The East Coast is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places for walking holidays in Canada, with landscapes saturated with impressive walking trails and extraordinary viewpoints of the surrounding mountains. At Walks Worldwide, we felt that this area of Canada was an unmissable place for hikers looking to experience the countries' diverse landscapes, from dense forests to spectacular seascapes.
So, what is it about the East Coast that makes it so special, and why should you go?
In this blog, we answer some commonly asked questions about the area, and share the highlights of what Eastern Canada has to offer hiking in the iconic Bruce Peninsula National Park, and along the East Coast Trail in Newfoundland.
When is the best time to hike in Canada?
This depends on what you wish to experience during your visit!
The most popular time for hiking in Canada is during the summer, when the weather is around 20°C and there's an abundance of wildlife to be seen. However, the early autumn is also a favourite, when despite the shorter days you can experience the beauty of the hues of amber and auburn beginning to develop. Views across lakes and valleys during autumn make for incredible photos.
The crowds also lessen around this time, which is another thing to keep in mind when choosing what time of year to visit. Walking holidays during these seasons offer thrilling outdoor experiences, with a myriad of hiking opportunities across breathtaking landscapes in the national parks.
Why visit Eastern Canada?
The stunning landscapes that envelope Eastern Canada are what makes this area of the world a must-visit destination. Experience endless kilometres of natural beauty whilst trekking across remote trails, and appreciate the fascinating array of wildlife that calls this place home, including moose, black bears, and white-tailed deer.
Marvel at turquoise waters and secluded coves in the national parks, and deep fjords and towering cliffs on the East Coast. An authentic experience is also promised when delving into the rich history and culture of Eastern communities.
When should I go to Eastern Canada?
Whilst Eastern Canada is beautiful all year round, the summer months are typically the best, when the temperatures are warm but not too hot, and all the tourism infrastructure is up and running. However, if you want to avoid crowds, it’s recommended that you go either side of the summer period (April/May and September/October) to catch this area at a more peaceful time.
Known as the Indian Summer, the autumn is an especially gorgeous time for walking enthusiasts to experience the area, with the trees reaching their peak autumn grandeur at this time.
How long does it take to hike the East Coast Trail, Newfoundland?
The whole trail is approximately 336 kilometres of undulating pathway that twists along the eastern edge of the Avalon Peninsula. This challenging trek consists of 25 individual trails, and hiking the whole route would take roughly 106 hours to complete!
Our East Coast Trail trip takes you from St. Johns all the way down to Port Kirwan, and consists of hikes up to 16 kilometres per day, for a total of eight days. The great thing about this hiking trail is that it can be completed in sections, so you can always re-visit this stunning area and accomplish another route later on.
How hard is the East Coast Trail?
Although not as challenging as the West Coast Trail, the East Coast varies in difficulty, with some parts of the trail presenting more of a challenge than others. The trail itself has minimal structure in place, therefore pathways may have exposed tree roots and rocks, and unpredictable weather can make the trail slippery under foot. Keeping all of this in mind, bringing correct hiking gear and having a good level of fitness is essential.
Whilst some aspects of the hike are moderately challenging, the views across the vast wilderness and the sights of some of the world's most unique natural features make it completely worth it! Thanks to the East Coast Trail Association, the routes are kept accessible to the public whilst minimising its impact on the natural environment, allowing visitors to adventure along this spectacular coastline.
What is special about Bruce Peninsula?
Nestled between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of the most incredible in Canada, offering everything from picturesque aquamarine lakes, dramatic cliff faces, and rolling miles of pristine, untouched forest. Not only is this area of the world a photographer's dream, but also a nature lovers thanks to its impressive diversity of local wildlife, including black bears, raccoons, red foxes and the rare massausauga rattlesnake.
Endless kilometres of marked hiking trails meander over mountains and through forests in this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, making it a true paradise for an aspiring explorer, and a fabulous location for a walking holiday.
How long does it take to hike the trails in Bruce Peninsula?
There's a plethora of accessible walking trails in the Bruce Peninsula available to explore, offering plenty of choice for spectacular day hikes, all varying in length and difficulty. The 900 kilometre Bruce Trail, for example, would take approximately 30 days in total to complete, however most people accomplish the trail in manageable sections.
Our Bruce Peninsula Hike trip takes you on a selection of the best day hikes along the Bruce Trail, including stops at the jaw-dropping Niagara Escarpment and the beautiful Georgian Bay. Each walk covers a distance ranging from 10 to 20 kilometres, on both shallow and steep terrains, and take approximately 4–7 hours per day, spread across four days.
How hard is the hiking in Bruce Peninsula?
Hiking difficulty in the Bruce Peninsula varies depending on the trail, with some sections presenting challenging terrain and some being fairly flat and easy. For example, the Peninsula section of the trail is considered to be the most challenging, with uneven terrain, and some rock scrambling required. Overall, navigation is relatively straightforward, with well-maintained signage and a good mapping system.
Our 'Bruce Peninsula Hike' trip comprises multi-day walks, beginning in Lion's Head and ending in Tobermory, with each day covering a distance ranging from 10 to 20 kilometres. We rate this walking holiday as moderate, meaning that there may be elements of uneven forest tracks and some light scrambling, however, it is suitable for most regular hillwalkers.
Walking highlights of Eastern Canada
- Hike some of the most highly sought-after picturesque trails in the country
- Enjoy daily hikes on a range of pathways, including boardwalk trails and forest paths
- Spot a plethora of unique and native flora and fauna
- Discover breathtaking coastal areas and captivating forests
- Experience welcoming Canadian hospitality
Are you ready to explore all that Eastern Canada has to offer? Find out more about our East Coast Trail trip based in Newfoundland and Labrador, and our Bruce Peninsula Hike based in Ontario, today.
