Away from the peak-season crowds of Banff and Jasper National Parks, a new era of “slow travel” is opening up previously inaccessible corners of the Canadian Rockies. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup expected to draw millions to Vancouver, savvy hikers are heading east to the newly expanded rail trails of British Columbia and Alberta to find solitude and a deeper connection to the nation’s past.
The Hush of the High Country: Solitude on the HBC Trail
The first thing I notice is the living hush of the forest breathing around me. The soles of my mud-caked boots crunch on the gravel path as I hike through pine and spruce trees, then past wetlands and mossy slopes.
Suddenly, a rabbit rustles nearby. My senses sharpen as I scan for larger wildlife—perhaps a grizzly or a mountain goat—before the quiet chatter of birds and squirrels above restore my calm. After hiking for 30 minutes on the newly restored HBC (1849) Heritage Trail near Hope, BC, I realize I haven’t seen another person. It is a rare moment of solitude in the otherwise well-trodden Canadian Rockies.
A New Way to Travel: The ‘Passage to the Peaks’ Route
The opening of the “Passage to the Peaks” rail corridor in June 2026 has changed the landscape for hikers. This limited-time route connects the historic gateway towns of the Rockies, allowing travelers to disembark at remote “request stops” to access trails that were once the exclusive domain of multi-day backcountry experts.
Why 2026 is the Year for Rail-to-Trail Hiking
- The Solitude Factor: While Banff expects record-breaking numbers this summer, rail trails like the Slocan Valley and the newly accessible Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) bypasses offer hundreds of kilometers of pristine wilderness.
- National Heritage: These trails aren’t just paths; they are history lessons. Interpretive signage along the KVR and HBC trails teaches travelers about Indigenous trade routes and the grueling labor of the 19th-century “fur brigades.”
- Eco-Conscious Travel: By utilizing the Trans Canada Trail network, hikers are reducing their carbon footprint, moving away from car-clogged park entrances and toward sustainable, self-propelled adventure.
Top 3 ‘Off-the-Beaten-Path’ Trails for 2026
| Trail Name | Region | Best For | History Highlight |
| HBC Heritage Trail | Hope, BC | Solitude & Wildlife | 160-year-old tree blazes |
| Slocan Valley Rail Trail | Kootenays, BC | Easy Grade Cycling | Historic mining “ghost towns” |
| Passage to the Peaks | Alberta/BC | Luxury-to-Backcountry | The renowned Spiral Tunnels |
