Camp, or book B&B stays along the way and enjoy Newfoundland hospitality. Terrain is gentle with minimal elevation gains—the challenge comes in the distance. If you’re especially lucky, you may even spot the world’s southernmost caribou herd. There are no services along the route, so come prepared and with the requisite experience—and enjoy a hike through history on a former stagecoach road. Start your hike near the Upper Salmon River, for easy vehicle access when you’re done. Highlights of this remote and challenging trek include the ecosystem fed by the Soper Heritage River, ancient geology, the high plateau of Meta Icongnita Peninsula and the glacier-scarred valleys beyond. And remember your passport—you cross the U.S./Canada border midway. With typically flat topography, expect gentle strolls along any leg of this tip-to-tip island trail. This route through 270,000-hectare Mount Edziza Provincial Park, in BC’s northwest, is best done in mid-summer—local weather starts to get very dodgy by September. Now about 90 percent complete, the TCT (also dubbed “The Great Trail”) will connect the east, west, and north coasts of Canada. Seven (or more) backcountry campsites dot the route—pack in, pack out, of course. The Trans Canada Trail, officially renamed The Great Trail in September 2016, is a cross-Canada system of greenways, waterways, and roadways that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic oceans. The trail incorporates new and already existing trails into one unified and inter-connected network. Plans are in the works to extend the system by another 25 km or so; this is a trail you can visit year-after-year, always with something new. You can download a complete Chilkoot Trail guide here. Final steps: prepare yourself physically and mentally to tackle Canada’s longest hikes. Kluane National Park has several wilderness routes carving through its immense backcountry—Cottonwood is a top choice, as it’s a marked trail, making it more accessible than some of the arduous unmarked “routes.” Starting from Kathleen Lake, trekkers travel for 83 km through a loop that leads along old mining roads and over two alpine passes. (Note: two explore contributors rode this route on mountain bikes in a record-setting eight days, sans food drops; an award-nominated story we covered in our Fall 2013 issue.). Travelling 100 km though some of Killarney Provincial Park’s hilliest terrain, the La Cloche Silhouette Trail is a stout challenge for experienced hikers. Like I mentioned above, these are the longest trails in the world outside of the US. Canada Opens World’s Longest Hiking Trail From Coast to Coast. Gentle, geometric ripples ran out, uninterrupted to the shore, whilst our eager faces acted as figureheads, pushing into a breeze that only we created. The longest recreational trail on the planet runs across one of the largest countries in size: Canada. Hikers can explore routes from a few hours, to a full day, to a week or more—overnighting at the 12 huts and 20-odd campsites along the way. The full GDT runs for a staggering 1,200 km, roughly following the Continental Divide through BC and Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Running from St. Marys to Conestgo, Ontario, the Avon Trail represents a cooperative effort between volunteers and landowners to create a network meant to inspire interest in hiking and conservation. An epic trail that connects Alberta’s Jasper National Park and BC’s Mount Robson Provincial Park, North Boundary will put hikers in rugged, scenic, mountainous backcountry for 10 days or more. When finished, the TCT will cross 13 provinces and territories. The trail is well-marked, and water can be accessed at many points (use a filter). Expect a workout: there is more than 1,500 metres of elevation difference between the highest and lowest points on the trail. Starting in the west, the linear route rambles through forested hills toward scenic lakes. A hike rich with natural wonders and human history, and set within Jasper National Park, Athabasca Pass is a challenging, weeklong mountain trek that follows a route once taken by explorer David Thompson. The Great Divide Trail Connecting 15,000 communities and covering 24,000 kilometres, The Great Trail is not only one of the top hiking trails in Canada, it is the longest trail in the world! One reason I belive that it shouln't be near a highway is that it should be about nature and you shouldn't be able to hear cars or other vehichles. After twenty-five years, a few missteps and a lot of planning, Canada has officially opened the world's longest recreational trail. Not to be confused with the multi-use Trans Canada Trail, the NHT is for foot travel only and has been under