Backpacking & Hiking Canada

  • Alberta Trailnet - Alberta trails association
  • Alberta Volksporting Association - Hiking and walking
  • Algonquin Highlands Hiking Trails - The Algonquin Highlands Townships site includes trail descriptions. Ontario
  • Appalachian Trail - See the International Appalachian Trail below
  • Avon Trail - The Avon Trail runs 100km between St. Marys, and Conestogo in Southwestern Ontario linking the Grand River and Thames Valley trail networks.
  • BC Trails - The Trails Society of British Columbia
  • Backpackers Hostels Canada - A great resource for backpackers whether you use hostels or not.
  • Bruce Trail - Ontario's premier backpacking trail traveling 800km from the tip of the Niagara Peninsula in Georgian Bay to Niagara Falls in the south. Out-There's Bruce Trail Feature Ontario
  • Bruce Grey Trail Network - Trails in Bruce and Grey Counties in Central Ontario North
  • Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail - Southwestern Ontario
  • Campsource - Parks and private Canadian campgrounds
  • Canadian Volksporting Association - Walking and hiking
  • Canol Heritage Trail - 200 mile trail stretching from the Northwest Territories to the Yukon. - Canol Trip Report One of the world's most remote trails.
  • Cataraqui Trail - A 104 kilometre, four-season shared-use recreational trail, extending from Strathcona (north of Napanee) to Smiths Falls. The Trail is a former rail line and is now part of the Trans Canada trail system. Eastern Ontario
  • Central Ontario Loop Trail - 450km multi-use trail that loops from Port Hope on Lake Ontario north to Bancroft then west to Minden before heading south through Lindsey and back to Port Hope. The trail is mostly comprised of rail-trails with some connections through country roads. Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland. Ontario
  • Chebucto Hiking Club - Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • Chilkoot Trail - The trail to the Klondike is rich with history and a beautiful but challenging backpacking trail. Alaska, British Columbia and the Yukon - Canadian National Parks and Historic Sites Alaska/Yukon
  • Cowichan River Footpath - 20km, Moderate Located in the park of the same name, the trail follows along beside the Cowichan River from Glenora to Skutz Falls. The park is located just south of Cowichan Lake and just to the west of Duncan in the southern regions of the island. The river is now a designated Canadian Heritage River. The trail can used as an out and back for backpackers by accessing it from the eastern trailhead off Robertson Road. Hiking along the river will take you to the Stolz Pool Campground first then to the Skutz Falls Campground where you can overnight before heading back. Consult with the park for information on parking and camping. For the park's east end trailhead, travel west on Glenora Road, make a right on Vaux Road, which will take you to Robertson Road. You'll find the Holtz Creek Trailhead at the very end of Robertson. The river is well known for it's tubing in the Summer. BC Parks
  • Dartmouth Volksmarch Club - Walking and hiking. Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
  • Discovery Trail - Trinity is located on the Bonavista Peninsula, in Newfoundland. There are several coastal hiking trails that offer spectacular coastal vista's, whales, icebergs and millions of seabirds. All trails are marked and some have interpretative information.
  • Dobson Trail - The Dobson Trail starts in Fundy National Park and stretches almost to Moncton, a distance of 60 kilometers. New Brunswick
  • East Coast Trail - Located on the Avalon Peninsula in south eastern Newfoundland, the trail streaches 200km (on completion it will be 520 km in length) from St. John's to Cappahayden. This is one of Canada's finest backpacking and hiking trails.
  • Elgin Hiking Trail - 41km in Southwestern Ontario's Carolinian Forest running from Paynes Mills through St. Thomas and onto Port Stanley on Lake Erie
  • Elora Cataract Trail - "A forty-seven kilometre trailway linking parks, watersheds and communities in south-central Ontario"
  • Fundy Footpath - A rugged and particularly beautiful backpacking trail, that runs 41km from Big Salmon River to Fundy National Park along the cliff faces and beaches of the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. While it's a relatively short trail as far as distance goes, the hiking is difficult and it usually takes 3-5 days to complete.
  • Fundy Trail Parkway - Hiking/walking and cycling trail following along cliffs over 800ft high along the shores of the beautiful Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick
  • Goat River Trail - A supurb trail of historic significance in British Columbia, which is which is locked in a fight for survival. What can you do to help - contact them through thier website to find out.
