Hiking by Train in Western Canada: 5 Trails Near VIA Rail Stations

This collection features hikes in Western Canada that are accessible from a VIA Rail train station.

This initiative, led by Destination Canada—the country’s national tourism marketing organization—aims to encourage more sustainable, slower, and more meaningful ways to travel, with a deeper connection to the places you visit.

Here are five hikes near a train station in Western Canada.

1 - Vancouver - Mosquito Creek Trail - 7,52 km

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Credit: Vancouver's North Shore Tourism

The Mosquito Creek Trail is a hidden natural gem within the urban landscape of North Vancouver. This route follows the marked trail before branching off to continue on to Grouse Mountain.

The starting point is a 45-minute bus ride from Vancouver's Pacific Central Station. To return to downtown from Grouse Mountain, take bus #236 to Lonsdale Quay and then the Seabus.

From the very first steps, the trail joins the Mosquito Creek Trail and, of course, the banks of the creek that gives the trail its name. The gentle lapping of the water accompanies your steps as you hike along this gravel path. Constantly immersed in lush greenery, you'll pass through William Griffin Park and Mosquito Creek Park.

At the end of the trail, the Baden Powell Trail takes over. The environment becomes more alpine, the terrain more rugged, and the slope steeper. However, the view you receive upon arriving at the base of the Grouse Mountain lifts is well worth the effort. For an even more sublime panorama, you can take the chairlift to the summit.

Canada by train – scenic hikes from Western stations | Hiking Collection by komoot

2 - Kamloops - Peterson Creek – 5,70 km

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Destination Canada

Peterson Creek is the name of a beautiful nature park located south of Kamloops. This route traverses the park, climbing to the hills above the city to offer stunning views of the valley. The nearest train station is Kamloops North, less than ten kilometers from the starting point.

The route begins at the entrance to the nature park. It quickly joins the Tom Moore Trail, the path that leads to the highest point of the route. Several viewpoints overlooking the valley enhance your ascent to the summit.

The second part of the route involves retracing your steps and then branching off onto the Grasslands Trail. This loop trail also offers magnificent views of Kamloops and the surrounding mountains.

Be sure to turn around to admire all the panoramic views before returning to the starting point. Despite the elevation gain, the loop is short and therefore accessible to most hikers.

Peterson Creek – Kamloops | hike | Komoot

3 - Jasper National Park Trail – 8,82 km

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Destination Canada

Jasper, in the heart of the national park of the same name, is a small gem nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains, on the banks of the Athabasca River. This route allows you to discover its charming natural setting from a slightly elevated perspective. Perfectly suited for families, it offers beautiful views without excessive elevation gain.

The circuit begins at the train station. There you'll find one of the vintage steam locomotives that once ran through the region's mountains in the mid-20^th century. After crossing the Athabasca River, a short but steep climb leads to Old Fort Point, a small summit offering a superb panorama of the town, the river, and the Rockies. Continuing at a higher elevation, you'll complete a loop revealing several viewpoints, including the Red Chairs lookout.

Back on the banks of the Athabasca, the route rejoins the original path to return to Jasper. The shops, cafes, bars, and hotels in the town center invite you to extend your enjoyment for the rest of the day, or even longer.

Jasper National Park Trail | hike | Komoot

4 - Edmonton Discovery Loop – 12,4 km

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Destination Canada

Edmonton is a vibrant city with a high quality of life, as you'll discover on this loop through its diverse neighborhoods and parks. The starting point is less than an hour away from the VIA Rail station on bus routes 201 or 903.

The heart of Edmonton is felt in the ICE District, with its high-rise buildings and Rogers Place, the city's hockey arena. Next, head south along the illuminated Neon Sign Museum to reach the Alberta Legislative Assembly. After crossing North Saskatchewan, you'll arrive in the lively Strathcona neighborhood, boasting a rich cultural scene and numerous parks. On the right bank, you'll stroll through a verdant oasis with beautiful views of downtown Edmonton.

Finally, the Tawatina Bridge will take you back across the river. Before completing the loop, Sir Winston Churchill Square reveals more of Edmonton's architectural highlights, including the City Hall and Art Gallery of Alberta buildings. If you have time, end the day on a high note with a visit to the museum.

Edmonton Discovery Loop | hike | Komoot

5 - Winnipeg Urban Loop – 8,01 km

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Travel Manitoba

This pleasant loop takes you on a journey through the heart of Winnipeg. Between downtown and the French-speaking neighbourhood of Saint-Boniface, it reveals a rich heritage enhanced by the natural setting of the Red River.

From the moment you arrive, the city's architecture will captivate you. The Beaux-Arts Union Station, your starting point, is the first architectural gem you'll encounter. You'll quickly leave the downtown area behind, crossing the Assiniboine and Red Rivers to reach the French-speaking neighbourhood of Saint-Boniface. Lyndale Drive guides you along the latter waterway before leading you into the heart of the neighbourhood, with its parks, hospital, and cathedral.

Finally, you'll reach Riel Esplanade, the city's iconic pedestrian bridge, before heading towards The Forks, a national historic site where you can feel the vibrant energy of Winnipeg. Along the banks of the Red River, visitors flock to the park, the covered market, or the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. For the rest of the day, enjoy the surroundings and the monuments just waiting to be explored.

Winnipeg Urban Loop | hike | Komoot