British Columbia

Joli Rumi / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

This legendary multi-day trek takes hikers through the Valley of a Thousand Falls beneath the towering, ice-clad north face of Mount Robson. You will encounter roaring waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and the turquoise expanse of Berg Lake itself. Expect a strenuous multi-day route with serious elevation gain and remote wilderness conditions.

Access. Access is via the Berg Lake Trailhead off Highway 16 in British Columbia, roughly 4 hours west of Jasper.

Notes. Backcountry camping permits are mandatory and notoriously competitive to secure; check BC Parks for seasonal trail repairs and bridge status.

Ontario

Derek Hatfield from Peterborough, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Hike Canada's oldest and longest marked footpath along the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment overlooking Georgian Bay. The trail features hidden grottoes, turquoise coves, ancient stunted cedars, and rugged boulder-hopping.

Access. Starts near Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, about 3.5 hours northwest of Toronto. Parking reservations at Bruce Peninsula National Park are required.

Notes. High visitor volumes in summer; advance parking permits for Cyprus Lake are strictly enforced. Cliff edges are sheer with no guardrails.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Nilfanion / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Trace the dramatic, wave-battered cliffs of Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula past abandoned settlements, sea stacks, fjords, and historic lighthouses. Whales, icebergs, and seabirds frequently accompany hikers along this extensive coastal footpath network.

Access. Various trailheads connect around St. John's and surrounding coastal communities, making day sections and multi-day segments easily approachable.

Notes. Weather can change instantly from clear skies to thick fog and gale-force coastal winds. Proper footwear for muddy and rocky terrain is essential.

Ontario

عمرو بن كلثوم / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

A scenic limestone canyon walk following the winding path of the Grand River through sheer 22-meter cliffs and forested banks. Visitors can explore riverside footpaths, footbridges, and overlooks peering down at rushing rapids and kayakers. It offers an easy to moderate day-walking experience in southern Ontario.

Access. Located in Wellington County, Ontario, a short drive north of Guelph via Highway 6.

Notes. Park admission fees apply during peak season; some gorge trails may close during high water events.

New Brunswick

Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

A network of coastal cliff trails and suspension bridges overlooking the world's highest tides in the Bay of Fundy. Hikers traverse old-growth Acadian forest, sea caves, and dramatic ocean lookouts along rugged shorelines. The terrain ranges from gentle cliffside walks to rugged multi-kilometer backcountry footpaths.

Access. Accessed via the Fundy Trail Parkway entrance near St. Martins, New Brunswick.

Notes. Check tide schedules if exploring coastal floor sections to avoid getting stranded by incoming tides.

Newfoundland and Labrador

BlueDrury / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

This strenuous day hike takes you up into an arctic-alpine tableland resembling an otherworldly lunar landscape. Hikers climb a steep, loose-rock gully known as the 'Goulet' before reaching the barren plateau where arctic hares and caribou roam, followed by a dramatic descent overlooking Ten Mile Pond. It is a physically demanding route with rewarding fjord vistas.

Access. The trailhead is located off Route 430 on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland, near Norris Point.

Notes. The trail is typically closed in spring and early summer to protect nesting tundra peregrine falcons and prevent severe erosion.

Yukon

James Badger from Calgary, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Soaring peaks, massive valley glaciers, and domain of the largest icefields outside the polar circles define this rugged northern park. The King's Throne trail switchbacks steeply up to a massive glacial amphitheatre overlooking Kathleen Lake. It is a strenuous day hike rewarding trekkers with sweeping alpine panoramas.

Access. Drive along the Alaska Highway northwest of Whitehorse to the Kathleen Lake campground and trailhead.

Notes. Bear safety protocols are strictly required; check for seasonal trail restrictions due to grizzly bear activity.

British Columbia

Ruth Hartnup from Vancouver, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Ascend through dense evergreen forests and wildflower-strewn alpine meadows to a breathtaking vantage point overlooking Garibaldi Lake and massive glaciers. The final ridge walk delivers one of the most stunning lake vistas in British Columbia.

