Hiking hot spots
Hiking and biking
Canada's seemingly endless supply of trails covers the country from coast to coast. Ready boots? Start walking...
The 243-hectare Irving Nature Park in Saint John, New Brunswick, is bounded by mud flats, saltwater marshes and a sandy beach, making for marvellous views of diverse marine life. The park has eight trails, plus a wheelchair-accessible roadway, a seal observation deck and a bird-watching boardwalk. (506-632-7777; www.ifdn.com).
Hikers and bikers gravitate to Prince Edward Island's Confederation Trail, the gently graded 279-kilometre path that winds past kelly green fields, red clay cliffs and white sand beaches. Go to www.peiplay.com for tips on travelling the trail independently, or sign on with a tour company offering guides, bike rentals and van support. (800-672-0775; www.freewheeling.ca or 800-969-2822; www.macqueens.com).
Before the Second World War, ski-mad Montrealers reached the Laurentians on trains that ran through quiet valleys and quaint villages before arriving at Mont-Laurier. In 1996, recreational trails replaced the rails, and stations were transformed into rest stops –- some with cafés and boutiques. The 200-kilometre-long Le Petit Train Du Nord park welcomes 400,000 outdoor enthusiasts each summer. (800-561-6673; www.laurentides.com).
Beaver Creek Conservation Area, 13 kilometres south of Saskatoon, is the perfect place for an afternoon amble. With five scenic nature trails, it's also one of the last native short-grass Prairie sites in Saskatchewan. Bonus for night owls: sign up for an evening of meteor watching. (306-374-2474; www.meewasin.com).
Take a walk on the wild side in Lynn Canyon Park, a lush 250-hectare enclave of cedar, hemlock and 100-year-old Douglas fir in North Vancouver. Along with trails of varying length and difficulty, the park features an idyllic swimming spot and an impressive 50-metre-high suspension bridge. (604-987-7131; www.district.north-van.bc.ca).
Page 2 of 4