  • Goderich Maitland Trail - Ontario
  • Ganaraska Hiking Trail - The 400km trail runs north from Port Hope on Lake Ontario, then southwest over Lake Simcoe to Glen Huron, just south of Collingwood on Georgian Bay in Ontario. The trail connects in the north with the Bruce Trail and in the south with the Waterfront Trail. There is also a connection into the Oak Ridges Morain Trail in the central section of the trail.
  • Glengarry Trails - Glengarry County outside Alexandia in Eastern Ontario
  • Grand Valley Trail Association - Is a marked footpath stretching more than 250 km between Rock Point Provincial Park on Lake Erie to the town of Alton in Southwestern Ontario
  • Haliburton Forest - Extensive trails and waterways in an area of aver 50,000 acres in South Central Ontario. The trails are muli-use.
  • Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network - Hiking, Cycling and Canoeing in a beautiful natural setting in Ontario. The area is located just east of Muskoka and south of Algonquin in Haliburton County in Ontario
  • Hike Ontario - Hike Ontario is a non-profit organization which represents the interests of walkers and hikers in the province of Ontario.
  • Hopewell Rocks - Hike the ocean floor in the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick
  • Humber Valley Trail - The Humber Valley Trail starts in the outskirts of Bolton Ontario and runs northwest where it intersects with the Bruce Trail and the Caladon Rail Trail Ontario
  • Huronia Trails and Greenways - Descriptions of trails in the Simcoe County region of Ontario below Georgian Bay.
  • The International Appalachian Trail - The American Appalachian Trail (AT) runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Now the International Appalachian Trail continues across international borders into New Brunswick, then through Quebec's beautiful Chic-Choc mountain range and on to the tip of the Gaspe at Forillion National Park. Plans are now in the works to continue the trail up the spectacular west coast of Newfoundland. The International Appalachian Trail Labrador and Newfoundland.
  • Juan de Fuca Ramblers Volkssport Club - Victoria, British Columbia
  • Juan de Fuca Trail - 47km, Difficult, 4-5 days Streaching from the China Beach Trial head in the east to the Botanical Bay Trailhead in the west this is a exceptionally beautiful trail along the coastal forests and beaches of southwestern Vancouver Island. This is an excellent alternative or warm up for the West Coast Trail, which lies just across the Port San Juan inlet from Port Renfrew and the trails end. The trail requires the use of tide tables in order to navigate some sections as some areas are impassible at high tide (watch for orange balls which mark a beach exit in case of rising tides or storms and beware of rogue waves as you approach the water). There are several designated wilderness camping areas along the way where you can pitch you're tent on the beach or in the forest. Little Kuitsche Creek and Payzant Creek camping areas have bear caches, be prepared to rig your own cache at the other campsites. There are a lot of creek and river crossings along the trail and the trail can be muddy overall, particulary in the shoulder season, good rain gear is essential. Take advantage of water along route but all sources should be boiled or filtered. The trail can be done in its entirety, or in sections as day hikes or overnights, through the use of a shuttle. The trailheads at either end are China Beach and Botanical Beach, where you'll find parking. Access is also available from Parkinson (requires 4wd) and Sombrio Beach. From Victoria follow Highway 1 towards Nanaimo and take the Colwood exit to the 14 south. Follow the 14 passed Sooke and Jordan River. China Beach is just a few kilometres passed Jordan River and Botanical Beach is about 50km further on outside Renfrew. A fee is charged for each night's camping on the trail. Books: "Giant Cedars White Sands" D. Mills, "Juan de Fuca Trail" Matthew Payne. Consult with the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park authorities for more information at BC Parks West Coast Trail Express (shuttle service) Port Renfrew Sooke West Coast Trail
  • Kootenay Mountaineering Club - Hiking, Backpacking, Telemarking, Mountaineering, Mountain Biking / West Kootenay area of British Columbia
  • La Cloche Sillouette - One of Canada's most spectacular trails. Friends of Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario
  • Les Sentiers de l'Estrie - This is a fabulous but difficult backpacking trail which show cases some of the Eastern Townships best scenery. Quebec
  • Leslie M Frost Natural Resources Centre - They closed this - what a pity!! Ontario
  • Long Randonee - Mont Tremblant Provincial Park
