Canada is home to some of the world’s most welcoming and culturally-diverse cities, such as Vancouver and Montreal, but with its stunning natural landscapes, it’s no wonder why the country is one of the world’s most popular destinations for nature lovers. Boasting glistening glacial lakes, soaring mountain peaks, dramatic coastal scenery, and some epic multi-day hikes, Canada’s beauty is on a scale not found elsewhere in the world.
Canada, the second-largest country in the world, has a total of 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves. This sophisticated network, managed by Parks Canada, protects over 129,000 square miles of nature, preserving its extraordinarily beautiful natural environments. From the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the west to the sensational coastal scenery in the east, which of Canada’s scenic national parks have made TheTravel’s top 10?
10 Banff National Park, Alberta
Canada's oldest national park (and the third oldest in the world) is home to one of the country's most famous landmarks - Lake Louise. The Chateau Lake Louise provides ultra-luxurious accommodations with views out over the turquoise waters. Nearby Moraine Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is equally as beautiful, and thanks to its high mineral content, the picture-perfect lake glows bright blue. Located 80 miles west of Calgary, the charming resort town of Banff contains a host of sophisticated hotels, boutiques, and restaurants, with the towering mountains never far from view.
9 Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Located on the Bay of Fundy and home to the world's highest tides, visitors to Fundy National Park can admire the exceptional coastal scenery on a series of hiking trails. Walkers can then reward their efforts by sampling some of the delightfully fresh seafood. Inland, there is plenty to explore, too, with several day hikes through the first that can be joined together to form the mighty 30-mile Fundy Circuit.
8 Yoho National Park, British Columbia
A handy stopover for travelers en route between Alberta and British Colombia, Yoho National Park is home to the achingly beautiful Lake O’Hara, with its shimmering emerald waters. One of Canada's highest waterfalls, the Takakkaw Falls, is perfect for exploring too. The incredible nature remains virtually untouched by humans, showcasing the best of Rocky Mountain scenery without the crowds of nearby Banff and Jasper National Parks.
7 Thousand Islands National Park, Ontario
One of Canada’s smallest national parks still packs a lot into its small surface area. This picturesque island chain is located in the St. Lawrence River, three hours outside of Toronto. Visitors can take to the water in a kayak or paddle boat to enjoy the tranquil waterways, admire rare bird species, and explore secluded bays.
6 Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland And Labrador
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is reminiscent of the majestic Norwegian fjords, with its verdant forests, dramatic scenery, and rugged coastline. Most visitors head straight to one of the park’s most recognizable vistas at Western Brook Pond Fjord, but elsewhere the area’s unparalleled natural beauty remains mostly untouched. Other attractions in the Gros Morne National Park include the Lobster Cove Head lighthouse, while the Tablelands offer a rare visible example of the earth’s plate tectonics – fascinating for any budding geologists.
5 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Made up of almost 200 square miles of stunning coastal scenery on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, the Pacific Rim National Park reserve contains sandy beaches, lush forests, some of the country’s best surfing, and the opportunity to spot the nearby humpback whales. This beautiful part of the country is a paradise for hikers, ranging from short strolls to the 47-mile West Coast Trail, which follows in the footsteps of the First Nations peoples. Advance reservations are needed to tackle this epic trek, but it’s more than worth it.
4 Wapusk National Park, Manitoba
Wapusk is one of Canada’s newest national parks, established in 1996. Located on the shores of Hudson Bay, this remote and harsh landscape is home to a whole host of arctic wildlife, including the mighty yet beautiful polar bear. To spot these beautiful creatures and appreciate the scale and grandeur of the national park in its entirety, visitors can take a scenic helicopter flight over the arctic tundra.
3 Mont-Tremblant National Park, Québec
Mont-Tremblant National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, filled with rivers, lakes, and the sprawling Laurentian mountain range. The park also boasts several beaches and rock climbing areas, ideal for climbers of all experience levels. Located just two hours outside of Montreal, Mont-Tremblant makes for the perfect weekend getaway from the city, and visitors can get even closer to nature by camping overnight.
2 Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper National Park is one of Canada’s most popular national parks, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire the incredible vistas of the Rocky Mountains. The Columbia Icefields are a particular highlight and are not to be missed. From summer hiking trails to winter ski slopes, this is an adventurer’s paradise at any time of year. The laid-back resort town of Jasper is the perfect base for visitors as they explore the park.
1 Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory
This remote national park is home to the country’s highest peak – Mount Logan. The harsh snowy conditions make scaling the peak suitable only for the most experienced hikers, but everyone else can take advantage of the plentiful sightseeing plane and helicopter flights to check out Mount Logan up close. Such journeys also offer incredible vistas of the icefields below, while those looking for a unique experience can camp overnight at the Icefield Discovery base camp.