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Canada’s 35 greatest hikes Presented by exPLore Magazine text by david Webb Celebrating 35 years of adventure contents

British columbia 11. 20. 28. Larch Valley-Sentinel La Cloche Silhouette The 1. Pass Trail Berg Trail Killarney Provincial Park Provincial Park saskatchewan Quebec 2. 29. 12. 21. Grey Mountain Pacific Rim National Park The Boreal Trail Les Lacs & Les Cretes 3. Meadow Lake Provincial Park Forillon National Park 30. 13. 22. Auriol Trail Northern /Alaska Grey Owl’s Cabin Deux-Criques Trail Kluane National Park 4. Prince Albert National Park La Mauricie National Park 31. Black Tusk Montana Mountain (Garibaldi Lake) Manitoba new Brunswick Trail Garibaldi Provincial Park Carcross 5. 14. 23. 32. The Sunshine Coast Pisew Falls to Fundy Footpath Grizzly Lake to Talus Trail Kwasitchewan Falls Bay of Fundy Paint Lake & Pisew Falls Powell River 24. Tombstone Territorial Park Provincial Parks Mount Carleton 6. 15. Mount Carleton Provincial Park northwest The Iceline Trail The Mantario Trail territories Whiteshell Provincial Park nova scotia 7. 33. Trophy Mountain ontario 25. Alpine Meadows Liberty Lake Trail /Yukon Wells Gray Provincial Park 16. Kejimkujik National Park Highland Backpacking 34. 26. Ingraham Trail Hikes Alberta Trail Fishing Cove Trail Algonquin Provincial Park Yellowknife Cape Breton Highlands 8. 17. National Park Plain of the Six Glaciers Southern Ontario Banff National Park 35. 18. & 9. Coastal Trail Skyline Trail Lake Superior Provincial Park 27. 19. Green Gardens Trail 10. Top of the Giant Gros Morne National Park Tamarack Trail (Kabeyun Trail) Waterton Lakes National Park Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

introduction

YEARS SINCE 1981

Think back to the moment on your last hike when you stood in quiet awe of a view so perfect the world seemed to pause as you marvelled at its beauty. Remember the way the air smelled, perhaps scented by woodland foliage or ocean mist. Visualize the serenity of the forest, alpine or coastline. Think of how every drop of sweat was so worth it to experience this one mindful moment.

To commemorate explore’s 35th anniversary, we’ve compiled 35 ways for you to feel that sensation again.

Canada is a big, beautiful country with boundless options for hiking in our vast parks and wild spaces. It’s often challenging just to find a trail, let alone hoof it, so we’ve done the grunt-work for you with this guide to Canada’s 35 Greatest Hikes.

By no means an exhaustive list of all of Canada’s best hikes, let this guidebook serve as an entry point to a world of outdoor wonder. From here, you’ll soon discover a plethora of additional hikes in every region.

We hope you enjoy these trails—35 of our favourites from 35 years of publishing Canada’s number-one outdoor adventure magazine: explore. British coLuMBiA

flickr.com/photos/jeffpang

Hike 1

Berg Lake Trail Location: Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia Length: 23 km Difficulty:

ocated in Mount Rob- son Provincial Park, near the BC/Alberta border, 23-kilometre- L long Trail is like a highlight reel for the . Under the shadow of 3,959-metre Mount Robson—the high point in the Rockies—you’ll wander past emerald-co- loured and near thundering Emperor Falls, entranced by dramatic mountain vistas throughout. Some lucky trekkers may even catch a glimpse of giant chunks of ice calving from the Mist, Berg and Robson glaciers. Of course, all this scenery draws a crowd—Berg Lake Trail is now managed by a reservation system, which opens annually on January 2. Map: BC Parks

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Parks Canada/J. McCulloch

Hike 2

West Coast Trail Location: Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia Length: 76 km Difficulty:

Map: Parks Canada

unning along the west Hobiton

Entrance Anchorage Squalicum

Sachsa 60 The story behind the trail: Lake LEGEND TSUNAMI HAZARD ZONE Lake coast of Island, 570 30 14 60 highway The Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First Nations However, after the wreck 420 Sachawil 30 Self Pt 210 120

all-weather road The Valencia 30 30 Lake

Helby Is Aguilar Pt 3 R UW '  V LU Pachena have always lived along 's west coast. of the Valencia in 1906, West Coast Trail forest route Tsusiat

24km distance in km from Pachena Access IN CASE OF EARTHQUAKE, GO These nations used trails and paddling routes for trade with the loss of 133 lives, Hobiton in Pacific Rim National Calamity TO HIGH GROUND OR INLAND 300 West Coast Trail - beach route and travel long before foreign sailing ships reached this the public demanded

Mackenzie Lake Creek

West Coast Bamfield River Anchorage region over 200 the government do River Channel IR 12 Indian Reserve outhouse years ago. Over the more to help mariners Inlet 120 access century following along this coastline. Park, the famous WestTrail Map TSL Treaty Settlement Lands Dianna Brady

beach access contact sailors In response the 90 30 Island Beach 30 swampy area brought the government built Bamfield to , parking Burlo Peninsula buildings beginning of a Pachena Lighthouse, Vancouver Island 90 Hamilton Is cable car Coast Trail attracts trekkers Point extensive mud changing world to established lifesaving flats at low tide 60 sand, foreshore flats passable at impassable headland the First Nations. stations and improved 150 Little tides 6ft/1.8m rocky ledge, rocky reef Mills Squalicum Voss Pt Burts Is WCT Information Trade increased, and the telegraph route to become a life saving trail for 150 shipwreck, general location only difficult surge channel 90 Lake Trevor Centre - register on r Haines and off the trail here. many sailing ships met a tragic fate navigating in these shipwreck victims and their rescuers. With improvements from around the globe. Originally forged 0D\   6HSW 120 campsite - all campsites are located viewpoint, point of interest 60 Is on the beaches unfamiliar and hazardous waters. Sailors soon referred to technology the frequency of shipwrecks decreased and (Bamfield = 5km) GC Guardian cabin Creek Taylor Is West Coast Trail Information Centre to this coastline as the “Graveyard of the Pacific”. the life saving trail was gradually abandoned. In 1973 the Creek - register on and off 240 Anacla Ditidaht luxury tent trail became part of the newly established Pacific Rim 150

