10 Family-Friendly Hiking Trails in Western Canada
Summer has finally arrived!
Western Canada has a lot to offer anyone looking to spend a few hours under the sun and away from their cell phone. With kids out of school for the next couple months and families looking to spend more time in nature, we have compiled a list of our 10 favourite trails for families of all ages to explore the great outdoors. British Columbia and Alberta have thousands of hiking trails spread across numerous national and provincial parks, many that are both beautiful and manageable for kids and adults alike. Depending on the age of your family, physical fitness, and interest, these trails are worth a visit:
1. Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park, Alberta
This trail features dramatic waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and sturdy catwalks. It's a relatively easy hike, making it perfect for families with children.
Length: 5.1 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Upper and Lower Falls, catwalks over the canyon, wildlife sightings
Located in the heart of Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon is a must-see. The trail offers a series of catwalks that take you over the rushing waters of the canyon, providing thrilling views of the Upper and Lower Falls. It's a well-maintained path that's suitable for most fitness levels, including younger kids. Those with more mature children looking for a longer hike can continue beyond the falls to Ink Pots.
The Stanley Park Seawall offers spectacular views of the city, ocean, and mountains. It's a flat, paved path suitable for strollers and young children.
Length: 9 km (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Beaches, totem poles, Vancouver Aquarium, playgrounds
Stanley Park is Vancouver's crown jewel, and the Seawall is the perfect way to explore it. This flat, paved path winds around the park, offering incredible views of the city skyline, mountains, and ocean. It’s an excellent trail for families, especially those with strollers, bikes and wheelchairs.
3. Othello Tunnels, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, British Columbia
This trail takes you through historic railway tunnels and bridges, offering unique views of the Coquihalla River gorge.
Length: 3.5 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Historic tunnels, stunning river views, picnic areas
The Othello Tunnels trail is a fascinating walk through a series of old railway tunnels and bridges. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Coquihalla River gorge, it's both an educational and visually stunning hike. The trail is flat and short, making it ideal for families with young children who like a bit of history.
4. Grassi Lakes Trail, Canmore, Alberta
A short but rewarding hike featuring turquoise lakes and impressive rock formations. There are two trail options: an easier path and a more challenging one.
Length: 4 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Crystal-clear lakes, scenic views, rock climbing spots
Grassi Lakes Trail offers a bit of everything—easy access, beautiful scenery, and a touch of adventure. Families can choose between an easy route with a gentle incline or a steeper, more challenging path. Either way, you'll be rewarded with views of two stunning turquoise lakes and fascinating rock formations.
5. Kettle Valley Railway Trail, Myra Canyon, British Columbia
This trail follows a historic railway bed and includes trestle bridges and tunnels, making it a fascinating and fun hike for families.
Length: 12 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Wooden trestles, tunnels, panoramic views
One of the longer treks, Myra Canyon's Kettle Valley Railway Trail is a piece of history and a fantastic hike for those mature family members. The trail features 18 trestle bridges and two tunnels, all with breathtaking views of the canyon. It's a flat, easy walk that’s perfect for a day of exploration and learning.
A gentle loop around the picturesque Emerald Lake, offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
Length: 5.2 km (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Emerald-colored lake, mountain views, wildflower meadows
Emerald Lake Loop is as serene as it is beautiful. This gentle, flat trail circumnavigates the stunning lake, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It's a peaceful hike perfect for families looking to enjoy nature at a leisurely pace.
7. Goldstream Trestle Trail, Goldstream Provincial Park, British Columbia
This trail features lush forest scenery and a historic railway trestle bridge (what? kids like trains). A great spot for a family picnic.
Length: 6 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Forest, trestle bridge, Niagara Falls (BC)
Goldstream Trestle Trail offers a mix of natural beauty and history. The trail winds through a lush forest and leads to an impressive railway trestle bridge. It’s moderately challenging, but the scenic rewards and the chance to explore a piece of local history make it worth the effort.
8. Lake Agnes Tea House Trail, Lake Louise, Alberta
Hike up to a charming tea house with stunning lake views. It’s a bit of a climb but well worth the effort.
Length: 7 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Lake Louise, tea house, Mirror Lake
The Lake Agnes Tea House Trail is a delightful family hike with a unique destination. After a moderate climb, you reach a quaint tea house overlooking a beautiful alpine lake. It’s a great spot for a rest and some refreshments before heading back down.
Why it's great: An accessible boardwalk through wetlands and forest, perfect for wildlife viewing and family-friendly exploration.
Length: 3 km (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Wetlands, beaver dams, interpretive signs
The Beaver Boardwalk offers a unique opportunity to explore wetlands and forest habitats up close. The easy, accessible boardwalk is perfect for families with young children, and there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including beavers in their natural environment.
10. Revelstoke Greenbelt, Revelstoke, British Columbia
This easy trail offers a peaceful walk along the Columbia River with great opportunities for bird watching.
Length: 5 km (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: River views, bird watching, interpretive signs
The Revelstoke Greenbelt is a tranquil trail that follows the Columbia River, offering stunning views and excellent bird-watching opportunities. It's a flat, easy walk that's perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Western Canada's hiking trails provide a blend of adventure, education, and natural beauty, making them ideal for anyone seeking a manageable getaway. So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and plan to explore at least one of these trails before the leaves begin to drop.
For more details on specific trails and features, this video on the Trail Collectiv app is an excellent resource, showcasing how you can make the most of your hiking excursions.