15 Best National Parks in Canada for Nature Lovers
Posted by on 06 Jan 2022
Canada is home to over 48 world-class national parks and reserves. These reserves are nestled among lush forests, massive glaciers, and staggering mountain tops. Each region has a park that offers unique experiences for everyone. We have rounded up 15 extraordinary national parks that you should visit on your next Canada holiday.
15 Must-See Canada National Parks
- Auyuittuq National Park
- Banff National Park
- Bruce Peninsula National Park
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Forillon National Park
- Fundy National Park
- Gros Morne National Park
- Jasper National Park
- Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
- Kluane National Park and Reserve
- Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
- Prince Edward Island National Park
- Riding Mountain National Park
- Waterton Lakes National Park
- Yoho National Park
Prepare for a one-of-a-kind Arctic holiday in the Auyuittuq National Park. Located on Baffin Island in Nunavut, this glacial paradise is filled with stunning surprises.
Go for a nice walk along the tundra valleys and breathe in the beautiful scenery around you. Or you can opt for a hike along the granite cliffs. Along the way, you might catch sight of Arctic animals such as arctic foxes, polar bears, seals and snow geese.
Discover the wonders of Canada’s oldest national park in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The Banff National Park is home to tall mountain peaks, majestic lakes and abundant wildlife.
Find inner peace while cruising along Lake Minnewanka. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are also great picks for those who wish to admire the glacial waters in their pristine glory. If things get too cold, take a dip into the warm waters of the Banff Upper Hot Spring.
Enjoy a scenic window view of this national park with the Rockies by Rail tour package.
The Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario is a hidden gem for land and sea adventures. It is home to the sea cave Grotto, which offers an incredible view of Georgian Bay. Explore the intricate limestone structures and marvel at the awe-inspiring seascape at the end of your trail.
The park is also a haven for hikers. Try the Bruce Trail, the oldest and longest trail in Canada. It boasts an impressive 782-kilometre length, making it perfect for a multi-day trek.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park runs along the Atlantic Ocean in Nova Scotia. Canadians often call it the place “where the mountains meet the sea”—and for a good reason.
Splendid views await as you trek at one of over 26 hiking trails that stretch up to 12 kilometres in length. The Cabot Trail offers gorgeous views that come straight out of a postcard. Meanwhile, the Skyline Trail is the perfect spot for sunset views and finding moose.
In the eastern side of Canada, you’ll find Quebec’s very own Forillon National Park. Its proximity to the Gulf of St. Lawrence enables plenty of exciting water-based activities that you can try.
For one, it’s a great site for scuba diving and snorkelling. If you’re lucky, you have a chance to see and swim with the blue whales, the largest animal in the world.
Thrill-seekers will have the time of their lives inside Fundy National Park. This New Brunswick park is home to the highest tides in the world, reaching up to 12 metres in hours.
The park also offers a wide range of trails for hiking enthusiasts. The Fundy Circuit promises an adventure-filled trek as you traverse a 48-kilometre path with seven different hiking trails.
On the west coast of Newfoundland, you’ll find the gorgeous Gros Morne National Park. Its unique geography promises one-of-a-kind experiences for visitors all over the world.
The Tablelands offers a rare sight of the Earth’s exposed mantle. Ambitious climbers can challenge themselves with the staggering high peaks in the Gros Morne Mountains. For a laidback activity, you can cruise along the Coastal Trail and admire the coastal views.
Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. This Albertan park has stunning rivers, lakes, mountains, and other landscapes perfect for outdoor activities.
There are many ways to explore this beautiful place. You can either hike up a mountain, bike on the flatlands, or explore the waters via a boat. If you’re bringing your car, you can enjoy a scenic drive by the Icefield Parkways.
The Kejimkujik National Park is another must-visit in Nova Scotia. It is home to the Mi’kmaw People, the descendants of Mi’kmaq First Nation who first inhabited the place 4,000 years ago.
This park offers plenty of activities that immerse you in the beauty of nature and culture. Witness the Mi’kmaw tradition of building birch bark canoes through a live demonstration. Or wander along the mountain trails lined with hemlock trees that have stood for over 300 years.
A hiking paradise lies inside the Yukon Territory—the Kluane National Park and Reserve. Choose from more than 20 trails of varying difficulties, from half-hour trails to multi-day treks. Experienced climbers can step up their game with 17 of the tallest peaks in Canada.
A chilling experience awaits in the massive glaciers in the park and the icy waters of the Alsek River. Meanwhile, you can observe a flock of Dall sheep frolicking in the Sheep Mountains.
Enjoy a comfortable ride to this superb destination with our Discover the Yukon - Self Drive package.
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a beloved site for history enthusiasts. Lush forests, gentle rains, and a rich history await this Vancouver holiday experience. This park is home to many First Nations peoples like the Ditidaht, Nuu-chah-nulth, Tseshaht and Tla-o-qui-aht. During your stay, immerse yourself in the indigenous people’s culture. You can also traverse the historic West Coast Trail, founded by the First Nations.
The Prince Edward Island National Park is a must-go for families with little kids. Lying off the coast of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, this park offers plenty of kid-friendly activities.
The red sand beaches will keep your child entertained for hours, whether they choose to build sandcastles or swim in the shallow waters. Moreover, there are many beginner-friendly trails if your family wants to go for a hike.
The Riding Mountain National Park is a Manitoban wonderland for enchanting landscapes and wildlife. You can find black bears, lynxes, moose, and wolves inside the park. But the highlight of the park lies in its waters. It is home to more than 1,900 lakes, including the pristine Clear Lake. Enjoy plenty of activities within the lakes—may it be canoeing, kayaking or riding a motorboat.
The Waterton Lakes National Park may be the smallest one in the Rocky Mountains, but it offers plenty of magnificent sights. This Albertan park shares a border with the Glacier National Park in Montana, so expect to see sparkling glacier-fed lakes around the park.
Hike along the 200-kilometre stretch for all types of climbers, from beginners to pros. You can also enjoy a stunning landscape at the peak of Chief Mountain and Mount Blakiston.
Did you know that the park’s name comes from a First Nations Cree expression of awe? The Yoho National Park lives up to its name by offering a different side of the Rockies—from graceful waterfalls, glistening alpine lakes and gorgeous mountains.
Unpack the wonders 500 million years ago inside the Burgess Shale Fossils. Or visit the beautiful waters in the park, including the tall Takakkaw Falls and the charming Emerald Lake.
Explore the treasures of the Yoho National Park and more with our Canadian Rockies Circle holiday package.
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Nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts and casual travellers will surely delight in the sights inside the natural parks. Whether you’re soul-searching or taking your kids on their first trip, there will always be a wonder in store for you.
Make your dream Canada holiday a reality with our Canadian holiday packages.