TSL Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Between 1888 and 1890 the government erected a National Park Reserve. Today, hiking the West Coast Trail 90 to offer shipwreck survivors a route to TsusiatTsusiat Clonard Food locker Squalicum telegraph line along the coastline. The line was an attempt is about exploring Vancouver Island’s temperate rainforest 240 90 Pachena Access na Bea (HFN) Pache ch Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Huu-ay-aht Place Name to establish communications between the west coast and wild coastline, experiencing a fabled land recounted 150 (DFN) 60 passable Marine Zone Ditidaht Place Name 150 2 km at tides below (PFN) Pacheedaht Place Name villages, the newly established Cape Beale and Carmanah in traditional histories, walking in the steps of shipwreck 90 Whittlestone Pt 8ft/2.4m Black contour interval - 30m IR 1 safety, today, it’s a reservation-managed 90 lighthouses, and larger communities in hopes of saving victims, and appreciating the beauty of territories that 30 2 km

Tapaltos Pachena Tide heights quoted on the face of the map are approximate and photographs courtesy mariner lives. First Nation people continue to call home. LakeLake Kichha assume calm seas; use tide tables for Tofino, B.C. Add one hour Parks Canada Bay during summer months for Pacific Daylight Saving Time. 2016 edition Tsuquadra 30 Lake

Lake IR 7 three- to six-day bucket-list backcountry Lawton Pt Lake 2 km 90 60 Bay 180 300 Klanawa 390 4 km 30 150 300 210 120 NarrowsNitinat "NEREUS" 360 240 3.5 km Michigan Darling 4070-ton Kicha TSL Tsocowis hike. Camping near Tsusiat Falls and the 180 Greek freighter 60

Be 240 90 eha ac Billy Aug. 1937, out Ke h 270 240 Little

of Kobe for 30 Clutus 30

150 River Tsusiat

Keeha 210 150 Goat Point Alberni, River Orange

TSL Trestle Lake no loss 120 60 Bay 4 km 30 IR 2 of life. 6 km

vertigo-inducing ladders of the southern 120 Creek Creek Black 270 Creek

Cove Clutus Pt 30 km Mud Juice Tsusiat 150 210 Falls GC Creek

Cape Beale 150 derelict donkey engine km 22 24 km 28 km

26 km headlands between Ck 120 derelict grader Cape Beale Lighthouse Pachena Access 90 ladders 7 km and Michigan Creek 60 to main Tsuquadra half are two notable aspects of this 20 km "BRUCE 1", are impassable River trail from Darling 90 trail seiner Feb. 1976, River east to this passable Pt Cove crew of four, two Deadman 120 point passable at at tides below passable at tides below 9ft/2.7m 16 km 3 masted schooner crew lost. Malsit 18 km 9ft/2.7m tides below American barque Wooden steamer "ALASKAN" anchor 3 masted "VESTA" 286 tons, extensive mud on rocks barkentine 7ft/2.1 m flats at low tide "CHARLES B. KINNEY" 150 tons, Jan. 1923 out of TSL 50 December 1897,

"UNCLE JOHN", Pt Tsusiat 6 km 14 km passable at Nov. 1886, with lumber o Victoria loaded with salt no loss of life. trail—but every day is memorable on 24 Motor 314 tons, tides 6ft/1.8m out of Port Townsend for the salteries in Barkley 12 km GC fishing vessel Oct. 1899, for Australia, no true north Sound, entire crew lost. Barque 60 "VARSITY", 90 tons, Steamship "WOODSIDE" in ballast from survivors. Valencia Bluffs "JANET Seabird Rocks February 1940, 4 masted built in , provided Honolulu for "UZBEKISTAN" COWAN" magnetic north magnetic 7 crew, 3 survivors. schooner regular service between Port Townsend 3 masted barque a Russian freighter, 2497 ton "ROBERT Victoria, Port Renfrew, to load lumber, Vancouver Island Regional Setting "SARAH", 1206 tons, April 1943, loaded windjammer, the WCT. Keep an eye out for offshore 767 ton wooden schooner 8 km 10 km "MICHIGAN" a wooden LEWERS" Parksville Nov. 1891, a British 30 with lend-lease cargo, and no loss of life. Port "SEQUEL", Jan. 1909, out steamship, Jan. 1893, Jan. 1896, Alberni ship from Manila no loss of life "VALENCIA", 1600 ton, 732 tons, Alberni Canal, March 1888, 4 of Callao in ballast, captain's out of Cape 19 Nanaimo N in ballast for Puget no loss of life.Steamer 253 foot iron steamer, April 1923, no lives lost wife and 3 year old daughter sea lion Town in Sound, 2 crew lost. 3 masted ship haul out rock "MASCOTTE" to salvage Jan. 1906, out of San inbound in Tofino ballast for lost, all others survived. "MICHIGAN" destroyed by ballast from "BECHERDASS- Francisco for Victoria Hastings fire Aug. 1893, no loss of life. and Vancouver, out of a Honolulu for Long Beach AMBIADASS" Mill, from whales, and bring some cash to buy a Remnant boiler still on-shore. Bellingham, 1386 tons, July 1879, total of 160 passengers The West Coast Trail is recommended Ucluelet a contingent no loss of life. Bamfield Duncan in ballast from Shanghai and crew, more than 125 Lake of 27, 7 died

for experienced backpackers only. Islands to Moodyville to load lives were lost. Cowichan Lighthouse waiting for 1 Sidney Pachena JUAN DE FUCA STRAIT West Coast Trail lumber, no loss of life. Port rescue. Renfrew

