Canada’s Best National Parks
While Europe protects ancient monuments, Canada safeguards its national parks—vast, lightly populated areas filled with the kind of elemental landscapes that define the nation.
Canada’s first national park, Banff, inspired by the Rocky Mountains’ hot springs and pioneering railway construction, was founded in 1885. Just over 25 years later, the government formed Parks Canada (originally known as the “Dominion Parks Branch”) as the world’s first umbrella national park organization. Today, there are 47 national parks plus an additional 171 National Historic Sites that form part of a growing and increasingly varied environmental network. Five new parks have been added since 2015, with more parks planned for the near future. Here’s a guide to the best national parks in Canada.
1. Banff, Alberta
Best mountain park
Best known today for its skiing, hiking, and water-based activities, Banff owes its existence to hot water and trains. This is where tourism in Canada first took root in the 1880s inspired by the exploitation of the natural spring water that flowed out of Sulphur Mountain and the construction of the nation’s first cross-continental railway.
Due to its early foundation, Banff is the most developed and popular Canadian park, featuring an 8000-strong townsite, three ski areas, lake cruises, and an abundance of hotels and restaurants. While some deem it “over-commercialized,” it’s still refreshingly easy to get lost hiking in the Rocky Mountain backcountry or enjoy skiing in one of its remote off-the-grid lodges.
2. Pacific Rim, BC
Best park for surfing
A dramatic strip of wave-whipped beaches, forests, and weather-beaten sea-stacks on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim is divided into three units, each with its own specialty:
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The West Coast Trail Unit offers one of Canada’s most famous long-distance hikes, incorporating 75km (47 miles) of beachcombing, ladder-climbing, and rock-hopping.
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The Broken Group Islands Unit is a wilderness archipelago only reachable by boat or multiday kayaking excursions.
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The Long Beach Unit attracts 95% of the park’s visitors, renowned for its beautiful surfing beaches and stunning sunsets.
3. Auyuittuq, Nunavut
Best park in the Arctic Circle
Nunavut’s parks are like frontiers with only rudimentary visitor facilities. However, for those who are adventurous, Baffin Island offers Auyuittuq National Park, featuring one of Canada’s finest wilderness hikes. The Akshayuk Pass route follows a broad open valley, climbing to heights of 500m (1640ft) and crossing the Arctic Circle. This park is perfect for exploring dramatic landscapes.
4. Fundy, New Brunswick
Best park for beachcombing
New Brunswick’s first national park was inaugurated in 1948, famed for the world’s highest tides, where water levels oscillate between 12 and 16m (39 to 52ft) in the Bay of Fundy. When the sea recedes, the broad beaches reveal shimmering mudflats and teeming rock pools filled with marine life.
The heavily wooded park offers trails suited for hiking, biking, and the chance to enjoy a heated outdoor saltwater pool, providing a refreshing experience.
5. Glacier, BC
Best park for backcountry skiing
Glacier National Park, established in 1886, is known for protecting over 120 glaciers and being a top destination for backcountry ski-touring and mountaineering. With some of the heaviest snowfall in North America, the park features challenging terrains that attract extreme winter sports enthusiasts.
Access to the region is via the Trans-Canada Hwy, which bisects the park, providing opportunities to explore this stunning area.
6. Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
Best park for water activities
Located around three hours’ drive northwest of Toronto, the Bruce Peninsula is a stunning area made up of a limestone outcrop that juts into the Great Lakes, separating the cool waters of Georgian Bay from warmer Lake Huron. While the national park is not large, it offers abundant attractions focused on water activities, including a magical grotto to explore and numerous kayaking opportunities.
7. Prince Edward Island, PEI
Best park for literary landmarks
Eastern Canada’s most popular national park features an intense mix of sand dunes and literary sights, including the farm and house that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novel, Anne of Green Gables. Visitors can enjoy the protected nesting grounds for the endangered piping plover while exploring the natural beauty of this park.
8. Gros Morne, Newfoundland
Best park for geological exploration
The unique landscapes of Gros Morne National Park allow for incredible geological discoveries with its barren tablelands and deep fjords. Non-scientists can immerse themselves in the park’s dramatic scenery, from vertiginous cliffs to shimmering waterfalls, uncovering the natural beauty of the region.
9. Jasper, Alberta
Best park for wildlife viewing
Jasper National Park, part of the Rocky Mountains, is known for its abundant wildlife. Visitors can often see elk, bears, wolves, and cougars in their natural habitat, as the park draws a significantly smaller number of visitors compared to Banff, making it an ideal place for wildlife observation.
10. Grasslands, Saskatchewan
Best prairie park
Grasslands National Park is a vast expanse of prairies and blue skies. The park serves as a habitat for prairie dogs and plains bison, which were reintroduced in 2005. Visitors can embark on the Grassland Ecotur Scenic Drive to explore various points of interest and witness the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
11. Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia
Best park for a road trip
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park, accessible via the scenic Cabot Trail, offers breathtaking coastal vistas and highland scenery. In addition to road-tripping opportunities, the park boasts various hiking trails for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the region.
12. Forillon, Québec
Best park for coastal hikes
Forillon National Park showcases breathtaking landscapes where mountains plunge into the Atlantic. Visitors can enjoy cliff-top trails that offer incredible views and access to diverse wildlife in the park’s coastal and forested areas.
13. Nahanni, Northwest Territories
Best park for wilderness kayaking
To visit Nahanni National Park, one must rely on floatplanes as it is a vast, roadless national park. Known for its untouched wilderness rivers, the park is a dream destination for kayaking enthusiasts seeking to navigate its deep canyons and stunning landscapes.
14. Kluane, Yukon
Best wilderness park
Teaming up with Wrangell-St Elias National Park in Alaska, Kluane is Canada’s largest protected wilderness area. Adventurers can explore giant icefields and rugged mountain terrains while enjoying the breathtaking views and the wildlife that inhabits this remote region.
15. Gwaii Haanas, BC
Best park for Indigenous culture
Gwaii Haanas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into the history of the Haida First Nation through its abandoned villages, ancient totem poles, and rich cultural landscapes. The park is renowned for its natural beauty and opportunities for sea kayaking.
Planning Tip:
Advance planning is required as visitor access is limited. The easiest way to explore Gwaii Haanas is through a guided tour with a licensed operator.
Conclusion:
Canada’s national parks offer diverse experiences that cater to nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking cultural insights. Planning your trip allows you to fully appreciate the incredible beauty and adventures that await in these protected areas.
