Canada’s national parks are where travelers will find the country’s most beautiful landscapes, challenging hiking trails and incredible wildlife. When planning a trip to Canada, try to visit one or two of these national parks for the chance to see some of the country’s most beautiful scenery for yourself.
10/10 Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park and is part of the Rocky Mountain Peaks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the western province of Alberta, travelers should plan to travel to Calgary to visit and explore the park. Banff is home to iconic glacial lakes including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. There are many hiking trails to explore, and travelers should be on the lookout for wildlife. Boss Bear is the park’s notorious grizzly that occasionally finds its way into the town of Banff. There are many beautiful lodges in Banff, such as the Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa.
9/10 Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Near Banff is another British Columbia gem, Yoho National Park. This park is less touristy than Banff, making it an ideal choice for hikers who prefer to have the trails to themselves. The park offers the same breathtaking mountain views as Banff and has its own beautiful blue lakes. Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint and Emerald Lake are two of the must-see places in this park. Stay at Emerald Lake Lodge for a night to soak up the views.
8/10 Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario
Pukaskwa National Park is a nature reserve on Lake Superior in northern Ontario. Many travelers come here to undertake a multi-day hike on the Coastal Hiking Trail, where they will cross the White River Suspension Bridge over Chigamiwinigum Falls. Before or after the hike, the closest accommodation is the Travelodge by Wyndham in the town of Marathon. The hike is rated as difficult and takes an average of 16.5 hours. It is 60.2 km long and requires 1,695 meters of elevation gain.
7/10 Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
On Canada’s east coast, Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a beautiful place where the mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. The best time of year to visit is summer when the weather is warm and ideal for hiking, or fall when the leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow and red. Follow the Cabot Trail along the coast for an epic hike in this national park. Stay on Ingonish Beach at Knotty Pine Cottages for a cozy coastal aesthetic.
6/10 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. A beautiful natural area on the west coast of the country, this huge national park is home to the infamous West Coast Trail. This is also where travelers will find Long Beach and the Broken Group Islands. Travelers will generally find affordable accommodation options in nearby Ucluelet, such as Waters Edge Shoreside Resort Suites.
5/10 Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Fundy National Park in New Brunswick is home to high tides that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the country. Stay at Alma Shore Lane Suites and Cottages over the water for panoramic views. Offshore water levels here drop and rise by as much as 12 meters, so kayaking or canoeing in these conditions is a unique activity. At low tide, travelers can walk on the ocean floor. There are green forests in the park and many beautiful campsites, making it the perfect place to spend a weekend in nature.
4/10 Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
The Canadian Bruce Peninsula National Park is located in Tobermory. Southern Ontario. It’s a favorite vacation spot for locals during the summer months (June to September), when the gorgeous blue waters are an ideal temperature for swimming. Water sports, hiking trails, and campsites attract solo hikers, couples, and families. There are accommodation options nearby for all types of groups, including Big Tub Harbor Resort.
3/10 Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper National Park is a common place to visit for travelers taking a trip to Banff. The park is only a 3.5 hour drive from Banff by car, and it is one of the most scenic roads in the country that you can take to get there. Take the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park and look for bears, elk and mountain goats along the way, and plan epic day hikes. For cozy and upscale accommodation, Chateau Jasper is the place to stay.
2/10 Fathom Five National Marine Park, Ontario
Near the Bruce Peninsula National Park in Tobermory is another fantastic experience for travellers, Fathom Five National Marine Park. This park is a national marine conservation area in Georgian Bay and Lake Huron in Ontario. The marine park has unique ecosystems to discover and a number of submerged wrecks for divers and snorkelers to explore. Couples or solo travelers can enjoy an upscale stay at the adult-only Stone Cover Waterfront B&B.
1/10 Forillon National Park of Canada, Quebec
Forillon National Park of Canada is located in the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec. It was established in 1970 and is 770 km from Quebec, making it a great addition to a road trip in this region. The park is by the sea, lending itself to maritime and forestry activities. The charming Hôtel Plante is a great accommodation option near the park. Travelers can go hiking, camping, kayaking, and swimming.