0 1 2 3 kilometres Pachena Pt Pachena hamburger at Chez Monique ($25), the 14 Sooke Pacific Juan de Fuca Victoria Please note, park boundaries are approximate. 0 0.5 1 2 miles Ocean Cape Flattery P A C I FI C O C E A N beloved halfway respite. Strait

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flickr.com/photos/umnak/

Hike 3

Chilkoot Trail Location: Northern British Columbia/Alaska Length: 53 km Difficulty:

inking northern BC and Alaska, and an absolute classic for two countries, this 53-kilometre trek has been a backpacker’s must-do for decades. Forged by First Nations, used extensively by fortune seek- L ers during the Gold Rush and operated today as a reservation-managed multi-day hike, the Chilkoot Trail is a chal- lenging slog that pays dividends in scenery, solitude and historical wonders. With a short season— mid-June to early September— inclement weather (expect snow in July) and hardy sections like The Pass, you’ll want to be in top-shape and well-prepared. And remember your passport—you cross the U.S./Canada border midway.

Map: Parks Canada Page 3 British coLuMBiA

arran Yates

Hike 4

Black Tusk (Garibaldi Lake) Location: Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia Length: 32 km Difficulty:

Map: BC Parks

To Pemberton GARIBALDI he skeleton of an ancient volcano, E G D PROVINCIAL PARK I R Black Tusk is the most recognizable Hwy99 I H C T ! er A v I B prominence in Garibaldi Park. See i M y H s t e r y r e e k R C

Legend n e

e it up close on a multi-day wilder- Walk-in/Wilderness r

Park Boundary G Camping

ness trek accessed via the Black CALLAGHAN LAKE Vehicle/Tent Camping PROVINCIALGlacier PARK t Major Highway Group Camping ^ Tusk/Garibaldi Lake Area, 40 kilometres north W Mt. Moe e d g e m ^ ^ Local Road, paved o u n Mt. Cook ^ Oasis Mtn No Camping t C ^ The Owls of Squamish. The route to Garibaldi Lake is nine r Mt. Weart Local Road, gravel R e t h Wedgemount r e e l i C Lake c Shelter r a e W l ^ Trail Green e ^ e G k d t ge r Eureka Mtn kilometres of picturesque, moderately challenging a Lake Rethel Mtn. m

o e ! Rainbow un

! Lake W ^ t G W Ski Lift r Day Shelter l ac e Parkhurst Mtn. ie

C d r

g C y switchbacks; at the lake, you’ll find 50 tent sites, a l l a e g h a e C Hikingn Trail l Day-use Area Mons r e e ^ ^ Lesser Wedge Mtn e k Wedge Mtn d m a Alexander Falls o C k c b four cooking shelters and pit toilets. Pitch a tent M c e r a Mountain Bikinge Traile Ranger Station B l C k r e e H k Berma Lake o

Cross-Country Skiing rs

! t here and fuel up before tackling the seven-kilome- Parking Whistler! Village m WHISTLER Alta

! a

Trail Lake ! ! n !

! C ! ! r Alta Lake Phalanx Glacier Swimming Sani-station Hwy99 Wedge !

tre trek (850 metres of elevation gain) to the base ! Pass

^ Phalanx Mtn. ! B Nita Lake i l l Whistler ! ! y g o

! Ski Area ! a ! ! BLACKCOMB t

Wheelchair Access Toilets ! Gondola SKI AREA BLACKCOMB GLACIER

of Black Tusk. It is possible to climb the Tusk, but W C

! r ! ! PROVINCIAL PARK h e

i ! ! e s ^ ! k B Showers Point of Interest t ! Blackcomb Peak l r e ! r a . r only skilled mountaineers should attempt this. l n e i d S G

C ! c

! r y ! P ^

! ! a w ! F E e l i r ! d Electric Hookup Information i A Decker Mtn. G n e t d R r ! z u e e s H h e tt a i E S m A a k l C p m D ^ h Camp overnight at Garibaldi Lake and return to r The Round o S e i n R e k n House s AN Mt. Pattison ^ Playground Whistler Mtn ^ e G Suspension Bridge C r C E Tremor Mtn. o r u e McGuire h e te k ^ 0 5 10 e Quiver Peak your car in the morning, or stay several days and a Piccolo ^ k F I T SINGING PASS Kilometers Jane a Z S AREA ^ m I M ^ Lakes u M Mt. Macbeth s O Flute ^ R i v e r N ^ explore the region’s copious trails. R Mt. Brew Brandywine k S Oboe BRANDYWINE FALLS e o Falls e PROVINCIAL PARK r Carcajou Peak ^ e C Brew Lake t a Overlord Mtn. o C ^ ^ Mt. Iago c h R ^ i e A Fissle Mtn. t a ^ r k N P e a G Mt. Fitzsimmons

r k m E Page C

e C u

r Hwy99 e s ! r L Corrie a m C k ^ e l Lake e k e Cheakamus Mtn.

a e L H i 4 British coLuMBiA

tourism sunshine Coast

Hike 5

The Sunshine Coast Trail Location: Powell River, British Columbia Length: 180 km Difficulty:

Map: tourism Powell river

he Sunshine Coast Trail showcases 180 scenic kilometres through the mountains, along the coastline and past the lakes of BC’s northern t Sunshine Coast. It’s Canada’s longest hut-to-hut hiking trail, and the only free one—built and maintained by the Powell River Parks & Wilder- ness Society. Hikers can explore routes from a few hours, to a full day, to a week or more—overnighting at the 12 huts and 20-odd campsites along the way. If you have 10 to 12 days, try the whole route in one push! And make sure to buy an SCT Passport at the Powell River Visitor Centre to document your achieve- ment—and to receive congratulatory goodies from local supporting businesses.

