fbpx
Canada national parks

29 Amazing Canadian National Parks for Everyone to Enjoy

Published Wednesday, Sep 01

29 Amazing Canada National Parks for Everyone to Enjoy

Canada can boast one of the most diverse collections of national parks in the world.

With this list of 29 national parks to choose from, there’s something for everyone!

Whether you want to explore canyons and caves, see some wildlife, or just enjoy a stunning site from atop a mountain peak, Canada has an amazing park waiting for you!

If you enjoy visiting national parks and plan on traveling with the whole family be sure to check out our list of the 10 best national parks to visit with family as well!

1. Banff National Park – Alberta

Banff National Park - Alberta

Banff National Park is one of the most visited parks in Canada.

It spans across 310,000 acres (roughly 800 km²).

The park can be split into four sections: Banff, Lake Louise, Yoho Valley and Kootenay Mountain.

Famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery, forests full of wildlife, breathtaking blue waters, and meadows filled with wildflowers this national park offers a picturesque setting to explore on foot or by car.

With plenty of camping options from backpacker campsites to RV sites, visitors can plan their trip according to what suits them best!

Don’t forget your camera when travelling through this stunning wonderland – you’ll want lots of photos at every turn!

2. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – British Columbia

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - British Columbia

The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

It can be accessed by ferry or float plane and can take up to 12 hours to reach from Tofino.

This national park reserve offers a variety of landscapes with dramatic views – including vast beaches, dense old-growth forests, towering cliffs overlooking pounding surf, an impressive river canyon system that rises into temperate rainforest valleys (with one valley dubbed “Canada’s Grand Canyon”).

There are also opportunities for hiking trails throughout this protected area!

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path in Canada then look no further than this wild beauty.

3. Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Highlands National Park - Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is located on Cape Breton Island and was founded in 1974.

It has an area spanning across 240 square kilometers (roughly 600 km²) with lots to explore including mountains, valleys, coastal areas, beaches and lakes among other things.

This park offers a range or trails perfect for hiking fans who want to get out into nature; whether you’re looking for a quick stroll around the scenic plateau or longer treks through pristine wilderness it can all be found here!

The rock faces are also worth exploring – they offer some of the most challenging climbing routes in Canada.

If you can’t decide what to do then this park has a lot of options – whether it’s hiking, rock climbing or just enjoying the natural scenery there is always something for everyone! 

4. Gros Morne National Park – Newfoundland

Gros Morne National Park - Newfoundland

Gros Morne National Park is located on the island of Newfoundland and can be accessed by car or through a guided tour.

The park can be split into two sections: Gros Morne Mountain, which includes Rocky Harbour as well as Tablelands; and Western Brook Pond, which can only be explored on foot with an experienced guide.

This national park’s forests are filled with wildlife such as moose, black bear and bald eagles.

It also offers amazing views from high up in the mountains where you can see all around!

If you’re feeling adventurous then this protected area has lots to offer – take your pick between climbing one of its many peaks or hiking along one of its numerous trails for some prime scenery viewing!

5. Waterton Lakes National Park – Alberta

Waterton Lakes National Park - Alberta

Waterton Lakes National Park can be found in Alberta, Canada and was founded in 1895.

The national park can be broken down into two sections: the Waterton Village section and a larger area called Upper Qu’Appelle Valley which is mostly made up of forests, lakes, meadows and mountains with hiking trails to explore!

This national park offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities for those who love animals – you can spot elk herds as well as other wild creatures like grizzly bears.

There are also plenty of waterfalls worth visiting and there’s even a unique ecosystem where forest meets prairie (called an ecotone).

Visitors can enjoy stunning views from high above while they are mountain climbing or hiking, or just relax on one of the many secluded beaches.

6. Fundy National Park – New Brunswick

Fundy National Park - New Brunswick

This protected area offers over 150 km (roughly 93 mi) worth of hiking trails with spectacular views from high above – it also has a number of waterfalls as well as plenty for those who love animals by way of elk herds or watching birds.

