Canada Trekking Guide: Overview & Tips

Updated On November 6, 2023
Canada landscape

Canada is one of the biggest countries in the world while the most part of its territory is uninhabited.

About 90% of the population lives no more than 100 miles away from the US border.

It means that in Canada, you can enjoy absolutely unaltered wild nature all over the country.

Considering numerous national parks and hiking trails all over Canada, it’s a real paradise for trekking fans.

In this article, you can find the list of the best trekking routes in Canada.

A lake in Canada
A lake in Canada

Just imagine that you have everything you need to start your 5-day trip through Canadian nature.

All you need is to choose a route so we’ve decided to provide you with some great ideas.

What You Should Know About Trekking

If you still don’t grasp quite well what is trekking, we offer you to learn it before choosing the route.

In simple words, trekking – it’s grueling and drawn-out hiking.

Going trekking, you should take a big backpack and enough water is it’s not a walk with your dogs but an adventure in mountains and wild nature.

Trekking
Trekking

Keep in mind that trekking in Canada can be really challenging due to its rocky landscape.

Nevertheless, your trip will be absolutely rewarding as you can enjoy an incredible view.

Best Trekking Routs in Canada

Esplanade Track, British Columbia

This route is one of the most famous and beautiful in the country.

During your journey, you can enjoy Canadian Rockies, gorgeous meadows, incredible peaks, stunning lakes, and fast rivers.

Also, it’ s great opportunity to test yourself.

Nevertheless, it’s absolutely worthy as you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Robson, Columbia and Assiniboine peaks.

Snowy mountain peaks
Snowy mountain peaks

 

Keep in mind that the route can be accessed only by helicopter and you’re going to stay there for 3-4 days.

It means that it requires thorough planning and good preparations.

Elevated by 8 000 feet, this route is great for trekking and hiking and offer an unforgettable view.

In fact, Esplanade is one of the best trekking routes of the west coast trails.

Chilkoot Trail, Alaska, and Yukon

Being the main route during the Klondike Gold Ruch, The Chilkoot Trail offers you a 33-mile journey and include Dyea, Alaska, Bennett, British Columbia.

Taking the route, you’re going to have your journey through rocky mountains and wild forests.

Also, there is always a possibility to find some interesting things from the gold rush times.

Chilkoot
Chilkoot

Keep in mind that the weather there is pretty severe.

Also, avalanches are a common thing here and there is always a possibility to meet a bear.

To accomplish this journey successfully, you need to be well-prepared.

Nevertheless, it adds a certain thrill and provides an unforgettable experience.

Sunshine to Assiniboine, British Columbia/Alberta

If you are ready for a six-day journey, Sunshine to Assiniboine is a perfect option to enjoy Canadian nature.

This route differs from others providing amazing panoramic views and wide passages.

Assiniboine
Assiniboine

Despite being not so challenging as other routes, Sunshine to Assiniboine offers a unique experience.

Trecking through rather steady locations you can enjoy Canadian fauna and observe, bears, wolves, and moose.

Just make sure you are well-prepared and try not to provoke wild animals.

Nahanni National Park, Northwest Territories

Nahanni is an absolutely breathtaking location.

The local landscape is absolutely unique and offers you amazing vertical rocks, surreal river valleys, and stunning waterfalls.

The list of available attractions also includes rock pools with crystal water, canyons and limestone caves.

Also, there is always a possibility to meet a moose that crosses the South Nahanni River.

Nahanni
Nahanni

There is no official route in the area but considering its popularity and frequent visitors, there is a bunch of great options for trekking.

For example, you can try a twenty-mile Ram Creek route that can impress you with gorgeous landscape and incredible views.

Just keep in mind, that you need to carefully check your rout with park staff if you don’t want to get lost.

Bruce Trail, Ontario

The Bruce Trail is the oldest trekking route in the country.

Start your journey near the Niagara Falls and take it right to the Georgian Bay.

It’s 600 miles of amazing Candian landscape.

In fact, it’s up to you which starting and final point to chose and how much time to spend on your journey.

Ontario
Ontario

This route is not in the list of challenging options but it can offer you an unforgettable experience.

Enjoy an exciting journey through Canadian forests and along the stunning Georgian Bay.

If you are an experienced trekker this route will be really easy for you.

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Want to visit Canada but still dreaming of seeing magnificent fjords there is a great option for you.

Gros Morne will be a great choice for you.

You’ll be impressed by the Western Brook Pond Ford with its cliffs and seascape.

There are about 60 miles of roads along the local fjord.

Newfoundland
Newfoundland

In fact, this route is a better option for hiking rather than trekking but this destination is really amazing.

To say the truth, it can be considered as one of the best options.

Must-Have Gear

Going trekking you need to have a bunch of specific equipment to have a great and safe journey.

If you are new to trekking or just know nothing about trekking in Canada, we offer you some useful gear review.

Trekking gear
Trekking gear

Bear Containers and Bags

There are lots of bears in Canada and all trekking routes are full of them.

To avoid possible damage and some problems, you should be well prepared.

The main thing you should have is a bear container which aims to lock out your food to avoid attracting bears.

Also, it allows keeping your food safe.

Moreover, another good idea to save your food is to keep it on high branches of the trees.

If a bear won’t be able to reach your food there is a great chance that it will just leave your camp.

Trekking Poles

Going trekking in Canada, you need to use trekking poles on steeper, more challenging terrain.

It can help avoid various injuries.

Of course, it cannot guarantee your 100% safety but it is really useful.

Trekking shoes and poles
Trekking shoes and poles

Navigation Tools

Going trekking through Canada, you need not only a map but a good navigation tool.

You for sure need to invest in a high-quality GPS trekker, detailed maps, compasses and so on.

Getting lost during your journey through wild places in Canada is a great threat.

You should understand that the ability to find your way out is absolutely important.

Water Bags and Purification Tablets

Going trekking, you should understand that a bottle of water won’t be enough as you may need pretty much time to get to the next water source.

It a good idea to give preference to water bags as they are easier to carry, less space absorbing and while carrying impressive amounts of water.

One another vital thing is purification tablets which are very useful for those routes with only few clean water sources.

Going trekking, you always need to have some to make sure you have enough water.

It’s better to avoid risks.

A girl by a tent drinking tea
A girl by a tent drinking tea

So, you’ve learned about the best trekking routes in Canada and useful tips and gears to have a great journey.

Just make sure, you’ve planned your trip properly to make it safe and exciting.

Canada Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Canada Safety Review

Safety Index:
88
  • OVERALL RISK: LOW
  • TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
  • PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
  • NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
  • MUGGING RISK: LOW
  • TERRORISM RISK: LOW
  • SCAMS RISK: LOW
  • WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

1 Comment on Canada Trekking Guide: Overview & Tips

  1. Canada offers some of the most stunning and untouched natural landscapes in the world, making it a paradise for trekking enthusiasts.

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