Page 5 British coLuMBiA

tourism British Columbia

Hike 6

The Iceline Trail Location: Yoho National Park, British Columbia Length: 18 or 21 km Difficulty:

urely, this is one of BC’s most picturesque Rocky Mountain hikes. With two lengthy circuits (Little s Yoho, 18 kilometres and Celeste Lake, 21 kilometres; trail- heads located four kilometres east of Field, BC) and offering nearly 700 me- tres of elevation gain, day-hikers wish- ing to tackle this route should be in stout physical condition. So-named as the path follows the lower edge of a series of glaciers, expect scree slopes, babbling mountain streams, glaciers, snow fields, the occasional meltwater lake and tear-inducing Rocky Mountain environs throughout. The hike culminates with an unobstructed photo-op at 380-metre-tall . If you’d like to take more time to ponder the environment in quiet contemplation, you can overnight on this trail at the Little Yoho Camp- ground, about 10 kilometres into the path, or at the Stanley Mitchell ACC Hut (reservations required), about 11 kilometres from the trailhead. Map: Parks Canada Page 6 British coLuMBiA

flickr.com/photos/7147684@n03

Hike 7

Trophy Mountain Alpine Meadows Location: Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia Length: 12 km Difficulty:

prawling Wells Gray Provincial Park is one of BC’s Thompson s Region gems— offering thick evergreen forest, azure lakes (including Murtle, the world’s largest canoe-only lake), robust Helmcken Falls and hikes fir trees and even more mead- galore. The Trophy Mountain ow as you meander to Sheila area, a 6,900-hectare portion Lake. A light scramble from of the park, is accessed via there leads you to the broad Bear Creek Correctional Cen- views of Skyline Ridge, about tre Road (gravel), north of the three hours after you started. town of Clearwater. Within an Enjoy the mountain air and hour of setting out, you’ll be surrounding 2,500-plus-metre in flowery sub-alpine meadow, peaks before retracing your Map: BC Parks followed by alpine spruce and path to your car. Page 7 ALBertA

Banff tourism/Paul Zizka Photography

Hike 8

Plain of the Six Glaciers Location: Banff National Park, Alberta Length: 12 km Difficulty:

tarting at the busy Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, follow the emerald shoreline to the far end (where the crowds s thin) to begin your climb. Switchbacks treat you to monumental views over the lake, glaciers and pyramidal peaks. You may even spot a shaggy moun- tain goat. Reward yourself with a cuppa at Lady Agnes Tea House at the top, and continue for an additional 1.5 kilometres to the worthy Victoria Glacier viewpoint. This national parks classic hike never loses its luster, no matter how many hiking boots tread its path. Map: Parks Canada Page 8 ALBertA

Parks Canada/ryan Bray

Hike 9

Skyline Trail Location: Jasper National Park, Alberta Length: 42 km Difficulty:

he 42-kilometre-long Skyline Trail is Jasper National Park’s signature back- packing trail—a scenic showpiece that meanders above the treeline for t more than half of its distance. Expect a workout—the elevation gain from Maligne Lake is more than 1,200 metres—but it’s worth it, as one of the most stunning of all hikes in Canada’s Rocky Mountain national parks. Pack your camera—this trek is home to woodland caribou, grizzly bears and grey wolves. While some intrepid folks have jaunted through the trail in a day, most spend two to three days in this high-elevation (2,510 metres maximum) environment to fully appreciate its beauty. The trailhead is at Maligne Lake; backcountry permit is required for camping. The trail is linear, so book transport with Maligne Shuttle. Map: BC Parks Page 9 ALBertA

dave Webb

Hike 10

Tamarack Trail Location: Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta Length: 32 km Difficulty:

his is the premier multi-day hike in Waterton Lakes Na- tional Park—it’s particularly popular in autumn, as the Tamarack tree, otherwise knownt as the larch, is in fall blaze during that time and is abundant throughout the route. To access, take the Tamarack Hikers Shuttle to the Red Rock Canyon trailhead (the route is one-way). From the trailhead, this path takes you through vibrant larch trees and evergreens, over sprawling alpine meadows, through rockbound peaks—this is Waterton’s highest-elevation trail—and back to the townsite. There are three campsites along the route; backcountry permits are required. Map: google Maps Page 10 ALBertA

Banff Lake Louise tourism/Paul Zizka Photography

Hike 11

Larch Valley-Sentinel Pass Location: Banff National Park, Alberta

 Mount Richardson 3086 m Deception

Length: 12 km To Jasper Pass

2.4

Hidden Boulder Lake Pass ICEFIELDS 2332 m Ptarmigan Difficulty: Lake 1.3 1.5

Redoubt Lake

PARKWAY Whitehorn 2637 m Redoubt 93 Mt. 2902 m Bath

TRANS-CANADA Herbert Pipestone he Rocky Mountain’s larch trees are the most spectacular of all  To Field Lake

Creek LAKE LOUISE SIGHTSEEING GONDOLA 32 HIGHWAY Canada’s fall foliage—as their needles turn from green to gold 1 River 7.1 Mud Fish Creek Lake Trailhead (the only conifer to do so) they seem to glow like Christmas BOW Slate Road Mount Lipalian

2728 m Road

VILLAGE Whitehorn OF LAKE lights. Combine this with postcard Rockies’ scenery and it’s no LOUISE Mount 1.5 Little 1536 m Creek Legend St. Piran Beehive Mirror CHATEAU Mount LAKE 31 2649 m Lake 30 1.8 1.0 LOUISE Hiking Trail Niblock 0.8 1.0

2976 m 2.7 1A Corral wonder Larch Valley-Sentinel 24 30 Highway Lake Agnes 2.0 31 Road 2.3 1.0 3.0 0.9 Kingfisher Big 22 23 Lake Park Boundary Mount Beehive Whyte Lake1730 Louise m 3.5 3.5 2983 m 0.7 Backcountry Campground

