Discover Canada's Spectacular Landscapes on Foot
Experience unforgettable Canada walking and hiking holidays through soaring mountain ranges, ancient forests and spectacular national parks.
Canada's vast wilderness offers some of the world's most rewarding walking and hiking experiences, and there's nothing quite like the feeling of rounding a bend in the trail to find a turquoise lake mirroring a snow-capped peak, or catching sight of a black bear ambling through the trees below. From gentle lakeside trails beneath towering mountains to challenging alpine hikes through the Canadian Rockies, every route reveals a different side of this remarkable country, and it's the memories made walking it, rather than simply looking at it through a car window, that travellers tend to talk about for years afterwards.
Our Canada walking and hiking holidays are tailor made around your interests, fitness level and the time of year you wish to travel. Explore iconic national parks with experienced local guides, or set out on well-marked trails at your own pace and enjoy the freedom of discovering Canada on your own terms. Along the way, keep watch for elk grazing in open meadows, mountain goats picking their way across rocky ledges and bighorn sheep silhouetted on a ridge, and, with a little luck, a black bear at a distance among the trees. These are the encounters that turn a walking holiday into a story worth telling.
Where to Go Walking and Hiking in Canada
The Canadian Rockies are home to some of North America's finest hiking trails, and few places reward the effort quite like they do. Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper offer everything from gentle lakeside walks to challenging alpine hikes, each one delivering the kind of panoramic view of glaciers, waterfalls and snow-capped peaks that makes you stop mid-stride just to take it in. Scenic routes such as the Icefields Parkway make it easy to combine unforgettable walks with some of Canada's most spectacular scenery, so that even the drive between trailheads becomes part of the adventure.
British Columbia offers equally diverse landscapes, from the coastal mountains surrounding Vancouver to the ancient temperate rainforests of Vancouver Island, where some trees have stood for a thousand years or more. Here, forest trails lead to rugged beaches, dramatic headlands and sweeping ocean views, and it isn't unusual to spot a bald eagle overhead, a black bear foraging nearby, or even a whale breaching just offshore. Few hiking destinations let you move so easily between deep forest and open ocean in the same afternoon.
For those seeking a more remote adventure, the Yukon delivers vast wilderness, quiet mountain trails and some of Canada's most untouched landscapes. Hiking here offers a genuine sense of solitude, with wide-open valleys, alpine ridges and exceptional opportunities to experience the North's wild beauty beneath the midnight sun, far from the crowds that gather at Canada's better-known parks.
On Canada's Atlantic coast, Newfoundland is one of the country's finest hiking destinations. Explore sections of the spectacular East Coast Trail, discover the dramatic fjords and mountains of Gros Morne National Park, or walk windswept coastal paths where whales, seabirds and even passing icebergs can turn a short afternoon walk into an unforgettable one.
Québec also offers excellent walking, particularly within the national parks surrounding the Charlevoix region and the Laurentian Mountains. Combined with charming villages, exceptional food and, in autumn, some of the most vivid foliage anywhere in the country, it's an excellent choice for travellers looking to balance rewarding walks with culture as well as scenery.
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Our Canada Walking Holiday specialist, Sophie, says:
"Walking is one of the best ways to experience Canada's incredible landscapes. Some of the best moments come from simply taking to the trails, whether that's an easy walk around Lake Louise, hiking through alpine meadows in Banff or following the coastline in Newfoundland. You don't need to be an experienced hiker either. Canada has fantastic trails for every ability, and we'll help you create an itinerary that balances rewarding walks with wildlife, spectacular scenery and plenty of time to soak it all in."
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Canada Walking and Hiking Holiday FAQs
Planning a Canada Walking and Hiking Holiday? Our experts share advice on everything from what to pack, when to go, to tips for families, covering the questions we get asked the most.
When is the best time for a walking holiday in Canada?
The main hiking season runs from late spring to early autumn, with June to September offering the best weather and trail conditions across most of the country. September is particularly popular for its cooler temperatures, colourful autumn foliage and excellent hiking conditions.
Where are the best places to hike in Canada?
The Canadian Rockies are Canada's best-known hiking destination, with Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper offering trails for all abilities. British Columbia, Vancouver Island, Newfoundland's East Coast Trail and Gros Morne National Park, and the Yukon are also outstanding destinations for walkers.
Are there walks suitable for all abilities?
Yes. Canada offers everything from short lakeside strolls and gentle forest trails to challenging alpine hikes and multi-day wilderness treks. We'll tailor your itinerary to suit your experience, interests and fitness level.
Can I combine hiking with other experiences?
Absolutely. Many of our travellers combine walking with wildlife viewing, whale watching, bear watching, scenic rail journeys aboard the Rocky Mountaineer or a self-drive adventure through the Canadian Rockies, creating a well-balanced tailor-made holiday.
Will I need a guide?
Many of Canada's most popular trails are well marked and ideal for independent exploration, while guided hikes provide valuable local knowledge and access to lesser-known routes. We'll recommend the best option based on your itinerary and experience.
Can you create a tailor-made hiking holiday?
Yes. Every walking holiday is designed around your interests, whether you're looking for leisurely walks through spectacular scenery, challenging mountain hikes, or a journey that combines hiking with wildlife, rail travel or a self-drive adventure, all built around what you want to experience.
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