Photo by Yann Allegre on Unsplash
You may think that the hiking days have come to a halt, but they don’t have to. There’s something about winter hikes that words cannot express. The serene view of whitewashed snow mountains, the smell of fresh and cold air breezing past your hair, and the gruffly sound of ice crunching beneath your boots- it’s what winter is all about.
Related: Winter Hiking Gear For Beginners
The blend of snow and ice combines and adds a special kind of magic that you just can’t find in the summer. So, throw in your warmest socks, and let’s discuss 7 of the best winter hikes in Canada to explore this year.
Here are our 7 best winter hiking trails in Canada for you to fall in love with.
1) Skyline Trail, Nova Scotia
Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash
With an elevation of 455 meters, the Skyline trail is a winding coastal trail where the mountain meets the sea. The 9.5 kilometers roundtrip takes you along the path overlooking the Cabot Trails and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This wilderness-protected habitat is suitable for hikers of all levels. Just keep your eyes open for moose, bald eagles that wander around this area.
2) Montmorency Falls, Quebec
Photo by Paul MARSAN on Unsplash
Dominating the landscape, Montmorency Falls is an 83 meters-high frozen waterfall forming an icy sculpture crafted by the mother earth herself. In the winter, the fine splashes projected by the waterfall eventually freezes and forms the famous Sugarloaf, an artistic natural ice cone. The moderate hike is 4.3 kilometers and offers a miraculous view of the falls, which in the peak of winter is a must visit.
3) Rawson Lake
Photo by Nicole Tarasuk on Unsplash
The easiest hike in Kananaskis Country takes about 7 km roundtrip and brings you to a pristine icy lake surrounded by the alpine lakeshore and spectacular mountain views. The first 15 minutes of the hike has a flat trail following the shoreline of Upper Kananaskis Lake. The roundtrip of about 3 to 5 hours takes you across icy trails following a spruce forest with an elevation gain of 305 kilometers. Keep your senses alarmed and don’t venture beyond the near end of the lake as it’s avalanche terrain.
4) Nassagaweya Trail, Ontario
Another popular winter hike in Canada is the Nassagaweya Trail which is not that far from Toronto. Located near Milton, Ontario, this hike follows a trail that's 14.4 km (4.6 miles) long. You will be blown away by the natural scenery throughout the hike. This hiking trail is full of cedars that have been for more than a thousand years. You also have the chance to watch one of the best sunrises that you’ll see in your life. Glacial deposits, sheer cliffs, and caves are scattered all over the hiking trail. And since it is a moderate type of hiking trail, many can do this hike with their family as well. It's a must-visit place during winter in Canada.
5) Prairie Mountain, Alberta
Photo by Ben den Engelsen on Unsplash
A natural stair climber, the steep trail to Prairie mountain is a must go for fitness freaks or just for a normal daily workout. The rush of happy hormones on reaching the top isn’t the only reward you get. The trail is also dog friendly so your pets can also feel the rush along with you. The view of far-reaching mountains is an add-on that comes with a hard-earned natural cardio session. Just don’t forget your cleats for the trip.
6) Troll Falls, Alberta
Photo by Eric Johnson on Unsplash
Located in the Kananaskis Improvement, Trolls Falls is 3.4 kilometers of heavily-trafficked out trail that features a waterfall and is a perennial favorite. The trail follows a dense evergreen forest which widens out to a beautiful section of open aspens. Head along the narrow trails that curves along the left bank of Marmot Creek to witness the debris of the 2013 floods. The 1 to 2 hours roundtrip is suitable for hikers of all levels.
7) Lake Agnes Tea House, Alberta
Photo by Tilo Mitra on Unsplash
The trail climbs uphill on a wide, switched-back path for 3.6 kilometers with an elevation gain of 400 meters. It begins on the shores of Lake Louis near the Fairmont Chateau Hotel and ends with your fingers wrapped around a hot drink from the tea house. Enjoy the serene alpine waters before heading back down the trail. The route is rated as moderate and takes people between 1 and 2 hours to complete.
If you’ve made it this far and still want to read more then do check out our blog post about the 7 Best Winter Hiking Trails In The U.S.
I’m sure you’ll love it! 😄
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