Embark on our trekking & walking holidays in Canada and explore some of the wildest and most pristine places left on Earth. To most walking enthusiasts, mountain hiking evokes snowy peaks, crystal-clear lakes, fresh air and superb views, which the Canadian Rockies has in spades. This epic mountain chain stretches across the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia among a vast wilderness of lakes and mountains. Wild animals can be seen year-round, alpine flowers are in abundance from spring through to the peak of summer, and in the autumn the berries and golden larch trees are just spectacular.
While the honey pots for tourists tend to be more famous destinations such as Banff and Lake Louise, our Canada walking holidays will also take you to plenty of lesser-visited places where you can enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the country in complete solitude.
Canada’s Sunshine Coast sprawls across 180km of pristine coastline in mainland British Columbia and is made up of virgin forests, rugged mountains and ocean views. This is one of the best unspoilt regions of Canada for exploring its wilder side and getting back to nature. As you walk along remote trails, you’ll discover lush flora and wild animals such as black bears, wolves and cougars.
On some of our walking holidays in Canada, you’ll also have the option to experience a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer, a tremendous rail journey that winds through the Canadian Rockies. The scenery is unparalleled and so diverse you’ll be mesmerised by the emerald lakes, ancient glaciers and rivers that rush between plunging canyons.
Walking Holidays in Canada
9 Daysfrom3 445 €
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
A pocket of paradise, this little-known area is home to diverse walking trails through coastal rainforest and along rugged shoreline with far-reaching mountain views.
Lake Agnes Trail: Running through Banff National Park, the Lake Agnes Trail takes in some of Canada’s most epic scenery. From turquoise mountain lakes that glisten below imposing peaks to dense evergreen forests, this trail is wild and pretty and filled with wildlife. Depending on what time of year you visit, the ground is carpeted in wildflowers and the total serenity is a million miles from hectic city life. As you wander through the forest, you’ll catch glimpses of Lake Louise before 360-degree panoramas open up at the summit. Continuing to Lake Agnes, you can enjoy a well-earned break at the iconic tea house.
Iceline Trail: As you head towards Yoho National Park along the Kicking Horse River, there is beautiful alpine scenery to be explored. Often overlooked by tourists, Yoho is less visited than other national parks and holds some wonderful natural gems. You can hike sections of the trail if you don’t want to walk the full 21kms but either way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning landscapes made up of glacial peaks and waterfalls. As the trail meanders above the trees, you reach the iceline (alpine shelf) where mountain views stretch as far as the eye can see.
Parker Ridge Trail: This scenic trail can be found at the heart of the Canadian Rockies along the Icefields Parkway and is home to some of Canada’s most notable wildlife, including the black bear and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Along the trail, you can also see the magnificent Saskatchewan Glacier, which is considered the icing on the cake of this walk. But the alpine landscape that surrounds the trail is just as captivating with views of snow-dusted peaks and glaciated valleys around every turn.
Cory Pass Trail: Follow the 14km trail that loops up to Cory Pass and through Edith Pass inside Banff National Park. Although there are some steep and challenging sections on the hike, there are plenty of sublime views that make your efforts worthwhile. Jagged mountains, emerald lakes and pine forests make up the varied landscape and nature lovers will be in their element. As you near Cory Pass some of the best views look out over Mount Cory and the Gargoyle Valley and if you’re lucky you might even spot a bear or two in the distance.
Mount Elphinstone Summit Trail: Mount Elphinstone is one of the highest peaks along the Sunshine Coast, and its summit trail steers you on a challenging yet rewarding journey up through 1260 metres of idyllic alpine scenery. You’ll walk among atmospheric forests where you might spot some of the local wildlife and to hair-raising ridges that let you peek below into Langdale creek. Once at the summit of Mount Elphinstone, you’ll find exceptional viewpoints where you can look out over Vancouver, Bowen Island, Gibsons and Howe Sound.