7 scenic strolls in North America
North America doesn’t do things by half. All big skies and big horizons, its epic landscapes are crisscrossed with breath-taking walking trails. But you don’t need to embark on a heart-pumping hike to get a sense of its spectacular scenery. There are plenty of scenic strolls, from coastal and forest paths to routes through bizarre geological wonders, that showcase Canada and the US’s diverse, natural beauty and offer up a chance to spot wildlife along the way.
1: The Narrows, Zion National Park
Famous for its soaring rust-red cliffs and contoured slot canyons, which blaze in brilliant reds and fiery oranges in the sun, Utah’s Zion National Park is the second most visited national park in the US. For an adventure – and incredible views of the park’s most dramatic chasm – take the Narrows hike. Challenging but oh-so-rewarding, this route runs through the narrowest part of the Zion canyon. It can be tackled in full over 10 miles or in shorter stretches, with some sections tapering to just 20-feet wide. There may well be some wading through water involved. Dwarfed by the sheer sandstone walls that have been sculpted over the millennia, this walk is a humbling and invigorating way to appreciate the majesty of this spectacular part of Utah.
2: Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail, Banff National Park
Mountain-rimmed Lake Louise is a showstopper in a national park packed with showstopping scenery. Take the lakeshore trail to follow along the shoreline of this ethereal glacier-fed lake. It’s just over one mile long, but it will take you some time to complete as you regularly stop to gaze over the implausibly turquoise waters with the surrounding jagged peaks reflected in them. The trail ends at Louise Creek, source of the lake’s milky waters. Set within Canada’s oldest national park, Banff, this is just one of many glorious trails that skirt around its alpine lakes and thread through its thick forests. Wherever you roam, keep a look out for wildflowers and elk, deer and bears – best spotted in spring and summer.
3: Devil’s Bridge Trail, Sedona, Arizona
Walking around the towering rusty sandstone rock formations of Sedona, you’ll understand why this landscape swirls with spirituality. There are plenty of hiking trails for mindful meanders in this part of the northern Verde Valley, including the short, occasionally steep and seriously uplifting walk along the Devil’s Bridge Trail. Following along a cactus-edged trail, you’ll come to one of Sedona’s most celebrated features – the largest naturally formed sandstone arch in its surreal, red rock landscape. Admire the Devil’s Bridge from below then take the precipitous, natural rock staircase up to its top – you can walk across it, at your own risk. For a truly transcendent experience, follow this two-mile round hike at sunrise or sunset when Sedona’s rocks are at their most vivid.
4: Emerald Lake Trail, Yoho National Park
Edging onto Alberta’s Banff, Yoho in the Kootenays region of British Columbia is one of Canada’s lesser-known national parks but an absolute haven for outdoor pursuits. This pristine wilderness in the heart of the Rocky Mountains has many wow-factor sights – in the Cree language ‘yoho’ means awe and wonder – but Emerald Lake is its gem. These luminescent waters are accentuated by the thick green forests and grey, snow-capped peaks that encircle it. For non-stop wow moments, follow the three-mile trail that loops around the alpine lake’s shore. You can also hire canoes to row across it or (on a hot day) you may be tempted to brave its cold waters for a quick dip. Still have energy to burn? The trail to Takakkaw Falls, the second highest waterfall in Canada, is also highly recommended.
5: Shore Path, Bar Harbor, Maine
For a picture-perfect coastal stroll, take the shore path that follows the rocky shoreline from Bar Harbor, a quaint town on the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island. Starting out from the pier, the one-and-a-half-mile round walk skirts along a stretch of Frenchman Bay, passing a historic inn and century-old cottages. Stroll off the path at low tide to explore the bay’s tidal pools and drink in the views across to the Porcupine Islands, Balance Rock, Egg Rock Lighthouse and the Schoodic Peninsula. Go at sunrise when sea mist often lends a calm beauty to the scenery. It’s a wonderful way to start the day. More scenic strolls – and challenging treks –can be found in nearby Acadia National Park where over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails thread around its sheltered bays and wooded hills.
6: Gros Morne Tablelands Trail, Gros Morne National Park
An extraordinary glacier-carved wilderness on the windswept west coast of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park delivers drama and diversity. The scenery sweeps from wild, empty beaches and barren cliffs to deep fjords, bogs and forests. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its significant geological features. Take the short but stunning Tablelands Trail for knock-out views of the Tablelands, exposed mantle pushed to the surface millions of years ago by colliding continents, to get a sense of how this surreal, Mars-like landscape was created. You’ll edge your way along their base, passing curious rock formations and ending at the bubbling Winter House Brook Canyon, which was carved by a tributary of an ancient glacier.
7: Franey Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
There are 26 walking trails in Novia Scotia’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the Franey Trail is one of its most popular. Over a few hours, this circular walk opens up both mountain and ocean views and passes from Acadian to boreal forest as it winds its way up to a lofty lookout over the Clyburn Brook canyon where you get a bird’s eye view of the river snaking through the forested valley. With the imposing sheer rockface of Franey Mountain behind you, you’ll also have sweeping views of the maritime province’s rugged coastline, from the purple-hued Cape Smokey to Ingonish. Keep a look out for moose and bald eagles as you hike. This protected wilderness is also a haven for seabirds, such as gulls, cormorants and guillemots, as well as snowshoe hares and coyote.
