Canada’s vast expanse is punctuated by 37 national parks, each offering a unique blend of landscapes that showcase the country’s natural diversity. From the rugged coasts of the Pacific Ocean to the pristine lakes and dense boreal forests, these parks beckon adventurous souls to explore and experience the untamed wilderness.
Whether you’re drawn to the majestic Rocky Mountains, the sprawling tundra of the Arctic, or the serene beauty of the Great Lakes region, Canada’s national parks provide a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Here, you can embark on exhilarating hikes, paddle through tranquil waters, spot diverse wildlife ranging from grizzly bears to beluga whales, and marvel at awe-inspiring natural wonders like Niagara Falls or the Northern Lights.
Each park offers a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse yourself in pristine surroundings, where the air is crisp and the landscapes are unspoiled. Whether you’re camping under the stars, embarking on a scenic drive through towering forests, or simply taking in the breathtaking vistas, Canada’s national parks promise an unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature.
So whether you’re planning to explore the iconic Banff and Jasper in the Rockies, witness the rugged beauty of Gros Morne in Newfoundland, or discover the remote charm of Nahanni in the Northwest Territories, Canada’s national parks await, ready to awe and inspire with their natural splendor.
Certainly! Canada’s diverse and untamed landscapes offer a myriad of opportunities to connect with nature, from its rugged Atlantic shores to the towering peaks of the Rockies and the vast expanses of the Arctic. Here are five ideas for experiencing Canadian wilderness:
- Explore Atlantic Shores: Begin your journey on Canada’s Atlantic shores, where the land meets the ocean in dramatic fashion. Visit places like Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fjords, dramatic cliffs, and glacial-carved valleys. Hike the rugged coastline, kayak through pristine waters, or embark on a boat tour to spot whales and seabirds.
- Venture into the Rockies: Head west towards the Rocky Mountains, where you’ll find some of Canada’s most iconic landscapes. Banff and Jasper National Parks offer stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. Take advantage of hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging alpine routes, or relax on a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway.
- Northern Adventure: For those seeking a true Arctic experience, head north to places like Yukon or the Northwest Territories. Explore the tundra and boreal forests, where wildlife like caribou and grizzly bears roam freely. Take a guided tour to learn about Indigenous cultures and traditions, or embark on a wilderness canoe trip along pristine rivers.
- Coastal Wilderness of British Columbia: Discover the rugged beauty of British Columbia’s coastline, characterized by temperate rainforests, fjords, and remote islands. Visit Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island for beachcombing, storm watching, or surfing. Explore the Great Bear Rainforest, home to the rare white Kermode bear (Spirit bear) and abundant marine life.
- Prairie and Badlands: Journey through Canada’s heartland, exploring the vast prairies and unique badlands of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Visit places like Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fossil discoveries and striking geological formations. Hike through coulees and hoodoos, or join a guided tour to learn about the area’s rich paleontological history.
No matter where you choose to explore in Canada, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re seeking solitude in the wilderness or eager to immerse yourself in outdoor activities, Canada’s untamed landscapes promise an unforgettable experience for every nature enthusiast.
1. Best for geological wonders: Gros Morne
Despite being home to landscapes so otherworldly it’s landed its own starring role in this spring’s Disney film release, Peter Pan & Wendy, Newfoundland and Labrador remains one of Canada’s most overlooked provinces. Taking pride of place on its west coast is UNESCO-listed Gros Morne National Park, which celebrates its 50th birthday this year. Atlantic Canada’s second-largest national park, it’s a jostle of jagged cliffs knifing into deep, blue fjords, waterfalls and seaside villages. The park’s calling card is an ancient treasure — the Tablelands, a plateau pushed up from the Earth’s crust by shifts in the tectonic plates and one of only a few places in the world you can walk on the Earth’s mantle.
You don’t have to be a geologist to marvel at this monstrous upsurge of ancient history. Following the waymarked, 2.5-mile Tablelands Trail takes hikers over the ancient seabed and pits their calves against the strenuous 11-mile Gros Morne Mountain Trail for bucket-list views of the Ten Mile Pond fjord.
If you’d prefer a four-wheel adventure, try the 300-mile-long Viking Trail, which stretches from Deer Lake to St Anthony and passes through the park. Travellers with nippers in tow should try the Western Brook Pond Trail, a flat, five-mile loop ideal for short legs; spy crabs in the glass-clear water aboard rented kayaks, enjoy the kid-friendly museum at Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse or have bucket-and-spade playtime at sandy Shallow Bay Beach.
2. Best for soft adventure: Thousand Islands
One of Canada’s smallest national parks, Ontario’s Thousand Islands is located in a region of the same name, and made up of 21 isles and numerous smaller islets in the St Lawrence River, between Brockville and Kingston. Formed from the worn-down peaks of ancient mountains, much of it is open for camping — tent-cabin hybrids are a popular, family-friendly option here. Mallorytown, with its aquarium, forms the main hub. Most people get around by boat or kayak, and, come spring, the smell of maple sweet treats emanating from seasonal ‘sugar shack’ restaurants fills the air.
3. Best for a national park pilgrimage: Banff
Canada’s first national park, Banff sits in the palm of the snow-dusted Rocky Mountains and has drawn travellers to its natural hot springs since it first opened in 1885. Those mineral baths inspired the construction of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a 135-year-old, Scottish baronial-style castle on the shores of mint-blue Lake Louise. The action here centres around the skiing town of Banff, but the mountains are home to wildlife such as moose and grizzly bears. For the best chance of seeing them, head out at dawn or dusk and keep your eyes peeled.
4. Best for hikers: Nahanni
A poster child for raw adventure, UNESCO-listed Nahanni National Park was named by the First Nation Dehcho people. Located in the Northwest Territories, it’s a jostle of vertiginous mountains cut through by the raging South Nahanni River. When winter’s grip has loosened, you can try whitewater rafting or board a scenic flight to see Virginia Falls (twice the height of Niagara). Most visitors come to attempt the Cirque of the Unclimables, a cluster of steep, granite peaks, including the 2,570-metre Lotus Flower Tower, considered a rite of passage for climbers in North America.