For visitors who want to relax then there are a few beaches available too that offer stunning coastal views.

The most popular viewpoint within this national park is called “the Hopewell Rocks” where you can get an amazing view of the Bay of Fundy.

Fundy National Park is known for its incredibly fast rising tide!

The tide will rise up to 12 meters or 39 feet in just a few hours!

When the tide is low you can explore the amazing ocean floor and find things you wouldn’t get to see anywhere else!

7. Prince Edward Island National Park – Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island National Park - Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island National Park is a great option for families with younger kids!

This island has long stretches of sandy beaches where you can enjoy listening to the relaxing sounds on the Atlantic Ocean, building sandcastles, or looking at the many beautiful lighthouses in the area.

If spending time in the ocean or on the beach isn’t appealing to you, there are also many trials you can take to explore the rest of the island.

Prince Edward Island is a wonderful place to relax, soak up the sun, swim in the ocean and enjoy this Atlantic shore to the fullest.

8. Kluane National Park – Yukon Territory

Kluane National Park - Yukon Territory

Kluane National Park can be found in Yukon Territory, Canada and is the largest national park in North America!

This protected area features a wide variety of wildlife as well as an array of incredible views for those who can look beyond their busy schedules.

The areas that are open to vehicles include: Kaskawulsh Glacier Viewpoint; Tombstone Campground; Takhini Hot Springs (which has geothermal pools); Kluane Lake – boat tours can be taken here too with boats leaving from Beaver Creek or Destruction Bay).

For hikers there are many options too like exploring Mount Logan’s summit which offers beautiful panoramic views from high above!

If you want to stay, then this area also has campsites available for those who can’t bear to leave!

9. Bruce Peninsula National Park – Ontario

Bruce Peninsula National Park - Ontario

Bruce Peninsula National Park can be found in Ontario, Canada and was created to protect the Georgian Bay shoreline.

Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities here – there are beaches for those who want to relax or swim; lighthouses on both sides of the peninsula for admiring views with no need for climbing stairs; trails where you can hike along towering cliffsides, forests or through marshes.

You can also go fishing, take boat tours (there is an island called Ward’s Island which has many historical buildings and sites), cycle your way around the coastline as well as visit one of two museums that offer insight into this protected area! 

10. Jasper National Park – Alberta

Jasper National Park - Alberta

Jasper National Park can be found in Alberta, Canada and is a large national park located within the Rocky Mountains.

Jasper National Park can offer a wide variety of activities for people to enjoy – whether you want to go hiking or biking then there are trails that will suit you no matter your skill level!

You can also take advantage of other outdoor pursuits like fishing or swimming as well as camping out by Jasper Lake too.

Plus this place has so many different types of wildlife including: grizzly bears, elk herds, moose and more.

For those who love nature then check out one if its many waterfalls; stay at one of these campsites which give visitors an amazing view when they wake up (there is one called Wabasso Lake Campground which can be found at the north end of Jasper); or visit a world famous gemstone mine.

There are many natural gems that can be seen here so this place has been known for its mining history since before European colonization!

The best time to see it all in Jasper National Park is during the summer months when you can enjoy hiking, biking and other outdoor activities without having to worry about snow or ice on the ground!

11. Forillon National Park – Quebec

Forillon National Park - Quebec

This national park can be found in Quebec, Canada and is a part of the Gaspé Peninsula.

It’s located on a rugged coastline which has white cliffs that can tower over 1000 feet high!

This place was created to protect it from development so visitors can enjoy the area without having to worry about any problems.

There are many different types of wildlife here – black bears; whales; osprey and more.

There are also beaches for those who want to swim or play beach volleyball as well as fishing spots for people with boats.

12. Yoho National Park – British Columbia

Yoho National Park - British Columbia

Yoho National Park is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and is home to the famous Burgess Shale Fossils!

You can take a guided hike up to the fossils where you will see fossils from the pre-dinosaur era (500 million years old!)

Visitors can also explore this area by hiking along any of its 234 kilometers (146 miles) worth of trails – there are paths for all levels so anyone can enjoy it here!