development since … In the eastern section, the trail ascends towards The Crack. If you have 10 to 12 days, try the whole route in one push! amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; There are 54 campsites along the route (permit required). World’s Longest Hiking Trail The Great Trail – 24,000kms Canada The blade cut into the glass of the lake, creating only wake behind us. (Watch for fallen trees and rockslides in some remote sections.) Garibaldi National Park gets its name from the glacier-ringed … Flora includes dwarf birch, willow, Labrador tea, Arctic heather and grassland tundra. Bonus: Keji is a Dark Sky Preserve, so the nighttime scenery rivals the daytime. But all are spectacular. Strap on your hiking boots and pack your backpack: The worl d’s longest hiking trail just opened in Canada, and it’s begging for a major trip.. Named the Great Trail and clocking in at 14,864 miles long, the pathway stretches from St. John’s on Canada’s east coast all … Most hikers hike 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles) a day. Spanning the length of the country (and then some), The Great Trail is a staggering 14,864 miles composed of more than 400 individual trails snaking across all 10 provinces and three territories, with a few looping detours added in for good measure. There are 10 primitive campsites along the route, with fire pits and food storage boxes and, maybe, a picnic table or two. Consider this Haida Gwaii hike a less-crowded option to the popular West Coast Trail (see below). The full GDT runs for a staggering 1,200 km, roughly following the... 2. Whether you’re starting in the East at St. John’s or starting in the West at Victoria, you’ll have over 400 individual trails to travel through. This park has a similar terrain to Banff's but with one waterfront town instead of several large villages. https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelmattiphotography/. Grand Italian Trail, Italy. It was officially finished on August 26. You may even come across some tempting swimming holes. Start point: Quesnel, BC. Extending for 172 km, and passing through seven towns along its route, the path follows an abandoned rail line and is known for harbouring particularly good bird watching. Although still under construction in places, the Sea to Sky Trail is still an incredible hike in one of BC’s most scenic areas. Campsites need to be booked well in advance. The rugged backcountry of Oh Canada awaits! And if you’re adventurous, you can continue on the “under construction” portion, an additional 275 km that will one-day be as well marked as the inaugural half. Most Tuesdays, members of the Avon Trail run organized hikes at various locations; support in the form of donations or guidebook purchases helps maintain this lovely path. It also usually requires food drops, extreme self-sufficiency and bear spray (grizzlies and black bears). So, yeah, we’ll call this one a “commitment.” Or, you could sample a highlight reel by hiking the five- to seven-day, 80-km section through Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. It’s Canada’s longest hut-to-hut hiking trail, and the only free one—forged and maintained by the Powell River Parks & Wilderness Society. For the quintessential Keji experience, tackle the 64-km Liberty Lake Trail. Running through 13 Canadian provinces and territories, the Great Trail of Canada — formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail — is more than 15,000 miles long. https://www.flickr.com/photos/hubbleflow/. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; The world's longest hiking trail spans 21,452km crossing all 13 provinces and territories that make up Canada. So, if you’re looking for the adventure of a lifetime, look no further. Expect to hit some of the nicest summits in the Appalachians along the way. Just catch a scheduled flight to Pangnirtung then arrange a boat ride into the park. *For these long treks, make sure you invest in proper backpacking boots, like these: Women's hiking boots and Men's hiking boots. Expect a few river crossings, and maybe even a moose or two. Some of these may take three to four days; others may take a month or more. Forged by First Nations, used extensively by fortune seekers during the Gold Rush and operated today as a reservation-managed multi-day hike, the Chilkoot Trail is a challenging slog that pays dividends in scenery, solitude and historical wonders. Also, unofficial side-trails extend the possible length to more than 900 km. Resupplying is possibly every four to nine days; the towns of Waterton, Blairmore and Jasper are popular jumping-off points. Since then … Typical for Banff National Park, this hike starts breathtakingly scenic