Canada. As one of the most vast and varied lands in the world, it’s no surprise that its national parks are just as diverse. The parks range from prairie grasslands and northern ice-capped vistas to coastal beauties and Rocky Mountain wonders. Of course, there are more reasons than the views to head out into Canada’s national parks. For instance, there are countless activities to try out such as snowshoeing, hiking, kayaking, whale watching, skiing, surfing and more! So your only question should be where to go first!
The major differences from one location to another can make deciding on your desired destination challenging, eh? We’ve ranked 15 of Canada’s national parks, so you can spend less time choosing your Canadian destination and more time exploring it!
15. Forillon National Park
Location: Quebec, Canada – 122 Gaspé Boulevard, Gaspé QC G4X 0B1
Months of Operation: June to early-October
Main Activities: Whale and seal watching, snorkeling, cycling, hiking, and horseback riding.
Forillon National Park lies at the outer tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, covered by boreal forest. Soaring limestone cliffs, pebble beaches, and sculptured rock walls lay along the shore, while the inland is characterized by hills, gorges, and rushing streams. Grey seals, many species of whales, and harbor porpoises are often spotted from the shore. In addition to sea creature watching, Forillon National Park also beckons many other recreational activities, such as snorkeling, cycling, hiking, and horseback riding.
14. Thousand Islands National Park
Location: Ontario, Canada – Mallorytown ON K0E 1R0
Months of Operation: Late May to mid-October (trails are open year-round but unmaintained from Thanksgiving to Victoria Day)
Main Activities: Kayaking, boating, relaxing by the river, and oTENTik camping.
Thousand Islands National Park (formerly known as St. Lawrence Islands National Park) consists of 26 islands and 90 islets along 80 kilometers of the St. Lawrence River. Much of the park is explorable by kayak or powerboat. Located just a few hours from Toronto or Montreal, you can stay just for the day or overnight at Park Canada’s waterfront oTENTik accommodations (the perfect blend of home comfort and camping).
13. Prince Edward Island National Park
Location: Prince Edward Island, Canada – 2 Palmers Lane, Charlottetown PE C1A 5V8
Months of Operation: Most facilities are open from mid-May to early October. All services are available in July and August.
Main Activities: Swimming, beach walking, bird watching, and cycling.
The Prince Edward Island National Park is located on the Northern Coastline of PEI. The seascape comprises of long sandy beaches, red sandstone cliffs, and shifting sand dunes, while spruce and birch forests lay on the interior. Cycle along the seashore path or venture inland towards the saltwater marshes that are havens for shorebirds, such as the blue heron and the rare piping plover.
One of the most famous features of the park is Green Gables, the house that inspired the classic novel Anne of Green Gables. Private cottages, hotels or campsites offer a variety of accommodations for any visitor.
12. Mount Revelstoke National Park
Location: British Columbia, Canada – Meadows in the Sky Pkwy, Columbia-Shuswap B BC V0E
Months of Operation: Open year-round, but visitor facilities are closed by snow from October to May. Seasonal activities vary.
Main Activities: Snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, backcountry camping, and driving along the Meadows-in-the-Sky Parkway.
Acknowledged as the birthplace of alpine skiing in Canada, this diverse landscape hosts lush alpine meadows, glaciers, rocky cliffs, and one of the world’s few inland temperate rainforests. Today cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities at Mount Revelstoke.
In the summer, you can camp at the backcountry campsites or drive along the Meadows-in-the-Sky Parkway to reach the summit of Mount Revelstoke (the only national park in Canada that allows you to reach the summit by car if you so choose). Mount Revelstoke is the perfect national park for wilderness worshipers at heart.
11. Grasslands National Park
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada – PO Box 150, Val Marie SK S0N 2T0
Months of Operation: May to October (campgrounds are open from mid-May to September or October, depending on the site)
Main Activities: Camping, stargazing, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and wildlife watching
The Grasslands National Park protects one of Canada’s few remaining undisturbed prairie grasslands. Winding rivers and abundant marshes lay hidden deep in the dry plains. The hot and dry summers and cold winters provide for unique flora and fauna, including species of rare herbs and grasses, prairie rattlesnakes, horned toads, and Canada’s only black-tailed prairie dogs.