Pass is one of Banff’s most sought-after day- 1.0 t MORAINE 26 RIVER 1.3 1.3 Fairview Mt. 29 Tea House 25 2744 m 1.4 Lake Louise Information Centre 0.8 27 3.7 hikes—though it’s stunning throughout the 1.2 1 1.5 Saddleback 0.2 TRANS-CANADA Island Saddle Lake 1.1 4.1 Peak Plain of Six Glaciers 2436 m 2.9 Creek season, fall colours or not. Stretching for 12 28 VICTORIA Mount LAKE HIGHWAY GLACIER Sheol Victoria Haddo Mt. Open mid-May to mid-October 3464 m Peak Paradise 2779 m PARKWAY Mount 3070 m Aberdeen 3152 m 1.5 kilometres from the parking lot on Morraine ROAD

LEFROY GLACIER 39 Lake Lake Road, don’t let the hike’s popularity fool Annette Temple Lake 1A Giant 3423 m 40 Steps 2.7 0.8 Paradise Valley To Banff you into thinking it’s a cakewalk. Grizzlies 1.1 Horseshoe Creek 1.3 0.4  Meadow 41 3543 m Moraine are known to roam the area, and it has an 2.3

37 Sentinel HORSESHOE Pass Pinnacle 2611 m GLACIER Mt. 1.5 elevation gain of more than 700 metres. The Panorama Ridge 3067 m Minnestimma 3493 m Lakes 1.9 2.9 Babel Eiffel 0123 Wenkchemna Peak Larch 2.4 trail starts alongside glacial Morraine Lake, 3084 m Valley 36 Peak 4.1 Tower of Kilometres Creek 3.2 Babel 38 Eiffel Consolation Valley 35 1.5 Moraine Lake Lake before giving up views of the famous Valley 33 1887 m 34 Consolation Wenkchemna Lakes Pass of the Ten Peaks. Chase after 3,500-metre Mount Temple for a few hours 2600 m WENKCHEMNA GLACIER Mount Babel 3101 m FAY and you’ll reach Sentinel Pass and a knee-weakening panorama of Paradise GLACIER Valley. Beat the crowds—hit it on a weekday. Map: Parks Canada Page 11 sAskAtchewAn

tourism saskatchewan

Hike 12

fficially opened five years ago, the 120-ki- lometre Boreal Trail is Saskatchewan Parks’ o only officially desig- The Boreal Trail nated backpacking trail. Meandering through lush Meadow Lake Provin- Location: Meadow Lake Provincial Park, Saskatchewan cial Park, a 1,600-square-kilometre Length: 120 km beauty in the province’s northwest, Difficulty: hikers can choose to embark on a multi-day tour of this east-west route—spending days beneath poplar, jack pine and spruce trees and falling asleep to a loon’s call at one of the plentiful back- and front- country campsites—or tackle it in smaller stages for easy day-hikes. Keep your camera ready for , beaver and wolf sightings and always be Bear Aware; this is big- time bruin country. Terrain is gentle with minimal elevation gains—the challenge comes in the distance. Some front-country campsites feature stores for re-supplying and hot showers. Saskatchewan Parks recommends registering two weeks prior to hiking the trail if you wish to overnight in the backcountry.

Map: saskatchewan Parks Page 12 sAskAtchewAn

tourism saskatchewan

Hike 13

Grey Owl’s Cabin Location: Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan Length: 40 km Difficulty:

rey Owl—a.k.a. Englishman Archibald Stansfeld Belaney—may be one of Canada’s strangest historical figures; however, his message of conservation, as our country’s first naturalist, still rings true. If you’d like to pay homage, take a hike to his G cabin and burial site in Prince Albert National Park. Accessed via Kingsmere Road, 33 kilometres from the town of Waskesiu, the route follows the eastern shoreline of Kingsmere Lake, and has three campsites en route plus one at either end. The cabin sits alongside Ajawaan Lake. This is all-backcountry—pack-in, pack-out—though bear caches, firewood and pit-toilets are available at the campsites. Park-use fees and a backcountry camping permit apply. The path is typical Canadian Shield terrain and should take less than six hours each way. For a quicker way to the cabin, a three- hour paddle across Kingsmere Lake, plus a 600-metre portage to Ajawaan Lake, bypasses the hiking route. Map: saskatchewan Parks Page 13 MAnitoBA

travel Manitoba

Hike 14

Pisew Falls to Kwasitchewan Falls Location: Paint Lake & Pisew Falls Provincial Parks, Manitoba Length: 22 km Difficulty:

he eight hours it’ll take you to drive to Pisew Falls Pro- vincial Park from Winnipeg (via Highway 6) has a way of thinning out the crowds, as does the 22 kilometres of backcountry trails between the province’s two highest t —you may just find your party totally alone. The trailhead starts at 13-metre-high Pisew Falls, proof there are elevation changes in this pancake province, be- fore winding through 22 kilometres of marked trail en route to the 14-metre- high Kwasitchewan Falls. Camp overnight at one of the free backcoun- try campsites here; some industrious trekkers have knocked this route off in a day. Pack-in, pack-out; pit toilets are available at the campsite. This hike follows the Grass River, a famous 18th century fur-trading route.

