Top 21 Stunning Canadian National Parks to Explore

Canada is blessed with open spaces, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Exploring its pristine freshwater lakes by canoe or hiking through lush forests enhances the incredible experience of visiting one of the country’s remarkable national parks. Canada’s national parks are truly breathtaking, offering diverse landscapes and unforgettable adventures.

Best National Parks in Canada

The best way to reach the national parks in Canada is by car, although some parks are located in more remote areas and may require flying. For those traveling by car, you can check out vehicle rental comparisons to find the best options.

1. Banff National Park – Alberta

Banff is Canada’s most renowned national park and is also the oldest, designated in 1885 after the discovery of its hot springs. Located just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Calgary, it lies in the heart of the majestic Canadian Rockies.

This stunning park draws visitors for its snow-capped mountains, glacier-fed lakes, and year-round outdoor activities. Its allure is so significant that Moraine Lake, one of its most iconic locations, was famously depicted on Canada’s twenty-dollar bill.

However, be prepared for crowds, especially in peak season. For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting during shoulder seasons or winter when activities like skiing and snowshoeing abound in this winter wonderland.

• Location: Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, about 90 minutes from Calgary.
• Size: 6,641 square kilometers.

2. Jasper National Park

Just up the road from Banff, Jasper National Park is the largest in the Canadian Rockies and slightly less frequented, yet equally stunning.

Home to diverse wildlife such as grizzly bears and bighorn sheep, Jasper also features breathtaking turquoise lakes and towering snow-capped peaks. Winter brings picturesque frozen waterfalls and ice caves, in addition to the Miette Hot Springs, offering visitors a warm retreat.

• Location: Alberta, four hours west of Edmonton.
• Size: 11,000 square kilometers.

3. Waterton Lakes National Park – Alberta

Situated in southern Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park is often overlooked, but truly deserves a visit. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sharing its borders with Glacier National Park in Montana, this park offers spectacular backcountry hiking, along with stunning natural features such as red rocks and the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.

With its abundant hiking trails, you might encounter local wildlife including bears and moose while exploring the park, and don’t miss out on a boat tour of its beautiful lakes.

• Location: Alberta, approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes south of Calgary.
• Size: 505 square kilometers.

4. Ivvavik National Park – Yukon Territories

As one of the most remote parks, Ivvavik National Park offers an adventurous entry point via small planes. Fly into the town of Inuvik, which serves as a gateway to this vast wilderness.

Surrounded by the breathtaking British Mountains, this park is also home to Canada’s oldest river, offering a unique glimpse into an untouched ecosystem.

• Location: Far Northern Yukon on the Beaufort Sea; accessible only by plane.
• Size: 10,168 square kilometers.

5. Kluane National Park – Yukon Territories

Kluane National Park is another gem in Yukon, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts the largest non-polar ice field globally and is home to Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan.

Visitors can explore incredible glacial landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it an exciting destination for nature lovers.

6. Wood Buffalo National Park – Northwest Territories / Alberta

Sharing borders with Alberta, Wood Buffalo National Park is both a national historic site and home to one of the last surviving bison herds. Established in 1922, this expansive park offers a variety of activities including hiking and enjoying the starry night skies.

It is the largest national park in Canada, showcasing pristine wilderness.

7. Fundy National Park – New Brunswick

Famed for having the world’s highest tides, Fundy National Park in New Brunswick draws visitors with over 100 km of hiking trails and breathtaking coastal views. Enjoy scenic drives and picnics along the cliffs of the Bay of Fundy.

• Location: New Brunswick, positioned between Saint John and Moncton.
• Size: 207 square kilometers.

8. Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Nova Scotia

This park features spectacular coastal views and is famous for the Cabot Trail, one of the best scenic drives in the world. Engage in whale watching, hiking, or camping in this beautiful region of Canada.

• Location: Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, about 5 hours from Halifax.
• Size: 949 square kilometers.

9. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – British Columbia

Located on Vancouver Island, this park is famous for the West Coast Trail, a stunning 75 km trekking route that provides beautiful coastal scenery and outdoor adventures. The park also offers paddling and exceptional whale watching opportunities.

• Location: British Columbia – Vancouver Island, about 7 hours northwest of Victoria.
• Size: 511 square kilometers.

10. Mount Revelstoke – British Columbia

Mount Revelstoke National Park is perfect for outdoor adventurers, situated close to several mountain national parks in British Columbia. This park offers stunning outdoor experiences year-round.

11. Yoho National Park – British Columbia

Part of the Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yoho National Park is known for its breathtaking hiking, biking, and natural wonders. Don’t miss the natural bridge and Burgess Shale Fossil Site while exploring this park.

12. Kootenay National Park – British Columbia

Nearby Yoho, Kootenay National Park is famous for its hot springs and abundant wildlife, providing visitors with an opportunity to unwind and connect with nature.

13. Pukaskwa National Park – Ontario

Pukaskwa is located along the northern shore of Lake Superior and provides epic hiking experiences in Ontario’s wilderness. Visitors can enjoy rugged backcountry camping along the coastline.

• Location: Ontario – Lake Superior North Shore, about 12 hours north of Toronto.
• Size: 1,878 square kilometers.

14. Thousand Islands National Park – Ontario

Thousand Islands National Park is one of Canada’s smallest national parks, renowned for its stunning paddling opportunities that allow visitors to explore the islands along the St. Lawrence River.

• Location: Between Kingston and Brockville on the St. Lawrence River.
• Size: 24.4 square kilometers.

15. Bruce Peninsula National Park

Known for its breathtaking landscapes with sea cliffs and unique geological formations, Bruce Peninsula National Park boasts a variety of family-friendly activities including hiking and boat tours.

16. Prince Edward Island National Park – PEI

Home to the beloved Anne of Green Gables, this park features scenic trails leading to beautiful beaches and marshlands, making it a great stop on any PEI road trip.

17. Prince Albert National Park – Saskatchewan

This expansive park encompasses a variety of ecosystems and is perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature year-round.

• Location: Saskatchewan, about 1 hour north of Prince Albert.
• Size: 3,874 square kilometers.

18. Gaspésie Peninsula – Quebec

The Gaspésie region features four unique national parks offering a variety of landscapes and wildlife experiences. It is known for its stunning views and rich biodiversity.

• Location: Quebec, about 8 hours north of Quebec City.

19. Wapusk National Park – Manitoba

This remote national park is famous for its polar bear population. Visitors typically join guided tours to safely experience the captivating wildlife of the north.

• Location: Manitoba, south of Churchill on Hudson Bay, reachable by plane.
• Size: 11,745 square kilometers.

20. Riding Mountain National Park – Manitoba

An accessible option in Manitoba, Riding Mountain National Park offers historical sites and diverse landscapes, making it a great destination for family adventures.

21. Gros Morne National Park – Newfoundland

Globally recognized for its dramatic fjords and unique geological features, Gros Morne National Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors should not miss the chance to take a boat tour through its spectacular landscapes.

In conclusion, Canada’s national parks provide a wealth of experiences ranging from rugged wilderness to vibrant wildlife encounters. Whether hiking through the stunning landscapes or enjoying recreational activities, each park offers something unique for every type of traveler.