Access. Rubble Creek parking lot is located off Highway 99 between Squamish and Whistler. Easily accessible as a strenuous day hike.

Notes. Parking reservations are often required during peak summer weekends. Snow lingers on the upper ridge until late July.

Alberta

dyonis / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Climb past the turquoise shores of Lake Louise and up through an alpine valley framed by hanging glaciers and towering rock walls. This iconic Canadian Rockies day hike rewards hikers with staggering mountain panoramas and a historic mountain teahouse at the turnaround.

Access. Accessible via Lake Louise townsite, about 2 hours west of Calgary. Shuttle reservations or early morning parking at the Lake Louise lot are mandatory during peak summer months.

Notes. Snow can linger on upper sections well into July. Bear safety (bear spray and proper storage) is strictly required.

Nova Scotia

Tony Webster from San Francisco, California / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A sweeping headland boardwalk and dirt track loop that crests the dramatic forested highlands of Cape Breton Island. Walkers are treated to sweeping, unobstructed vistas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence where whales and dramatic coastal drop-offs dominate the horizon. This is a very accessible, family-friendly walk with world-class coastal viewpoints.

Access. Located right off the Cabot Trail within Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia.

Notes. Wind speeds on the headland can be extreme; stay behind safety barriers along the cliff edges.

Alberta

Gary / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A premier multi-day alpine backpacking route that spends the majority of its distance above treeline along a broad, windswept ridge. Walk for miles with panoramic views of endless peaks, turquoise tarns, and roaming caribou.

Access. Trailhead is located just south of Jasper townsite along Maligne Lake Road. Shuttle service or arranged drop-offs are recommended for this point-to-point route.

Notes. Backcountry permits are fiercely competitive and must be booked months in advance. High altitude weather changes rapidly; snow is possible in any month.

British Columbia

Hisakazu Watanabe from Vancouver, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A popular ridge trail departing from the North Shore mountains near Vancouver, climbing through cool hemlock and fir forest to a rocky precipice. The summit offers sweeping, vertigo-inducing views over Howe Sound, its islands, and the distant Tantalus Range.

Access. Drive up to the Cypress Mountain downhill ski area parking lot in West Vancouver, roughly 30 minutes from downtown.

Notes. Can be extremely busy on sunny weekends. Trail gets muddy and icy in shoulder seasons; proper footwear is essential.

Alberta

Jack Borno / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Wander through one of Canada's most vibrant alpine wildflower displays on a high-altitude plateau straddling the continental divide. Gentle to moderate walking trails weave between pristine alpine lakes with unobstructed views of snow-capped peaks in every direction.

Access. Take the scenic gondola and chairlift from Sunshine Village base, located 20 minutes west of Banff townsite.

Notes. Open primarily during summer and early autumn when meadows are snow-free and wildflowers peak in late July.

Northwest Territories

Mike Beauregard from Nunavut, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Explore the remote wilderness of the Northwest Territories around the thunderous Virginia Falls (Nak'stromium), twice the height of Niagara Falls. Trails wind through deep limestone canyons, boreal forest, and unique karst topography.

Access. Accessible primarily via floatplane charter from Fort Simpson or Wrigley in the Northwest Territories.

Notes. Extremely remote wilderness with no road access; flights are weather-dependent and costly. Advanced expedition planning required.

British Columbia

David W Enstrom / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

A legendary multi-day coastal trek along Vancouver Island's rugged shore, featuring mud, ladders, suspension bridges, cable cars, and roaring Pacific surf. Hikers traverse pristine beaches, rocky headlands, and temperate rainforest over 75 kilometers of wilderness challenge.

Access. Starts in Bamfield or Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island. Requires a ferry crossing at the start/finish and strict advance registration via Parks Canada.

Notes. Strict quota system with advance permits required. Tide timetables must be followed carefully to avoid being stranded by rising water.