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The 10 Best Parks in Canada
Canada is where Mother Nature decided to splatter vibrant green, icy white, and mountainous gray all over her vast canvas, resulting in colossal glaciers, magnificent mountains, serene lakes, and some of the world’s rarest wildlife species.
What amazes us—and probably you too—is the sheer diversity of the environments across Canadian parks. With a whopping 38 national parks and national park reserves, alongside numerous provincial parks, every adventurer’s appetite will be well satisfied.
So grab your adventure gear, pick your favourites from our list of the best parks in Canada, and get ready to be blown away by the wonders of nature. Trust us, you won’t want to miss any of these amazing spots, so read on!
Banff National Park
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff
Address: 224 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-762-1550
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9AM – 7PM
Prices:
- Adult – $10.50
- Senior – $9.00
- Youth – Free
- Family/Group – $21.00
- Commercial Group(per person) – $9.00
Nestled amidst the stunning Canadian Rockies, Banff is a year-round playground that will have you clicking non-stop. From pristine turquoise lakes to snow-capped mountain peaks and lush forests, the park offers postcard-perfect views at every turn.
Here at Banff, you’ll discover top-class amenities like hot springs, hiking trails, and the famous Lake Louise. Enjoy winter sports at Sunshine Village; they’ve got top-notch skiing facilities!
But be on your A-game, folks; we have bears ambling around. Remember to maintain a safe distance and store food securely to avoid an unanticipated picnic guest!
The park’s location away from urban lighting makes it one of the best places in Canada for stargazing. Oh, and while you’re there, soak up some culture too.
Pop into the Whyte Museum to learn about the park’s history and culture. Or maybe take a dip in the Upper Hot Springs—it’s all there, waiting for you to explore.
| Local Tip: If you’re after the best views of the park, check out the Banff Gondola. You won’t be disappointed! |
Jasper National Park
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper
Address: Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Contact details: +1 780-852-6176
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9AM – 7PM
Prices:
- Adult – $10.50
- Senior – $9.00
- Youth – Free
- Family/Group – $21.00
- Commercial Group(per person) – $9.00
Jasper National Park is the largest in the Canadian Rockies, and it’s wild, untouched, and boy, is it beautiful. Jasper’s star attractions include amenities like the Jasper SkyTram, Maligne Lake, and Athabasca Glacier.
Don’t forget to check out the relaxing Miette Hot Springs! Though it’s a haven of tranquility, wildlife sightings are common.
Make a mental note: the park is home to both black and grizzly bears, so be bear-aware! Then there are the hiking options!
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner looking for a little taste of the wild, Jasper has a trail for you. How about tackling the stunning Berg Lake Trail, or maybe a leisurely stroll around the celestial-blue Maligne Lake is your thing?
Either way, remember to pack your boots! Speaking of lakes, Jasper’s glacial-fed lakes are the stuff of legend, like the Spirit Island on Maligne Lake or the mystical Pyramid Lake.
| Local Tip: Visit the park in October to catch the annual Dark Sky Festival. It’s an astronomy event unlike any other! |
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ns/cbreton/
Address: 37639 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia
Contact details: +1 902-224-2306
Operating hours:
- (July to August) Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Prices: (Daily Pass)
- Adult – $8.50
- Senior – $7.25
- Youth – Free
- Family/Group – $16.75
- Commercial Group, per person – $7.25
Starting with the landscapes, Cape Breton Park is a mesmerizing amalgamation of rolling plateaus, rugged coasts, and beautiful forests. Add to this the stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean, and you’ve got a visual treat!
Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bald eagles, bobcats, and so many more amazing creatures that call the park home. It’s safe to say that if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, the Cape Breton Highlands will not disappoint.
The park is also known for its phenomenal hiking opportunities. Whether it’s the popular Skyline Trail offering panoramic views or the coastal hike along the Jack Pine Trail, there’s something for everyone.
For golfers, the Highlands Links is a dream! As idyllic as it seems, watch out for those cliffs, folks; accidents can happen if you venture too close to the edge.
