Solo Trails and Stunning Views: A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Hiking West Canada

Before we start

Disclaimer: Hiking and adventuring alone in Canada can be an incredible experience but it comes with risks. Always take precautions, such as informing someone of your plans, bringing bear spray, and staying aware of your surroundings. Wildlife encounters, sudden weather changes, and long distances between services can all pose challenges. Be prepared, and prioritise safety over spontaneity.

Bear Spray Is Your BFF: Whether it’s bears, cougars, or wolves, a little canister of bear spray will give you peace of mind. Grab some at local stores in Banff or Jasper.
Download AllTrails: This app will save your life when you’re hiking solo. Not literally (hopefully), but it’s a goldmine for finding and navigating trails.
Pack Your Gear Early: Rent your paddleboards, camping kit, or other outdoor gear in Calgary. You’ll save a fortune compared to renting at your final destination.

The Ultimate 14-Day Solo Adventure

If you’ve ever dreamed of lacing up your hiking boots, grabbing a map (or let’s be real, the AllTrails app), and venturing off into the untamed beauty of West Canada all on your own, this blog is for you. Trust me, there’s no better way to truly embrace the wilderness and its vast, jaw-dropping splendour than by hiking solo. With every step, you’ll find confidence growing, your worries melting, and a world of wonder opening up.

Here’s the lowdown on my 14-day solo road trip through the Canadian Rockies, charming towns, and serene coastal hideaways. It’s packed with adventure, self-discovery, and all the tips you’ll need to give you inspo for your own Canada trip.

The Route of Dreams

Day 1-2: Calgary → Day 2-3: Banff National Park → Day 3-6: Jasper National Park → Day 6-7: Kamloops → Day 7-9: Vancouver → Day 9-12: Vancouver Island → Day 12-14: Calgary Road Trip Return

Yes, this is a road trip that demands wheels—preferably something rugged like a pickup or SUV. I booked through Canadian Affair, who offered rates way cheaper than renting directly. You’ll be covering hundreds of kilometres, but every mile is worth it for the views and freedom.

Day 1–2: Calgary - Gateway to Adventure

Start your journey in Calgary, the gateway to the Rockies. While the city itself might feel a little quiet for those craving adventure, it offers fantastic food and great skyline views. Spend a night here to recover from your flight, then hit the road early on Day 2 to dive straight into the Rockies.

Day 2–3: Banff National Park (and Beyond)

Welcome to one of Canada’s crown jewels! Banff is a stunning alpine town, surrounded by towering peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and endless hiking opportunities.

Highlights in Banff and Surroundings:

Banff Town: A charming (albeit touristy) hub with plenty of restaurants and shops. Consider staying in Canmore, a quieter and more budget-friendly town just 20 minutes away.
Lake Boom: A hidden gem, this 5km (one-way) hike through forests rewards you with a serene glacier-fed lake, far from the crowds of Lake Louise. Be cautious, as wildlife is common here—bring bear spray!
Radium Hot Springs: Located an hour away via the Kootenay Highway, these open-air springs are perfect for relaxing. The drive itself is a highlight, with stunning viewpoints and untouched wilderness. Just remember—this area has no phone reception or gas stations, so plan ahead.
Lake Louise: Arrive early to secure parking and soak in the beauty of this iconic spot. Walk the lakeshore path, and for a real treat, take the 15km Plain of Six Glaciers Hike to a teahouse with epic views. Add side trips to Mirror Lake and Agnes Lake for a trifecta of glacial beauty.

Day 3–6: Jasper National Park - Epic Drive & Hidden Trails

The 240km journey from Banff to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Plan for 3–5 hours of driving with stops along the way. Highlights include Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, and countless lookout points.

Must-Do Jasper Adventures:

Valley of the 5 Lakes: A 5km loop trail featuring—you guessed it—five vibrant lakes. Take your time at the First Lake, the most stunning of the bunch.
Maligne Canyon: This 3.7km loop offers spectacular views of deep canyon walls. Feeling adventurous? Explore the dry riverbeds at the canyon floor (only safe in shoulder seasons).
Hidden Valley Hike: A challenging trail with 360-degree views of the Jasper ranges. Wildlife encounters are common here, so stay vigilant and make noise to avoid startling bears or cougars.
Maligne Lake: One of the most underrated spots in Jasper. The drive to this pristine lake rivals the Icefields Parkway in beauty. Spend an hour walking along the shoreline, soaking in the peacefulness.
Pyramid Island: A tiny little island situated on Pyramid Lake, accessed by a wooden foot bridge. There is a carpark where you can walk from, which takes 5 mins (super easy) but it’s a very peaceful place that’s pretty much situated in Jasper Town.

Day 6–7: Kamloops Stopover

The road from Jasper to Vancouver is long (about 8 hours), so a stopover is a good idea. While Kamloops might feel a bit underwhelming compared to the Rockies, it’s a practical place to rest. If you want something more scenic, consider staying in Golden instead.

Roadside Stops Along the Way:

Yellowhead Lake & Overlander Falls (Mount Robson Provincial Park)
Spahats Creek, Helmcken Falls, and Dawson Falls (Wells Gray National Park)
Falls Lake Trail: A peaceful 1km walk to a serene lake, perfect for stretching your legs.

Day 7–9: Vancouver - City Meets Nature

A vibrant city that effortlessly blends urban living with natural beauty. Two days are enough to sample the highlights, but stay longer if you enjoy city vibes.

Vancouver Must-Sees:

Explore Stanley Park’s seawall and lush trails.
Stroll through Gastown for trendy cafes and shops.
Catch sunset views from Kitsilano Beach.

Day 9–12: Vancouver Island - Wild, Rugged and Peaceful

Take the BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, keeping an eye out for whales during the crossing. Vancouver Island is vast and diverse, so prioritise based on your time.

Nanaimo:

Harbourfront Walkway: Scenic and serene, with occasional seal sightings.
Englishman River Falls: A short trail with beautiful views of upper and lower waterfalls.

Tofino & Ucluelet: Nestled near the Pacific Rim National Park, these two coastal towns offer a mix of raw beauty and laid-back charm.

Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse Loop: A short, easy loop with jaw-dropping coastal views.
Long Beach & Combers Beach: Stunning stretches of sand backed by ancient rainforests. Perfect for beachcombing or simply unwinding.
Rainforest Figure 8 Trail: A peaceful boardwalk through towering trees and moss-covered landscapes.

Day 12–14: Vancouver Island to Calgary

The road back to Calgary is long but filled with opportunities to reminisce about your journey through one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Plan your stops wisely and enjoy the final stretch of your adventure.

Things to Keep in Mind

Car Rental: Opt for a sturdy vehicle (like a truck or SUV), as you’ll cover a lot of kilometres on this trip. Book through Canadian Affair for excellent rates.
Bear Safety: Always carry bear spray, especially in remote areas. Make noise while hiking to avoid startling wildlife.
Gear Rentals: Pick up any outdoor gear (SUPs, kayaks, tents, etc.) in Calgary to save money and increase flexibility.

Western Canada is more than just a destination—it’s a feeling, an experience, and an adventure you’ll never forget. For solo travellers, it’s a chance to connect deeply with nature while embracing the freedom of the open road.

Happy travels x