    The park has an extended hike in the form of the Longue Randonee Pedestre. This 74km trail includes a loop in the Lac Monroe section then a long linear section leading to the Saint Donat entrance. Their are several huts along the routes which accommodate 16-20 and are spaced 10 to 20km apart, but you still have to carry all your essentials with a few exceptions. The hike can be started from either end and includes some excellent overlooks. This is a great trail to take with a group of friends. The trail is used by backcountry skiers in the winter. Parks Quebec Quebec
  • Long Trail - La Mauricie National Park 75km, 5 Days - Parks Canada Quebec
  • Maitland Trail - Goderich area in Southwestern Ontario
  • Manitoba Recreational Trail Association - MRTA is coordinating the construction of the 'Trans Canada Trail' across Manitoba and plays a vital role in promoting & developing recreational trails in the province.
  • Mantario Trail - Whiteshell Provincial Park, 60km, 3-6 days Manitoba/Ontario
  • National Trail - "Building A Footpath Across Canada" Not to be confused with the Trans-Canada Trail this is strictly a footpath for hikers and backpackers.
  • New Brunswick Trails - New Brunswick trails from the new website from the New Brunswick Trail Council
  • Newfoundland Backcountry - Newfoundland's spectacular west coast is show cased including Lewis Hills, the Blow-Me-Down and Long Range Mountains. The area encompasses Gros Morne National Park
  • North Coast Trail - Located on northern Vancouver Island outside Port Hardy the trail runs along the coast and includes parts of the Cape Scott Trails. Once completed the trail should be an interesting rival to the West Coast Trail.
  • Nova Trails - Hiking trails and much more. An excellent source of hiking and backpacking trail information in Nova Scotia. Everything you'll need to find trails in your selected area.
  • Oak Ridges Trail - Follows the Oak Ridges Moraine from northwest of Toronto to noth of Coberg above central Lake Ontario Ontario
  • Oakville Heritage Trails - A collection of trails totalling 57km in the Oakville area of Southwestern Ontario. The site includes maps of the trails.
  • Ontario Trails Council - "Promoting the creation, preservation, management and use of recreational trails throughout Ontario."
  • Park to Park Trail - This multi-use trail will run 230km from Killbear Provincial Park on Georgian Bay near Parry Sound, to Algonquin Park in Ontario. Currently the 61km Seguin Trail which runs from Falding, southeast of Parry Sound to Walls north of Huntsville, is the only section fully open.
  • Peachland Volkssport Club - Kelowna, British Columbia
  • Rideau Trail - A hiking trail of about 300 km. (186mi.) in Eastern Ontario. It winds in a generally north-northeast direction from Kingston, on Lake Ontario, to Ottawa following the Rideau Canal and Waterway - Friends of the Rideau Canal and Waterway
  • Sentier de l'Estrie - Located in the Eastern Townships, this is one of Quebec's best kept secrets. Quebec
  • Sunshine Coast Trail - Located outside Powell River on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, this magnificent trail boasts a length of approximately 180 kms. The trail stretches from Saltery bay in the south to Sarah Point in the north, in the world famous Desolation Sound Marine Park. British Columbia
  • Telegraph Trail - A restored 100km linear trail which starts outside Quesnel and heads north towards Prince George. British Columbia
  • Thames Valley Trail - London Area, Southwestern Ontario
  • Trans Canada Trail - The worlds longest multi-use recreational trail streches from the Pacific to the Atlantic and the Artic Oceans
  • Trails Nova Scotia - Multi-use trails, canoe and kayak routes are presented for Canada's best known maritime province. Includes online maps!
  • Trans Canada Trail - A Canada Wide Association for the completion of a cross country multi-use trail including, Hiking, Backpacking, Cross Country Skiing, Mountain Biking, Horse Back Riding etc.
  • Voyageur Trail Association - Hiking, Backpacking, Objectives: To build and maintain a wilderness hiking trail from Thunder Bay, along the northern shores of Lakes Superior and Huron to the southern tip of Manitoulin Island-a distance of 1100 kms or 700 miles. This is a true wilderness trail.
  • Waterfront Trail - Follows the northern shore of Lake Ontario from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Kingston then along the St. Lawrence to Brockville in Ontario. The trail is designated as multi-use.
  • West Coast Trail - Perhaps Canada's most famous long distance hike. The trail is rugged, isolated, difficult and extremely beautiful. Located on the south west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia this is a world class backpacking experience.Contact Pacific Rim National Park for information on cost, quotas and reservations.
  • Willmore Wilderness - Alberta