There is also a variety of wildlife that can be found within Yoho National Park like elk; bighorn sheep; mountain goats as well as many types of birds including bald eagles!

13. Elk Island National Park- Alberta

Elk Island National Park- Alberta

This national park can be found in Alberta, Canada and is a large protected area.

It’s home to many different types of wildlife like: elk; bighorn sheep as well as other animals that both live on the land and around its waterways so visitors can take advantage of these natural habitats too!

Elk Island National Park can also offer many outdoor activities including fishing, hiking or camping out with no need for reservations here but it will fill up fast during busy seasons like summertime.

Plus if you love nature then this place has it all – from high alpine forests to boreal wetlands so there are lots of great views for those who enjoy taking pictures (or just admiring their surroundings). 

14. Gulf Islands National Park- British Columbia

Gulf Islands National Park- British Columbia

This park can be found in British Columbia, Canada and is a mix of land and water.

The Gulf Islands National Park can offer different types of activities for people to enjoy – whether you want to go hiking; biking or kayaking then there are trails that will suit your needs here too!

Plus this place has many natural habitats including: salt marshes; coastal grasslands as well as forests so it can be home to lots of wildlife like birds (there’s even bald eagles!) plus harbour seals which can sometimes also be seen just offshore!

It’s the perfect spot if you love nature because it offers something for everyone no matter what type of activity they prefer – outdoorsy folks can explore all these areas by foot; bike or kayak and those who can’t participate in these activities can just take a leisurely stroll on the beach!

15. Point Pelee National Park – Ontario

Point Pelee National Park - Ontario

Point Pelee National Park is famous for its yearly bird and monarch butterfly migrations.

This can be found in Ontario, Canada and is a low-lying coastal area that has lots of marshes.

It’s home to many different types of animals like birds; monarch butterflies as well as other insects – it can even offer visitors an opportunity to see rare plants too!

Point Pelee National Park can also provide people with the perfect spot for birdwatching because there are so many birds here year round plus you can get up close by doing some hiking or biking near these areas.

16. Sable Island National Park- Nova Scotia

Sable Island National Park- Nova Scotia

Sable Island National Park can be found in Nova Scotia, Canada and it’s a small island that can only be accessed by boat.

It can offer visitors opportunities to see many different types of wildlife like: seals; birds as well as the famous Sable island wild horses!

These majestic horses can be seen all around the island.

It is thought that they are descendants of Thomas Hancock’s livestock.

Thomas Hancock was sent from Boston to the Sable Islands in 1760.

If wild horses are interesting to you than Sable Island will be sure to fascinate you.

17. Terra Nova National Park- Newfoundland

Terra Nova National Park- Newfoundland

Terra Nova can be found in Newfoundland, Canada and is a popular destination for both Canadian residents as well as tourists.

It has many different types of ecosystems like: coastal forest; freshwater marsh plus sandy shores so there are lots of opportunities to go hiking or biking!

The coastline can also offer some amazing views with all its waterways – you can even see icebergs floating by during the summertime (because it’s not too far off from the north pole!).

Plus this place offers something for everyone no matter what type we’re talking about because if you love history then Terra Nova National Park can provide visitors an opportunity to learn more about how people lived in the area back when they were first colonized.

They can do this by visiting the historic sites that can also be found here – like Fort Point.

Plus there can also be opportunities to go fishing with saltwater anglers.

And if you still don’t want to do any of these things then this is still a place for you to visit because this park can also provide people with the opportunity to go on scenic walking trails!

18. Tuktut Nogait National Park – Northwest Territories

Tuktut Nogait National Park - Northwest Territories

Tuktut Nogait can be found in Northwest Territories, Canada and is considered to be one of the coldest places on Earth.

It can offer people lots of opportunities for things like: hiking; sightseeing as well as snowmobiling!

Plus this place can also provide visitors with an opportunity to see a healthy population of wildlife living here – including herds of cariboun and muskoxen which are both native to these parts.

