10 Hikes Through the Cleanest Air in the World

2. TONQUIN VALLEY, CANADA

Distance: 43km (27 miles)
Duration: 3-5 days

This scenic hike winds through the high McCarib Pass to Tonquin Valley and out via the Astoria River, offering breathtaking views of Canada’s backcountry landscapes. The area’s majestic Ramparts, mighty glaciers, acres of flowers and glittering Amethyst Lake paint a stunning picture set amid some of the cleanest air in the world. In fact, it was here that legendary photographer Ansel Adams took his first trip as a Sierra Club photographer. Visit July to September for the best weather but be aware that it can snow at any time of the year.

Further reading: Life of the Trail 6: Historic Hikes to Athabasca Pass, Fortress Lake & Tonquin Valley

3. KARHUNKIERROS, FINLAND

Distance: 80km (50 miles)
Duration: 3-4 days

The Karhunkierros trails, also known as the Bear’s Ring Trail, meanders through Finland’s Oulanka National Park taking in gorges, waterfalls, canyons and rapids. Eight wilderness huts dot the route and there are several campfire sites and lean-to shelters (wild camping is not allowed). For the less adventurous, there’s the Little Bear’s Ring which is 12km (7.5 miles) and can be done in a day. Visit June to October for the best weather.

Further reading: Lonely Planet Finland (Country Travel Guide)

4. BUKIT SHAHBANDAR, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Distance: 3.4km
Duration: 2 hours

Brunei, a tiny nation on the island of Borneo, doesn’t immediately spring to mind when considering the cleanest air in the world, but is only two positions behind Iceland according to the WHO. Alas, hiking trails here are limited due to tight regulations. Options include Bukit Shahbandar, a short trail of undulating terrain or Ulu Temburong National Park. The latter is located inside 500 square kilometres (310 square miles) of pristine rainforest but tourists are only allowed to visit one square kilometre of it and only on an organised tour.

Further reading: Brunei Darussalam: The Country, The Sultan, The People

5. ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL, GREENLAND

Distance: 160km (99 miles)
Duration: 9-11 days

Hiking inside the Arctic Circle may not be everyone’s idea of fun, but it does make for some stunning scenery set amid deliciously clean air. This trail, one of the most remote in the world, winds through the “land of one hundred lakes” and stirs the soul with its vistas of ringing emptiness. Reports suggest that hikers will encounter only four or five other people during the entire route so be prepared for loneliness. There are eight sleeping huts along the trail that typically sleep only 4-6 people. This gives you an idea of just how few attempt the journey.

Further reading: Trekking in Greenland: The Arctic Circle Trail (Cicerone Guides)

6. QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK, NEW ZEALAND

Distance: 70km (44 miles)
Duration: 3-5 days

This year-round trail winds through the sun-dappled hills of Marlborough Sounds on South Island. Starting from Ship Cove, frequented by Captain Cook in the 1700s, the trail follows the ridge between Queen Charlotte Sound and Kenepuru Sound and winds its way to Anakiwa. You can camp the whole way or stay overnight in comfortable lodges at Furneaux, Punga Cove and Portage. Be aware that most of the trail is open to mountain bikers. Visit between December and February if you prefer a more tranquil hike.

Further reading: New Zealand — The Great Walks: Includes Auckland & Wellington City Guides (Trailblazer the Great Walks)

7. KUNGSLEDEN, SWEDEN

Distance: 105km (65 miles)
Duration: 3-5 days

Located a hundred miles inside the Arctic Circle, Kungsleden or “The King’s Trail” can be hiked north to south or south to north (opt for the former to keep the sun on you). From Abisko Mountain Station to the village of Nikkaluokta, the trail winds through birch forests, open tundra and magnificent glaciers before crossing Sweden’s highest peak, Mount Kebnekaise which stands at 2,111 metres (6,926 feet). Huts are placed a day apart and offer comfort from the barren vastness of the great north.

Further reading: Kungsleden: The Royal Trail Through Arctic Sweden

8. CROAGH PATRICK, IRELAND

Distance: 13km (8 miles)
Duration: 1 day

Legend has it that summitting this 764-metre (2,507-ft) peak seven times will guarantee your place in heaven – but once is enough for most mortals. The rocky climb is certainly steep but take comfort that over half its visitors are not hikers but pilgrims. St Patrick is said to have spent 40 days and nights in prayer on the summit, a story that inspires visits from all over the world. Hikers and pilgrims alike are rewarded by stunning views of Clew Bay and County Mayo beyond. It may also be heartening to know that a Guinness in the centuries-old Campbell’s Pub is the customary way to finish. Spring to autumn is best for weather but the climb can be done year round when the summit is free of snow.

Further reading: Croagh Patrick: A Place of Pilgrimage. A Place of Beauty

9. BAY OF FIRES, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

Distance: 26km (16 miles)
Duration: 4 days

Tasmania lauds itself on fresh air and clean living. Sample it first hand with this stunning hike from Stumpy’s Bay to Bay of Fires Lodge. With views over endless reams of fine white sand, turquoise Tasman waters and surreal rock formations covered with red lichen, the trail pushes hikers up and out of the coves. October to May is the best time to go and hikers must join a guided tour.

Further reading: 40 Great Walks in Australia

10. SHACKLETON’S ROUTE, ANTARCTICA

Distance: 35km (22 miles)
Duration: 1-2 days

Antarctica is truly the last frontier in adventure travel. The air here is some of the cleanest in the world and the landscape, pristine. Hiking part of Shackleton’s route from King Haakon Bay to Stromness is an epic undertaking over unpredictable crevasses and magnificent glaciers. South Georgia’s black beaches are filled with penguins and countless bird species line the route. The trail ends at Stromness at the same spot where Shackleton and his crew finally ended their epic journey to rescue.

Further reading: In Shackleton’s Footsteps: A Return To The Heart Of The Antarctic

This article originally appeared on Atlas & Boots — Travel with Abandon and is republished here with permission.