In most places, world-class cities and the great outdoors don’t really go together. But, most places aren’t Canada. Here, there’s no need to choose between the two; even in buzzing metropolises such as Toronto or Montreal, it’s easy to get away from it all. Anyone can get a taste of untouched nature in 30 minutes… because this country’s epic wilderness can be found right on the doorstep of any of its fantastic cities.
Vancouver
Framed by Pacific Ocean blues and the chiseled Coast Mountains, Vancouver is surrounded by never-ending parkland. You really can step right out into the wild here; the only trouble is deciding where to go. From the North Shore to the slopes of Whistler, the epic peaks of which are a favourite with winter skiers, there is something for all hiking levels within an hour’s radius of the city. A good mid-point is hilly Bowen Island – known as ‘the rock’ – and roughly the size of Manhattan, it’s carpeted in forest. Begin trekking right from the ferry dock, negotiating steep climbs, arbutus tree-stew plateaux and blue heron-studded wetlands. With hikes ranging from under two miles to more than six, it’s perfect for a few hours or a full day. The best bit? Pausing for a picnic at Dorman point, from which you’ll get sweeping views across the Queen Charlotte channel.
Calgary
Across the Rockies in Calgary, the inland vistas are totally different, but no less dramatic. Just an hour’s drive from downtown, Kananaskis Country, near Banff, is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the country. On the Eau Claire trail, spot craggy grey peaks, including the 3,000m Mount Kidd, and the boulder-lined Kananaskis River. On the 6.5-mile Prairie View Lookout Trail, you’ll climb through thick forest until you reach the top of a cliff. Meanwhile Canmore, the local town, has a well-marked trail system for every level, not to mention plenty of lovely cafes to duck into after a walk.
Halifax
Maritime Halifax, the eastern gateway to Canada, is on the verge of its own great ocean wilderness. You need only go minutes from the downtown for top-notch hiking opportunities. Long Lake Provincial Park, for example, is just 15 minutes’ drive from central Halifax and perfect for those that like to go off the beaten path. Or, how about taking advantage of that great Atlantic coastline? The eight-mile Crystal Crescent Trail covers rocky beaches in a loop that’s easily done by moderately fit trekkers in a day.
Montreal
While Montreal’s city park, Mount Royal, offers plenty of leafy getaways inside the centre, nothing beats the dramatic Mt Tremblant, two hours’ drive away. In winter, it might be covered in snow and skiers, but in summer it’s a world-class hiking destination. With 11 trails ranging from a half mile to seven miles, there’s truly something for everyone – including waterfalls, lakes and wildlife. Views from the summit are truly something, but if you’re getting tired, you could always choose to take in the view from one of the panoramic gondolas instead.
Toronto
As Canada’s largest city, you might think finding real wilderness near Toronto would be difficult. Think again – just east of bustling downtown, 5,000-hectare Rouge Park is a hiker’s treasure. Wetlands, farmlands, sandy beaches, and thick forests are just the beginning. It’s beloved by birdwatchers, cyclists and anyone who loves a jaw-dropping landscape. Most trails average around a mile, which means you can easily do several in one day. Only time for one? The views across the Rouge River valleys on the Vista trail are hard to beat.
To find out more about Canada and book your visit, go to keepexploring.com.au
