The Summit Tax: 3 Canadian Trails Worth the Climb

We don’t hike for the cardio. We hike for the silence of the deep woods, the burn in the quads that reminds us we’re alive, and—let’s be honest—the look on our dog’s face when the treeline breaks and the world opens up.

At FRAPS, we call it the "Adventure Ritual." It’s that moment at the summit where the packs come off, the water bottle gets passed around, and the "trail tax" is collected. Whether you’re chasing vert in the Rockies or navigating roots on the West Coast, the best trails are the ones you share.

Here are three Canadian heavyweights where the views are big, the terrain is technical, and the summit snack tastes that much better.

1. Stawamus Chief (Peaks 1 & 2) – Squamish, B.C.
The Local Legend

If you live in the Sea to Sky corridor, "The Chief" isn't just a hike; it’s a rite of passage. It’s a relentless stairmaster of granite and root systems that demands focus from both two-legged and four-legged climbers.

For the dog who loves a technical challenge, this is the playground. The granite slabs offer incredible grip, but keep an eye on paw pads if it’s a scorcher of a day. When you hit the top of Second Peak, you’ve got a front-row seat to Howe Sound that begs for a long break.

Trail Beta:

• Distance: ~6 km return
• Vert: 600 m+

FRAPS Moment: The flat granite slabs at the top are perfect for a sit-stay photo op. Break a bar, share the view, and watch the kiteboarders far below.

2. Ha Ling Peak – Canmore, A.B.
The Rockies Icon

Ha Ling is the kind of objective that makes you feel like a mountaineer without needing ropes. It’s steep, it’s loose in spots, and it’s absolutely stunning. The trail was recently upgraded, making the switchbacks more manageable, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still a grind.

This is high-alpine territory. The wind rips across the saddle, so layering is key. For dogs, the cool mountain air is pure zoomie fuel. Just remember: you’re in bear country, so keep the leash handy and the bear spray accessible.

Trail Beta:

• Distance: 7.4 km return
• Vert: 740 m

FRAPS Moment: Hiding behind the windbreak at the summit cairn. It’s the perfect spot to refuel with some clean, plant-based energy before the descent.

3. The East Coast Trail (Spout Path) – Newfoundland
The Wild Card

We couldn't leave the East Coast off the list. While the West gets the glory for elevation, the East Coast Trail offers rugged, cliff-side drama that rivals anywhere in the world. The Spout Path is famous for the "Spout"—a natural wave-driven geyser—but the trail itself is a technical mix of muddy bogs, dense tuckamore forests, and ocean vistas.

It’s a long day out, so pack extra water and plenty of fuel. The salt spray and sound of crashing waves create a sensory overload that adventure dogs live for.

Trail Beta:

• Distance: 16 km (One way – plan a shuttle!)
• Vert: Varied (lots of ups and downs)

FRAPS Moment: Watching for whales while snacking on the cliffs. The bar’s pocket-friendly wrapper means no trash left behind in this pristine coastal wilderness.

Pack Light, Snack Right

Whether you’re crushing 1,000 metres of vert or just hitting the local loop, the ritual stays the same. The summit isn't the goal; the shared moment is.

Make sure your pack is stocked with the good stuff. FRAPS bars are designed to stash easily and break clean, so you can reward the wanderer without the mess.

See you on the singletrack.