Canada is home to some of the world's most spectacular natural landscapes, with a national park system that protects diverse ecosystems from coast to coast. Whether you're seeking majestic mountains, pristine lakes, or unique wildlife encounters, the country's national parks offer unforgettable experiences for nature lovers of all kinds. Here's our guide to the 10 must-visit national parks across Canada.
1. Banff National Park, Alberta
As Canada's first national park, established in 1885, Banff sets the gold standard for natural beauty. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, its turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and abundant wildlife draw visitors from around the world. Don't miss the iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, whose stunning blue waters reflect the surrounding mountains.
Best time to visit: June to September offers warm weather and optimal conditions for hiking, though the park is beautiful year-round, with winter bringing excellent skiing opportunities.
Don't miss: The Banff Gondola, which takes you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Bow Valley. Wildlife enthusiasts should drive the Bow Valley Parkway at dawn or dusk for potential sightings of bears, elk, and moose.
2. Jasper National Park, Alberta
The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper offers a wilder, less crowded experience than its southern neighbor, Banff. The park is renowned for its dark sky preserve status, making it one of the best places in North America for stargazing.
Jasper's highlights include the powerful Athabasca Falls, the otherworldly beauty of Maligne Lake, and the Columbia Icefield, where visitors can walk on ancient glaciers. The park's extensive trail network caters to hikers of all levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging multi-day backcountry adventures.
3. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Encompassing a narrow strip of Vancouver Island's west coast, Pacific Rim showcases the raw power and beauty of the Pacific Ocean. The park consists of three distinct units: Long Beach, a stunning 16-kilometer stretch of sandy shoreline; the Broken Group Islands, an archipelago perfect for kayaking; and the West Coast Trail, a challenging 75-kilometer hiking route.
Visitors can explore temperate rainforests, walk along wind-swept beaches, observe tidal pools teeming with marine life, and potentially spot gray and humpback whales during migration seasons.
4. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne offers some of eastern Canada's most dramatic scenery. The park's geological significance lies in its exposed mantle rocks and visible plate tectonics evidence, telling the story of continental drift.
The Western Brook Pond, a pristine freshwater fjord carved by glaciers, is among the park's most photographed locations. A boat tour here offers views of waterfalls cascading from 2,000-foot cliffs. Hikers shouldn't miss the Tablelands, a barren landscape of exposed earth's mantle that resembles Mars more than typical Canadian terrain.
5. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
Where the mountains meet the sea, Cape Breton Highlands offers a unique blend of Acadian, Boreal, and Taiga ecosystems. The world-famous Cabot Trail winds through the park, providing access to dramatic coastal views, deep river canyons, and plateau highlands.
Hikers will enjoy the Skyline Trail, where a relatively easy path leads to breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with potential sightings of whales in the waters below. The park is also home to significant populations of moose and bald eagles.
6. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
In the southwestern corner of Alberta, Waterton Lakes forms the Canadian portion of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the world's first transboundary park established with Montana's Glacier National Park.
This compact park packs impressive diversity into its borders, from prairie grasslands to alpine lakes and rugged mountains. The historic Prince of Wales Hotel offers stunning views of Waterton Lake, while hikers can explore over 200 kilometers of trails, including the popular Crypt Lake Trail, named one of the world's most thrilling hikes by National Geographic.
7. Yoho National Park, British Columbia
The name "Yoho" comes from a Cree expression of awe, which perfectly captures the reaction most visitors have to this park's spectacular landscapes. Located on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Yoho features massive waterfalls, dizzying peaks, and the renowned Burgess Shale fossil site, which has yielded some of the world's most important fossil discoveries.
Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada's highest waterfalls with a free-falling drop of 254 meters, is among the park's most impressive sights. The Natural Bridge, where the Kicking Horse River has carved through solid rock, and Emerald Lake, with its striking color and mountain backdrop, are also must-see locations.
8. Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
Located on a peninsula between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, Bruce Peninsula is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and ancient cedar trees. The park forms part of the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and contains a section of the famous Bruce Trail.
The Grotto, a scenic sea cave with clear blue waters, is the park's most popular attraction. Visitors can also enjoy the sandy beaches of Singing Sands, explore diverse wetlands, and view some of the oldest trees in eastern North America.
9. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Home to the world's highest tides, Fundy National Park offers visitors the chance to walk on the ocean floor at low tide and then watch as the water rises up to 12 meters just hours later. This dramatic tidal range creates a unique coastal environment with distinctive ecosystems.
Beyond the famous tides, the park features more than 25 waterfalls, pristine Acadian forest, and over 100 kilometers of hiking trails. The Hopewell Rocks, just outside the park boundaries, offer the most dramatic viewing of the tidal phenomenon.
10. Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
In Canada's far north, Kluane protects a vast wilderness of mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows. The park is home to Mount Logan, Canada's highest peak at 5,959 meters, and part of the largest non-polar icefield in the world.
Despite its remote location, Kluane offers accessible day hikes with spectacular views, as well as challenging backcountry experiences for adventurous travelers. Flightseeing tours provide breathtaking aerial views of the immense icefields and mountain ranges that would otherwise remain unseen.
"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." – John Muir
Planning Your Visit to Canada's National Parks
Canada's national parks operate under Parks Canada, which requires entrance fees for all visitors. Consider purchasing a Discovery Pass if you plan to visit multiple parks within a year, as it offers unlimited admission to over 80 Parks Canada places.
Many parks have camping facilities ranging from fully serviced campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites, but reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the peak summer season. For those preferring more comfort, most major parks have lodging options either within the park or in nearby communities.
Remember that these natural areas are preserved for a reason – practice Leave No Trace principles, respect wildlife by maintaining safe distances, and follow all park regulations to ensure these spectacular places remain protected for future generations.
Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquility, or simply a deeper connection with nature, Canada's national parks offer experiences that will create lasting memories and a profound appreciation for the country's natural heritage.