Page Map: government of Manitoba 14 MAnitoBA

travel Manitoba

Hike 15

The Mantario Trail Location: Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba Length: 66 km Difficulty:

hether you choose to tackle the three- or four-day end-to-end route of Manitoba’s classic backpacking route or knock-off a day-trip segment, the Mantario Trail w delivers a hard-hiking challenge only two-and-a-half hours’ drive east of Winnipeg. Despite being reasonably well-known and relatively close to the province’s largest city, it’s far from crowded. Expect heaving Precambrian Shield terrain, granite cliffs, beaver dams, fallen timber, peat bogs, steep gullies, jack pines and maple trees. There are 10 primitive campsites along the route, with fire pits and food storage boxes and, maybe, a picnic table or two. The trail is well-marked, and water can be accessed at many points throughout. Parking is at the north and south trailhead—keep in mind this is not a loop; you’ll have to arrange return trans- port. The Mantario Trail is best in fall, as spring’s floods can be troublesome and summer’s bugs are brutal. Map: Manitoba Parks & natural areas Page 15 ontArio

Ontario tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation

Hike 16

Highland Backpacking Trail Location: Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario Length: 19 or 35 km Difficulty:

ffering two loops, 19 or 35 kilome- tres, this is a challenging multi-day backpacking route. The trailhead begins near the well-serviced Mew o Lake Campground (near the Bat Lake trailhead). Expect several steep climbs and technical sections throughout; keep your camera ready for vari- ous birdlife, including owls, hiding in the dense trees. You can loop back after camping at Provoking Lake (19 kilometres return trip) or continue on for the full loop, which takes you past Head and Harness Lakes (35 kilometres return). Expect plenty of viewpoints and several waterfalls; an Interior Camping Permit is required to overnight on the route.

Map: google Maps

Page 16 ontArio

Wikimedia Commons

Hike 17

Bruce Trail Location: Southern Ontario Length: 885 km Difficulty:

ou can certainly try to hike the entire 885- kilometre-long Bruce Trail in one non-stop on the Peninsula Section; the Y effort. People have views from the done it. But most tend to bite off are jaw-dropping; and routes smaller chunks—a day hike here, a along the Niagara Escarpment weekend there, camping or staying lead to world-famous wineries. at hotels and B&Bs along the way. hunters should head Revel in the lush Carolinian for- to the Iroquoia Section—but re- est, enjoy views of Lake Ontario in ally, you can’t go wrong on the the south and Georgian Bay in the Bruce. (And the fall leaf show north, and generally appreciate the is spectacular!) Looking for a serenity along Canada’s oldest and short leg to start? Try the six- longest continuous footpath. Some kilometer Cape-Dundas Loop, of the most remote trails are found on the Bruce Peninsula.

Map: Bruce trail Conservancy Page 17 ontArio

Ontario tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation

Hike 18

Coastal Trail Location: Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario Length: 60 km Difficulty:

ne of Ontario’s most scenic hikes, the Coastal Trail follows the rocky o shores of Lake Superior for just over 60 kilometres, treating trekkers to expansive vistas, secluded cobblestone or sandy beaches, dizzying lookouts and challenging terrain. Access the Coastal Trail at Agawa Bay if you’d like to hike the whole route, or, day-hikes can be done from points along the trail, such as Sinclair Cove, Katherine Cove or Agawa, but you’ll have to retrace your steps; there are no loops. The trail is well-marked by blue-diamond signs; it generally follows the coastline if you get sidetracked. Almost all of the backcoun- try campsites feature sunset views; bald eagles are particularly abundant along the trail. Warp and Gargantua Bays are especially worthy of exploration; set up camp here and enjoy day’s worth of side trips, if you can spare the time. Map: Ontario Parks Page 18 ontArio

Ontario tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation

Hike 19

Top of the Giant (Kabeyun Trail) Map: google Maps Location: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ontario Length: 22 km Difficulty:

his is the signature hike of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Located near Thunder Bay, on Highway 587, ensure you’ve packed plenty of water and your cardio is up to snuff before t tackling this heavy-duty hike—the reward is a panorama of Lake Supe- rior from one of the highest points in Ontario. Featuring 300 metres of elevation gain, this hike starts at the South Kabeyun trailhead, which upwards. The next section is a steep, zigzagging route, followed meanders alongside the lake by a slightly less intense cool-down path to the lookout. Eat until Tee Harbour; but don’t your picnic lunch next to the 200-metre cliffs and stand in awe be fooled by the relatively of colossal, deep-blue Lake Superior. Return the way you came. easy start. After this seven-kilometre jaunt, you’ll hit the Note: if you want to expedite your trek, mountain bike along the Talus Lake Trail, and the route will begin to slope decidedly Kabeyun Trail, then hike from Tee Harbour onward.

Page 19 ontArio

dave sproule

Hike 20

La Cloche Silhouette Trail Location: Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario Length: 100 km Difficulty:

ravelling 100 kilometres though some of Killarney Provincial Park’s hilliest terrain, La Cloche Silhouette Trail is a stout chal- lenge for experienced hikers. Startingt in the west, the linear route rambles through forested hills toward scenic lakes. You may have to cross a few streams; excel- lent wildlife-watching abounds. Soon, you’ll be enjoying views of Georgian Bay as you hike over billion-year-old pink granite. In the eastern sec- tion, the trail ascends towards The Crack. The sparkling white quartzite cliffs are worth the ef- fort; this area was once higher than the Rocky Mountains. There are 54 campsites along the route (permit required). Fall is the best time to tackle La Cloche, for the vivid foliage and nightly wolf-howls. Map: google Maps Page 20 QueBec

Photo sepaq

Hike 21

ucked away at the edge of Quebec’s Gaspe Pen- insula, Forillon offers not only exemplary Maritime t scenery, it’s also a gate- way to the International Appalachian Trail. Experienced hikers should head to Les Lacs (17 kilometres one-way) or Les Cretes (16 or 18 kilometres, Les Lacs & Les Cretes one-way) Trails. Les Lacs follows the Riviere Morris Valley, has a wilderness Location: Forillon National Park, Quebec campsite about six kilometres along Length: 16 to 17 km and passes Lac au Renard, Penouille and other scenic stillwaters before Difficulty: connecting to the 3,058-kilometre-long Appalachian Trail. As a more mountain- ous route, Les Cretes offers vistas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Anse-au- Griffon Valley, has campsites at five and 10 kilometres along and connects to other trails (such as Les Graves) leading to the easternmost tip of the park, which stabs like a pointed finger into Gaspé Bay.

