Summer Family Travel Destinations for Hikers in Canada

If you and your family enjoy hiking, then you need to plan some hiking trips to Canada. Not only is Canada renowned for its breathtaking views, it also has plenty of hiking trails through nearly untouched wilderness from coast to coast – province to province and even across the territories in the summer months.

Many trails do require experience and while they provide breathtaking scenic views, they are not very kid-friendly.

While kid-friendly hiking may seem like an oxy-moron, there are many Summer Family Travel Destinations for Hikers in Canada along easy to walk trails that are perfect for a family to do together and take in some pretty stunning views. If this sounds like something you and your family would enjoy, check out these summer family travel destinations for hikers in Canada.

9 Summer Family Travel Destinations for Hikers in Canada

Banff National Park, Alberta

If you want to do some hiking in Canada, plan your trip to Banff National Park. This national park is home to many popular hiking trails, including Plain of Six Glaciers. Not only are these hiking trails perfect for experiencing nature, they’re also family friendly due to the variety of difficulty and time required. If you have young kids, you can select an easier hiking trail that will take anywhere from an hour to an afternoon. If your kids are older, you can select longer trails that are a bit more challenging.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

Do you like a change of scenery when hiking? Then your next family hiking trip should take place at Cape Breton Highlands National Park, located on Cape Breton Island. With the wide variety of trails, including the northern section of the Cabot Trail, you can hike next to the water one day and stay landlocked the next. This national park can boast about having a range of hiking trails perfect for the family. With some trails lasting only 10-15 minutes and others taking a few hours, there’s sure to be something for everyone in the family.

Topaz Lake in Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario with a view of La Cloche Mountains

Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario

Want to take a camping trip that allows you to hike beautiful trails? Then it’s time you travel to Killarney Provincial Park. This park is located in Ontario, Canada, and is surrounded by majestic wilderness that’s perfect for a family of hikers. A popular hiking trail in the area is the La Cloche-Silhouette Trail which is a longer, more strenuous trail, however The Granite Ridge trail offers breathtaking views of the La Cloche Mountains. You can also take advantage of other camping and hiking fun year round, from canoeing in the summer to snowshoeing in the winter.

Hopewell Rocks at low tide, Fundy bay (Canada)

Fundy Trail, New Brunswick

The Bay of Fundy is home to the world’s highest tide which comes with some unique and pretty incredible sights. The best way to take this all in is by walking (or biking or driving along) the Fundy Trail. It is a multi-use trail but families should consider either driving along and parking at various stops along the way or walking the 10 km trail. Biking is better for experienced bikers and likely too strenuous for younger children. There are plenty of look-outs along the way so you can take in all the sights including the amazing Fundy coastline, however the Hopewell Rocks are actually located in The Rocks Provincial Park. Be sure to set aside some time to drive down to the Hopewell Rocks while you are in New Brunswick, it’s worth the drive!

West Point Lighthouse (North Cape Coastal Drive, Prince Edward Island, Canada)

Confederation Trail, PEI

When Prince Edward Island’s railway was abandoned in 1989, Islanders were quick to notice a unique opportunity to turn the rails into trails. The trail crosses the Island from end to end with smaller trails that branch to Charlottetown, Wood Islands and the Confederation Bridge in Borden. The trails are flat and well maintained making it an easy scenic route for walkers and cyclists of all fitness levels and a great way to see the Island. The section between Morell and St. Peters Bay mostly follows the coastline and offers gorgeous scenery.

Kinney Lake - Mt. Robson - British Columbia, Canada

Kinney Lake Trail, British Columbia

While the West Coast trail is the best known hiking trail in Canada, and possibly all of North America, it is not really a great destination for families as the trail is quite tough, even for seasoned hikers. On the other side of British Columbia lies the Rockies and many opportunities for hiking, including Kinney Lake Trail. Kinney Lake Trail is 10 km long and provides for a perfect picnic opportunity so be sure to pack your lunch! Kids will do well on this well-maintained trail and all will love the incredible view at the base of Mt. Robson.

Bruce Tral - Great Falls in Hamilton (Waterdown) Ontario

Bruce Trail, Ontario

Right in my own backyard is The Bruce Trail. The Bruce Trail is 885 km long and is easily the most popular trail in Ontario, and with reason. The trail is well maintained and follows the edge of the Niagara Escarpment with plenty of opportunity to take in various caves, waterfalls and even a couple attractions along the way – including Niagara Falls via a side trail. The trail begins in the Niagara Peninsula not far from Niagara Falls and ends in Tobermory. It’s best to choose a section of trail to walk along and if possible park a car where you start and another where you intend to end your walk as it is difficult to find a way to loop back without simply re-walking the same section.

Sandbanks Provincial Park - Shore of Lake Ontario

Sandbanks Dunes Trail, Ontario

Home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, Sandbanks Provincial Park is a must visit. Camp in the park and walk the Sandbanks Dunes Trail to take in the unique dune habitat as well as walk along the edge of several pannes a rare wetland habitat where you will find unusual plants. This was one of my personal favourite trails as a kid as it takes you through so many different environments and it is a fairly easy hike aside from the beginning of the trail which is barrier-free and takes you directly through the fragile dunes.

Bay Roberts Heritage Walking Trail, Newfoundland

This is a gently-sloping 6KM trail that will take you around rugged coastlines and through scenic fields. Take in beaches, sheltered coves, a historic grave site, and the remains of long abandoned buildings. If you visit at the right time you can even see the whales jumping in the ocean and ice bergs drifting. The Madrock portion of the trail features steep cliffs and impressive rock formations. The Bay Roberts Heritage Walking Trail offers some surprising views for a family-friendly trail, making it a real treasure, and possibly one of the best trails in the Eastern region.

Canada is filled with plenty of hiking opportunities for you and your family. Simply select an area you’d like to see and do a little research to see what hiking trails are there. Be sure to look for hiking trails that are safe for the family. If you have younger children, you’ll want to find shorter trails that are easier to do, especially if you plan to carry your children.

What are your favourite hiking destinations in Canada?

Elizabeth Lampman

Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!

Terry Perron

Sunday 29th of November 2015

Love to hike and see all the beautiful local areas, do not get out much. But to do more this coming year

kathy downey

Wednesday 25th of November 2015

Those places look like great spots for hiking,will shared these with my daughter she loves to travel and hike different landscapes

Kathryn63

Friday 28th of August 2015

The only one of these I've visited is Banff National Park because I've always lived within a 3 hour drive or less. I've been there many times and never tire of the majestic beauty and great hiking trails.

Sanjana @ Green Global Travel

Monday 6th of July 2015

Those places look like great spots for hiking! Thanks for sharing!

Emily Marie

Sunday 28th of June 2015

Sandbanks is a great destination. Last time I was there I believe there was even a guided hike. Killarney is one of my to-do hiking spots as with Banff which is where my Uncle is hiking right now. His pictures are making me super jealous!