Unspoiled and untamed, this national park on the tip of the Labrador peninsula is home to the largest mainland mountain in Canada outside of the Rockies.
The oldest and most famous of all of Canada’s national parks, Banff National Park has more than earned its very lofty reputation. When you’ve had your fill of the impressive geology, try your hand at beachcombing, boating and kayaking along the rugged coastline, or hiking and wildlife spotting in the alpine highlands.
A lot of it depends on taste; if you enjoy mountain views and crystalline lakes, then the Rocky Mountains is probably your go-to destination.
Sign up for our exclusive offers and holiday inspiration by email. The park is defined by an elevated plateau with a tundra-like landscape and interspersed with deep forested river canyons that descend towards the temperate lowlands and seashore. The giant, otherworldly rock formations are the largest group of such monoliths in all of Canada. From east to west, here's the top 10 national parks in Canada.
Showcasing sandy beaches, temperate rainforests and picturesque waterfalls, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers many different kinds of recreational activities, which visitors can enjoy while admiring stunning views of the rugged west coast.
Established in 1885, Banff National Park was the first national park in Canada and is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What To Plan For When Visiting, Pizza Only Appeared In New Zealand During The 1970s (And It's Pretty Unique), A Look Inside The Most Expensive Ski Resort In The US, Traveling Through Europe? It’s in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is suitably adorned with formidable peaks, waterfalls and outstanding bodies of water, including Lake O’Hara. Tackle the epic 47-mile West Coast Trail, or opt for any number of shorter circuits, such as the spectacular Wild Pacific Trail along the Ucluelet peninsula. What: One of Canada’s smallest national parks, this collection of 20 plus granite islands, hundreds of inlets and several mainland bases is home to a mix of marshland, pine forest and glittering waterways, as well as some of the richest wildlife populations in the country. The park is incredibly remote and bear viewing must be done with a certified tour operator. Home to sheer granite peaks, yawning fjords and tundra valleys, it is paradise for backpackers, and the cliffs of Mount Asgard and Thor Peak are an enticing challenge for climbers (Thor Peak is the world's largest vertical drop). The park’s ancient landscape dates back millennia, making it of great geological significance and providing a highly visible example of plate tectonics and all its breath-taking physical remnants. Surfers can douse themselves in the chilly waters of the Pacific Ocean, and sea kayakers will be astounded by the beauty of British Columbia's rocky coastline. These dramatic changes in sea levels allow visitors to explore the exposed ocean floor at low tide, where various creatures lie in wait for the water's return.
Canada’s colorful history and creation have been greatly influenced by its geography and diverse landscape. Serving up the hottest food trends and the inside scoop on restaurants worldwide. Located in southern Ontario, the park is relatively accessible and thus a favorite for campers and day-trippers from Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal. Unsurprisingly, the park is rich with many mountains, which make up the majority of the park’s territory and all of that rocky terrain makes the park ideal for hiking, paddling, and other outdoor pursuits. The park’s special blend of ocean, mountain and forest ecosystems, renowned hiking trails, not to mention a rich and lively cultural history, make it one Canadian park not to be missed. Located just west of the Alberta/BC border, Mount Revelstoke is a relatively small national park adjacent to the mountain town of the same name. Get to grips with Yoho’s fascinating geology and natural history on a guided tour of Mt Stephen and Mt Field where you’ll admire fossilised remains of some of the earliest life forms on Earth. A trip to Lake Louise, which boasts unique turquoise waters, is best combined with a visit to Moraine Lake, home to one of the most famous mountain views in Canada. The most easterly national park in Canada, Terra Nova National Park is on the east coast of Newfoundland, overlooking the fury of the Atlantic Ocean. Where: This picturesque island chain is found in the Saint Lawrence River, stretching between Kingston and Brockville. Yoho National Park is just over the BC/Alberta border and on the continental divide, directly adjacent to Banff National Park.
