The list of things you may see, do, and explore in the Great White North is endless because Canada is a diverse and beautiful country. Large Canadian cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa are popular tourist destinations.
On the other hand, it would be a mistake to overlook Canada’s world-class national parks. Here are some of the best national parks in Canada that you should visit on your next vacation, from verdant coastal areas to snowy mountain summits.
What is the Number One National Park in Canada?
Canada’s number one national park is subjective and depends on personal preferences. However, Banff National Park in Alberta is often considered one of the top national parks in Canada and is widely recognized for its stunning mountain scenery, hot springs, and abundant wildlife.
10 Best National Parks in Canada in 2023
Here is an overview of the best national parks in Canada in 2023
- Banff National Park
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
- Jasper National Park
- Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
- Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
- Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
- Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
- Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory
- Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island
- Yoho National Park
1. Banff National Park
On practically everyone’s bucket list of places to visit around the globe is Banff, and for a good reason.
The park’s craggy mountains and turquoise lakes, located in the heart of the Rockies, are, undoubtedly, its greatest draws. Banff Park offers a variety of activities, including guided equestrian tours, great hiking routes (there are more than 1,600 kilometers of trails here! ), skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Visitors to the park are often drawn in by the lake’s and moraine’s ultra-blue waters. If you want to shoot a photo of either lake without anybody else in it, get there early. However, it would be best if you avoided the impulse to swim in these glacier-fed lakes because they are pretty cold.
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2. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia is home to some of the most breathtaking vistas in the nation, all while encircled by the sparkling seas of the Atlantic Ocean.
You may appreciate the park’s rolling landscapes without ever getting out of your automobile because the world-famous Cabot Trail meanders through it.
Of course, you’ll want to stop sometimes to walk a couple of the 26 hiking routes in the park, which range in difficulty from shorter, more accessible boardwalk loops to longer, more strenuous hikes of up to 12 kilometers.
Put the Skyline route at the top of your list of hikes to complete. It is a long (8.2 kilometers for the entire loop) but relatively simple trek that takes you to overlooks over some intimidating but stunning cliffs that gaze out over the sea.
Although you have a chance to see moose just about any place in the park, this hike is also well-known for its moose-spotting opportunities making one of the best national parks in Canada.
3. Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park, a magnificent and sizable park in the center of the Alberta Rocky Mountains, offers everything from mountain hikes to breathtaking glaciers. The best spot to get active is Jasper National Park, where visitors can access various outdoor pursuits.
Numerous activities are available, including horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, and hiking. The stunning Athabasca Falls, the breathtaking vistas from the Jasper SkyTram, and the lovely, quiet waters of Medicine Lake are some of the park’s main attractions that shouldn’t be missed.
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4. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is located close to the tourist destination of Tofino on the untamed west coast of Vancouver Island. This is a national park you won’t want to miss if you want to be amazed by Mother Nature and perhaps even a little humbled.
Unending beautiful beaches are one of Tofino’s primary attractions. Although they are lovely to look upon and ideal for long hikes, surfers use them as a playground all year long.
Summers are lovely, but each winter brings rain and violent storms that produce enormous waves that attract photographers and skilled surfers ready to suffer the cold (even in the summer, dry suits are required to resist the cold ocean).
There are some excellent hiking paths in the park. The 75-kilometer West Coast Trail, a backcountry hike that winds through footpaths first created by First Nations peoples and later used by survivors of shipwrecks trying to navigate their way back to safety, is located in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
It is one of the most renowned multi-day hikes in Canada. You must make reservations if you wish to do this difficult-yet-extremely-gratifying hike.
Consider going camping to experience these gorgeous trees and woodlands. There are some genuinely excellent campgrounds in the park, nearby, and downtown Tofino.
5. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
The 1,805 square kilometers of the breathtaking landscape of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are located on Newfoundland’s west coast. The Western Brook Pond Fjord is one of the park’s most recognizable views, and it may be reached either by embarking on a multi-day trip or by taking a boat ride and a shorter, three- to four-hour hike up to the famous viewpoint point.
There is much more to discover at Gros Morne; for instance, the Tablelands provide the unique chance to stroll straight along the Earth’s mantle (you know, that layer generally found well below the Earth’s crust). This is possible because of the park’s distinctive geology.
Some trails will lead you to the highest point in the park on Gros Morne Mountain or down to the water’s edge. To plan how to squeeze in as many treks as you can, grab a park map or visit the information desk.
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6. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Exploring the murky ocean floor while standing back and seeing the water levels increase 12 meters in a matter of hours is cool. The Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, which has the highest tides in the world, is where you may find that type of magic.
Moving inwards, the park offers a vast network of hiking routes to discover, including magnificent waterfalls. The majority of these trails are walkable in a day (or perhaps a few hours), or you can connect them to attempt the 48-kilometer Fundy Circuit, which connects seven separate hiking trails and offers a few different alternatives for wilderness camping along the way.
7. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Waterton Lakes National Park is located in the southern part of the province and features stunning prairies, lakes, and of course, the Rocky Mountains. The lake proves that not all of Alberta’s best national parks are entirely focused on the Rockies.
Waterton Lakes National Park is home to several lakes that beg to be explored by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, as the park’s name implies. You can go swimming if you’re feeling really daring, but even in the summer, the water is quite frigid. However, there isn’t a faster method to cool off after an arduous hike.
Speaking of hiking, there are more than 200 kilometers of paths to choose from, so everyone can choose a trail to suit their skill level. It sits comfortably as one of the best national parks in Canada.
8. Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory
The 5,959-meter Mount Logan, located deep within the park and usually only hiked by expert mountaineers, is the highest peak in the country and is located within Kluane National Park.