and stays that way throughout. The Chilkoot Trail has a unique history of being the ‘gold rush trail’ back during the … Another massive hiking route in Newfoundland, the East Coast trail runs south from Cape St. Francis, on the tip of the Avalon Peninsula, tracing the rugged Atlantic coastline for 265 well-marked and maintained kilometres to Cappahayden. Soon, the entire pathway will be marked and complete for a truly epic and truly wonderful multi-day backpacking route. (And try the hike in autumn, when the trees are alight with fall colours. Some are multi-use; others are most certainly hikers-only. Now, you just have to hike back out again. Bon voyage! The Great Trail in Canada is aptly named – it’s now the longest hiking trail in the world at 14,864 miles. All manner of human power and some horsepower (snowmobiles) and actual horses, can literally travel from the Pacific Ocean, up to the rim of the Arctic, and down across to the Atlantic. Officially opened in 2011, the Boreal Trail is Saskatchewan Parks’ only officially designated backpacking trail. Cross-country skiing, horseback riding and cycling are other acceptable modes of transportation. Just looking to take a quick stroll? Most legs of this trail require total self-sufficiency and are suited only for experienced trekkers, but rewards come in the form of amazing vistas and high-altitude serenity. All Rights Reserved. We've got 5,054 easy trails in Canada ranging from 0.6 to 194.9 miles and from -32 to 7,729 feet above sea level. Make reservations at the backcountry campsites and set out on this three- to five-day hike that loops through the Acadian forests and scenic shoreline of Fundy National Park. Hikers can access the route from several points, and tackle a multitude of lengths rather than the whole route. Discover 150 MORE amazing outdoor adventures in our brand-new, totally free e-book: Click HERE to gain instant access to this valuable FREE e-book today. Canada Opens World’s Longest Hiking Trail From Coast to Coast, Salmon Spawn in Upper Columbia River First Time in Over 80 Years, Court Kills Attempt to Mine Gold at Yellowstone National Park’s Entrance, Man-made Stuff Outweighs Earth’s Total Biomass for First Time, New Study Finds, Court Says No to Drilling for Oil in the Arctic, a Huge Win for Polar Bears, Maps Show How Dramatically Fertilizer is Choking the Great Lakes, Study: THC Removes Toxic Protein that Causes Alzheimer’s From the Brain, This 400-Year-Old Bonsai Tree Survived Hiroshima and Is Still Thriving Today, “Is curing patients a sustainable business model?” Goldman Sachs asks shareholders. This seven-day route from Buckley Lake to Mowdade Lake—the only marked trek in the park—requires total self-sufficiency; at times, even water is scarce. Running right across The Rock, from St. John’s to Port Aux Basques, this former railway line cuts through 55 towns and crosses 150 bridges—totalling 3.5 km of bridgeway. Rich with mixed-woods forests, Canadian shield lakes, historic sites, charming towns, vibrant birdlife and more, hikers can enjoy walks that range from an hour or two right up to an End-to-End epic, which takes about two weeks. The views in and around these waters are absolutely stunning. Chilkoot Trail. When exploring 404-sq-km Kejimkujik National Park—traditional home of the Mi’kmaq—where does one start? Read more about our policy. Soon, you’ll be enjoying views of Georgian Bay as you hike over billion-year-old pink granite. Copyright © Explore Magazine. Side trips extend the network to more than 200 km. Tucked away in Temagami, this backpacking network extends for days into rolling rocks, past sandy beaches, under old-growth pine and through peaceful northern serenity. It will give Canadians easy access to some of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders. You may have to cross a few streams; excellent wildlife-watching abounds. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; The trail will reward you with views of the coast, mountains, and old-growth forest and lakes. https://www.flickr.com/photos/23882980@N00/. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; The Chilkoot Trail, a 53 kilometre former gold rush trail, is the most famous one in Canada’s north. Starting near St. John’s Newfoundland, going through towns, across rivers, and over mountains, The Great Trail finishes on Vancouver Island. The longest part of the trail wraps around the Great Lakes in Ontario, where there’s the most fresh water in the world. The Great Hiking Trail of Canada Connecting the Atlantic Ocean in the east, through Alberta, and the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Great Trail of Canada is more than 20.000 km long and is the longest hiking trail in the world. A one-way hike, travellers boat to North Swallow and hike out for 10 days to the trailhead through the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe people. Legs range from an hour or two to a week-plus. And though it’s about 15 km longer, the East Beach Trail is flatter and easier than the WCT—with more beach walks and much more solitude. Some are networks that you can piece together over a season’s worth of day-hikes; others are full-on commitments. Rather than a single trail, The Great Trail is a network of hundreds of local trails and greenways that are all now connected by a single “thread.”