Hibernation season is over and it’s time to get in shape.
And there might not be a better country in the world to be when it comes time to strap on a pair of hiking boots.
Here are 9 of Canada’s world-class trails to check out this season.
1. Northover Ridge, Kananaskis Country
If you’re among the serious set of hikers (as in, bring a backpack, it’s a 4 to 5-day mountainous journey), you may want to hit Northover Ridge in The Canadian Rockies. The hike includes over 4000 square kilometres of foothills, valleys, alpine lakes, and mountains, in an adventurous, wildlife-filled adventure. Photo Credit explor8tion.com
2. The West Coast Trail, British Columbia
For some of the best views the West Coast has to offer, hit BC’s West Coast trail. The 75-km backpacking trail follows the southwestern edge of Vancouver Island, and is often hailed as one of the world’s best hiking trails. It’s a part of the ancient paths and paddling routes of the First Nations and is complete with rainforests, coves, and beaches. It takes 5-7 days to hike and is for experienced hikers only. Photo Credit: travelandescape.com
3. Confederation Trail, Prince Edward Island
For a trail with a view where you won’t need a backpack, take a walk through the Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island. The trail was developed along abandoned railway beds. You’ll find rolling hills, cute and quaint villages, and stunning seascapes. Suitable for all fitness levels, you can either walk or bike. Photo Credit: Tourism PEI
4. Pukaskwa National Park Coastal Hiking Trail, Ontario
A hike along the Pukaskwa National Park Coastal Hiking Trail promises to take you along the “wildest shore” of the Great Lakes, and one of Ontario’s premier wilderness experiences. Located in Northwestern Ontario, the one-way trail involves 60k of Lake Superior’s shoreline – some parts only accessible by boat. Word of advice: if you want to hit the trail this summer, you better start training now. Photo Credit: theplanetd.com
5. The Fundy Trail, New Brunswick
If you find yourself on an East Coast road trip, get up close and personal with the Bay of Fundy. The 16-km trail makes previously unreachable areas of the Bay of Fundy attainable (and oh-so Instagram-worthy), offering panoramic views. Side note: it’s been called one of the best places in the world for scoping out marine (like whales) and wildlife. Photo Credit: Tourism NB
6. The Chic Choc Mountains, Quebec
The Chic Choc Mountains in Quebec are just as great for hiking as they are for skiing. This includes a 150-km network of challenging trails that cross over the Chic-Choc mountains and part of the International Appalachian Trail. Within the park’s boundaries are five of the highest peaks in Quebec.
7. Killarney Park, Ontario
Made famous by the Group of Seven, the iconic 645 square km park offers both day hiking and overnight camping. In addition to opportunities for camping, canoeing, and swimming, the park also features some pretty sweet camping, like the 80 km, looped, La Cloche-Silhouette Trail. The only thing is, you may want to book off time with your boss now – to complete the entire thing takes 10 days. The hike is filled with rolling, forested hills; streams, rivers, and lakes; rocky ridges, and scenic landscapes.
8. The Mantario Trail, Manitoba
The Mantario Trail weaves around the borders of – you guessed it – Ontario and Manitoba. The 60-k trail is the longest of its type along the Canadian Shield in Western Canada, and is filled with boreal forest, lakes, streams, ravines, granite ridges, and peat bogs. Oh – and no shortage of animals. Described as a moderately difficult trail, it’s the perfect “training trail” to the more grueling ones, like the West Coast Trail. Photo Credit feastyoureyesonmyveg.wordpress.com
9. Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, Alberta
If you’re looking for scenery, you’ll definitely find it along the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail in the Canadian Rockies. The trail starts at the turquoise blue Lake Louise and is filled with stunning, panorama views that are filled with waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Photo Credit: janrik.net
Title Photo Credit: istock
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