The Labour Day Long Weekend is upon and what better to enjoy the weekend to get back to nature. A few fun facts before we send you on your way.

1. Labour Day was first introduced on April 15, 1872 in Canada, and we then gave it to the world.
2. The first celebration in the US was not until September 7, 1886.
3. It became a statutory holiday in Canada on July 23, 1894 and to be celebrated on the first Monday of September.
4. In the 1900’s American workers were to work 12 hour days 7 days a week, but in 1916 the 8-hour workday was put into law with the Adamson Act.

Now we know why we have this holiday, let’s get out for a hike in some of the most beautiful areas in the world, and right in our backyard. We are very fortunate to have such close proximity to the majestic Rocky Mountains with its many amazing hiking trails, lakes, and open valley vistas. Here are a few examples that will take your breath away and make you appreciate the beauty of nature, and how we must all do our part in preserving this wondrous gift.

Not sure where to go for the best hikes? Here are a few of the top parks in Canada that have amazing hikes for all levels of hikers.

1. Banff National Park, AB
2. Waterton Lakes National Park, AB
3. Fundy National Park, NB
4. Gros Morne National Park, NF
5. Bruce Peninsula National Park, ON
6. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, NS
7. Jasper National Park, AB
8. Pointe-Taillon National Park, QC
9. Algonquin Provincial Park, ON
10. Albion Falls, ON

Looking for a relaxing day hike close to home? Here are a few short hikes in Alberta that are less than 5 Km.

1. Tunnel Mountain (Banff) – 4.9 Km
2. Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls (Banff) – 5.1 Km
3. Valley of Five Lakes (Jasper) – 4.7 Km
4. Sunwapta Falls (Jasper) – 1 Km
5. Lake Louise Tea House (Banff) – 3.5 Km
6. Ptarmigan Cirque (Kananaskis) – 4.0 Km
7. Grassi Lake Trail (Canmore) – 4.5 Km
8. Heart Creek Trail (Kananaskis) – 4.8 Km
9. Maligne Canyon (Jasper) – 4.3 Km
10. Bear’s Hump (Waterton) – 2.5 Km

Needing a bit more challenge from your hike? Here are a few longer (7-20 Km) hikes that will tax your body a bit more, but are so well worth it.

1. Lake Agnes Trail (Banff) – 7.4 Km
2. Cavell Valley (Jasper) – 7.0 Km
3. Lillian Lake Trail (Kananaskis) – 11.9 Km
4. Sulphur Mountain (Banff) – 10.9 Km
5. Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots (Banff) – 11.7 Km
6. Galatea Lake Trail (Kananaskis) – 21.0 Km
7. Plains of Six Glaciers (Banff) – 14.6 Km
8. Larch Valley (Banff) – 11.1 Km
9. Picklejar Lakes Trail (Kananaskis) – 11.6 Km
10. Tent Ridge Trail (Kananaskis) – 10.9 Km

Still not enough? Do you really want to push yourself? Here are a few of the top multi-day hikes (30-100 Km) from across Western Canada.

1. West Coast Trail (Vancouver Island) – 75 Km, 6-8 days
2. Skyline Trail (Jasper) – 44 Km, 2-3 days
3. Tonquin Valley (Jasper) – 33 Km, 2-3 days
4. Chilkoot Trail (YK) – 55 Km – 4-6 days
5. Juan de Fuca Trail (Vancouver Island) – 55 Km – 3-4 days
6. Fundy Foothpath (NB) – 64.3 Km – 4-5 days
7. Galloping Goose (Vancouver Island) 55 Km – 3-4 days
8. Cathew-Alderson (Waterton) 40 Km – 2 days
9. Trans-Canada Trail (Cypress Hills) 32 Km – 1-2 days
10. Squamish (BC) 50 Km – 3-4 days

Looking for the ultimate challenge in hiking? Challenge yourself on a few of these multi-week hikes from across Canada.

1. East Coast Trail (NF) – 336 Km
2. Bruce Trail (ON) – 800 Km
3. The Waskahegan Trail (AB) – 309 Km
4. Rideau Trail (ON) – 387 Km
5. Sunshine Coast Trail (BC) – 120 Km
6. Les Sentiers de l’Estrie (QC) – 150 Km
7. Cabot Trail (NS) – 265 Km
8. Confederation Trail (PEI) – 250 Km
9. Canol Heritage Trail (NWT) – 350 Km
10. Boreal Trail (SK) – 244 Km

Checkout All Trails website for your hiking destination (https://www.alltrails.com/canada)