Canada, with its vast wilderness, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife, the Great White North is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. From the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic to the towering peaks of the Rockies and the pristine Arctic tundra, Canada’s national parks offer numerous natural wonders.
So, grab your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and let’s explore the 25 best national parks that’ll make you fall head over heels for the Canadian great outdoors.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Banff is the crown jewel of Canada’s national parks. With its turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and abundant wildlife, it’s a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Have you ever dreamed of canoeing on a lake so blue it looks like it’s been Photoshopped?
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Just north of Banff, Jasper offers a wilder, less crowded Rocky Mountain experience. Home to the stunning Columbia Icefield and dark sky preserves, it’s a stargazer’s paradise.
Imagine watching the Northern Lights dance above glacial peaks.
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Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Stretching along Vancouver Island’s wild west coast, Pacific Rim is a temperate rainforest that meets a rugged coastline. Surf the waves at Long Beach, hike through ancient cedars, or spot whales from storm-watching lookouts.
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Gros Morne showcases the raw beauty of Newfoundland’s coast. From fjords carved by glaciers to the otherworldly Tablelands, its geology comes to life.
How about a boat tour through billion-year-old cliffs?
Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
Where the mountains meet the sea, Cape Breton Highlands offers a perfect blend of coastal and forest landscapes. Drive the famous Cabot Trail, hike the Skyline Trail, and keep an eye out for whales and moose.
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Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Yoho might be small, but it packs a punch with its vertical rock walls, powerful waterfalls, and 500 million-year-old Burgess Shale fossils. It’s a paradise for hikers and history buffs alike.
Get a glimpse of what Earth looked like before dinosaurs roamed.
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Where the prairies meet the peaks, Waterton offers a unique blend of ecosystems. Join the bison that roam freely, sail on crystal-clear lakes, or hike to breathtaking viewpoints.
You can enjoy a picnic where the two countries meet!
Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Home to the world’s highest tides, Fundy is a maritime marvel. Walk on the ocean floor at low tide, kayak alongside towering sea cliffs, or hike through Acadian forests.
Time your visit to witness the tides’ dramatic 16-meter change.
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Kootenay National Park, British Columbia
With its hot springs, deep canyons, and paint-pot mineral pools, Kootenay is a geothermal wonderland. Hike through wildflower meadows or soak in natural hot springs.
How does a dip in nature’s spa sound?
Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
An island of wilderness in a sea of prairies, Riding Mountain offers a diverse landscape of boreal forest, aspen parkland, and fescue prairie. Spot bison, elk, and black bears in their natural habitat.
Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
With its crystal-clear waters and limestone cliffs, Bruce Peninsula is a slice of the Caribbean in Canada. Explore underwater caves, hike the Bruce Trail, or bask on pebble beaches.
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Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Experience the vast prairie as it once was, complete with free-roaming bison and prairie dog towns. Grasslands offer some of the darkest night skies in Canada.
Ever seen the Milky Way stretch from horizon to horizon?
Auyuittuq National Park, Nunavut
For the adventurous soul, Auyuittuq offers a true Arctic experience. Trek across glaciers, marvel at polar bears, and witness the midnight sun. Set up camp under the aurora borealis!
Thousand Islands National Park, Ontario
A paradise for boaters and kayakers, this park comprises over 20 islands in the St. Lawrence River. Explore historic sites, picnic on tiny islands, or fish in secluded bays.
Fancy owning your island for a day?
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La Mauricie National Park, Quebec
A quintessential Canadian Shield landscape, La Mauricie is a mosaic of forests and over 150 lakes. Canoe pristine waters, hike to hidden waterfalls, or try your hand at ice fishing in winter.
A true Canadian wilderness experience just two hours from Montreal.
Elk Island National Park, Alberta
A sanctuary for bison and elk, this park is an island of nature just outside Edmonton. Paddle on quiet lakes, hike through aspen parkland, or stargaze in a dark sky preserve.
Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
Home to Canada’s highest peak and largest ice field, Kluane is a land of extremes. Fly over massive glaciers, raft wild rivers, or hike through valleys of wildflowers.
You’ll feel small in the face of nature’s grandeur.
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Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia
A dual heritage park, ‘Keji’ offers both inland forests and a stunning seaside landscape. Canoe a system of interconnected lakes, bike through old-growth hemlock forests, or learn about Mi’kmaq petroglyphs.
How about stargazing from a lakeside oTENTik?
Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island
With its red sandstone cliffs, miles of dunes, and warm swimming beaches, this park is a summer paradise. Cycle the Gulf Shore Parkway, visit Green Gables, or go clam digging.
Indulge in a lobster roll on the beach that inspired ‘Anne of Green Gables.’
Mount Revelstoke National Park, British Columbia
From valley bottom to mountaintop, Revelstoke showcases the unique diversity of the Columbia Mountains. Drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, hike through a rainforest, or ski world-class powder.
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Forillon National Park, Quebec
At the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon offers a perfect blend of sea, cliff, and forest ecosystems. Spot seals and whales from the shore, hike to stunning vistas, or explore a lighthouse.
Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nahanni is the stuff of legends with its deep canyons, huge waterfalls, and complex cave systems. Raft the South Nahanni River, soak in hot springs, or fly over the spectacular Virginia Falls.
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, British Columbia
A collection of islands in the Salish Sea, this park is a boater’s dream. Kayak between islands, hike to panoramic viewpoints, or watch for orcas from the shore.
How about beach camping on your private island?
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Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta/Northwest Territories
The largest national park in Canada, Wood Buffalo, is home to the world’s largest herd of free-roaming wood bison. Witness spectacular Northern Lights, canoe ancient river deltas, or spot endangered whooping cranes.
This park is larger than Switzerland!
Point Pelee National Park, Ontario
The southernmost point of mainland Canada, Point Pelee, is a birdwatcher’s paradise and a crucial stopover for monarch butterflies. Canoe through marshlands, laze on sandy beaches, or witness the incredible butterfly migration.
Millions of birds and butterflies pass through this spot each year.
Your Canadian Wilderness Adventure Awaits!
From coast to coast to coast, Canada’s national parks offer a lifetime of adventures. Whether you’re seeking heart-pumping thrills, serene natural beauty, or a chance to disconnect and reconnect, these 25 parks are just the beginning of what the Great White North has to offer.
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