Looking to get an epic view of the night sky? You’ve come to the right place. Grasslands National Park is the proud recipient of the Dark Sky Preserve. With the “dark sky” becoming threatened by increasing light pollution, the night sky view that this landscape offers is a rare find.
10. Bruce Peninsula National Park
Location: Ontario, Canada – 120 Chi sin tib dek Rd. Box 189, Tobermory ON N0H 2R0
Months of Operation: May to October
Main Activities: Hiking, bouldering, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, cave exploration, and shipwreck discovery.
The limestone cliffs of the Bruce Peninsula sit magnificently poised atop the aqua Georgian Bay water. Located on the Northern end of the Niagara Escarpment, this land is home to many caves, sinkholes, and underground streams. The biggest attraction is the Grotto: a shoreline cave with beautiful turquoise waters.
There are also many hiking trails on this site, including the Bruce Trail. Just off the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula National Park sits the Fathom Five National Marine Park, which hosts clear waters, shipwrecks, and tall stone pillars formed from the changing water levels.
9. Point Pelee National Park
Location: Ontario, Canada – 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington ON N8H 3V4
Months of Operation: mid-April to early-October
Main Activities: Swimming, Picnicking, Bicycling, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Walking, and Bird Watching.
On the same latitude as Rome and Northern California, Point Pelee National Park is the southernmost point of Canada’s mainland, situated at the tip of the long peninsula that extends into Lake Eerie. The relatively warmer climate of Point Pelee supports a lush and jungle-like forest with exotic species compared to the typical variety of plants and animals found in Canada (such as the Moose and maple tree). Enjoy a walk along the lake-side beaches or the boardwalk-adorned marshes at this unique Canadian treasure.
8. Yoho National Park
Location: British Columbia, Canada – Trans-Canada Highway – Field, British Columbia V0A 1G0
Months of Operation: Open year-round, although certain areas have seasonal closures. Camping is only open from mid-May to early-October along with some park services.
Main Activities: Camping, ski touring, hiking, fishing, climbing, wildlife watching, canoeing, kayaking, and biking.
Yoho National Park is located on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies. With 28 mountain peaks, glacier-carved valleys, thundering waterfalls, and turquoise lakes, Yoho is rightly named after the Cree word for “awe”. After a day of hiking and admiring the astounding viewpoints, take a peek into the past at the Burgess Shale fossil site, where you can see records of sea life from over 500 million years ago!
7. Gros Morne National Park
Location: Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada – P.O. Box 130 3 D.O.T. Drive, Rocky Harbour NL A0K 4N0
Months of Operation: mid-May to mid-October. From June to September, park facilities are open seven days a week. The park is open in a limited capacity in the winter for some activities.
Main Activities: Hiking, cycling, kayaking, swimming, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and Cruising the Freshwater fjord.
Explore majestic fjords, colossal mountains, rocky cliffs, pristine lakes, and alpine forests on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland. The historic continental drift left the Earth’s mantle and deep ocean crust exposed, granting this park the honorable UNESCO World Heritage site title.
Traverse these acclaimed tablelands where you can catch a glimpse of naked Earth. More recent glacial grinding has also helped to shape the spectacular scenery we enjoy today. In the winter, take advantage of winter sports among the epic monstrous mountain backdrop, including snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing.
6. Waterton Lakes National Park
Location: Alberta, Canada – PO Box 200, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Months of Operation: Year Round. Peak season is in July and August, so consider visiting in the Spring and Fall shoulder season to avoid crowds.
Main Activities: Sailing, boating, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, climbing, stargazing, cycling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding.
The spectacular view of the Prince of Wales Hotel with the deep blue Waterton Lake and mountain peaks in the background is enough to entice any explorer to this national park. Located in Southern Alberta near the 49th parallel, this destination is a getaway for Canadians and foreigners alike. Explore roaring waterfalls, colorful streams, mountain vistas, and a diversity of wildlife in the place where the Albertan prairies meet the Rockies.
5. Fundy National Park
Location: New Brunswick, Canada – PO Box 1001 Alma New Brunswick E4H 1B4
Months of Operation: Most facilities are open from mid-May to mid-October every year. Full services are available in July and August.
Main Activities: Trail walking, kayaking, canoeing, golfing, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and waterfall gazing.
