10 Best National Parks in Canada

Banff is Canada’s oldest national park, established in 1885 on the slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Only 150 kilometres away from Calgary, it welcomes millions of visitors every year with unparalleled natural scenery. Snow-capped peaks frame a picture-perfect backdrop, while the flower-filled meadows and turquoise glacial lakes add stunning colours to the tranquil view.

Adventures abound in this outdoor-lover’s paradise. The wild waters allow for thrilling white water rafting trips, and the lush mountains offer pristine options for hiking and climbing. At the end of a long trek, take a dip in the hot springs and let the soothing water weave its own magic of natural healing power.

Jasper encompasses almost three acres of land in the Canadian Rockies. Covering an expansive terrain of jagged landscape, it boasts sweeping views of majestic mountains, ancient glaciers, aqua-coloured lakes and thousands of species of wildlife from grizzly bears to wolverines. Over nine hundred kilometres of hiking trails wind through the park, taking you through a kaleidoscope of vistas at every turn.

Extra perks you’ll find at Jasper include the Columbia Icefield, a 10,000-year-old sheet of ice that you can walk on. As one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves, the park also promises a vast night sky, visible in its full glory on any clear night.

Gros Morne is located on the west coast of Newfoundland and provides a rare example of the continental drift process. The earth’s movement and collisions left behind deep ocean crust, whereas glacier activity has shaped soaring fjords, alpine plateaus and sheer cliffs towering within the same panorama.

Hiking in Gros Morne National Parks is an otherworldly experience. You can walk directly along the earth’s mantle, explore coastal lowlands and admire thunderous waterfalls. Alongside the natural wonders, there are also small towns scattered throughout the park, offering a glimpse into the local cultural heritage.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve protects the southern Haida Gwaii archipelago, a group of sparsely populated islands also known as “Canada’s Galapagos”. Covered by lush rainforests, this remote landscape teems with natural beauty and wildlife, from moss-clad cedar and massive spruces to breaching whales and salmon-hunting bears. Hundreds of thousands of seabirds nest along the shorelines every summer, and many species of migrating birds make their stop here in the spring and autumn.

Rooted in this wilderness is the heritage of the Haida people. In the village of Ninstints in the southernmost part of the park, you’ll find remains of their ancient cedar longhouses, alongside carved totem poles that are still standing.

The Bay of Fundy, located in New Brunswick, is known for its tidal shifts. With waters rising up 12 metres or more – equivalent to a four-story building – it is the highest tide in the world and a dramatic sight to behold. The low tide is equally impressive as it reveals a vast expanse of ocean floor, bursting with intertidal wildlife.

The coastline completes the picturesque scene with over two dozen waterfalls, dense forest and rocky terrain. Hiking is a quiet adventure here as you wander through deep swatches of evergreens and mosses, home to some of the oldest red spruces alive.

Kluane National Park protects a wild landscape in the southwest Yukon. Comprising over 20,000 square kilometres of land, the massive park is home to the world’s largest non-polar icefields and Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan. The view from any angle is filled with glistening glaciers, arctic forests, sparkling lakes and iconic boreal wildlife ranging from dall sheep and caribou to grizzly bears.

Numerous hikes throughout the park take you deep into the untamed wilderness, whereas activities such as dog sledding offer plenty of family fun. If this is your first time near the arctic, don’t forget to look for the Northern Lights, or join the celebration of Midnight Sun when the nights stay bright during the summer months.

Saguenay St-Lawrence Marine Park is a marine protected area in Quebec, located where fresh and salt waters meet between a river and a fjord. The unique ecosystem creates a distinct habitat for over two thousand species of marine life, making it one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Frequently spotted in these waters include many species at risk, such as the blue whale and the St. Lawrence beluga whale.

The land surrounding the park is of equal importance, being part of the Innue Essipit First Nation. It is one of the first points of contact between European explorers and the Indigenous Peoples, as well as the cradle of intercontinental fur trade.

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is nestled in the scenic southwest Nova Scotia, encompassing lush forests, meandering brooks and sandy shores. The gentle waterways lead to perfect canoe routes, while a multitude of meandering trails provide pristine hiking experiences packed with views of turquoise lagoons, coastal bogs and wildflowers.

As the only national park that is also designated as a national historic site, Kejimkujik also features a rich cultural landscape associated with the Mi’kmaq people. You can explore their petroglyph sites and aboriginal villages, all seeped with the natural wonder of their marine homeland.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park is located in the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, about 170 kilometres north of Toronto. Boasting a landscape of windswept pines, sparkling waters and scavenging animals ranging from moose and black bear to timber wolf and grey fox, it is a destination filled with rustic beauty and wild charm.

The national park covers 63 islands and islets that pepper the shore across the south-eastern part of the bay. All of them are open to the public, making it a popular destination for sailing and a weekend boat trip.

Prince Edward Island National Park spans a breath-taking stretch of land on the northern shore of Prince Edward Island. Think breezy coastal terrain, saltwater marshes, sandstone cliffs and Acadian forests. An extensive network of trails offers opportunities for walking, trekking and cycling, allowing you to fully immerse into the storybook-perfect scenery.

Most famous for its beaches, the park will take your breath away with towering sand dunes, floating boardwalks and lighthouses that frame unforgettable sunset pictures. For a family vacation, throw down a picnic blanket and roast a marshmallow, or enjoy some camping and fall asleep to nature’s sounds.