You can’t believe everything you read on the internet. Figuring out what’s real and what’s not involves just too much fact-checking no one really has time for. However, there are some facts no one will ever try to deny or disprove. One of them goes a bit like this: there ain’t no place on our planet quite like Canada. And it’s not the people or their mentality we’re talking about here, even though Canadians are famous for being almost too nice and all.
Additionally, it’s not the big urban centers we’re talking about either. The main point is: our compliments are forever strapped to the amazing wildlife this country’s well-known for. If you’re a nature-lover, and there’s a solid chance you are, you’ll enjoy our selection of best hikes in Canada for the year 2022!
If you’re into moderately difficult hikes, choose Alpine Circuit at Lake O’Hara or Granite Ridge Trail at Killarney National Park. Up for a real challenge? Try the James Callaghan Trail at the Gros Marne National Park. Also, looking for an easy, all-ages hike? Opt for the Jonhston Canyon to Lower Falls at Banff National Park in Alberta.
Of course, that was just a plain old warm-up teaser. Feel free to delve deeper into today’s subject matter and see what this northern beauty really has to offer!
Table of Contents
Why’s Canada so popular among hikers?
Before we start the list of best hikes in Canada, it’s important we talk a little about why this country is so appealing to nature-lovers worldwide. If you want the simplest of answers, here’s one: it’s got something for everyone! In other words: it doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or a pro, if you’re a fan of coastal rainforests, dramatic mountain ranges, or colorful meadows – you’re bound to enjoy hiking in Canada’s wildlife.
Also, let’s not forget that we’re talking about the second-largest country in the world that’s also 80% uninhabited. Yup, that’s right! You can say that Canada’s wilderness has both quantity and quality! That’s why choosing a hiking trail to conquer in Canada might be a pain for overly reluctant folks! The offer’s just too much for some!
The reason why we’ve chosen Canada’s hiking trails as today’s main topic is badly hidden in the last sentence. Let’s check out the best hikes in Canada for the year 2022!
Best hikes in Canada – 2022 edition
Have in mind that we’ll count the trails in no particular order. There’s no competition here, and there’s no reason to think one’s somehow better than the other! As always, the question of which one’s the best requires an answer based on a personal set of preferences!
Alpine Circuit, Lake O’Hara, Alberta
Also called the Alpine Loop, this hiking trail in the Yoho National Park is an item on just about every list concerning the best trails in Canada. You’ll want to know that it’s not a piece of cake, but one’s who choose to conquer it – never regret their decision! Needless to say, it’s beautiful from start to finish. Or: it’s better we say: from start to start, or finish to finish, because it’s a circle-shaped trail.
Let’s talk about some facts. The trail is 10.6 km (6.6 miles) long and it’ll take you about 4 to 6 hours to finish it. Experts say it’s one of those moderate-level hikes, neither too hard nor too easy. We suggest you take the clockwise direction since that will enable you to put most of the climbing behind you at the very beginning of the hike. You’ll need to climb 490 m in a little less than a kilometer, using a series of steep bends, which is an effort we’re sure you’re capable of!
Of course, every bit of effort you invest in conquering this trail will be greatly rewarded. Many nature enthusiasts count Lake O’Hara as one of the most scenic lakes in Western Canada. There’s no doubt you’ll find out why as soon as you begin the hike! Lastly, you’ll also get to enjoy a network of alternative side trails which will allow you to modify the route you’ll be taking around the loop.
Granite Ridge Trail, Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario
Did you know Killarney Provincial Park was made popular by Canada’s Group of Seven (a famous artist collective inspired by Canadian wilderness) who actually convinced the Ontario government to assign it as a protected area? Not that you do, you might want to check out how the beautiful landscapes painted by Canada’s top XX artists look in so-called real life. Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario is often called the gem of provincial parks, and there are good reasons why that is so.