This national park can even offer boat tours where you can explore all that it has to offer – because it’s so large (meaning there are plenty more areas left unexplored). 

19. Ukkusiksalik National Park- Nunavut

Ukkusiksalik National Park- Nunavut

Ukkusiksalik can be found in Nunavut, Canada and is the territory’s most famous national park.

It can offer people opportunities to see some of the nature that can only be seen in this part of the world; like: Polar bears and tundra – which can’t really survive any other place else on earth!

Plus it has a long history as well as cultural significance because people have been living here for about 5000 years.

This makes Ukkusiksalik National Park an important area for those who want to learn more about Inuit culture – and their way of life before they came into contact with Europeans.

The landscape can also provide visitors with some amazing views and a glimpse of wildlife like: grizzly bears; Arctic foxes as well as snowy owls.

20. Wood Buffalo National Park – Alberta

Wood Buffalo National Park - Alberta

Wood Buffalo can be found in Alberta, Canada and is one of the largest wildlife reserves in all of North America.

It can provide people with opportunities to enjoy a variety of things like: canoeing; fishing as well as hiking!

This large protected habitat of wood bison is a very important area for people to visit because it can give them a chance to learn more about the importance of preserving wildlife and habitat.

Plus this place can also offer visitors with opportunities like: renting canoes; hiking on trails as well as watching different species of birds (because Wood Buffalo National Park is known for its birdwatching).

So if you’re looking for an opportunity to get back in touch with nature then this park can provide that! 

21. Glacier National Park- British Columbia

Glacier National Park- British Columbia

Glacier can be found in British Columbia, Canada and is one of the most famous national parks.

It can provide people with opportunities to see some of the world’s best examples of ice age glaciation – which can’t really be seen anywhere else on Earth!

Plus this place can also give visitors an opportunity to go back in time by visiting some historic buildings like: a log cabin or even churches that were used during the fur trade era.

So if you’re looking for somewhere out-of-the box then Glacier National Park can offer just that because it has lots more than glaciers as well – including mountains; valleys and rivers.

And these natural wonders can offer visitors an opportunity to get back in touch with nature and the outdoors.

22. Gwaii Haanas National Park- British Columbia

Gwaii Haanas National Park- British Columbia

Gwaii Haanas can be found in British Columbia, Canada and it can provide people with opportunities to visit this area where temperate rainforest meets ocean!

Plus it has a lot of natural beauty (like: whales; bald eagles as well as humpback whales).

And Gwaii Haanas National Park can also offer people some amazing views just by walking along its coastline – that goes all the way to its native village.

So if you want to see some of the most beautiful views in Canada then this can provide that because it can offer visitors with a unique opportunity to get back in touch with nature and explore the outdoors!

And Gwaii Haanas National Park is even said to have one of the world’s best examples of temperate rainforest (because there are so many different species here).

23. Kouchibouguac National Park- New Brunswick

Kouchibouguac National Park- New Brunswick

Kouchibouguac National Park can be found in New Brunswick, and it can provide people with opportunities to enjoy some amazing coastal beauty – that includes wonderful beaches as well as unique sand dunes.

Plus this place can also give visitors an opportunity to see a variety of wildlife like: seals; whales; birds (because it’s close to water).

And Kouchibouguac National Park can offer visitors the chance learn more about how First Nations peoples lived here for centuries.

And people can even get back in touch with history by visiting things like: historic sites or lighthouses!

So if you want somewhere that can offer you a chance to explore Canada’s history and get back in touch with nature then this can provide that.

And Kouchibouguac National Park can also give people the opportunity to go swimming or canoeing on its beaches – which are wonderful for families with kids (because there are lots of lifeguards here).

Plus visitors can enjoy things like: camping; fishing as well as hiking, biking and horseback riding on some historic trails.

Plus all these activities can be enjoyed year-round because it never snows here! So if you’re looking for an enjoyable experience outdoors without any snow then Kouchibouguac is perfect!

