Family-friendly hikes

Make happy memories on the trails!

Whether you want to go for a walk with kids in a stroller or challenge your teenagers, there's a hike for you at Parks Canada! Be inspired by our family-friendly suggestions and enjoy free admission for kids 17 and under.

Atlantic

Don't miss!

Two people at a lookout overlooking a bay along the North Head Trail at Signal Hill.

North Head Trail

Signal Hill National Historic Site, Newfoundland and Labrador

Level of difficulty: Challenging. Perfect for active parents carrying strapped on babies, or families with older children.

Length: 1.7 km

Time: 1 hour

Leave the pretty city of St John’s behind and wind your way up from the Battery to the top of Signal Hill. This trail has been in use since the 1500s. Follow in the footsteps of hundreds of thousands of hikers up steep stairs, rocky sections and narrow paths. In the summer, you may be able to see whales and icebergs, and the views across the water and harbour are spectacular. Reward yourself with a treat from the famous Newfoundland Chocolate Café!

Short hikes for little legs

Start a lifelong love of hiking with these under 40 minute hikes.

A visitor with a stroller on the Freshwater Lake Trail in Cape Breton Highlands.

Freshwater Lake Trail

Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Nova Scotia

Enjoy a 1.7 km (round-trip) stroll along the ocean and listen for the unique sounds of the loon. Maybe you’ll even spot one from the viewing deck.

An adult and a child on Kellys Beach wooden boardwalk overlooking salt marshes and dunes in Kouchibouguac.

Kellys Beach Boardwalk

Kouchibouguac National Park
New Brunswick

An easy accessible 30-minute stroll along the boardwalk over the barrier island dunes with interpretive signs and stunning views across Kellys beach and the sea.

Stroller friendly hikes

The wooden boardwalk of Havre Saint Pierre Trail overlooking the coastal dune system in PEI.

Havre Saint Pierre

Prince Edward Island National Park
Prince Edward Island

Learn about the unique ecosystem and history of Greenwich on a 1.1 km hike along the boardwalk which protects the fragile coastal dune system.

The shore of Louisbourg Harbour with old buildings and boats at Fortress of Louisbourg.

Old Town Trail

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
Nova Scotia

Located on Route 22, this 2.25 km walk along shore of Louisbourg Harbour takes visitors through the Old Town on a hike through 300 years of history and wonderful harbour and fortress views.

Tire out teens

A small group of people on the Gros Morne Mountain trail with lakes and mountains in the background.

Gros Morne Mountain Trail

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador

Tackle this all-day 17 km hike through forests, up stairs and across boardwalks as a family, and make memories to last a lifetime. This trail takes you to the park’s highest point (806 meters) with breathtaking views over the Long Range Mountains and the Ten Mile Pond.

Quebec

Don't miss!

Two adults and two children picnicking next to a lighthouse in Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.

Cap de Bon Desir trail

Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park

Level of difficulty: Easy. Perfect for ocean life-loving toddlers to teens

Length: 350 m

Time: 15 mins

Plan a picnic and an easy wander along the main trail and boardwalk, which leads directly to the look-out over the marine park. Settle down with a sandwich and some binoculars and get ready for a magical afternoon. Your family will love spotting pods of whales out on the water. You may also spot playful seals who come close to shore!

Short hikes for little legs

Start a lifelong love of hiking with these under 40 minute hikes.

Two adults and two teenagers with a phone on the lawn next to the walls of the Quebec fortifications.

Fortifications of Quebec

Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site

Take a short walk along the fortification walls and step back in time to explore Quebec City’s fascinating military past. Admire the work of skilled craftsmen who helped build the city hundreds of years ago.

Two small groups on the wooden boardwalk of the La Tourbière trail near interpretative panels in La Mauricie National Park.

La Tourbière

La Mauricie National Park

Fire up young imaginations at La Tourbière with stories of insect-eating plants, on this 15-minute boardwalk hike into the middle of a floating green ‘carpet’ of pitcher plants and exotic orchids.

Stroller friendly hikes

Two adults with children on their shoulders next to a lighthouse with the sea in the background in Mingan Archipelago.

La Lumière Trail

Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

Illuminating times await when you follow the all-access boardwalk to the historic lighthouse on Petite île au Marteau. Imagine living in the lighthouse and helping save ships from crashing onto the shores!

People on a boardwalk along the Lachine Canal.

Canal Path

Lachine Canal National Historic Site

Take your time, and explore the 13.5 km of perfectly flat pathway from the Bonaventure Expressway west of the Old Port to Chemin du Musée in Lachine. On the way there’s plenty for all ages to enjoy from green spaces to play in, to centuries-old buildings to explore. Plus the delicious Atwater Market is en route to stop for picnic supplies!

Tire out teens

Aerial view of the tip of Forillon with the lighthouse station atop a cliff bordered by the sea.