We’ve chosen one of the ten hiking trails in Killarney Provincial Park. Hiking on the Granite Ridge Trail will give you the opportunity to enjoy jaw-dropping perspectives of La Cloche Mountains, wonderful Georgian Bay, and desolate pines that stand solid, resisting the components. Here are some facts:
- Granite Ridge Trail is a circular one.
- It will take you about 1.5 or 2 hours to complete it.
- The difficulty of the trail is moderate.
- Be cautious if hiking in wet weather because rock surfaces become pretty slippery.
There’s no reason why you should miss out on this fantastic outdoor adventure. If you’re an Ontario resident, you definitely have something to be proud of!
James Callaghan Trail, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Gros Morne National Park is known as one of the most breathtaking national parks in both US (even though they say hiking in Arizona is a must) and Canada. Think only Norway’s got fjords? Think again. Gros Morne Mountain is home to some of the best and most thrilling hikes in Canada.
The trail we’ll talk about here is probably the most challenging one on this list. The path will take you up the Gros Morne’s highest point (806 m). The whole trip will last about 6-9 hours, and experts have marked the James Callaghan Trail as difficult. As you can assume, the effort won’t’ be left unrewarded. You’ll get to immerse yourself in the Arctic-alpine environment and there’s a good chance you’ll meet some cute arctic hares or the famous rock ptarmigan (what a name, huh?).
Unfortunately, your doggie won’t get to tag along on this hike, because dogs aren’t permitted. For some useful info on hiking with the man’s best friend, visit this page.
Here’s a fun fact: Gros Morne stands for Big Lone Mountain. If you’re a poetry lover, we’re sure you’ll put this information to good use.
Johnston Canyon to Lower Falls, Banff National Park, Alberta
The hike we’ve shown you above is considered the toughest on this list. Now we’ll show you the easiest one. Ever heard of Banff National Park, Alberta? If you haven’t, know that it’s a perfect place for a family-friendly hiking holiday!
Johnston Canyon to Lower Falls hike is an easy, all-ages hike through a deep mountain canyon. Who would’ve assumed? Anyway, you’ll get to see many otherworldly-beautiful waterfalls along the trail. As we’ve said, everyone is skilled enough to enjoy this one, even your youngest. Some might say this hike is too touristy, but if you don’t mind a little crowd – we’re sure you won’t have any issues with it!
Oh, and we almost forgot to mention. You’re able to bring your doggies along, but you’ll have to keep them leashed all of the time. That being said, this hiking partially-paved trail is made for everyone, regardless of age, skill, or even – species.
Grey Owl Trail, Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
Listen, you’ve got to see the forests of Riding Mountain National Park, said one enthusiastic hiker to another, and off they went. The end. Okay, it’s not as good as the one about an ad for baby shoes never worn, but this short story’s quality lies (no pun intended) in its honesty. You absolutely have to see the forests of Riding Mountain National Park!
The Grey Owl Trail is 14 km (8.7 miles) long. It’s a so-called out-and-back trail, and it will mostly take you through foresty terrain, as was implied in the paragraph above. Anyway, in the summer – the trail’s surroundings are painted with many natural pops of colors you’re bound to enjoy. During the winter, the trail is, of course, covered in snow and can be accessed by skis, or a pair of snowshoes.
Whichever season you pick out as the backdrop of your hiking adventure in Manitoba, there’s a good chance you won’t miss the Grey Owl’s rustic log cabin at the halfway mark. Needless to mention, it’s the ideal spot to organize a family picnic or treat yourself to a cup of hot tea from the thermos before you start making the trip back to the trailhead.
If you’re worried about encountering some wild animals, click here for a little suggestion.
Final words
That’s about it, fellow nature-loving folks! We hope you’ve enjoyed this piece on the best hikes in Canada for the year 2022! We’re sure that, no matter which one of these you’ll choose, you’re bound to enjoy some fantastic natural sights straight from a postcard!
For more hiking tips, feel free to follow this link.