Fundy National Park is home to the highest tides on Earth. Walk along the ocean beach at low tide or hop into a kayak and paddle as the tide rises over 10 meters, even 16 meters at times (which is taller than a 3-story building). Once you’ve had enough with the ocean, hike inland along one of the 120 kilometers of trails to savor the lush Acadian forest, pristine creeks, and rushing waterfalls. At the Fundy National Park, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience unique camping options (including yurts) and outdoor music performances.
4. Jasper National Park
Location: Alberta, Canada – PO Box 10, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0
Months of Operation: Year round. Winter months offer great winter activities. Summer months are the busiest. Fall offers quieter crowds.
Main Activities: Backcountry camping, day hiking, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, skating, golfing, scenic driving along the Icefields Parkway, and stargazing.
Jasper is the largest national park in the Rocky Mountain area, comprised of breathtaking viewpoints including Maligne Lake, Mount Edith Cavell, Pyramid Mountain, and Medicine Lake. It is situated along the scenic Icefields Parkway drive, with roads leading to Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls. This National Park offers a wide variety of activities, from canyoning, rock climbing, and white water rafting to hiking, canoeing, fishing, and golfing, or even museum hopping and telescope stargazing. At Jasper National Park, you are sure to find the adventure that is right for you.
3. Pacific Rim National Park
Location: British Columbia, Canada – P.O. Box 280, 2040 Pacific Rim Highway, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Months of Operation:
- West Coast Trail: May 1st – September 30th. Reservation is mandatory. Limited spots available.
- Long Beach: Year-round. The busiest times are June to September.
- Broken Group of Islands: Year-round. The busiest times are July and August. Consider the shoulder season for your visit (May, June, and September).
Main Activities: Hike the West Coast Trail, surfing, swimming, storm watching, ocean kayaking, cycling, and boating.
Located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, the Pacific Rim National Park is made up of three components: Long Beach in Tofino, the West Coast Trail, and the Broken Group of Islands. Long Beach is a perfect place to grab your board and surf in the Pacific Ocean swell (just be sure to bring your wetsuit). You may also enjoy a sandy beach stroll as you watch the sunset paint the sky red and purple.
The West Coast Trail is a 75 km trek that offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, dense temperate rainforest, luscious waterfalls, creeks, and rivers. However, it is not for the faint of heart. Note that this trail requires a hefty booking lead time since the trail is only open from May to September, and a limited number of permits are available each year.
Finally, the Broken Group of Islands is renowned for its spectacular ocean kayaking. Grab a paddle and explore this rocky archipelago! Overall, this enchanting coastal national park is a great spot for both ocean lovers and adventure fiends!
2. Banff National Park
Location: Alberta, Canada – 224 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB T1L 1C3
Months of Operation: Year-round with some seasonal closures and restrictions.
Main Activities: Boating, fishing, horseback riding, hot springs, paddling, swimming, wildlife watching, snowshoeing, scuba diving, downhill skiing, and scenic driving along the Icefields Parkway.
Relish in the bountiful Rocky Mountains, the turquoise, glacier-fed waters of Lake Louise, and the scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway as you explore this vast land. It’s no coincidence that Banff is the most visited national park in Canada. But the views aren’t all there are to enjoy in Banff.
You may also delight in canoeing, hiking, whitewater rafting, golfing, skiing, or fishing with the beautiful landscape as the backdrop to these outdoor adventures. In addition to the wilderness-filled escapes, Banff National Park is also a popular vacation destination with some of the best inns, hotels, and resorts.
1. Cape Breton Highlands
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada – 37639 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia B0C 1L0
Months of Operation: May to October, with full services in July and August. The Cabot trail is open year-round.
Main Activities: Hiking, fishing, cycling, beach walking, swimming, golfing, and site seeing.
Cape Breton Highlands is the perfect blend of mountain, sea, and forest. The 26 hiking trails on this captivating land await to guide you atop panoramic bluffs, along the fresh ocean coast, and through the lush Canadian backwoods. Want to enjoy the ocean breeze and marine life? Go down to the sea for swimming or beachfront camping (and be sure to wave as the maritime fishing community passes by).
Stay and enjoy a round of golf or a beachfront stroll while reveling in the view of wave-speckled cliffs! Cape Breton Highlands National Park is an outdoor oasis perfect for your next adventure getaway.