Map: sepaq Page 21 QueBec

flickr.com/photos/mikeab/

Hike 22

Deux-Criques Trail Map: sepaq Location: La Mauricie National Park, Quebec Length: 17 km Difficulty:

ome autumn, Quebec’s La Mauricie National Park, near Shawinigan, is an explosion of vibrant reds, oranges, yel- lows and gold—and Deux-Criques (Two c Creeks) Trail could offer up some of the best views in all the Laurentians. A challenging day- hike suitable for trekkers with strong cardio and a will- ingness to climb, the trailhead is located near Riviere a la Peche Campground and will take you on an uphill march for the next 8.5 kilometres. Expect some well- maintained stairs and scramble-worthy rock sections and you’ll have to ford a creek (which is at its lowest in fall)—but the payoff is multiple lookout points (many with platforms or benches), including Ruisseau de Fou Falls. The campground at the trailhead offers secluded sites (some with electricity), kitchen shelters, drinking water, flush toilets and showers.

Page 22 new Brunswick

david Webb

Hike 23

Fundy Footpath Location: Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick Length: 42 km Difficulty:

he time to hike New Brunswick’s Fundy Footpath is now. Still relatively unknown, you can expect near-total solitude on this difficult, four-day, 42- ki- lometre trek along the Bay of Fundy coastline. But t word is getting out—and for good reason. Vistas from atop 100-metre-tall sea cliffs; empty beaches manipulated by extreme Fundy tides; thick mixed-woods forests—and did we mention zero crowds? This is for experienced hikers only. If your skill level isn’t quite there, try day-hikes on the nearby Fundy Trail—a maintained mixed-use network accessible for most people that still offers those wonderful views.

Map: google Maps Page 23 new Brunswick

tourism new Brunswick

Hike 24

Mount Carleton Location: Mount Carleton Provincial Park, New Brunswick Length: 10 km Difficulty:

et amid 1,700-square-kilometres of Acadian woodlands and the continent’s oldest mountains, this Maritime high point offers a boundless view atop its s namesake provincial park, stretching to nearby Mount Sagamook and Mount Head. The 10-kilometre route presents an intermediate-level chal- lenge, and the 820-metre peak is adorned with an old fire tower. Two trail options lead from the parking lot to the top; make this summit-hike a loop for a change of scenery on the return jaunt.

Map: new Brunswick Parks Page 24 novA scotiA

Parks Canada/eric Le Bell

Hike 25

Liberty Lake Trail Location: Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia Length: 64 km Difficulty:

ore than 80 per cent of Nova Scotia’s Kejimkujik National Park is classified as “backcountry” and there are 46 designated campsites that can only be accessed via canoe or bootleather. At each, expect M tent pads, fire pits, pit privy and cables to hoist your food clear of bears. So, when exploring the traditional home of the Mi’kmaq, where does one start? For the quintessential Keji experience, tackle the 64-kilometre Liberty Lake Trail. There are 11 options for backcountry camping along the route; though three or four nights out is a good rule of thumb. Lakes, babbling brooks, loons and moose will be your companions as you loop your way through mixed softwoods en route to Campsite 42—the most remote in the park’s entire 404-square-kilometres. Bonus: Kejimkujik is a Dark Sky Preserve, so the night-time scenery rivals the daytime. Map: Parks Canada Page 25 nova scotia

Destination Cape Breton

Hike 26

Map: Parks Canada Fishing Cove Trail Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia Length: 6 to 18 km Difficulty:

rom the top of 355-metre Mackenzie Mountain, this trail winds through mixed-woods forest alongside the Fishing Cove River en route to Cape Breton coastline. You’ll need to pack in your own water, as Cape Breton Highlands National Park’s only well as a camp stove, as fires are not permitted. Pit toilets are F designated wilderness campsite. On a clearing available. There are effectively three options for tackling this trail: next to a serene ocean cove and pebble beach (once home a six- or 12-kilometre trail, both returning the way they came, or to a Scottish fishing village), set up your tent for a pleasant an 18- kilometre route, but this linear route requires a vehicle overnight while you explore the beaches and inlets of the shuttle.

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tourism newfoundland & Labrador/Barrett & Mackay Photo

Hike 27

Green Gardens Trail Location: Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador Length: 9 or 16 km Difficulty:

reen Gardens Trail may just offer the best over- view of Gros Morne National Park’s dramatic and varied terrain. There are two options, the more popular Long Pond Trail (nine kilometres G return) or the more challenging—you will have to make two stream crossings—Wallace Brook Trail (16 kilometres return). Green Gardens opens with the barren Tablelands before winding through boreal forest en route to the volcanically-shaped coastline Gros Morne is famous for. Sea stacks and jagged cliffs border the Gulf of St. Lawrence, as do fields of wildflowers with the occasional grazing sheep, shepherded by local farmers. There are three backcountry campsites on the coastline, with pit toilets and picnic tables. Fires are permitted on the beach. Explore the coastline for a day before trudging back through the all-uphill return trail.

Map: Parks Canada Page 27 newFoundLAnd & LABrAdor

tourism newfoundland & Labrador

Hike 28

The East Coast Trail Location: Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland & Labrador Length: 265 km Difficulty:

ewfoundland’s East Coast Trail runs south from Cape St. Francis, on the tip of the Avalon Peninsula, tracing the rugged Atlantic coastline for 265 well-marked and n maintained kilometres to Cappahayden. Cute lighthouses, flut- tering puffins and, offshore, leviathan whales and maybe even icebergs are just a few highlights. If you’re especially lucky, you may even spot the world’s southernmost caribou herd. Camp, or book B&B stays along the way and enjoy Newfoundland hospitality. And if you’re adventurous, you can continue on the “under construction” portion, an additional 275 kilometres that will one-day be as well-marked as the inaugural half.