But hey, this park is not just about natural beauty. Step into culturally rich communities such as the Acadian fishing village of Chéticamp and the Scottish-settled town of Ingonish to get a taste of local traditions.
| Local Tip: Plan your visit in the autumn. The fall colours here are absolutely jaw-dropping! |
Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
Website: http://www.sepaq.com/pq/mot
Address: 3824 Chemin du Lac Supérieur, Lac-Supérieur, QC J0T 1P0, Canada
Contact details: +1 819-688-2281
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Spanning 1,510 square kilometers, Parc National du Mont-Tremblant is Quebec’s largest and oldest park. It provides for on-water fun like canoeing and kayaking, and it packs in over 80km of mountain biking trails.
The Via Ferrata du Diable, a mountain route dotted with beams, bridges, and footpaths, will make even the most seasoned hikers’ hearts skip a beat.
Not to be overlooked, the park also offers guided wildlife-watching walks—an invitation to witness the rich biodiversity of this noteworthy sanctuary. Now for the flip side of this wilderness coin.
While Mont-Tremblant is beyond doubt a dream, don’t be caught dozing, especially during the inviting summer months. Why? Mosquitoes, folks!
Bring a spritz of your favorite insect repellent to keep those pesky park invaders at bay. And hey, don’t forget the bigger campers, either.
We’re talking bears and even the occasional wolf, so always maintain a safe distance, adhere to the ‘no feeding’ rules, and remember to store food securely.
| Local Tip: For a less crowded experience, plan your visit during the weekdays. Oh, and don’t forget your camera; this place is postcard-perfect! |
Okanagan Lake Park
Website: https://bcparks.ca/okanagan-lake-park/
Address: BC-97, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0, Canada
Contact details: +1 250-548-0076
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Okanagan Lake Provincial Park is the regional darling, and it’s not hard to see why. With its immaculate beaches, warm waters, and a backdrop of forested hills, Okanagan is the perfect outdoorsy escape without the rough edges!
The park, nestled around the banks of a spectacular 135-kilometer-long lake, lures visitors with its water-based recreational activities. Boating and paddling enthusiasts, you’re in for a treat!
If camping is your thing, fear not! Okanagan Lake Park has got you covered with two campgrounds—South and North, both sumptuously cradled by Ponderosa pine forests. While Okanagan’s beauty is serene, it too has a wild side.
The park is home to rattlesnakes, so precaution is key, especially in rocky terrain and tall grassy areas. Also, the park can get mighty toasty during peak summer months, so stay hydrated and bring sunblock.
| Local Tip: Evenings by the lake are pure magic! Don’t miss out on stargazing—Okanagan’s nights have more twinkling lights than a glitter factory! |
Yoho National Park
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/fr/pn-np/bc/yoho
Address: Field, BC V0A 1G0, Canada
Contact details: +1 250-343-6783
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours (Late June until mid-October)
Kick off your Yoho adventure with Lake O’Hara, a vibrant turquoise water body nestled in the mountains. Its colours are surreal, and the surrounding hiking trails are legendary. Emerald Lake, the park’s largest lake, is another must-see.
And by must-see, I mean explore every inch. Canoe across the lake, hike the circuit around it, or just sit back and relax—Emerald Lake’s serene beauty is mesmerizing from every angle.
But here’s the catch: don’t let the beauty blind you – it’s bear territory! Secure food and avoid solo explorations, especially at dawn and dusk.
Yoho doesn’t shy away when it comes to fascinating rock formations. The Natural Bridge, an oddity formed by erosion, is a fine example.
For all the history buffs out there, nudge your specs up and spiral into the past with Burgess shale fossil beds—one of the greatest fossil-finding areas in the world. Imagine slipping back into a time when marine life ruled the planet.
| Local Tip: Booking a bus to Lake O’Hara well in advance will save you a lot of hiking time. Also, the waterfall is at its best during late spring when the snow melts, so plan your visit accordingly. |
Nahanni National Park
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nt/nahanni
Address: Fort Smith, Unorganized, NT, Canada
Contact details: +1 867-695-6558
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 5 P
Nestled in the spectacular Northwest Territories, Nahanni, let me tell you, is the stuff of legends. The second you lay your eyes on the South Nahanni River, you’ll know you’re in for something extraordinary.
