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The Best Backpacking in Canada

Looking for the best backpacking in Canada? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Canada. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top backpacking spots in and near Canada

  • Banff, Alberta

    Dawn to Dusk in Banff National Park

    5.0
    6.8 mi
    This is a micro adventure in one of the world’s most desired National Parks. The common excuse for those who tend to skip the great outdoors is lack of time. This one day adventure is an example that you can cram a lot into a day! Dawn: Sunrise hike up to South Ridge in Banff. Start at the famous...
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  • Whistler, British Columbia

    Panorama Ridge

    4.8
    17.17 mi / 5289 ft gain
    Take the Sea to Sky Highway (HWY 99) north from Vancouver up towards Whistler. Turn off the highway about 30 minutes before Whistler Village onto Daisy Lake Road. There are signs along the highway indicating the Garibaldi Lake turn off. The trailhead is located at the end of Daisy Lake Road. Ther...
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  • Lake Louise, Alberta

    Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers

    4.7
    4.2 mi / 1263.1 ft gain
    Starting from the parking lot on the east end of Lake Louise, there are a few options you can take to get to the Plain of Six Glaciers. One is to head directly along the lakeshore trail, and in about 7 km (4.2 miles) you will be at the lookout offering the best vantage point of the glacier field....
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  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Backpack to Lake Lovely Water

    3.7
    6.24 mi / 3714 ft gain
    This adventure is one of the best kept secrets in the Whistler area, let alone, British Columbia. The trailhead for Lake Lovely Water is located on the west side of the Squamish River. There is no road access to the trailhead so you need to cross the river via boat. Make reservations with the jet...
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  • Lake Louise, Alberta

    Hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse

    4.8
    5 mi / 1300 ft gain
    Towering peaks, glaciated valleys and crystal clear water draws thousands of visitors a year to the shores of Lake Louise in Banff National Park. A short hike takes you beyond the crowds up to Lake Agnes, in a beautiful valley surrounded by jagged peaks and golden Larch trees. At the foot of Lake...
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  • Whistler, British Columbia

    Hike and Camp at Garibaldi Lake

    4.6
    Garibaldi Lake is a huge basin of beautiful turquoise water measuring almost 10 square kilometers (2460 acres), and located at nearly 5000ft above sea level. The lake is over 800 feet deep, filled with pristine glacial water. You’ll be surrounded by big snowy mountains, which remain bright white ...
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  • Mount Robson, British Columbia

    Backpack to Berg Lake

    4.7
    26.6 mi / 3734 ft gain
    Mount Robson Provincial Park is vast and surrounded by the Canadian Rockies with an area of 2,249 km². If you want to experience the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies you've gotta check out Mount Robson. From the parking lot to Berg Lake is 21 km, with 790m of elevation gain. You will fir...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Mount Assiniboine: Sunshine Village to Mount Shark

    5.0
    36.37 mi / 5869 ft gain
    This trek specifically covers the distance from Sunshine Village to Mount Shark. You will need a car at Mt. Shark, as there are no shuttles from that location to Canomre or any local areas. Otherwise, you can try to hitch a ride back – your best bet is to talk with some locals or visit the Canmor...
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  • Edgewater, British Columbia

    Explore Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

    5.0
    Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site sequestered 27 km from the nearest road. We took a helicopter in, and hiked out . You can also hike both ways, but the hiking once you are there is more amazing than on the way in. You can also ski in on backcountry skis in the Win...
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  • West Vancouver, British Columbia

    Hiking the Howe Sound Crest Trail

    18 mi / 6000 ft gain
    Distance: 18 miles / 29 kms.Duration: 1 - 3 DaysElevation Gain: 6000 ft. / 1800 m.Magnesia Meadows: 49.483708, -123.190377The Howe Sound Crest Trail (HSCT) is one of the most epic hiking trips one can do in the Vancouver area. The trail is entirely located within the Cypress Mountain Provincial P...
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  • Squamish-Lillooet C, British Columbia

    Joffre Lakes Trail

    4.6
    5.67 mi / 1266 ft gain
    Joffre Lakes is a well loved destination, and for good reason: it is absolutely stunning. Not only is it located on one of the most scenic drives you could ever hope to find (Duffy Lake Road) , but it's possible to enjoy this area no matter how much time you have, or how much hiking you want to d...
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  • Whistler, British Columbia

    Hiking to Wedgemount Lake

    5.0
    8.7 mi / 1160 ft gain
    Just a little ways past Whistler BC Canada, you'll find a steep mountain trail leading to one of the true gems of Garibaldi Provincial Park and the Sea to Sky area: Wedgemount Lake. This is the stuff dreams are made of.The route ascends 7km through beautiful old growth forest, and as you crest th...
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  • Hope, British Columbia

    Cycle the Kettle Valley Rail-Trail

    4.0
    Top 10 Areas of Interest - from West to East (1) Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park(2) Red Ochre cliffs in the Tulameen(3) Trout Creek Trestle & The Kettle Valley Steam Train(4) Penticton's Munson Mountain & the Naramata Bench(5) The Little & Big Tunnel above Naramata(6) Myra-Bellevue ...
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  • Whistler, British Columbia

    Hike to Elfin Lakes, BC

    4.7
    13.7 mi / 1968.5 ft gain
    To access the trail head you will have to drive a few kilometres up a pretty beat up service road, so SUV's and 4x4 are a must but it can be done in a regular car if you take it easy. Lots of pot holes and loose rocks.The hike to Elfin Lakes might be 11km each way, but it is not very steep and is...
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  • Whistler, British Columbia

    Hike the Cheakamus Lake Trail

    3.5
    8.7 mi
    Cheakamus Lake is tucked in behind Whistler Mountain. If you've hike the Musical Bumps trail, or any of the paths off the peak of Whistler, chances are you saw a huge turquoise lake below you. This is Cheakamus Lake.From Whistler Village, drive south on HWY99 to the stop lights at Function Juncti...
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  • Maple Ridge, British Columbia

    Summit Golden Ears

    4.5
    14.9 mi / 5039.4 ft gain
    Day 1 Starting from the Golden Ears parking lot, your journey begins up a relatively small incline passing two bridges and entering the forest. Continue through the forest passing small cliffs and revealing some views of what you are going to climb the next day. Your estimated time it should take...
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