1. Johnston Canyon Trail
- Where: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
- Starting point: Johnston Canyon Trailhead
- End point: Upper Johnston Canyon Falls
- Time needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 5.4 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: Year-round, but the trail can be icy in the winter.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in Banff or Lake Louise, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals.
The Johnston Canyon Trail takes you through a narrow canyon with waterfalls and turquoise pools. The trail is well-maintained with bridges and catwalks, making it accessible for most hikers. The trail ends at the Upper Johnston Canyon Falls, but you can continue to the Ink Pots for a longer hike.
2. Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
- Where: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
- Starting point: Lake Louise parking lot
- End point: Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse or Abbot Pass viewpoint
- Time needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 5.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: The trail is usually open from late May to early October, but conditions can vary depending on the weather.
- Where to Stay: There are several campgrounds and lodges in the area, including the Lake Louise Campground and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
This hike takes you through the scenic Lake Louise area, with views of glaciers and mountains along the way. The trail starts at the Lake Louise parking lot and follows a well-marked path to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, which offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers. From there, you can continue on to the Abbot Pass viewpoint for even more impressive views. The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep inclines and rocky terrain.
3. Lighthouse Park Trail
- Where: West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Starting Point: Lighthouse Park parking lot
- End Point: Lighthouse viewpoint
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
- Distance and Type: 6.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Year-round, but best in spring, summer, and fall.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in Vancouver, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals.
Lighthouse Park Trail is a beautiful loop trail that offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding forest. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with several viewpoints along the way that offer panoramic views of the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands. The trail passes by several old-growth trees and is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and harbor seals. The highlight of the trail is the Lighthouse viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the lighthouse itself.
4. Stanley Park Seawall
- Where: Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Starting Point: Stanley Park Information Booth or any of the various entry points along the seawall
- End Point: Same as starting point
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 9 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: Year-round, but best in the summer and fall for clear views and comfortable temperatures
- Where to Stay: There are many accommodation options in Vancouver and the surrounding area, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals.
The Stanley Park Seawall is a must-do trail for visitors to Vancouver. This scenic 9 km loop trail hugs the coastline of Stanley Park, offering stunning views of the city skyline, the mountains, and the ocean. The trail is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible to all skill levels. Along the way, hikers can stop at various landmarks, including the iconic Lions Gate Bridge, Siwash Rock, and the Brockton Point Lighthouse. There are also plenty of benches and picnic areas for taking a break and enjoying the scenery.
5. Banff Legacy Trail
- Where: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
- Starting point: Banff, Alberta
- End point: Canmore, Alberta
- Time needed: 6-8 hours.
- Distance and Type: 22.3 km point to point
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: The trail is open year-round, but is best enjoyed during the warmer months (May-October).
- Where to Stay: Banff or Canmore offer a variety of accommodations for visitors.
The Banff Legacy Trail is a scenic cycling trail that runs from the town of Banff to the town of Canmore, following the Trans-Canada Highway. The trail offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies, including Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain. Along the way, there are rest stops with interpretive panels about the history and ecology of the area. The trail is suitable for all skill levels and is a popular activity for visitors to Banff National Park.
6. Whistler Train Wreck Trail
- Where: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
- Starting Point: Cheakamus Crossing neighborhood
- End Point: Train Wreck Site
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 2 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: Year-round (except during heavy snowfall)
- Where to Stay: Whistler Village or nearby lodges and resorts.
The Whistler Train Wreck Trail is a short, easy hike that leads to a fascinating collection of train cars that have been left in the forest after a derailment. The trail is well-marked and suitable for all skill levels, with only a few gentle inclines along the way. The train cars themselves are covered in colorful graffiti and are a popular spot for photos. It’s a great option for families with children or anyone looking for a quick hike with an interesting destination.
7. Capilano Suspension Bridge Trail
- Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, British Columbia, Canada
- Starting point: Entrance to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
- End point: Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
- Time needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 3.8 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: The trail is open year-round, but checks the park’s website for specific hours and closures.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in Vancouver, which is about a 20-minute drive from the trail.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Trail is a loop trail located in the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The trail takes visitors across the famous suspension bridge, which spans 140 meters (460 feet) across the Capilano River and is 70 meters (230 feet) above the river. The trail also includes the Treetops Adventure, which is a series of seven suspension bridges that connect eight towering Douglas-fir trees, and the Cliffwalk, which is a cantilevered walkway that juts out from the granite cliffside. The trail is surrounded by lush rainforest and offers stunning views of the river and canyon below.
8. Bruce Peninsula National Park
- Where: Ontario, Canada
- Starting Point: Halfway Log Dump parking area
- End Point: Grotto parking area
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 5.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Best to hike from late spring to early fall (May to October)
- Where to Stay: Campsites are available within the national park, as well as nearby accommodations in the towns of Tobermory and Lion’s Head.
The Bruce Peninsula National Park hike is a scenic loop trail that takes hikers through a rugged terrain of rocky cliffs, dense forests, and breathtaking shoreline views. The trail features natural attractions such as the Halfway Log Dump beach, the Indian Head Cove, and the Grotto, a stunning cave-like structure with crystal clear blue waters. The trail is moderately difficult and requires proper hiking footwear due to rocky terrain.
9. Flowerpot Island Trail
- Where: Flowerpot Island, Ontario, Canada
- Starting Point: The trailhead is located near the Flowerpot Island ferry dock.
- End Point: Same point as the starting point.
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 2.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: Late spring to early fall (May-October).
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in Tobermory, Ontario, which is the departure point for the Flowerpot Island ferry.
The Flowerpot Island Trail takes hikers on a scenic loop around the island, passing by unique rock formations known as “flowerpots”. The trail offers beautiful views of the Georgian Bay and the surrounding islands, and there are several side trails that lead to beaches and other points of interest. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
10. Fundy National Park
- Where: New Brunswick, Canada
- Starting Point: Visitor Centre Parking Lot
- End Point: Third Vault Falls
- Time Needed: 1.5 – 2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 4 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Year-round, but the trail may be slippery during winter months.
- Where to Stay: Fundy National Park offers campsites, yurts, and cabins for overnight stays.
The trail to Third Vault Falls in Fundy National Park is a popular and relatively easy hike. The trail starts at the Visitor Centre parking lot and follows a gently sloping path through a mixed forest, passing by several smaller waterfalls and cascades. The highlight of the trail is Third Vault Falls, a stunning 16-meter waterfall that plunges into a deep pool below. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for families with children, and there are several benches and rest areas along the way.
