Almost every national and provincial park in Canada is webbed with hiking trails, ranging from easy interpretive nature hikes to long-distance trails into the backcountry. Late summer and early fall are good times to plan a walking holiday, since spring comes late to much of Canada--trails in the high country may be snowbound until July.

Most parks have developed free hiking and trail information, as well as details on accessible trails for people with mobility concerns. Before setting out, be sure to request this info and buy a good map. If you're taking a long trip, evaluate your fitness and equipment before you leave; once in the backcountry, there's no way out except on foot, so make sure your boots fit and you understand the risks you're undertaking.

Though there are great trails and magnificent scenery across Canada, for many people the Canadian Rockies, with their abundance of parks and developed trail systems, provide the country's finest hiking.