24. La Mauricie National Park – Quebec

La Mauricie National Park - Quebec

La Mauricie can be found in the province of Quebec, and it can offer visitors with opportunities to see some beautiful lakes as well as forests.

Plus this place can give people a chance to explore nature by experiencing things like: canoeing; hiking or even going on bike rides (because there are so many trails here).

If you want a place to camp and enjoy nature then La Mauricie National Park is the place for you!

There are beautiful camp sites to chose from as well as endless outdoor activities to keep you entertained during your stay!

25. Mingan Archipelago National Park- Quebec

Mingan Archipelago National Park- Quebec

Mingan can be found in Quebec, and it can offer visitors with opportunities to enjoy the beauty of a place that’s just as wild as its name.

Plus this national park can give people the chance to explore nature by going out on boat trips – where they can see animal species like: whales; birds (as well as other animals).

And Mingan Archipelago National Park is famous for its many limestone outcrops and cliffs – that can offer visitors with awesome views and opportunities to learn more about this area’s unique history.

It is also an Atlantic puffin habitat so visitors will get to see these amazing birds if they can plan their trip during the right season.

26. Nahanni National Park Reserve – Northwest Territories

Nahanni National Park Reserve - Northwest Territories

Nahanni can be found in the Northwest Territories, and it can provide people with opportunities to enjoy a remote wilderness experience that can’t really be replicated anywhere else.

Plus this place can offer visitors an opportunity to get back in touch with nature by exploring new things like: taking canoe trips; going out on hikes or horseback rides and seeing all the amazing wildlife and nature in the area.

And Nahanni Reserve National Park is such a unique place because it offers something for everyone – from kids to history buffs!

So if you want somewhere where there’s no shortage of activities then head over to Nahanni National Park Reserve!

27. Pukaskwa National Park – Ontario

Pukaskwa National Park - Ontario

Pukaskwa can be found in Ontario, and it can provide people with opportunities to enjoy the beauty of a remote wilderness – as well as see some amazing wildlife.

Pukaskwa is located on the Voyaguer Hiking Trail, which can offer visitors with an opportunity to explore Canada’s boreal forest, on the longest stretch of undeveloped shore line in the area.

Plus Pukaskwa National Park can give people the chance to see wildlife like: bears and moose, as well as some of the oldest trees in North America (due it being located on a tree line).

If being surrounded by forest and nature is what you’re looking for than Pukaskwa is a great option for you!

28. Torngat Mountains – Newfoundland and Labrador

Torngat Mountains 

Torngat can be found in Newfoundland and Labrador, and it can provide people with opportunities to enjoy Canada’s most rugged national park.

Plus Torngat Mountains National Park can give visitors the chance to explore nature by going out on things like: kayaking; backpacking or even experiencing the beauty of this place at a slower pace by enjoying hiking trails.

And if you want an experience that will make you feel more connected to nature then Torngat is perfect!

You can’t get much closer than being surrounded by mountains as well as wild animals.

29. Vuntut National Park – Yukon

Vuntut National Park

Vuntut can be found in the Yukon, and it can provide people with opportunities to experience Canada’s newest national park.

And because this place is so new there are some amazing programs for kids!

So if you want an adventure that’ll keep your children interested then check out what they have on offer here at Vuntut!

Vuntut is known for the fossils that can be found there, making it a great option for anyone interested in exploring the history of this area – as well as learning about how life can survive in extreme environments.

Plus Vuntut can give people opportunities to enjoy a close encounter with wildlife like: grizzlies; caribou (and many more!).

Conclusion

If you can’t decide where to visit in Canada, and specifically what national parks in Canada to visit, then this article has the answer for you! We’ve included 29 amazing Canadian national parks that are sure to offer visitors an unforgettable experience.

Whether you love animals or want a place where your children can have fun and explore nature; there’s something here for everyone. If all of these places sound too good to be true, don’t worry it’s not- we hope it will encourage more people to go out and explore the beautiful country of Canada!

We hope this article was helpful for you and your vacation planning! Be sure to check out Destinations Travel Guide for all your future vacation and travel needs!

You May Also Like…