Here, waters rise and fall by up to 12 metres each day, exposing the bare ocean floor littered with intriguing debris and miniscule marine life.
Located on Baffin Island within the Arctic Circle, Auyuittuq National Park is a must-visit for adventurers heading to Canada's territory of Nunavut.
From Mount Revelstoke, admire amazing vistas over the surrounding alpine landscape. Explore the lush terrain via a hiking trail, or take to the water in a kayak or powerboat to discover secluded bays, rugged coastal outcroppings and catch tantalising glimpses of rare turtle and bird species. Magnificent mountain views are to be had all throughout the region, whether you want to summit a peak or just hang out in the tourist town of Banff. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find such a high concentration and diverse range of wildlife almost anywhere on the planet.
Besides its rustic charm, there are plenty of shops, eateries and tours to enjoy, as well as a golf course, boat rentals and popular sandy beach. Where: In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, approximately 150 km west of Calgary. The park’s most distinctive feature are its boardwalk trails, which snake through salt marshes and bogs, past golden sand dunes. Canada is arguably the world’s premier destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, boasting an extensive national park system that’s virtually unsurpassed in terms of its sheer size, beauty and diversity.
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Look at a map of Canada and you’ll see Ontario extending into the Great Lakes as an arrow-shaped point. Please note that many park activities are currently restricted due to COVID-19 protocols. Highlights: Lake Louise is a picture-perfect destination, widely renowned as the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. At the very bottom lies Point Pelee National Park, reaching into the great Lake Erie.
Haida Gwaii is an archipelago west of the BC mainland that is best known as the home to the people of the Haida Nation. Canada is a country with so much beautiful scenery — and some truly amazing national parks.
The Canadian answer is Elk Island National Park, an area just east of Edmonton that is all about the protection of Canada’s plains bison.
Time your visit with the Dark Sky Festival in October, when enthusiasts gather for a weekend of parties, concerts and exhibitions centred around stargazing. On board a snow coach, you can actually travel onto the Athabasca Glacier and walk atop the packed ice and snow. These Are 'Traditional' Halloween Foods... How Many Have Been On Your Spooky Table. Ever wonder where the buffalo roam? Here are eight must-visit national parks in Canada. On a single day you can expect to spot black bears, moose, bison, wolves and elk, along with a myriad of fascinating bird species. The journey offers both mountain and ocean views, complete with the possibility of wildlife appearances from animals including humpback whales, bringing together the best of both worlds in this unique ecosystem. An incredibly isolated crescent-shaped island in the Atlantic Ocean that sits 109 miles (175km) from mainland Nova Scotia, Sable Island National Park Reserve is like a fairy tale oasis for breathtakingly beautiful wild horses. Wildlife frolic in the park’s woods, including moose, beavers, loons and rare wood turtles. Nature at its best! What: Filled with an endless string of natural wonders, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts towering granite mountains and deep fjords, an abundance of forests, beaches, waterfalls and coastal features, along with numerous picturesque seaside villages. Starting from the vibrant cities, lively festivals to the most scenic parks Canada.
Backpackers can traverse the West Coast Trail, which leads to waterfalls, interesting rock formations and expansive beaches. What: The Pacific Rim embodies rugged, unspoilt Canadian wilderness at its very best, harbouring lush temperate rainforests, spectacular coastal cliffs and expansive soft-sand beaches.
Find parks like Bruce, Rouge Urban, Thousand Islands, and more. While traversing the icy streams and wildflower-dotted fields of this famous route, you'll be surrounded by stunning views of soaring peaks and stretching glaciers. "Walking the boardwalk you see many turtles basking on floating driftwood, fish, birds, frogs catching some rays on lilypads along with Canadian geese with their goslings in the spring."
"Whether it is walking on the boardwalk in the marsh, walking to the tip of The Point, riding our bikes along the bike path, visiting the Visitor Center or playing on the beach, we ALWAYS Have a great time here."