Hiking Opportunities, Hidden Gems, & Adventures Await Along This Scenic Highway In Canada

Ready to soak in breathtaking mountain views, explore lesser known gems, and hike different types of trails? Buckle up for a road trip along one of Canada's most underrated byways, Highway 3, also known to many as Crowsnest Highway. The 721-mile highway runs from Hope, British Columbia, all the way to Medicine Hat, Alberta. 

Winding through the Canadian Rockies, the highway goes through beautiful mountain towns, wild landscapes, and cultural surprises. It is also your gateway to breathtaking hiking trails, charming alpine towns, and undiscovered natural beauty. So, whether you are a hiking enthusiast, a weekend road-tripper looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, or an adventure seeker looking for a budget-friendly Canadian destination, Crowsnest Highway will definitely exceed your expectations.

You can get to the starting point of the highway in Hope, B.C., in under two hours from Vancouver. From Hope, follow Highway 3 as the road climbs, twists, and winds through the beautiful landscapes that become more beautiful with every mile. Crowsnest Highway was developed in the early 20th century, running through western Canada. The highway got its name from the Crowsnest Pass in southwest Alberta, which was a key route through the imposing Rocky Mountains used by early explorers, fur traders, and railroads. The area played an important role in mining and railway expansion, and you can easily spot traces of its history in the old mining towns of Hillcrest, Frank, Bellevue, and Coleman, as well as rail tunnels tucked along the route.

The Crowsnest Highway carves its way not only through some of the most underrated hiking spots in Western Canada but also some of the best long-distance hiking trails around the World. Start your hiking adventure a few miles from Hope along the Lightning Lake Loop trail. This is a beginner-friendly trail in the E.C. Manning Provincial Park and passes through the shores of Lightning Lake, where you can go for a swim or enjoy the beautiful views. As you travel through the semi-arid desert landscape near Osoyoos, the Mount Kobau Trail provides a stunning contrast. The trail starts from the mountaintop and offers beautiful views of the Okanagan Valley.

From quirky small-town museums to unexpected scenery, Crowsnest Highway is also awash with hidden gems. And the best part? You don't have to stray too far from the highway. A must-visit attraction along the Highway is the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, perched at the site of Canada's deadliest rockslide. 

This fascinating museum gives you insights into the 1903 disaster that buried a portion of the town of Frank under millions of tonnes of rock. Don't forget to stop by the 'fruit stand capital of Canada' in Keremeos. The roadside markets have the juiciest fruits and fresh vegetables. You can also explore the Grist Mill and Gardens, a restored 19th-century water-powered flour mill surrounded by beautiful picnic areas.

The beauty of Highway 3 is that it connects you to Canada's other spectacular destinations. If you take a detour from the route, you open up a world of exploration. For instance, you can take a side trip to Norbury Lake Park, about 27 miles northeast of the highway. It is not only one of the most underrated destinations in Canada for hikers, but also a unique paradise for anglers, campers, cyclists, and swimmers. Nature lovers and photographers will be thrilled by the number of trails and beautiful beach shorelines.

Closer to the mainland, the Kootenay region has hot springs, lakes, and small, charming villages. You can discover Nelson, a small mountain town with Victorian architecture, cafes, and water sports on Kootenay Lake. Keep your eyes open at Kootenay National Park since this Canadian island is a great destination for wildlife watching adventures, especially in spring and fall when animals are active. Another exciting destination to visit is the Waterton Lakes National Park, which blends prairie with mountain landscapes and panoramic views, but with fewer crowds. You can paddle across Upper Waterton Lake or hike the Crypt Lake Trail.