Hiking


Hiking

Canada is a country of extremes – from soaring mountains to rugged coastline, and from arid desert to lush rainforest, it’s a hiker’s paradise just waiting to be explored! Year-round locals and international visitors alike lace up their hiking boots and step into this country's natural beauty.

Whether you’re out for a leisurely day-hike through park trails or a strenuous multi-day trek through the backcountry wilds, ensure your trip is a safe one:

  • Check the weather before you leave and be prepared for it to change.
  • Carry extra food & clothing – a good rule of thumb for day-trippers is to be able to stay out overnight, in case of trouble.
  • Be bear aware and cougar aware. Bears and cougars aren’t just in the backcountry – our parks and cities encroach on their habitat. Ensure you know what to do if you meet one.
The Right Gear

Take the Essentials:
  • Flashlight
  • Fire making kit
  • Signalling device (i.e. whistle)
  • Extra food and water
  • Extra clothing
  • Navigational/communication devices
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency blanket/shelter
  • Pocket knife
  • Sun protection
Leave a Trip Plan with responsible party, family member or friend.

Take equipment specific to hiking:

  • Comfortable, warm clothing
  • A second layer for warmth on colder days
  • Wool socks plus extras
  • Hiking Boots
  • Small backpack/camel back water system
  • Bug spray
  • Moleskin for blisters

Extras for overnights:

  • Proper backpack with good support
  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag and pad
  • Stove and fuel
  • Food/Scented items bag
  • Gear repair kit

Canada’s trails are for everyone, so while you’re out there remember:

  • Keep to the trail. Shortcuts contribute to erosion and can destroy sensitive growth.
  • Slow your pace and announce your presence/intentions when approaching other users.
  • Share the trail. Downhill yields to uphill. Hikers yield to horseback riders.

Enjoy!

Cool Links

GENERAL
Trans Canada Trail
Hiking in Canada
National Hiking Trail
Alpine Club of Canada
Association of Canadain Mountain Guides
Weather Office

BRITISH COLUMBIA
British Columbia Mountaineering Club
Hiking in BC - BC Adventure
Hiking in BC

ALBERTA
Alberta Trailnet
Alpine Club of Canada Rocky Mountain Section
Calgary Weekend Hikers Club – Calgary
Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies – Banff

SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan Trails Association

MANITOBA
Manitoba Recreational Trails Association

NWT
Hiking NWT

YUKON
Yukonhiking.ca

ONTARIO
Ontario Trails Council
Hike Ontario
Torontohiking.com

QUEBEC
Fédération québécoise de la marche
   (French) - Quebec Hiking Federation
Site Internet sur la marche
Randonnée Plein Air

NEW BRUNSWICK
New Brunswick Trail Council
Hiking NB

NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotia Trails Federation
Hike NS
NS trails
Hiking NS

PRINCE-EDWARD ISLAND
Island Trails of Prince Edward Island
PEI trails

NEWFOUNDLAND/LABRADOR
Newfoundland T'Railway
NL hiking and walking
Newfoundland Hiking Trails

Photo: NWTT/Terry Parker (banner); New Brunswick Tourism & Parks

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