From its stunning coastlines to its rugged mountains, Canada truly is a hiker’s paradise. If you’re up for a challenge, then there are also many exhilarating trails to tackle. Let’s take a virtual tour of six intense but unforgettable trails that any experienced hikers looking for adventure won’t want to miss.

West Coast Trail, British Columbia

Located within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the West Coast Trail is an iconic trek that takes hikers along Vancouver’s rugged coastline. It is a 75-km adventure through the lush coastal rainforest and pristine beaches, as well as some challenging terrain. Hikers should be prepared to encounter unpredictable weather over their multi-day trek, but the rewards are well worth it.

Skyline Trail, Alberta

The Skyline Trail is a gem of Alberta’s Jasper National Park, with 25 km of the 44-km trail taking travelers above the treeline. The journey offers incomparable panoramic views of the majestic peaks of the continental divide, along with their alpine meadows and gleaming turquoise lakes. There’s hardly a better way to immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness of the Rockies.

Bruce Trail, Ontario

Hikers looking for a long-distance trail will meet their match in Ontario’s 890-km Bruce Trail. You’ll get to be a part of history as well, as this is considered the oldest and longest continuously marked hiking trail in the country. The path winds through forests, past waterfalls, and along stunning limestone cliffs. Hikers can embark on a multi-day journey or choose various sections of the trail for shorter day hikes.

Fundy Footpath, New Brunswick

Avid hikers and true wilderness experts definitely don’t want to miss the iconic Fundy Footpath on the Bay of Fundy. This 41-km trail begins at a suspension bridge and continues along the coastline, offering mesmerizing views of beaches, forests, and towering cliffs. It is a challenging hike, with steep ascents and descents and even river crossings, but the rewards are truly breathtaking coastal vistas.

Skyline Trail, Nova Scotia

The Skyline Trail is the true highlight of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton National Park, which itself is home to a vast network of exhilarating trails. This immersive 8.2-km loop offers excellent bang for your buck, with dramatic cliff views and panoramic vistas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s also known for having a high chance of spotting wildlife like moose and bald eagles.

Gros Morne Mountain Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador

Gros Morne Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beckons adventurers to explore its challenging trails and breathtaking landscapes. The trail up the mountain is not for the faint of heart, climbing 800 m over 17 strenuous km. But, once you finish the trek over the rocky terrain, you are treated to sweeping views of glacier-carved fjords, windswept valleys, and ancient cliffs.

From the coast of British Columbia to the highlands of Cape Breton, Canada’s top hikes are some of the best in the world. Not only is there plenty of adventure to be had, but nature’s beauty awaits you at every turn.