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In Canada, especially in the Canadian Rockies, hiking conditions can change in minutes. Be prepared for all sorts of weather. It is particularly important to have rainwear, as it can be very dangerous to get wet when you are high in the mountains. Warm clothing is a good idea any time of the year, just in case. Also, a cell phone, or even better, a GPS can keep an "incident" from becoming an emergency if you plan to go deep into the wilderness.
Dangerous Animals In Canada
Throughout the Canadian Rockies, Grizzly bears are a possible problem when you are hiking. It is always safer to hike in a group when you are in Grizzly country. Bear spray cost about $50, and has been used successfully to head off attacks by large bears, but if you are driving in from the U.S., you aren't allowed to take it into Canada. Hiking with "bear bells," or talking and singing will keep you from surprising a bear, which is what usually provokes an attack.
It is also worth noting that more people are injured by moose than by bears. So don't try to get that close up of your wife next to a large bull moose. Mountain lions rarely attack people, but if you are attacked, fight like hell. Many times mountain lions have decided people aren't worth the trouble when they have fought back. Finally, don't worry about wolves and coyotes. They only attack people in the movies. Don't let a few wild animals scare you off in any case. Canada is one of the best places to go for mountain hiking.
Banff National Park
In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning was born Banff National Park, the first national park in Canada, and the world's third. The park is on the border of British Columbia and Alberta. It spans 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers. Banff National Park is truly one of the world's premier destinations for those who love mountains (and mountain hiking).
For more information, use the link here to the official Banff National Park Web Site.
Jasper National Park
In Canada, hiking doesn't get better than in Jasper. It is the largest and most northerly park in the Rocky mountains, and part of a spectacular World Heritage Site. Comprised of delicate and carefully protected ecosystems, Jasper's scenery is still rugged and mountainous. You can listen to the thunder of Sunwapta Falls, or enjoy the serene beauty of Mount Edith Cavell. There are also 1,000-plus kilometers of hiking trails. You can see Athabasca Glacier up close or just resign yourself to a relaxing soak in Miette Hot springs.
For more information, use the link here to the official Jasper National Park Web Site.
Kluane National Park
Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada covers an area of 21,980 square kilometers. It is a land of precipitous, high mountains, as well as immense ice fields and lush valleys. You'll find a diverse array of plant and animal species and a many outdoor activities. Kluane National Park and Reserve is also home to Mount Logan (5959 m/19,545 ft), Canada's highest peak. If you come to Canada for hiking, this is about as rugged as it gets.
Kluane National Park and Reserve is part of a larger system of national parks and historic sites found throughout Canada, and it protects a significant example of Canada's North Coast Mountains, as well as the associated regional cultural heritage.
For more information, use the link here to the official Kluane National Park Web Site.
Other Hiking Opportunities in
Canada
I have concentrated on the mountain hiking opportunities, and really just on the big mountains of Canada. But there are a lot of other places to go hiking in Canada, and there are even mountain hiking opportunities on the east side of the country. For more information, you can use the link here to the official Parks Canada Web Site.
You may also want to visit the page on Alaska Hiking.