Top Canadian National Parks — How Many Have You Explored?

A Journey Through Canada’s Most Iconic National Parks

Canada is a country renowned for its vast and diverse natural landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Rockies to the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic and Arctic tundra. With over 40 national parks spread across the nation, each one offers a unique glimpse into the raw beauty of the Great White North. While it's challenging to choose the best, these 15 parks stand out for their breathtaking scenery, rich wildlife, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Banff National Park, Alberta

As Canada’s first and most famous national park, Banff is a gem of the Canadian Rockies. Visitors can enjoy the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, hike the scenic Lake Agnes Tea House trail or Johnston Canyon, and soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot grizzly bears, elk, and bighorn sheep while strolling through the charming mountain town of Banff.

Jasper National Park, Alberta

Jasper offers a more tranquil experience than Banff but with equally stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Highlights include exploring Maligne Lake and Spirit Island by kayak or cruise, driving the Icefields Parkway to see Athabasca Glacier, and hiking through Maligne Canyon. The park also boasts Canada’s largest dark sky preserve, making it a prime spot for stargazing.

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne is where fjords meet the Tablelands and dramatic cliffs plunge into the sea. Visitors can take a boat tour of Western Brook Pond fjord, walk on exposed earth’s mantle at the Tablelands, and visit the charming village of Rocky Harbour. Hiking the summit of Gros Morne Mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia

Located on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, this park features dramatic shorelines, old-growth forests, and thriving marine life. The 75-km West Coast Trail is a must for hikers, while surfers can enjoy the waves at Long Beach near Tofino. Gray whales can be spotted during migration season, and the Broken Group Islands offer lush rainforest exploration.

Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Nestled next to Banff and less crowded, Yoho is filled with waterfalls, alpine lakes, and geological wonders. Visitors can marvel at the towering Takakkaw Falls, visit the emerald waters of Lake O’Hara (which requires a permit), and explore ancient fossil beds at the Burgess Shale. Hikes to Wapta Falls or the Iceline Trail are also popular.

Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve borders Montana’s Glacier National Park, forming an international peace park. Highlights include taking in the views from the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, hiking to Crypt Lake, and boating across Waterton Lake into the U.S. Summer brings opportunities to spot bears, deer, and wildflowers.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

With dramatic coastal cliffs and highland plateaus meeting the Atlantic, this scenic eastern gem is a must-visit. The Cabot Trail is one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes, and the Skyline Trail offers epic ocean views. Visitors can also enjoy Celtic culture in nearby Cheticamp and spot whales and moose in their natural habitat.

Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon

Home to Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan, Kluane is a vast wilderness of glaciers and rugged peaks. Fly-over tours provide stunning glacier views, and hikes to the King’s Throne or Soldier’s Summit offer breathtaking vistas. Canoeing on Kathleen Lake and spotting Dall sheep and grizzlies are also highlights.

Prince Edward Island National Park, PEI

Known for its gentle landscapes, red sandstone cliffs, and wide sandy beaches, this island park is a charming destination. Visitors can visit Green Gables Heritage Place, inspired by Anne of Green Gables, cycle the Gulf Shore Parkway, and explore sand dunes and beaches at Cavendish. Seals and seabirds can be spotted along the coast.

Auyuittuq National Park, Nunavut

One of Canada’s most remote parks, Auyuittuq (“the land that never melts”) offers Arctic grandeur like no other. The 97-km Akshayuk Pass trek is a highlight, as is seeing Mount Thor, which has the world’s tallest vertical drop. Inuit culture can be experienced in nearby Pangnirtung, and visitors can encounter glaciers, icefields, and endless tundra.

Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario

Where turquoise waters meet ancient cliffs, this park showcases some of Ontario’s most dramatic scenery. Hikers can explore the Bruce Trail and the Grotto sea cave, while swimmers can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Georgian Bay. Camping at Cyprus Lake or staying in Tobermory are also popular options.

Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

Home to the world’s highest tides, Fundy is a coastal wonderland of waterfalls, mossy forests, and rugged cliffs. Walking the ocean floor at low tide, kayaking in the Bay of Fundy, and hiking to Dickson Falls or Laverty Falls are all highlights. Deer and bald eagles can be spotted on inland trails.

Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba

A surprising mix of forest, prairie, and lakes, this park is an oasis for wildlife in the heart of the Prairies. Visitors can see bison at Lake Audy Bison Enclosure, hike through aspen parkland on the Gorge Creek Trail, and enjoy Clear Lake’s beaches and watersports. The resort town of Wasagaming is also worth a visit.

La Mauricie National Park, Quebec

With forested hills, over 150 lakes, and waterfalls, La Mauricie is a serene destination in the Laurentians. Canoeing through interconnected lakes, hiking to Waber Falls or Les Cascades, and wildlife spotting—moose, loons, and bears are common—are all popular activities. Fall foliage is a particular highlight.

Torngat Mountains National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador

One of the wildest parks in North America, Torngat is Inuit land where polar bears, fjords, and dramatic peaks reign supreme. Trekking through untouched Arctic wilderness, taking guided Inuit-led expeditions, and seeing icebergs floating in glacial fjords are all unforgettable experiences. Polar bears, caribou, and Arctic foxes can also be spotted.