Do you know the population animal is higher than people in many areas of Canada? That says a lot about this country and its wildlife. It should also be enough evidence of how well they preserve their natural integrity and beauty. Indeed, these national parks in Canada promise more than natural ambiance.
There are so many beautiful national parks in Canada. And there are 46 national parks registered. Picking only a few of them can be an overwhelming task. But that’s where our list comes into play. We selected fifteen of the most beautiful national parks in Canada. And we recommend you to visit some (if not all) of these parks. So, let’s take a look and get ready to be awed!
Fathom Five National Marine
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Paddle through crystal clear water alongside beautiful rock formations. Enjoy hiking on Canada’s oldest footpath surrounded by diverse species of animals and plants. Discover some of the rarest orchids and most ancient cedar trees. All these activities await you at Fathom Five National Marine.
This national park in Canada covers areas of Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay, and Lake Huron. It is less than 2 kilometers away from Tobermory. And you can get there easily from Toronto. Just get on Route 10 and Route 6 that will take you there for about 4 hours on wheels. You can drive early from one of the best hotels in Toronto.
Jasper National Park
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If you’re into photography, this is the best place to try out your “Milky Way” technique. Jasper National Park is the home to the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve. On clear nights, you can see millions of stars. You can also take stargazing to a new level at the park’s visitor center. Use the telescope provided to spot planets! And if you visit from September through April, you get to see the Northern Lights.
Besides all these stellar-related activities, there are many other things you can do in Jasper National Park. Rocky Mountains, Maligne Lake, Sunwapta Falls, and Spirit Island are among them. We recommend you to rent a car and drive around the park. Arrange your itinerary for at least two days. Jasper National Park is located in Alberta, 3 hours from Edmonton on Route 16. Or you can fly straight from your stay at hotels in Montreal.
Banff National Park
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Right next to Jasper National Park is Canada’s oldest national park, Banff. This is the home to hectares of mountainous terrain. Expect to see coniferous forests, pristine lakes, with glaciers on the background.
If you only have one day to explore, do visit Moraine Lake and Athabasca Glacier within the Banff National Park area. These are some of the best spots to enjoy the view of the Rocky Mountains. While winter offers exciting activities such as snowboarding, we recommend you to visit during autumn. That is when you get to see a beautiful range of colors.
Yoho National Park
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Located right next to Banff National Park, Yoho National Park in Canada is a must-visit while you’re in this area. While the other two parks offer exciting outdoor activities, Yoho is known for its beauty. And that is the reason behind the name “Yoho”.
In the Cree language, “Yoho” is an expression of awe. Yoho National Park consists of spectacular landscapes. From mountain peaks to rivers and ice fields, Yoho’s beauty just never ends.
Kootenay National Park
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This beautiful park is also among the huge national park complex in Alberta, Canada. Spanning around 200 kilometers from North to South, Kootenay National Park offers a mix of ecosystems. It ranges from pine forests to cactus plants and tundra.
Kootenay National Park is the home to Vermilion River. The entire river is within this park. And many people come here to camp from May to September. If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can try camping during winter. How does that sound? Please note that winter camping is only available at Dolly Varden campground.
Glacier National Park
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As its name suggests, this is the park you should visit for the all-things glacier. Located right between Mount Dawson and Ursus Major Mountain, there are more than 100 glaciers in Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park is only around 46 kilometers away from Revelstoke. Do rent a car to enjoy the amazing drive on Trans-Canada Highway. This highway is surrounded by mountains, from Albert Peak to Mount Klotz. If you have more time to spare, stop by the Mount Revelstoke National Park on your way as well.
Gros Morne National Park
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Now, let’s go further east to Newfoundland where you can find Gros Morne National Park. The beauty of this park is unquestionable. Even UNESCO declared it a world heritage site. It may take a little effort to get there, but it is worth every mile.
Some even compare Gros Morne to the islands in the “Jurassic Park” movie. The beauty of river valleys between lush cliff sides is more than amazing. Take the challenge to hike around this area. Mesmerizing sights await you!
Wood Buffalo National Park
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This park is less popular compared to others. But this is the destination you should choose to explore places no man has gone before! It may seem to be exaggerating. But Wood Buffalo National Park is Canada’s largest national park at over 44,000 square kilometers. So, there are secluded areas where you will not find other hikers. The town of Wood Buffalo itself is 5 hours away from Edmonton.
Kluane National Park and Reserve
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On the west coast of Canada, you will find a long range of national parks. Kluane National Park and Reserve are one of them. This area is also the home to Canada’s highest peaks. The highest, Mount Logan, is within Kluane.
Besides enjoying the natural beauty, you can also get to know the local’s way of living centuries ago. Visit the Da Ku Cultural Centre and Kluane Museum of History, not far from the Alaska Highway.
Grasslands National Park
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Who says national parks in Canada are all about mountain range and river? Canada is so diverse when it comes to topography. Here in Grasslands National Park, you get to enjoy the gorgeous wide-open space. Can you imagine sitting on a rock bed overlooking the sunset with a special someone?
Grasslands National Park is located in Saskatchewan. It is 5 hours away from the Saskatchewan town itself. The southern part of the park shares borders with Montana, US.
Point Pelee National park
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Take a break from the high altitude in Lake Eerie. Essex County, Canada shares this lake with four states of the US. It is 4 hours away from Toronto, but only 1 hour away from Detroit, US.
Point Pelee National Park consists is a peninsula of marsh and woodland. On the beach area, kayaking is a popular recreational activity among tourists. Or you can just enjoy your relaxing time by the coastlines. Since it is close to major cities in Canada and the USA, you can fill your itinerary with many other destinations around Point Pelee National Park.
Fundy National Park
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Hike to a waterfall or bike through the mountain area. There are so many things you can do at Fundy National Park. But the highlight is the amazing waterfront with the beautiful rock formation. And on clear nights, it is a popular spot to stargaze.
Fundy National Park is only 1 hour away from Sussex, New Brunswick. We recommend you to rent a car and drive to make a quick pit stop at Walton Glen Gorge Falls.
Elk Island National Park
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Elk Island National Park is only 30 minutes away from Edmonton, Alberta, and 90 minutes from Winnipeg. In this park, pristine beauty meets natural wildlife. Elk Island National Park plays an important part as a refuge for Elk, Bison, and other wildlife in Canada. The 194 square-kilometer area is fully enclosed. And it is a popular spot for hiking and camping.
The Wood Bison Trail goes through the national park. This trail is popular among hikers because it provides rare opportunities to see Wood Bison. There are only a few places in Canada where these bison are still living in the wild. And Elk National Park is among the few.
Waterton Lakes National Park
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In Montana, US, there is a huge area of wilderness all the way down to Wyoming. It is called Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. And Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada is located right on its north border.
You need at least one full day in Waterton. Hike the Crypt Lake Trail along the lake. This will take you to the breathtaking Crypt Falls. Or pick any trails that lead to an open area where you can soak in the scenery. A picnic by the pristine lake overlooking a snow-capped peak sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
Quttinirpaaq National Park
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We should be able to tell what kind of beauty to expect from this national park only from its location. It is right on the north tip of Ellesmere Island, next to Greenland. It does take effort to get there. But it is worth every sweat.
Quttinipaaq National Park offers amazing icy landscapes, from snowy mountains to glaciers, to icy shores. It is beyond fantastic. Imagine canoeing through the ice, while gazing to the spectacular mountain in front of you. That is what we call going back to nature.
