Free guide: 25 hikes near Montreal
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Let's Go Play Outside

Hiking in Canada:
explore the provinces
and territories

A vast country. An adventure to choose.

From the mountains of the West to the trails of the Atlantic, pick your hiking destination, then explore the regions and the trails: 2,012 trails in 11 provinces and territories.

By François Dumaine · data checked March 8, 2024

Explore destinations in Canada
Parc National Du Fjord-du-saguenay, Quebec
Parc National Du Fjord-du-saguenay, Quebec · photo from the LGPO trail page

Where to hike in Canada?

From boreal forests to wild coasts, by way of spectacular mountains,
every province and territory offers unique landscapes to explore.

Northwest Territories and Nunavut: no trails published yet.

What kind of hiking trip do you have in mind?

Whatever your style of adventure, there is a way to hike that suits you.

A day outing

Ideas for accessible hikes to make the most of a region.

For example: Lake Cowichan, British Columbia

5 km 2 hr 15 min Easy See the trail

A big traverse

Exceptional routes for a long-haul adventure.

For example: Mount Robson, British Columbia

42 km 17 hr 30 min Very hard See the trail

Several days on the trail? Plan your first multi-day hike

Réserve Faunique Mastigouche, Mauricie

The right landscape, at the right time.

The ideal season depends on the region, the altitude and the conditions.
Check the destination before you set your dates.

Photo: Réserve Faunique Mastigouche, Mauricie

Before you hit the road

A few pointers to plan your adventure anywhere in Canada.

Who manages the site?

Trails may be managed by Parks Canada, by provincial park systems or by other managers (municipalities, organizations, Indigenous communities). Rules and services vary by site.

Access, permits and reservations

Conditions and fees vary from place to place. Some trails require a pass or a reservation, others are free to enter. Check the information for your destination.

Up-to-date information

Conditions can change quickly: weather, closures, trail status. Before you go, check them on the site manager’s website.

Frequently asked questions

Which province should I pick for a hike in Canada?

For the widest choice: British Columbia (518 trails described), Alberta (445), Ontario (445) and Quebec (352). Every province has its own page and its selection of the best hikes.

How do I find a trail that suits my level?

Each trail page gives the level, the distance and an estimated duration. To start, begin with your province’s selection: a Top 10 for eight of them, the 5 best in Newfoundland and Labrador and in Yukon and the 3 best in Prince Edward Island.

Do all trails require a pass?

No. Most Parks Canada national parks charge an entry fee; Sépaq, Ontario Parks, BC Parks and Alberta Parks each have their own rules; other trails are free to enter. Always check with the site manager.

Where can I check access and conditions?

On the site manager’s website: Parks Canada for national parks, Sépaq, Ontario Parks, BC Parks or Alberta Parks for provincial parks, the municipality for a local park. For the weather, Environment Canada (weather.gc.ca).

Good ideas, ready to go.

Free guide: 25 hikes under 2 hours from Montreal

Distance, elevation, parking and season for each one. The ones we go back to ourselves.

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