There are dozens of urban trails to investigate across Canada this summer. Here are some of our favourites.
Published on July 13, 2021
Canada has no shortage of great trails to explore. But while many residents travel outside of cities to get their fill of nature, there are dozens of great urban trails to visit across the country.
Urban trails offer residents and visitors a direct connection to nature, linking a city’s parks and neighbourhoods with accessible green space. They provide a space to be active, while enjoying the outdoors, steps away from denser city areas.
From Victoria BC’s ocean-view-packed trails, to Quebec City’s waterfall-filled paths, these are some of our favourites.
Victoria’s Galloping Goose Trail is a 55-kilometer-long multi-use trail that runs along an old railway line. Starting in the city at the Johnson Street Bridge, the trail passes lakes, forests and plenty of ocean look-outs. The first 13 kilometers of the trail are paved, making it an accessible option for wheelchairs and other mobility aids. It’s a great option for both those looking for a short or day-long hike, and provides beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.
Quebec City’s Parc linu00e9aire de la Riviu00e8re-Saint-Charles was created as part of a restoration along the St. Charles River. The 32-kilometer trail runs the length of the entire river, from the Port de Quebec in Old Quebec City to the mouth of the river at St. Charles Lake. Divided into 13 sections, the trail passes through many of the city’s parks, culminating in its largest one, Chaveau Park. While not all of the trail is paved, a four-kilometer stretch is accessible to cyclists and mobility devices. Visitors will get to see much of the city, along with beautiful natural features like the rapids and waterfalls.
Located at the south-end of the Halifax peninsula, Point Pleasant Park has 39 kilometers of trails for visitors to explore. Easily accessible from the city center, the 185-acre park contains ruins, abandoned quarries and artillery batteries for those looking for extra attractions, along with a beach, off-leash dog areas and several paved, accessible trails.
Edmonton’s River Loop Trail circles the city’s Fort Edmonton Park. The paved path has views of the river, and plenty of local foliage. It’s an easy visit for those looking for a quick urban hike. An unpaved path continues along the river, which leads to the Fort Edmonton Footbridge and Sir Wilfred Laurier Park.
Spanning over 11,00 hectares, the ravines are one of the city’s most beloved and defining natural features, forming a primary connection to the urban wilderness and linking river valleys with parks and neighbourhoods.
There are dozens of ways to enter and explore the city’s ravines. From the Evergreen Brick Works, visitors can walk north to explore the trail along the Moore Park Ravine, or south to explore the trail along the Don River Valley. And that’s just from the Brick Works — there are dozens of ways to enter the ravines across the city.
You can learn more about Evergreen’s work with the ravine system, and plans for future trails and activations here.
