscapes, from dramatic cliffs and fjords to lush forests and coastal meadows. One of the park’s standout hikes is the Green Gardens Trail, a moderate 9 km (5.6 miles) hike that takes you through a variety of terrain, including coastal cliffs and vibrant meadows.

The Green Gardens Trail starts at the park’s main visitor center and follows a well-marked path that leads you along the coast, with views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the rugged shoreline. The trail meanders through a lush forest before opening up to the cliffs above the sea. Along the way, you’ll see colorful wildflowers, rocky outcrops, and sweeping views of the ocean. This is a great option for those who enjoy coastal hikes with a mix of terrain and stunning views of the Atlantic coastline.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – Long Beach

For those who prefer coastal hikes, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island offers some of the most stunning beach hikes in the country. Long Beach is one of the most famous and accessible trails in the park, offering visitors a chance to explore the wild and rugged beauty of Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Long Beach is part of a 16 km (9.9 miles) stretch of coastline that includes a series of trails that run through the sandy beach and coastal rainforest. The beach itself is known for its dramatic waves, perfect for beachcombing, birdwatching, or simply walking along the shore. The surrounding rainforest provides an added layer of beauty, with towering trees, moss-covered rocks, and lush ferns lining the trails. It’s a relatively easy hike, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re watching surfers ride the waves or soaking in the beauty of the lush rainforest, Long Beach offers a unique coastal hiking experience.

Kluane National Park and Reserve – King’s Throne Trail

Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon is one of the most remote and awe-inspiring parks in Canada, featuring vast glaciers, towering mountains, and a rich variety of wildlife. One of the best hikes in the park is the King’s Throne Trail, a moderate 7 km (4.3 miles) hike that offers breathtaking views of Kluane Lake, the surrounding mountains, and the massive ice fields beyond.

The trail climbs steadily from the parking lot and leads you to a rocky summit with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass through alpine meadows, with wildflowers blooming in the summer months, and cross streams and boulder fields. From the top of the King’s Throne, you can look out over the stunning Kluane Lake and the surrounding glaciers. This hike is relatively short but offers incredible vistas and the chance to experience the rugged wilderness of the Yukon up close.

Fundy National Park – Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail

Located in New Brunswick, Fundy National Park is famous for having the highest tides in the world. But beyond its tidal flats, the park offers a range of stunning hikes, and one of the best is the Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail. This challenging 51 km (31.7 miles) trail takes you along the dramatic coastline, with cliffs, sea stacks, and breathtaking ocean views.

The trail is divided into multiple sections, with the opportunity to camp at designated sites along the way. Hikers will encounter everything from dense forest and moss-covered rocks to expansive views of the Bay of Fundy and the coastline below. The trail also offers views of the park’s dramatic sea cliffs, including the famous Three Sisters, a trio of towering sea stacks that rise from the ocean. This hike is for experienced hikers who are looking for a challenge, but the payoff is well worth the effort.

Key Takeaways for the Best Hikes in Canada’s National Parks:

  1. Banff’s Lake Agnes Trail offers a beautiful short hike with stunning mountain views and a visit to a historic tea house.
  2. Yoho’s Iceline Trail takes you through alpine terrain with panoramic views of glaciers and waterfalls.
  3. Jasper’s Skyline Trail offers a multi-day adventure through rugged backcountry with potential wildlife sightings.
  4. Gros Morne’s Green Gardens Trail provides a scenic coastal hike with ocean views and vibrant wildflowers.
  5. Pacific Rim’s Long Beach features coastal trails through sandy beaches and lush rainforests, perfect for easy walking.
  6. Kluane’s King’s Throne Trail offers stunning views of glaciers, lakes, and rugged mountain landscapes.
  7. Fundy’s Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail is a challenging hike with incredible ocean views and dramatic cliffs.

Canada’s national parks offer an incredible variety of hikes, each with its own unique landscapes and challenges. Whether you’re after the grandeur of the Rockies, the charm of the coastline, or the serenity of alpine lakes, there’s a trail for every hiker to discover. Make sure to choose a hike that suits your ability level, and don’t forget to take time to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you, Canada’s national parks are truly some of the best hiking destinations in the world.