Les Graves Trail

Forillon National Park

Bring the family together on a challenging 4-5-hour, 15.2 km round trip which takes in woods and fields, and overlooks the sea and tucked-away coves. Maybe you’ll spot bears or porcupines in the bush, or even whales on the waves! Take a group photo at the solar powered lighthouse and enjoy the winding trail to the bottom of the cliff at Land’s End.

Ontario

Don't miss!

Two adults and four children on a wooden boardwalk crossing dunes toward Horseshoe Bay in Pukaskwa.

Boardwalk Beach Trail

Pukaskwa National Park

Level of difficulty: Easy; ideal for all ages from toddlers to teens

Length: 1.2 km with 0.2 km of boardwalk

Time: 30 minutes round-trip

Set off from the Visitor Centre and make for Pukaskwa’s famous Horseshoe Bay, where the waves crash against the granite shore and sand dune beach, fringed with spruce and pine. Stroll the boardwalk and time your visit for sunset to watch the horizon blush pink.

Short hikes for little legs

Start a lifelong love of hiking with these under 40 minute hikes.

Close-up of vegetation in a wetland environment along the Singing Sands Boardwalk Trail in Bruce Peninsula.

Singing Sands Boardwalk Trail

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Even the youngest toddler can make this 200 m stroll along the boardwalk to see the beautiful greenery, including insect-eating plants and exotic orchids, which grow in the delicate wetlands below.

The Daytripper is docked as visitors disembark in Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

Heritage Loop Trail

Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Book your passage on the Daytripper for a 15-minute boat trip to Beausoleil Island and enjoy a short hike through the shady mixed forest. Learn about 7,000 years of First Nations history on the island through the interpretive panels.

Stroller friendly hikes

Aerial view of the Marsh Boardwalk Trail crossing a wetland with tall grasses at Point Pelee.

Marsh Boardwalk Trail

Point Pelee National Park

See how many painted turtles, red-winged blackbirds or cattails you can count as you stroll the 1 km floating boardwalk loop. Take in an observation tower and use the telescopes for a closer look at the diverse habitat in the park.

Two adults and two children are holding hands on a forest trail at Fort St. Joseph.

Rains Point Trail

Fort St Joseph National Historic Site

Everyone can enjoy this 0.5 km trail which winds through the forest to the site of an old settlement which dates back to 1837. No buildings remain, but you can admire the fragrant lilacs and roses which were planted near the limestone beach on the shores of Lake Huron.

Tire out teens

Visitors climb a wooden staircase along a forest trail in Rouge National Urban Park.

Cedar Trail

Rouge National Urban Park

Take 2.5 hrs to blow off steam exploring the lush green forests and restored wetlands along the 4.5 km Cedar Trail. Sections of the trail are steep and can be slippery, so watch your step! Look out for beavers and birdlife along the river. See if you can spot a snapping turtle at the Beare Wetland complex.

Canadian Prairies

Don't miss!

A wooden boardwalk in the forest at Riding Mountain.

Brûlé Trail

Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba

Level of difficulty: Make it easy or medium on this loop.

Length: Short loop 2.1 km, longer loop 4.2 km

Time: 45/90 minutes.

Gather the family and head out on this fairly flat loop (with a few tree roots to clamber over!) that takes in lush forest, springy mossy floor, and the serene beauty of Lake Kinosao. Pick up a guide booklet from the visitor centre and see how many wood lilies and other wildflowers you can identify along the way.

Short hikes for little legs

Start a lifelong love of hiking with these under 40 minute hikes.

Two adults and four children using GPS devices on a forest trail at Fort Walsh.

Métis Trail

Fort Walsh National Historic Site
Saskatchewan

Admire the views of the emerald valley as you enjoy pre-hike picnic at the nearby shelter. After lunch take a quick trip through the forest and along the stunning Battle Creek on this easy 550 m walking trail.

Close-up of two children in a field at Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site.

Stueck Nature Walk Trail

Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site
Saskatchewan

Love looking at birds? This easy 1.5 km trek takes you through a farmer’s field to a nearby wetlands area with an observation platform. Perfect for all ages after a picnic on the dock overlooking a peaceful prairie scene.

Stroller friendly hikes

Four people sitting on the grass at the edge of the forest along the Valleyview Easy Loop Trail in Prince Albert.

Valleyview Easy Loop Trail

Prince Albert National Park
Saskatchewan

Pack up lunch and make your way along 200 m of fully-accessible trail to the Valleyview picnic site. Enjoy the sweeping views over the curving river which snakes its way through the valley.

A group of visitors and a stroller wait for the shuttle to arrive, with a church in the background at Batoche.

Humboldt Trail

Batoche National Historic Site
Saskatchewan

Make it a ‘hike and ride’ on the Batoche shuttle which opens up this historic site to all visitors. Get on board the open-sided, fully accessible ride to discover the story of the site of Louis Riel’s provisional government of Saskatchewan, and the bloody battle of 1885.

