Canada houses many breathtaking terrains that display ethereal charms of nature. A testament to this is the impressive number of national parks the region has a total of 38. Encounter imposing peaks in the Gaspesie National Park, gorgeous turquoise lakes in the Banff National Park, or unique ecosystems in Waterton Lakes National Park. These spectacular destinations allow you to soak in nature’s allure with diverse and astounding flora and fauna and learn about the local culture—truly an experience of a lifetime. Sit tight for an insight into the 10 best national parks in Canada. Discover these national parks on foot or by rail with our handpicked tours of Walking Holidays in Canada and Canadian Rail Journeys.
Banff National Park
The gorgeous Banff National Park spans an area of 6,641 square kilometres (1,589 square miles) and is the oldest national park in Canada and the third oldest globally. It features snow-capped summits, picturesque forests, strings of glistening turquoise lakes, and an astonishing variety of wildlife. The best part? It offers unparalleled outdoor adventures, including hiking, skiing, and camping.
A highlight of this destination is the breathtaking Moraine Lake, famed for being a jewel of the Canadian Rockies, with its glorious glacier-fed lakes. Another highlight is the Banff Gondola, where you can get an awe-inspiring view of six Canadian Rockies summits.
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park covers an area of 11,228 square kilometres (4,335 square miles) and boasts of being the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. It gives you the opportunity and freedom to indulge in diverse adventures, including trekking and boating. This national park also sees fewer visitors than others, providing opportunities to absorb the beauty of its wilderness in solitude as you catch sight of diverse wildlife, including elks and black bears.
Jasper National Park is also the second largest Dark-Sky Preserve in the world, translating to an ethereal stargazing experience. If you make it to Jasper National Park, one thing you would want to do is embark on a scenic drive to the iconic Icefields Parkway, a 232-kilometre (144-mile) scenic highway that runs through the heart of the park.
photo credit: Krishna.Wu
Kootenay National Park
Close to the Banff and Yoho National Parks is the alluring 1406 square kilometres (543 square miles) Kootenay National Park. If you love nature, this national park is your scene— it is a land of contrast with diverse features ranging from icy imposing peaks to steaming hot springs and flourishing forests.
There are many things to do in Kootenay National Park, from embarking on scenic drives and unwinding at Radium Hot Springs, to hiking the Marble Canyon trail and snowshoeing.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Occupying the intersection of the Rocky Mountains and the prairies is the gorgeous Waterton Lakes National Park. It combines ecosystems, making it a home for thriving biodiversity and an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite being the smallest national park in the Canadian Rockies, occupying about 505 square kilometres (195 square miles), the Waterton Lakes National Park is filled with panoramic vistas that make visits worthwhile.
This national park is dotted with azure lakes, untouched wilderness, an awe-inspiring variety of wildlife, and stunning waterfalls. You should see the unique Red Rock Canyon, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (a world heritage site), and the Chief Mountain lookout.
Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park lives up to its name, which means “awe” in the Cree First Nations Language. This park is 1,313 square kilometres (507 square miles) and is a hidden treasure overflowing with natural wonders, including imposing cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and unique geological formations like the Burgess Shale fossils from hundreds of millions of years ago.
A visit to the Yoho National Park should take you to Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada at a dramatic height of over 240 metres (800 feet). You may also want to check out the park’s largest lake—Emerald Lake.
Another factor that contributes to why Yoho National Park should make the list of your must-visit list is that it’s close to Banff and Jasper National Parks. So, you can combine a tour of Yoho National Park with others.
Fundy National Park
Situated on the Bay of Fundy and occupying about 206 square kilometres (80 square miles) is the Fundy National Park. It hosts some of the world’s highest tides, which you can choose to admire from an ocean kayak. However, if you want to enjoy the scenery from a distance, you journey using the park’s trails.
You should see the spectacular Hopewell Rocks, whose shape has been altered by tidal erosion. You can also indulge in activities like kayaking and hiking.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Majestically seated on Vancouver Island is the Pacific Rim National Reserve, one of the most stunning national parks in Canada. The 511 square kilometre (197 square miles) area is divided into three regions: the Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail. This park houses flourishing rainforests, gorgeous Pacific shorelines, expansive sandy beaches, and a unique marine environment.
You can enjoy several activities on your visit to this awe-inspiring park, including wildlife viewing, surfing, camping, and even enlightening guided tours that allow you to experience their culture. Whether you're a historian, nature lover, or an adventurer, you will have a great time at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Popularly referred to as the area “where the mountains meet the sea” by locals, the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is situated on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.
The park hosts 26 hiking trails with varied difficulty levels to accommodate new and expert hikers. One trail you want to take to capture the very essence of this park is the scenic Skyline Trail. It provides panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Another trail you want to traverse is the Cabot Trail, it also offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Gaspesie National Park
If you love hiking, you must visit the Gaspesie National Park. This park, occupying the centre of the Gaspe Peninsula with 802 square kilometres (310 square miles) features over 25 cliffs with heights of over 1,000 metres.
There is so much to see and so much to do. Behold diverse terrains decorated with jagged mountains, deep valleys, lush forests, and alpine tundra ecosystems. You can explore hiking trails and witness thundering waterfalls and lovely wildlife. It is a dream destination for nature enthusiasts.
Mont-Tremblant National Park
Located north of the spellbinding town of Mont-Tremblant is the third park created in Canada, the 1,510 square kilometres (583 square miles) Mont-Tremblant National Park. This lovely park is home to six majestic rivers, over 400 lakes and streams, and a sweeping area of lush forests.
There are many activities to enjoy in Mont-Tremblant National Park as it boasts well-preserved trails for trekking and biking and a great landscape for winter sports like cross-country skiing.
