8 Stunning Hiking Trails in Canada not to be missed

HIKING IN CANADA – The vast beauty of this country and its nature can be discovered via multiple hiking trails along British Columbia (BC) and Alberta during this season between Autumn and winter (November). In my 24 days in Canada, I have covered 8 stunning hiking trails and walks which is really a lot for a person like me who doesn’t trek that often.

However, every hiking trail that was explored was truly remarkable and unique on its own, not to mention the great company I had in each and every one of those hiking trails. Here’s sharing 8 of the beautiful routes and walks I experienced around Vancouver, Whistler and Banff:to be missed

8 Stunning Hiking Trails in Canada

LOCATION: Vancouver City

So lets start off from the city I arrived in Canada on my own with no plan and friends yet. From there, it led to getting to know my hostel pals, going on free walking tours and the story continues…

#1 Quarry Rock Hike in Deep Cove

A really manageable and lovely trek, and it was made more enjoyable given it just rained the day before. Hence our hike up was transformed to a climbing a waterfall of stairs with a perpetual misty fog surrounding the forest.
The walk will have you passing through multiple little bridges, rivers and waterfalls, going around tall trees and under a canopy of massive shrubs.

The view from the top was definitely worth it and really stunning. On a clear day, you can even see Vancouver city skyscrapers in the distance.

Highly highly recommend this Quarry Rock Hike in Deep Cove trek.

#2 Grouse Mountain Grouse Grind Trail

By far the toughest hiking trail I have done in Canada.

There are a few ways up to Grouse ( the peak of Vancouver), but the one we opt to do was ‘The Grouse Grind’, which little did I know was going to be so insanely exhausting, as the entire path up is a staircase of rock slabs, so it was high stepping and high stepping all the way up. There was never a point where it ever becomes flat, and the incline was truly intense base on my ability. However, the trek had very lovely sights along the way, from beautiful sunshine beams coming through the trees, to icy snow patches found on the ground as you almost hit the top. The average person takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

I actually started wheezing a bit as I got higher as the air got thinner and it suddenly got colder. Trek not suitable for the physically weak!

NOTE: Coming prepared in the right attire is critical – clothing that is thin and breathable to clear the heat generated from your body, yet warm enough number of layers to protect you once the chills hit. Eg. Do NOT wear wool or big leather jackets, as it will be a big mistake once you start sweating excessively as you start ascending.

Not advisable to go in minimal layers too, though we saw 1-2 guys running up without a shirt, with the surroundings at almost 1-4 degrees Celsius. (Highly trained individuals who have a constant rhythm momentum to keep running till they reach indoor shelter, definitely not their first time doing it. So do not imitate!)

If Grouse Mountain is not challenging for you, why not conquer some of the toughest trails like Mount Rinjani or Everest Base Camp.

#3 Capilano Park, next to Capilano Suspension Bridge

Find out why British Columbia has made it to the top 15 outdoor adventure destinations in the world

#4 Stanley Park

Vancouver City’s most loved park – this huge island park is approximately 8+km around it. It is so beautiful and has such a vast diverse range of Mother Nature, from sandy beaches, to lakes to tall pine trees.

One can rent a bike for about CAD$18-20 for 3-4 hours OR walk, depending on your ability and what you feel like it that day. Routes can be along coastal/ bridge views, or sneak through the park to find yourself under the towering oak trees and beautiful lakes.

LOCATION: Whistler

#5 Lost Lake and Green Lake Trail

Beautiful easy flat ground hike, to be greeted by the very beautiful Lost Lake that is a popular dipping pool during summertime. There is a lovely boardwalk leading out into the lake, which makes for lovely photo moments.

For more trails in Whistler, click here for Whistler Day Walking Trails

LOCATION: Banff National Park

#6 Trekking trails to Bow Falls

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: Stay at the gorgeous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and be indulge in the best.

#7 Walking Trails at Lake Louise

Hike Canada ‘s best routes – consider a slow and scenic walking trail around the beautiful world-renowned Lake Louise. Be dazzled by the spectacular view with the sunlight reflecting off the picturesque snow-capped mountains. The lake freezes up in winter and you can witness ice carvings in that season!

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: Breathtaking view stay at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel.

#8 Day Hikes to Agnes Lake

Go uphill among the forest on a relaxing hiking trail reach the Agnes Lake. There is a teahouse there to relax and enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee after your successful arrival.

If you are a fan of hiking and mountain climbing, check out the full list of best day-hikes in Asia or even the dangerous trails in Asia.

To sum up, this is just one of the many lists of lovely hiking and trekking trails you can visit in your time in Canada, but do make some time to check them out and be captivated. For more stories on Canada adventures, read on my #27HoursRail Adventure on board The Canadian here.