. Elevation change: 1,800 metres. Or for some great local park options, check out Grouse Mountain Park near British Columbia or Parc de la Gatineau near Quebec. Beyond just the sheer length of the trail, this is no simple walk in the woods. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Though lacks the overall length of other trails on this list, the Baden Powel Trail, on Vancouver’s North Shore, may just be the best wilderness experience close to a major city in Canada. Buy a backcountry permit from the Parks Canada office in Jasper, then drive to the trailhead, accessed via Icefields Parkway about 30 km from town. Expect high alpine meadows, river crossings, dense woodland and the occasional town for re-provisioning. The sparkling white quartzite cliffs are worth the effort; this area was once higher than the Rocky Mountains. With almost 10 million square kilometers of varying terrain, ecosystems, and wilderness to explore, it is no surprise that the world’s longest hiking trail can be found in Canada. It stretches coast-to-coast, as Kenny Sharpe reports for The Globe and Mail. The United States is one country where hiking has been a popular recreational activity that is associated with camping, day hiking, and cross-country hikes. Well maintained and updated, there are campsites and suspension bridges along the route—though you will need to be self-sufficient and may still ford some creeks. Alberta/BC Starting off as an easy front-country trek, be prepared to get serious after 12 km—watch your footing between Mill Brook and Refugee Cove, where the trail becomes a series of switchbacks, and onward to Big Bald Rock, where it runs along the steepest sea cliffs in the province. More than 1,600 geocache sites are tucked along the route, which also passes through many towns for tastes of classic Maritime hospitality. The Sentiero Italia (Grand Italian Trail) traverses the entire country of Italia. Motorized vehicles, for the most part, are forbidden on the trail, except for snowmobiles. Perhaps the most famous trail system in Canada, the... 3. Comprised of scenic farmland, river valleys, wooded areas and occasional towns, this well-marked trail can be broken up into sections as little as a couple of kilometres—or much, much longer. The path never exceeds a 2.2 per cent grade, which is why it’s popular with cyclists. Running from Squamish to D’Arcy, and punctuated by Brandywine Falls and the Calcheak Suspension Bridge, among other sites, the path follows traditional Squamish First Nations trade routes as it winds upward to Whistler and beyond. There are seven backcountry campsites along the loop; most trekkers take three nights to complete the hike. Rising sharply from the tundra, mountains such as Overlord, Asgard and Thor appear, well, godlike. One of the longest hiking trails in La Belle Province, this path leads through the charming Eastern Townships, connecting villages with scenic routes through woodland and undulating elevation. As you might imagine, the Dawson Overland Trail historically connects Whitehorse and Dawson—though only 97 km of this stretch is maintained today as a true “trail.” Part of the Trans Canada Trail, the multi-use section from Whitehorse to Braeburn treats trekkers to mountain and valley vistas, with occasional Gold Rush relics lying about. Follow rock cairns along empty pebble beaches, meander through serene woodland, scramble over steep shoreline rocks and marvel at expansive views of Lake Superior. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Great Trail of Canada is nearly 15,000 miles long, connecting major cities to all the natural wonders in between. Linking northern BC and Alaska, and an absolute classic for two countries, this 53-km trek has been a backpacker’s must-do for decades. After gaining 560 metres over 49 km of trail to Athabasca Pass, you’ll discover a National Historic Site Plaque, the provincial border marker for BC and Alberta and a view over the Continental Divide. Ontario We focused on individual routes and/or localized networks.).
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