Adrian Tanner loves Newfoundland's 540-kilometre East Coast Trail. In spring there are icebergs and whales, says the hiker and anthropologist from Petty Harbour, Nfld. "You're within sight of the sea at most points," he adds.
Moving west, Michael Haynes, a hiker and author, recommends the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. On the west coast you can see whales and moose. On a clear day, you might even sight the Magdalen Islands.
Fredericton hiker Jeff Gray enjoys Nova Scotia's Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, with more than 4,000 hectares along the Bay of Fundy, and Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, with its rocky shores, salt marshes and dramatic cliffs.
Quebec's Laurentian Mountains are a dreamland of hiking trails. One of Haynes' favourites is the Toit-des-Laurentides trail in Parc National du Mont-Tremblant.
The Bruce Trail, a footpath spanning the Niagara Escarpment, in Ontario, has 845 kilometres of main trails and 430 kilometres of side trails. The Bruce Trail Conservancy website describes 40 great hikes.
In Saskatchewan's Prince Albert National Park, you can hike 20 kilometres to the cabin of Grey Owl, a conservationist who lived in the early 20th century.
The Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park in British Columbia is the top choice of Carole Garnick, a guide from Alberta. You're hiking right below glaciers, and you can see way down into the Yoho valley.
Garnick's other pick is the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park in Alberta.
For more information on Canada's national parks visit the Parks Canada website at www.pc.gc.ca.
The hiker warm-up
Warming up for a hike doesn't have to turn into an Olympic-size workout. Some hikers shun the stretches and simply go slowly for the first part of the trek – and that's OK.
If you prefer to limber up with exercises, try these easy stretches, recommended by mountain-hiking guide Carole Garnick.
• Place both hands on a car or tree. Take small steps back, keeping your heels to the ground. Continue until you feel a stretch in the muscles in the back of your legs.
• Stand beside a car or tree for balance. Bend one leg behind you, grasp the ankle and gently pull your heel up to your bottom. Do the same with your other ankle. Repeat on each side several times.
• Rotate your arms at the shoulders in wide circles several times. Bring your right arm across your chest and gently push on your right elbow with your left hand. Repeat on the other side.
Read more:
Family camping
How to start your own walking or running regimen
The 5 fitness pros that can help you reach your goal
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