But there is so much more to do in the park, like trekking to the King’s Throne, boating on Kathleen Lake, and taking a flight to get a bird’s-eye view of the enormous icefields. This last activity referred to as “flightseeing,” allows you to board an aircraft or a helicopter to get a close-up view of Mount Logan.
Even better, the Icefield Discovery base camp offers overnight camping options, making it the best camping trip in all of Canada.
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9. Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island
Almost every view, from the recognizable lighthouses to the red, sandy shoreline, is picture-perfect from Prince Edward Island National Park. With internationally renowned sandy beaches that offer endless hours of amusement, this national park is all about the water.
You may spend a day (or more) at PEI National Park doing anything from creating a sand sculpture to swimming in the Atlantic to exploring the park’s network of trails.
Prince Edward Island National Park is ideal for families with young children, unlike many of the best national parks in Canada, which cater to individuals looking for epic adventures. The majority of the paths are simple, and there are many opportunities for quick strolls that can be completed in less than an hour.
10. Yoho National Park
The Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia are divided by a continental divide. Banff National Park is located in Alberta, and Yoho National Park, which is highly similar but less busy, is located in British Columbia.
The Yoho National Park is a fantastic retreat location for nature enthusiasts and is only two hours from the busy city of Calgary. The vivid colors of Emerald Lake make it appear surreal, while Lake O’Hara is equally gorgeous. The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Wapta Falls are other must-see sights.
What Activities Can People Do when Visiting the National Park?
Visitors to Banff National Park can enjoy a range of outdoor activities,,, such as:
- Hiking and backpacking
- Camping
- Wildlife viewing
- Scenic drives
- Rock climbing and mountaineering
- Fishing
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Hot springs soaking
- Biking
- Horseback riding
- Photography and sightseeing
These activities vary in terms of seasonality and accessibility.
Dos and don’ts while visiting a national park
Visiting a national park is a unique experience filled with adventure and beauty. Still, it is essential to be mindful of the park’s ecosystem and the regulations in place to protect it. By following these dos and don’ts, you can have a wonderful time while preserving the park for future generations to enjoy.
DOs:
- Research the park before you visit: Find out the park’s hours, fees, and any special rules or regulations. Learn about the different hiking trails and attractions so you can plan your trip accordingly.
- Bring necessary equipment: Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, and appropriate clothing. It is also essential to carry a map, compass, first-aid kit, and flashlight.
- Stay on designated trails: Hiking off-trail can damage delicate plants and ecosystems and can also be dangerous. By staying on the designated trails, you are helping preserve the park’s natural beauty for future visitors.
- Respect wildlife: Wildlife in national parks is protected and should not be approached, fed, or disturbed. If you encounter a wild animal, admire it from a safe distance and do not chase or harass it.
- Keep the park clean: Pack out your trash, including food scraps and cigarette butts. Leave only footprints and take only memories.
- Respect other visitors: Keep noise levels down and be mindful of other visitors’ experiences. Do not block trails or viewpoints, and be considerate of those who may be camping or enjoying the park in a different way.
- Follow park regulations: National parks have rules and regulations to protect visitors and the park itself. Follow posted signs and obey all park rules, including those regarding camping, fires, and wildlife.
DON’T:
- Litter: Throwing trash or litter on the ground not only detracts from the beauty of the park, but can also harm wildlife and the park’s ecosystem.
- Harm or remove plants and wildlife: This includes picking flowers, disturbing nests, and removing rocks, shells, or other natural items.
- Build structures or have fires outside of designated areas: This includes campfires, rock piles, and cairns. Fires can cause severe damage to the park’s ecosystem, and structures can alter the natural landscape.
- Feed wildlife: Feeding wildlife is dangerous for both animals and visitors. It can cause animals to become dependent on human food and can lead to aggressive behavior.
- Damage or graffiti on park resources: This includes carving into trees, rocks, or other natural features. Such actions can take years or even decades to heal and can have long-lasting impacts on the park’s ecosystem.
- Disrupt wildlife migration or breeding patterns: This can include making noise near a nesting area or shining lights on wildlife at night. Such disruptions can cause serious harm to wildlife and their habitats.
- Bring pets into designated wilderness areas: Some national parks have designated wilderness areas where pets are not allowed. Pets can disrupt wildlife and harm the park’s ecosystem, so it is important to follow these regulations.
Frequently Asked Question
Nearly all Canada’s largest national parks are located in the north, five in Nunavut.
Wood Buffalo National Park, 44,741 km
Quttinirpaaq National Park, 37,775 km.
Sirmilik National Park, 22,252 km
Ukkusiksalik National Park, 20,885 km.
Auyuittuq National Park, 19,089 km.
June through August or December through March are the ideal times of year to visit Banff. Although these are the busiest travel times, the weather is also at its best during these times. You must decide if you want to travel during the most active season for tourists or not.
Banff, a popular tourist destination in Canada, can be expensive for some visitors. The cost of visiting Banff will depend on various factors, such as the time of year, the type of accommodation, food, and activities you choose.
The most well-known natural attraction in Canada is Niagara Falls, which welcomes millions of tourists each year. These enormous falls, which are about an hour’s drive from Toronto at the American border, have a 57-meter plunge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visiting any of the listed best national parks in Canada can be a wonderful experience. Still, it is essential to be mindful of the park’s ecosystem and follow the rules and regulations to protect it. By following the dos and don’ts listed above, you can have a memorable and responsible visit to a national park.
References
- 10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Canada – www.touropia.com/national
- 14 Best National Parks in Canada – www.planetware.com/canada
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