Map: hiking newfoundland Page 28 Yukon

government of Yukon

Hike 29

Grey Mountain Location: Whitehorse, Yukon Length: 6 or 12 km Difficulty:

oted for being the closest alpine hike to Whitehorse, Grey Mountain offers visitors to The Wilderness City a chance to escape for a day, n enjoy some classic Yukon terrain and challenge themselves with some steep climbs and ridgeline trekking before returning to their comfy Map: google Map hotel or campsite at day’s end. A four-wheel-drive is not essential for reaching the trailhead, but it is a good idea—it is located about 10 kilometres out- side of the city, on Grey Mountain Road. The path starts on a steep, decommissioned road before opening up on the ridge-hike to the summit. If you want to keep going, a third peak about three kilo- metres past the summit offers views of downtown Whitehorse. The trail can be difficult to discern at times and remember, this is bear country.

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david Webb

Hike 30

Auriol Trail Location: Kluane National Park, Yukon Length: 15 or 19 km Difficulty:

or an introduction to Kluane National Park, hike the popular Auriol Trail, located about seven kilo- metres southwest of Haines Junction. (By “pop- ular,” we mean perhaps 20 to 30 people in the F area at one time, during peak summer season.) This trail carves a 15-kilometre loop into the Auriol Mountain Range’s sub-alpine, with a optional two-kilometre offshoot that climbs into the alpine for an outstanding mountain view. With only 400 metres of elevation gain, it’s an easy entry to Kluane’s wilderness; expect to spend about five hours on the hike. One backcountry campsite is located on the trail. In the winter, it is also used as a cross-country ski and snowshoe trail.

Map: Parks Canada Page 30 Yukon

government of Yukon

Hike 31

Montana Mountain Trail Location: Carcross, Yukon Length: 15 km Difficulty:

ost often noted for moun- tain biking, the multi-use trails on Montana Mountain offer fantastic hiking with M above-treeline vistas. The moderate-intensity summit-hike is about 15 kilometres long and requires a capable vehi- cle to access the trailhead. Keep an eye out for caribou as you ramble through a moon- scape to this stratovolcano’s 2,205-metre summit; the environment is particularly remarkable in fall colours. In fact, this trail is best hiked in late-July through early Sep- tember, after the bugs have died down and before the weather turns foul. (Be careful— some trails are mountain-bike only!) Map: Montana Mountain Page 31 Yukon

government of Yukon

Hike 32

Grizzly Lake to Talus Lakes

Location: Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Length: 45 km (or more) Difficulty:

et the stunning, broken-glass peaks of the Tombstone Mountains be your motivation as you sweat through this off-trail backpack- ing route. You’ll start in boreal forest before L reaching scrubby birch and willow trees and finally into the tundra. Over the next two days, veiwpoints from Glissade and Grizzly pass are your rewards for the often-challenging conditions. Watch out for grizzlies, and you may even spot migrating caribou. There are three campsites along the trail: Grizzly, Divide and Talus Lakes. Truly, this is one of Yukon’s signature hikes.

Map: gooogle Map Page 32 northwest territories/Yukon

spectacular northwest territories

Hike 33

Canol Heritage Trail Location: Northwest Territories/Yukon Length: 350 km Difficulty: +

he Canol Heritage Trail may well be the most challenging trail in this book. For starters, it’s long. Like, really long. Also, it requires either a fly-in or fly-out, or both, if you sprain your ankle. It also usually requirest food drops, extreme self-sufficiency and bear spray (grizzlies and black bears). The route follows an old industry road, unmaintained since 1945, so expect the occasional rusting hulk and oil barrel along the way. But mostly, it’s all taiga, tundra, mountains and moose. And it’s for experienced backpackers only. (Note: two explore magazine contributors rode this route on mountain bikes in a record-setting eight days, sans food drops; an award- nominated story we published in our Fall 2013 issue.)

Map: Motorcycleexplorer.com Page 33 northwest territories

enviro Foto (J.F. Bergeron)

Hike 34

summit of a pink-granite dome. Prelude Lake Nature Trail, located 30 kilometres east of Yellowknife, is a three-kilometre jaunt through Canadian Shield gran- Ingraham Trail Hikes ite and vibrant woodlands. Reid Lake Trail is near Location: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories the terminus of Ingraham Trail and is less than one kilometre in length, but the glacial-scarred rocks Length: 0.7 to 3 km and serene lake are worth the interlude; a campsite Difficulty: is located here. Beyond this, the road ends—and, in winter, the famous Ice Road begins.

ather than a single route, this is a series of hikes found on the Ingraham Trail—an all-season road leading east from Yellow- knife, Northwest Territories. The high- r way, covering a length of 70 kilometres (each way) is home to true northern wilderness—more than a dozen lakes, plus picnic spots, campgrounds, canoe routes and hiking trails. Ranney Hill-Martin Lake Trail, seven kilometres from Yellowknife, will work up a sweat with its 2.5-kilometre route that culminates with a short climb to the Map: Visit Yellowknife Page 34 nunAvut

flickr.com/photos/31856336@n03/

Hike 35

Akshayuk Pass Location: Auyuittuq National Park, Nunavut Length: 97 km Difficulty:

Though Auyuittuq is Inuktitut for “the land that never melts,” during the short summer season there is plenty of snow-free hik- t ing to be found within Auyuittuq National Park’s 19,000-square-kilometres of Arctic terrain. Akshayuk Pass is the most popular route in the park—if the word “popu- lar” can be applied to this 10-day, 97-kilometre trek that carves between imposing peaks and permanent icefields. Rising sharply from the tundra, mountains such as Overlord, Asgard and Thor appear, well, godlike. Best news: un- like some of Nunavut’s other parks, Akshayuk Pass doesn’t require a charter flight. Just catch a scheduled flight to then arrange a boat ride into the park. Map: trail dino Page 35