Backpacking & Hiking - International

Clubs and Associations - Canada

Clubs and Associations - International

 

How To/Techiques

 

Magazines

Mailing Lists

Online Stores and Mail Order

  • Altrec - USA
  • Backcountry Gear Limited - Backpacking, Camping, Clothing, Moutaineering / Marmot, Gregory, Garuda, Integral Designs, Western Mountaineering, Moonstone, PUR, Walrus.
  • LL Bean - Outdoor Gear
    Mountain Equipment Co-op - Canadian Outdoor Store
  • Moletracks - Day packs, backpacks, fanny packs, compression bags and other accessories for camping, hiking, mountaineering.
  • REI - Outdoor Gear, USA
  • Search Gear - Search and Rescue Gear

Maps and Map Sources

  • MapBlast - For road maps, go to Canadian Maps and type in a City and Province.
  • Topos sur le Web - Geographical Locator and Topographical Maps (French). Quebec
  • Canadian Hydrographic Service - Official Marine Navigation Charts and Nautical Publications including tide tables along with a dealer list.
  • Canada's national topographic mapping agency - topographic information for the Canadian landmass.
  • Chrismar Mapping
  • Dog Ears - Maps, Books, Canada
  • Dun-Map - Multimedia Mapping, Canada
  • Gem Trek Publishing - Specializes in producing detailed maps of the Canadian Rockies
  • National Atlas of Canada - Canadian Map Services, National Resources Canada
  • Pathfinder Maps - Topographic Maps, Nautical Charts for Canada and the United States, Canadian Aeronautical Charts.
  • World of Maps - Topographical Maps
  • Trailmonkey - Free Hiking & Mt. Biking, Maps and Trails site. USA

Backpacking & Hiking Manufacturers

Mountain Huts

Parks - Backpacking

National Parks

Backpacking Provincial Parks

Alberta

Rails to Trails and Bike Paths

  • Bike Paths and Rail Trails in Canada
  • Cataraqui Trail - In Ontario is a 104 kilometre, four-season shared-use recreational trail, extending from Strathcona (north of Napanee) to Smiths Falls and is part of the Trans Canada trail system. The trail is a former rail line
  • Central Ontario Loop Trail - 450km multi-use trail that loops from Port Hope on Lake Ontario north to Bancroft then west to Minden before heading south through Lindsey and back to Port Hope. The trail is mostly comprised of rail-trails with some connections through country roads. Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland
  • Rails to Trails Consevancy - USA
  • Ontario Rail Trails - Rail Trails, Ontario, Canada
  • Quebec Bike Paths - Quebec's extensive cycling network
  • Trans Canada Trail - The worlds longest multi-use recreational trail streches from the Pacific to the Atlantic and the Artic Oceans
  • Waterfront Trail - Follows the northern shore of Lake Ontario from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Kingston then along the St. Lawrence to the Qubec border. The trail is designated as multi-use.

 

Outdoor Retailers Canada

Alberta Outdoor Retailers

Calgary

British Columbia Outdoor Retailers

Vancouver Coast and Mountains

Whistler

Vancouver Island

Gulf Islands

 

Ontario Outdoor Retailers

Central Ontario