Some of the best hiking trails in the world are located in Canada. There are great trails nestled in the heart of sparsely populated Newfoundland, canyons to tour in Quebec and Ontario, and mountains and glaciers to explore in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of western Canada.
While it's impossible to name all of the great areas to be hiked in Canada, a representation of my personal favorites are:
The East Coast Trail, Newfoundland
A 540 km hiking trail, along the coast of the Avalon Peninsula, which takes you to the eastern edge of North America. While on this trail - which links 30 historic fishing communities providing all basic services - you'll be blessed with a wilderness adventure unlike any other. You'll see wildlife, beautiful landscapes, rich history, and will find yourself immersed into the Newfoundland (Newfie) culture rather quickly.
Some of the main attractions along this trail are towering cliffs and lighthouses. Since it's located along the coast, whales and icebergs can also be seen. The world's most southern caribou herd is found along this trail, as well as a 50-meter suspension bridge, along with two archaeological sites.
You'll be surrounded by fresh clean air, peace and solitude, as well as the boreal forest. The majestic part is that all of these are enjoyed along with the striking beauty and sound of the Atlantic Ocean as water crashes against the rocks jutting from the shoreline.
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Some of the most spectacular scenery in eastern Canada is located within the boundaries of this majestic park, with more than 100 km of trails ranging from 30-minute relaxing strolls to strenuous hikes. There are 20 trails encompassed by mountain peaks, waterfalls, sandy/rocky beaches, ponds, and coastal cliffs, among other natural landscapes.
Canyon Ste-Anne , Quebec City, Quebec
This canyon can easily be explored in a couple of hours but it's worth your while to take your time. It's a hike which can be done with the whole family though it's not recommended for physically challenged individuals.
Canyon Ste-Anne will take you, by foot, across three suspension bridges meandering between both cliffs of the canyon. The first one is at the top of the falls, the second at 60m - where you will likely see a rainbow when looking at the falls - and the third at the base of the falls. Breath-taking views are offered at every part of the falls and, just when you believe you've seen the most beautiful sight imaginable, another sight will come along, filling you with awe.
After crossing the first two suspension bridges, you'll have to journey down several staircases. At the base of the stairs is the last suspension bridge to cross, granting you access to the viewing platform on the opposite side of the canyon. It's a great vantage point to see the entire falls and to take photos before heading up the stairs.
By the time your hike is complete, you'll have descended/climbed 187 stairs. Thus, on your return to the top, you're legs will be tired (especially if you're eight months pregnant like I was when I did the hike). However, there are rest stops along the way. When you get to the top of the stairs and are taking the path to head back toward the entrance to the canyon, there's a viewing platform where you'll feel the spray from the falls. It makes another lovely backdrop for photos and videos.
Eagle Canyon Adventures, Dorion, Ontario
There's a steep climb but it doesn't take more than ten minutes, and it can easily be done while wearing running shoes. Unless you have a terrible fear of heights, this is the hardest part of the hike. You'll pass a gazebo and, within seconds, you'll be standing at the beginning of the first suspension footbridge - 300 feet long - which takes you across the canyon.
After crossing, you'll notice that the canyon widens. After walking for a few minutes, you'll come to the second suspension bridge which is the longest in Canada, spanning 600 feet. If you have a digital camera with a self-timer, prop it on a flat rock or anything else with a level surface. You can get a great shot of yourself standing with the suspension bridge (you just crossed) behind you, and the depth of the canyon is visible.
At this point, you could always turn back and return the way you came - taking the shortest bridge across the canyon - but you may regret the decision later, so continue on with the task of crossing the longest suspension bridge. Since the wind is a little stronger here, you'll need to remove your cap. As you pause to do this, if you're comfortable, hold the rail with one hand while holding your camera with the other - being sure the camera strap is secured to your wrist. Take a photo of yourself part way across the bridge, with the shortest bridge behind you, to give you proper perspective of where you are. Afterward, tuck your camera away and hold the rails with both hands because the wind grows stronger the closer you get to the middle of the bridge.
After successfully crossing, take the wooden stairway to the base of the canyon where the lake shines from the brilliance of the sun. Walk around it and you'll pass through the RV parking grounds before proceeding to your vehicle.
Sunwapta Falls, Icefield Parkway, Alberta
Sunwapta Falls will be located on the left hand side of the road about 45 minutes south of Jasper. Park your vehicle and take a short walk to see Sunwapta Falls, though you'll hear the roar of the falls before you see it. Though surrounded by rails, you can get close enough to feel the spray from the falls as rushing water crashes against the rocks, while other water rushes through the gorge which has been carved into the rocks over a period of time. Watch your step, though, because rocks on the safe side of the rails still become slippery from the water's spray.
You can enjoy the falls for a while, including the deep narrow canyon, or you can continue on to Lower Sunwapta Falls. If you're up for a 25 km hike, you can continue until you come to Fortress Lake, which is isolated, and Hamber Provincial Park. You'll pass through the Chaba River Valley which is one of the best bear and moose habitats in the park.