As the leaves start to change and the temperatures cool down, there’s no better time to hit the trails and explore the beautiful Canadian wilderness.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, there are plenty of must-see hiking destinations in Canada that are perfect for autumn exploration. Here are our 5 top picks for the best fall hiking places in Canada:
1. Get Fresh Mountain Air at Banff National Park
Banff National Park is a hiker’s paradise located in the Canadian Rockies on the West Coast of Canada.
With over 1,600 km of trails, there’s something for every skill level. In the fall, the park comes alive when the leaves turn shades of red, orange and yellow, and you can explore the Larch Trees, which turn a vibrant gold colour and offer a breathtaking view.
Check out Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon for more incredible scenery, and get some of the cleanest mountain air due to the higher altitude and cooler temperatures.
Banff also offers some untouched trails, a nice escape from the busy paths that hikers and explorers are used to.
2. Camping, Fishing & Wildlife Viewing at Algonquin Provincial Park
Known for its vast, rugged landscape, Algonquin Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for both fall hiking and wildlife exploration and a great spot to visit if you want to hike with your family.
With over 2,400 lakes and 1,200 km of streams and rivers, there are endless opportunities to explore the park’s natural beauty, making it a prime destination for hikers that love having access to camping spaces or like to portage.
The park’s highlight is the 80 km stretch of the Highland Backpacking Trail, which takes you through the heart of the park’s wilderness. You can use an app such as Alltrails to explore all of what Algonquin has to offer.
3. Explore the Fjords at Gros Morne National Park
Located on the west coast of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers incredible hiking opportunities in the fall.
With trails that wind through coastal forests, bogs, and fjords, the park has something for the hiker that loves exploring mother nature’s rare and unique beauty.
Be sure to check out the Tablelands, a unique geological formation that provides a glimpse of the earth’s core.
4. Check out Extreme Tides at the Bay of Fundy
Located along the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Fundy National Park is home to some of the highest tides in the world, making for a unique hiking experience.
The park’s trails offer both dense forests and coastal cliffs, which provide a stunning view of the bay with its dramatic tides.
Be sure to keep your eye on the water, as there are occasionally humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales and even the rare North Atlantic right whale.
5. Visit the Flowerpot Island at the Bruce Peninsula National Park
On the northern edge of the Niagara Escarpment, Bruce Peninsula National Park is an often overlooked gem for fall hiking.
The park’s trails offer stunning views of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron and unique geological formations like the Grotto. Not only can you hike and explore these areas, but Tobermory offers boat rides all over Georgian Bay, so be sure to visit The Flowerpot Island, where you can explore its distinctive rock formations that resemble flowerpots or hike the trails and visit the lighthouse while enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
There you have it, our top 5 must-do things and places to see while hiking in Canada in the fall. Happy hiking!