Nahanni offers fantastic canoeing, hot springs, and the dramatic Virginia Falls. Take flight and check out the sightseeing tours; they’re spectacular!
Moving away from the river, you’ll stumble upon a realm of towering peaks and sprawling alpine meadows that will leave your trekking boots itching for action. The trails here have got everything, from strenuous multi-day hikes to breezy strolls.
Just a heads-up, though: these woods are home to a fair share of black bears, wolves, and even lynx. Always be vigilant, group up, and avoid the thrill of night-time adventures.
And then we have the spectacular Virginia Falls, nearly twice the height of the Niagara Falls. And when you do see it, boy, oh boy, you’re in for a spellbinding spectacle.
| Local Tip: Sunrise and sunset morph Virginia Falls into a scenic marvel that’s absolutely surreal. |
Gros Morne National Park
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nl/grosmorne
Address: 31 Main St N, Rocky Harbour, NL
Contact details: +1 709-458-2417
Operating hours:
- Open year-round
Named after its highest peak, Gros Morne National Park is Newfoundland’s pride and joy, and trust me when I say it’s a geologist’s dream come true. At Gros Morne, you can enjoy Tablelands hiking and sail the scenic Western Brook Pond.
Their campgrounds are well-equipped and maintained, giving you everything you need. Keep an eye out though; black bears are common in some areas.
Always remember to discard food waste appropriately to avoid attracting unwelcome visitors. Just when you start thinking, “This is it,” Gros Morne shocks you with its gobsmacking Western Brook Pond, a landlocked fjord surrounded by cliffs.
The boat tour across this fjord will likely be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Then, you’ve got Gros Morne Mountain, a trekker’s dream with its long, rewarding hike.
If beaches are more your thing, then head straight to Shallow Bay Beach. The long, sandy strip is a sight for sore eyes.
| Local Tip: The sunsets here are mind-blowing! So, grab a picnic blanket, some food, and enjoy an unforgettable dusk moment. |
Kootenay National Park
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay/
Address: British Columbia, Canada
Contact details: +1 250-347-9505
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
The highway that runs through Kootenay—it’s a scenic drive like no other. Winding roads cutting through a rugged landscape with towering mountains and sweeping valleys—it’s practically an invitation for an adventurous road trip.
Then, let’s talk about the hiking trails here. From pleasant walks to challenging treks, Kootenay got it all. Ever thought about walking amidst a canyon?
Well, the Tokumm Creek Trail allows you to do just that! As for a more relaxed stroll, the Paint Pots Trail should be your pick.
The park’s unique geology shines through in its natural hot springs. Radium hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties, are perfect for a soothing soak after a day of exploring.
| Local Tip: Make sure you take a drive through Highway 93; it’s captivating! Beware, though: Kootenay has bear country tagged all over it. Remember, as tempting as it is, never feed the wildlife. |
Pacific Rim National Park
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/visit
Address: British Columbia, Canada
Contact details: +1 250-726-3500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 11 PM
Rounding up our journey is Pacific Rim National Park, a testament to Canada’s stunning Pacific Coastline. First stop: Long Beach, a stretch of pristine sand perfect for surfing, beach strolling, or simply drinking in the raw beauty of the Pacific coast.
Then there’s the West Coast Trail, a challenging multi-day hike fraught with obstacles. Not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re up for it, the dramatic coastal scenery combined with the thrill of the rugged path makes for an unforgettable adventure.
Just make sure to pack your insect repellent; those pesky mosquitoes and ticks love the damp forest conditions. Remember, let’s not let the bugs bug your adventure!
Though the park is a loner’s delight, it also offers wonderful cultural experiences. The indigenous Nuu-chah-nulth people welcome visitors with open arms, offering insight into their rich cultural heritage.
| Local Tip: Visit during the winter storm season for wild waves and cosy nights by the fire. |
