Canada is a vast and diverse country known for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. With rugged mountains, dense forests, vast plains, and pristine lakes, the Canadian wilderness offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a wildlife enthusiast, Canada is a paradise for those who seek adventure in the great outdoors. In this guide, we will take you through the best hiking trails and wildlife-watching spots across the country, offering tips on how to make the most of your Canadian adventure.
Canada’s wilderness is a treasure trove of natural wonders. The country offers some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, from the towering Rocky Mountains in the west to the endless forests of Ontario and the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic Provinces. If you're looking to hike mountain peaks, walk along pristine lakes, or spot wildlife in their natural habitat, Canada has something for everyone.
The country boasts diverse landscapes and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, wolves, eagles, and more. Many of Canada’s national parks and protected areas are perfect for spotting wildlife, offering locals and tourists a chance to see animals in their natural environments. This combination of hiking and wildlife watching makes Canada an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
If you’re ready to explore the best hiking trails and wildlife-watching spots, read on for some of the top places to visit and how to experience the wilderness like never before.
Canada’s hiking trails are among the most scenic and well-maintained globally. Here are some of the top hiking destinations in the country.
Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is one of Canada’s most famous and accessible hiking destinations. Known for its stunning alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and towering mountains, Banff offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
One of the park's most iconic hikes is the Lake Louise Shoreline Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. For a more challenging hike, the Plain of Six Glaciers trail takes you past glaciers and high mountain peaks, offering stunning views of Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise from above.
Banff is also home to some of Canada’s most famous wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the trails; you never know when you might spot some of Canada’s majestic wildlife.
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers hikers a unique combination of coastal trails and temperate rainforest. The park is known for its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and lush forests, making it a fantastic destination for those who love hiking by the sea.
The Wild Pacific Trail is a popular route for hikers, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky shorelines, and abundant wildlife. While walking along the trail, you may spot seals, sea otters, and even whales during migration season. The park is also home to many bird species, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot black bears along the coast, as the park is known for its healthy population. The combination of coastal views, diverse wildlife, and lush forests makes the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve an unforgettable hiking destination.
While Banff may get most of the attention, Yoho National Park—west of Banff—is another incredible destination in the Canadian Rockies. The park boasts dramatic waterfalls, towering peaks, and crystal-clear lakes. It’s a perfect spot for a quieter, less crowded alternative to Banff.
The Emerald Lake trail is one of Yoho’s most popular hikes, offering stunning views of the turquoise waters of Emerald Lake. For a more challenging hike, the Iceline Trail takes you high above the valleys, offering panoramic views of glaciers and waterfalls.
Yoho is also home to Takakkaw Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada. The park’s serene atmosphere and beautiful landscapes make it a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers alike.
Located in Alberta, Jasper National Park is one of the largest national parks in Canada, and it offers an incredible array of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. Whether you're looking to hike through dense forests, climb mountain peaks, or explore the park’s many glaciers, Jasper has it all.
One of the most popular hikes in Jasper is the Maligne Lake trail, which offers views of crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Whistlers Mountain trail takes you to the summit for panoramic views of the Jasper region.
Jasper is also an ideal spot for wildlife watching. The park hosts various animals, including elk, moose, wolves, and bears. With so much to see, Jasper is a prime location for those who want to combine hiking with wildlife watching.
Canada’s wilderness is home to a diverse variety of wildlife., from majestic predators like bears to migratory birds and elusive moose. Here are some of the best places to watch wildlife in Canada.
Located on the central coast of British Columbia, The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the world’s most pristine and ecologically significant rainforests. This remote wilderness area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the rare white Kermode bear, also known as the spirit bear.
Visiting the Great Bear Rainforest offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat. From bears fishing for salmon in the rivers to sea otters in the coastal waters and migratory birds, this location is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
The rainforest is a popular eco-tourism destination, offering guided tours for wildlife watching and exploration. It provides an unforgettable experience, letting you get close to Canada’s iconic creatures.
Wood Buffalo National Park is located in the northern parts of Alberta and Northwest Territories and is one of the largest national parks in Canada. The park is rich in wildlife, but it is most famous for being the home of the wood bison, North America’s largest terrestrial mammal.
Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, canoeing, and wildlife watching, with opportunities to spot bison and moose, wolves, and various bird species. The park is well-known among those interested in seeing bison up close as they roam freely.
For many wildlife enthusiasts, Churchill in Manitoba is a bucket-list destination. Referred to as the world's polar bear capital, Churchill is one of the best places to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Each year, during the fall, polar bears gather along the shores of Hudson Bay as they wait for the sea ice to form so they can begin hunting for seals.
Aside from polar bears, Churchill is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including beluga whales, caribou, and arctic foxes. Guided tours are available to see the polar bears up close, either by vehicle or on a viewing tour.
Exploring the Canadian wilderness is an unforgettable experience, but there are a few things to consider to ensure your trip is as enjoyable and safe as possible.
Canada is vast, with many of the best hiking and wildlife-watching spots nationwide. Renting a car is the best way to explore these remote regions and enjoy the freedom of travelling at your own pace. If you plan to hike in the Canadian Rockies, visit national parks in Ontario, or explore the wilderness of the Atlantic Provinces, renting a car gives you easy access to all these places.
With Finalrentals, you can easily rent a car in Canada and choose from a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs. From compact cars to larger 4x4s for off-road adventures, Finalrentals offers a variety of options to ensure a smooth journey through Canada’s wilderness.
By renting a car, you can drive from one national park to another, visit remote wildlife reserves, and explore hiking trails that may be difficult to reach by public transportation. Plus, with the convenience of booking online, you can focus more on your adventure and less on logistics.
Proper preparation is essential for hiking and wildlife watching in Canada. Here are a few packing tips to help you get the most out of your adventure:
Canada’s wilderness offers some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes globally, perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. From the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the coastal beauty of Pacific Rim National Park, there’s no shortage of breathtaking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether spotting bears in the Great Bear Rainforest or hiking up Whistlers Mountain in Jasper National Park, Canada’s wilderness provides unforgettable experiences for nature lovers.
To make the most of your adventure, rent a car in Canada to explore at your own pace and discover the hidden gems of the Canadian wilderness. Plan your adventure today and make Canada’s wild beauty part of your journey.
