I'm looking for advice from the locals, or anyone who's been. I'm taking my first trip to Canada this summer and I want to spend at least 3-5 nights out on a trail. Ideally we'd be close enough to a city that we could see a little culture as well. Any help?
Submitted by
on December 25, 2008 - 10:54pm.
mt robson
I did a 5 day trip at Mt. Robson a few years ago and it was absolutely beautiful. Definitely one of my favorite trips. On the trail you can take short hikes to robson glacier and emperor falls which was really amazing. You can hike up really close to the falls, so worth it.
hope that helps!...google pictures, it's amazing
That's really cool. I love
Gatineau Park
Where in Canada are you planning on going? Gatineau Parc is just outside Ottawa, ON, and makes for nice hiking (there are several different trails). The city has lots of different museums, and all kinds of things to see and do. http://www.gatineauparkcamping.ca/index_en.html
If your going east I can recommend the Cabot trail on Cape Breton Island, NS. http://www.cabottrail.com/ The nearest airport is in Halifax, NS. As the city is a harbor city you'll find lots of activities around the waters. Try to visit McNabs (you can camp there, as well).
Maybe you're planning on going west to Vancouver, BC? I then suggest Stanley Park: http://city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/stanley/
Have a great trip!
_ _ _ _ _
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." (Dr. Seuss)
good stuff
Hey all! Thanks. I really have no definate plans, I have three months off this year July-Sept. so unless anything is particularly beautiful at that particular time I'm just trying to get input from people who know. I'm outfitted to stay on the trail for up to a week, so I just don't want to end up someplace that is a lot of little trails linked together. I want to really get out there. All are welcome, if my girls can get off work Canada may be getting a bit gayer for the week.
~ Art is why I get up in the morning but my definition ends there. You know I don't think its fair that I'm living for something I can't even define. ~ Ani DiFranco
West Coast Trail
If you're looking for a week long hike, the West Coast trail on Vancouver Island is incredible. The number of people on the trail is restricted, so you have to make a reservation. Here's an address with tonnes of info:
http://www.westcoasttrailbc.com/"I can't go back to yesterday - because I was a different person then." Lewis Carroll
Canadian Hiking
If you are in Ontario here are a couple of my suggestions:
Algonquin Provincial Park is a safe bet and really popular It has a bunch of different back country trail options for hiking or canoeing and is only about 3 hours north of Toronto or 3 hours west of Ottawa. I spent many summers here as a kid.
Lake Superior Provincial Park has a Coastal trail that will take 5 - 7 days....and it’s a really good hike but a ways from any culture. The closest town is Sault Ste Marie, which while an awesome town (I lived there for two years) it's not exactly a cultural mecca.
British Columbia - I agree with monkey9, I've just moved to Vancouver Island and I have the West Coast trail on my to-do list. But it is a little pricey, I think it’s like $150 per person and is somewhat hard core. The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is a slightly easier and cheaper option.
In general there are too many options to list check out the Parks Canada website for plenty of options including Banff and Jasper in Alberta. http://www.pc.gc.ca/
Good Luck & Have Fun!