Tire out teens

Four young adults on the 70 Mile Butte Trail, with the sun and prairies in the background.

70 Mile Butte

Grasslands National Park
Saskatchewan

Climb one of the highest peaks in the park on this 4.1 km challenge. Make the trip early in the morning or at dusk to watch the sun rise or set over the valley. The views from the top are unforgettable!

Western Canada

Don't miss!

Young people and an adult on the wooden boardwalk along the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail at Mount Revelstoke.

Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail

Mount Revelstoke National Park, British Columbia

Level of difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.2 km

Time: 45 mins

Challenge the family to a fun game of I-spy on this trail with an all-access boardwalk over a swamp packed with fascinating flowers, plants and critters! Signs will help you out along the way. See if you can spot muskrats, beavers, and—of course—skunk cabbages!

Short hikes for little legs

Start a lifelong love of hiking with these under 40 minute hikes.

A couple carrying a baby in the forest at Pacific Rim.

Shorepine Bog Trail

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
British Columbia

Uncover the fascinating story of the determined shorepine trees that somehow manage to survive amongst the sphagnum moss bogs, growing sideways instead of upwards! The boardwalk is an easy 20-minute stroll over the bog with plenty of interpretive panels along the way.

Three young adults sitting on rocks by Lake Minnewanka, with the mountains in the background in Banff.

Lake Minnewanka Trail (to Stewart Canyon)

Banff National Park
Alberta

Perfect for little ones who love beachcombing. This easy 1.6 km, 60-minute mostly flat hike leads you from the shoreline of Lake Minnewanka to Stewart Canyon. Along the way there’s a bridge over the Cascade River, and plenty of pebbly driftwood-scattered beaches.

Stroller friendly hikes

A woman walking along a wooden boardwalk through the rainforest in Glacier National Park.

Hemlock Grove Boardwalk trail

Glacier National Park
British Columbia

As an incredible legacy to Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour when he climbed the Rogers Pass in his wheelchair, this short 350-metre barrier-free boardwalk now means everyone can experience the beauty of the rainforest on this immersive, easy hike.

Two people in the distance on a paved forest trail in Jasper.

The Lee Trail, Lake Annette

Jasper National Park
Alberta

The accessible Lee Trail around the perimeter of beautiful Lake Annette is 2.4 km. The trail was recently widened and paved, and features brand new interpretive signage. The sandy beach, picnic sites and playground make this a perfect family pick.

Tire out teens

Two visitors at the base of a waterfall on a trail in Yoho.

Yoho Valley Trail (to Laughing Falls)

Yoho National Park
British Columbia

This 9 km trail winds 125m high through the dense old growth forest to a waterfall where the Little Yoho and Yoho Rivers meet. A fun afternoon or morning hike with the most gorgeous views at the end!

Northern Canada

Don't miss!

Mountain peaks with clouds in the background in Auyuittuq.

Ulu Peak Trail

Auyuittuq National Park, Nunavut

Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate. Probably best for kids 10 or over who can walk a distance on uneven ground.

Length: 10 km round-trip depending on tides and the drop off point.

Time: Plan for a whole day’s expedition, but the hike is on your own pace and usually takes under two hours.

Throughout July and August join the lucky group of people who’ve made the journey to visit the Pangnirtung community, 50 kilometres (31 miles) south of the Arctic Circle. Head out with a local Inuk outfitter on a 30 km boat trip through the fjord to the drop-off point. Then join a Parks Canada guide to hear stories of this vast and rugged landscape.

Short hikes for little legs

A man and a child on the Karstland Trail in Wood Buffalo.

Karstland Trail

Wood Buffalo National Park
Northwest Territories

Even the shortest legs can toddle their way along this easy trail which starts at the Salt River Day Use Area and winds its way through fascinating karst terrain with its sinkholes and dolomite. Eagle-eyed hikers may be able to spot cute red-sided garter snakes and learn from the interpretive signs that line the 780 m route.

Stroller friendly hikes

An adult and twins by Kathleen Lake in Kluane.

Kokanee Trail

Kluane National Park and Reserve
Yukon

Soak up spectacular views over the lake shore and mountains when you follow the 1 km Kokanee Trail along an accessible boardwalk and learn all about the kokanee salmon who live in the lake. Take a rest on one of the benches along the way and see how many fish you can see!

Tire out teens

Two visitors on the Sheep Creek Trail, with mountains in the background in Kluane.

Sheep Creek Trail

Kluane National Park and Reserve
Yukon

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the northern part of the park, located in the Ä’äy Chù Valley, where the scenery is spectacular. Start by heading to the Thechàl Dhâl’ Visitor Centre and observe the mountain through the spotting scope—you might be lucky enough to see Dall sheep.

Then follow an uphill trail along Thechàl Dhâl’ (Sheep Mountain), above Sheep Creek. Take in the views of the valley as you make your way through the subalpine zone. This is a 10 km intermediate trail where all your efforts will be rewarded!

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