No matter where you live in Canada, the summer months are a short but sweet opportunity to get outside and discover the beautiful landscape our country has to offer. With warmer weather just around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best walking trails from coast to coast. Pack some snacks and a map before heading out to enjoy the outdoors at one of these must-visit locations near you.
1. Stanley Park trails in Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia is one of Canada’s ultimate adventure destinations with plenty of opportunities to get outdoors all year round. For an adventure on foot, the 27 km of forest trails in Stanley Park offer a slice of walking paradise just outside downtown Vancouver, making these trails easily accessible by transit, bike or car (the park is less than an hour’s drive from Abbotsford, Richmond and Surrey, too). The trails offer wide walking paths bordered by towering trees—the oldest in the park are off Siwash Rock Trail, on Third Beach Trail, and north of Beaver Lake on the Lake Trail. For an accessible option ideal for stroller or wheelchair users, check out Ravine Trail off of Beaver Lake.
2. Fundy Trail Parkway in Salmon River, New Brunswick
The Fundy Trail Parkway is an Instagram-worthy hiking destination about 10 km outside of St. Martins, New Brunswick. Fundy Trail Parkway is a 2,559-hectare park with 35 km of hiking and biking trails, stunning beaches and impressive cliffs, all within an hour’s drive of Saint John. With up to 20 trails to choose from, you can opt for an easy walk on level ground or a more strenuous stroll on uneven terrain. One easygoing option is the Suspension Bridge Trail (parking lot 8) along the Big Salmon River where you can hike along a 275-foot suspension bridge with a view.
3. Rouge National Urban Park in Scarborough, Ontario
The Rouge National Urban Park is located close to Highway 401 and sandwiched between Pickering, Scarborough, and Markham, making its 15 walking trails easily accessible to residents throughout the Greater Toronto Area and Durham Region. Trails vary in length from a kid-friendly 10-minute stroll to a more challenging two-hour hike, and offer plenty of variety when it comes to scenery. From a 200-year-old logging route to views of the largest remaining wetland in Toronto, plus active farming land and a variety of forests, there’s something new to see on each walk. To get a sneak peek at home, you can see the trails with Rouge National Urban Park’s 10 virtual hikes online.
4. The Beaver Creek Conservation Area in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Located just south of Saskatoon in the Meewasin Valley, the Beaver Creek Conservation Area is home to four all-season trail loops that take about 15 minutes to an hour to walk and offer views of the South Saskatchewan River and Beaver Creek. Although just a short drive from neighbourhoods in Saskatoon, Beaver Creek Conservation Area is home to plenty of wildlife. Be on the lookout for beavers, deer, foxes, grassland birds, and even at-risk species including the Smooth Goosefoot and the ground nesting Common Nighthawk. No dogs are allowed on these trails so be sure to leave your pets at home.
5. Horseshoe Canyon in Drumheller, Alberta
Drumheller, Alberta was recently ranked No. 5 on a list of the top friendliest towns in Canada. Add to that impressive nearby trails and you’ve got more than a few reasons to visit the dinosaur capital of the world. Just 15 minutes from Drumheller is Horseshoe Canyon, a u-shaped canyon where dinosaurs walked 70 million years ago. Today, you can enjoy the unique scenery on a stroll through the canyon floor, or take in the canyon from above on one of the viewing platforms. Visitors say Horseshoe Canyon offers walking trails suitable for kids of all ages with plenty of interesting photo opportunities along the way.
Source CREA News2me May 2021 For the full article click here