North America Walking Tours
Canada, United States, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean
Local Choice and Trusted Walks for North America
The walking tour companies we think you should consider first, because we’ve personally worked with them for our own trips or they offer the best overall experience and price for their destination.
Authentic Adventures Central CA
Inn to Inn Vermont
Prince Edward Island Walk
Slow Adventure
Summer Feet Cycling & Walking
Tour Gros Morne
Walkabout California
Walking tour companies that cover North America
Bermuda Railway Trail
Bootprints Hiking Tours
Camino de Costa Rica
Country Walkers
Crested Butte
Distant Journeys
Exodus
Footpaths of the World
Freewheeling Adventures
Great Canadian Trails
Why are there so few walking holidays in North America?
The concept of walking holidays may not be as well-known in North America as it is in Europe, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist here. There are several reasons for the relative scarcity of walking holidays in America.
Vast wilderness
The vast size and diverse geography of North American countries makes it challenging to establish a cohesive walking route or trail that would appeal to hikers who prefer to sleep indoors. Unlike some smaller European countries, where walking paths can be woven through picturesque towns and landscapes, North America’s vast expanses often require more extensive planning and logistics and it usually involves thru-hiking and camping.
Road trip culture
The dominant car culture in North America has led to an emphasis on road trips and driving vacations, making walking holidays less popular or unfamiliar to many travelers. The lack of well-developed public transportation networks in certain regions also discourages people from considering walking as a primary mode of travel.
National Parks or Beaches
North American tourism has traditionally focused on other forms of leisure and adventure travel, such as national park vacations and beach getaways. While hiking and nature walks are popular activities, they are often seen as day excursions or components of broader travel itineraries rather than the central focus of a walking holiday.
Connected innkeepers
The accommodation and hospitality infrastructure for walkers in North America is not as well-established as it is in other parts of the world. While there are certainly hiking-friendly regions and well-known trails like the Appalachian Trail or Trans-Canada Trail, the overall availability of accommodations and services specifically catered to walking holidays is limited compared to more established walking destinations in Europe or Asia. Innkeepers in Colorado, Vermont and Prince Edward Island are the rare exceptions, but hopefully not for long.
Despite these challenges, there is a growing interest in walking holidays throughout North America. Efforts to promote walking-friendly routes and destinations, coupled with the rise of ecotourism and wellness travel, are paving the way for an increased number of walking holidays in this region. New caminos and inn to inn hiking routes have recently been added in Costa Rica, Canada and Mexico and we expect to see more in future.
Walking guides and stories for North America
10 Easy Walking Holidays for All Ages
Beach Walking Guide for Cape Breton
Best Hikes on the Oregon Coast
Camino Alternatives to Santiago Everyone Should Know
Cape Breton Highlands Hiking Guide
Car Free Vacations in the US for Walkers
Center-based Hiking Lodges around the World
Choose these Walkable Towns for a US Vacation
East Coast Trail and Eastern Newfoundland Hikes
Finding a Center-based Walking Holiday
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