While millions flock to Banff and Jasper each year, Canada’s vast wilderness harbors
numerous national parks that offer equally spectacular experiences without the
crowds.
These hidden gems showcase everything from Arctic tundra to coastal rainforests,
providing visitors with authentic wilderness experiences and chances to spot rare
wildlife.
Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories
Deep in the Mackenzie Mountains lies a wilderness wonderland of towering
waterfalls and hot springs. Virginia Falls drops twice the height of Niagara, while the
park’s deep canyons shelter rare orchids and mountain goats.
You’ll need to fly in, but the remoteness ensures an authentic northern adventure.
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Where else can you walk on ancient seafloor pushed up by colliding continents? This
UNESCO site features otherworldly tablelands, deep fjords, and charming coastal
villages.
Local guides share stories of centuries-old fishing traditions while leading hikes through this geological wonderland.
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Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Ancient totem poles rise from the misty rainforest on these remote islands known as
the ‘Galapagos of the North.’ Sea lions lounge on rocky shores while whales breach
offshore, and Haida watchmen share stories of their ancestral lands at preserved
village sites.
Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Experience the prairie as early settlers found it, where bison still roam free, and
black-tailed prairie dogs maintain their busy colonies. The park’s dark sky preserve
offers some of North America’s best stargazing, while fossil beds reveal ancient
marine creatures from when this was an inland sea.
Auyuittuq National Park, Nunavut
Dramatic granite peaks and vast icefields define this Arctic paradise, whose name
means ‘land that never melts.’ Trek through Akshayuk Pass, where towering cliffs
create a natural corridor used by Inuit travelers for generations, or watch for
narwhals in the nearby waters.
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Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
Crystal-clear waters of Georgian Bay lap against the Niagara Escarpment’s limestone cliffs, creating a stunning combination of forest and shoreline. Ancient cedar trees, some over 1,000 years old, cling to cliff faces while rare orchids bloom in summer meadows.
Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec
Limestone monoliths shaped by waves stand like silent sentinels along this unique
stretch of coastline. Atlantic puffins nest on offshore islands, while whales feed in the
nutrient-rich waters.
Local boat tours led by experienced guides help you explore these remarkable formations.
Mount Revelstoke National Park, British Columbia
Drive from valley bottom to mountain summit on the only road in Canada that takes
you from rainforest to alpine meadows in just 16 miles. The park’s unique Meadows
in the Sky Parkway offers accessible wilderness views, while hiking trails reveal
hidden lakes and wildflower meadows.
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Wapusk National Park, Manitoba
One of the world’s largest polar bear denning areas lies hidden in this subarctic
landscape. Visit in late winter to witness mothers emerging with cubs or explore the
tundra’s summer wildflower displays while keeping an eye out for arctic foxes and
snowy owls.
Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Witness the world’s highest tides reshape the landscape twice daily along this
dramatic coastline. Hike through the Acadian forest to discover hidden waterfalls, or
time your visit to walk the ocean floor at low tide while learning about the bay’s
unique marine ecosystem.
Quttinirpaaq National Park, Nunavut
Canada’s most northern national park offers otherworldly landscapes of polar desert
and ice caps. Ancient Inuit camping sites dot the tundra, while muskoxen maintain
their territories as they have for thousands of years in this high arctic wilderness.
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Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Wild beaches stretch endlessly along Vancouver Island’s west coast, where temperate rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean. Follow boardwalks through ancient cedar groves, surf in rolling waves, or watch for gray whales during their spring migration.
Sable Island National Park Reserve, Nova Scotia
Wild horses roam free on this crescent-shaped sandbar far out in the Atlantic. The
island’s unique ecosystem supports the world’s largest colony of grey seals, while
centuries of shipwrecks tell tales of maritime history beneath the waves.
Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta/Northwest Territories
North America’s largest national park protects the world’s biggest herd of free-
roaming wood bison. Watch for whooping cranes in summer wetlands, or marvel at
the Peace-Athabasca Delta’s intricate network of channels and marshes.
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Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
Home to Canada’s highest peak and largest ice fields outside the polar regions, this
park offers true wilderness adventure. Dall sheep dot mountain slopes while grizzlies
roam alpine meadows, and glaciers continue their slow journey through vast mountain valleys.
Make Memories of A Lifetime
These lesser-known national parks showcase Canada’s incredible natural diversity
and offer adventures that go well beyond the usual tourist experience. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, geological wonders, or simply peace in pristine wilderness, these parks provide opportunities for discovery that will stay with you long after your visit.
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