Complete list of National Parks in Canada

Canada is home to 48 stunning national parks and reserves, spanning every province and territory. Together, they safeguard over 336,000 square kilometers of diverse landscapes, from soaring mountain peaks and sprawling plains to lush forests, expansive tundra, and glacial lakes.

Each of these wild spaces protects the beauty of Canada's natural regions, providing a haven for wildlife and an incredible experience for visitors. With Parks Canada managing these parks, visitors can explore, understand, and enjoy them responsibly, ensuring that their ecological integrity remains uncompromised for generations to come.

Here, you'll find everything you need for your next adventure in Canada's national parks. We've got you covered with key information about each park, practical travel tips, details on how to get there, and suggestions for the best things to see and do.

Whether you're planning a short visit or a longer journey, this guide will help you make the most of Canada's incredible natural landscapes. Enjoy your adventure!

Must see parks in Canada

List of must see National Parks in Canada

Banff National Park

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park (Alberta) is the oldest national park in Canada, established in 1885. Known for its iconic Lake Louise with its emerald waters, framed by towering peaks, Banff captivates visitors with its stunning alpine scenery. Moraine Lake, another iconic location, provides equally mesmerizing views, and the Icefields Parkway offers a spectacular drive through rugged mountain landscapes.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy skiing at renowned resorts, like Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, or hiking up challenging trails that offer panoramic vistas. For those seeking wildlife, Banff is home to grizzly bears, elk, and mountain goats. The charming town of Banff adds to the allure, offering shops, restaurants, and hot springs.

Jasper National Park

Covering over 11,000 square kilometers, Jasper (Alberta) is the largest national park in the Rockies. The Columbia Icefield, a remnant from the last Ice Age, and its Athabasca Glacier are major highlights. Visitors can explore the glacier on guided tours or view it from the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored platform extending above the Sunwapta Valley.

The park's vast wilderness also features Maligne Lake, the largest glacial lake in the Rockies, and the picturesque Spirit Island. The scenic Icefields Parkway connects Jasper with Banff and is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Wildlife sightings of bighorn sheep, wolves, and black bears are frequent in this pristine wilderness.

Yoho National Park

Known for its vertical rock walls, waterfalls, and glacial lakes, Yoho (British Columbia) is a jewel of the Canadian Rockies. Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada, is a prominent attraction, and the unique Emerald Lake lives up to its name with its bright turquoise color.

The Burgess Shale, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains one of the most significant fossil deposits in the world, revealing ancient marine life. The park's hiking trails cater to all skill levels, leading to awe-inspiring vistas and secluded wilderness spots.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Stretching along the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (British Columbia) encompasses rainforests, rugged coastline, and the famous Long Beach. This coastal paradise is a haven for surfers, beachcombers, and hikers alike.

Visitors can explore the rainforest on the Rainforest Trail, paddle in the Broken Group Islands, or hike the challenging West Coast Trail, an iconic wilderness experience. Indigenous culture also enriches the park, and visitors can learn about the Nuu-chah-nulth people at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre

Fundy National Park Reserve

Home to the world's highest tides, Fundy National Park (New Brunswick) is a natural wonder where tides can reach up to 12 meters. Visitors can walk on the ocean floor at low tide and kayak among sea stacks and cliffs when the waters rise.

The park's dense forests come alive with vibrant colors in the fall and are crisscrossed by over 100 kilometers of hiking trails. Waterfalls and freshwater lakes add to the diversity, making Fundy a destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

Gros Morne National Park

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Gros Morne (Newfoundland and Labrador) is a geological marvel featuring ancient fjords, towering cliffs, and striking landscapes shaped by tectonic forces. Western Brook Pond, a landlocked fjord with dramatic cliffs, is a must-see, and boat tours offer breathtaking views of its waterfalls and rock formations.

The Tablelands, a barren landscape where the Earth's mantle is exposed, provides a glimpse into the planet's geological history. Visitors can also hike through lush forests or enjoy the culture of local communities, immersing themselves in Newfoundland's rich heritage

Auyuittuq National Park

Meaning "the land that never melts," Auyuittuq (Nunavut) is a vast Arctic wilderness with glaciers, fjords, and jagged peaks. Mount Thor, boasting the world's tallest vertical drop at 1,250 meters, and Mount Asgard are iconic landmarks for climbers.

The park is a hiker's dream, offering the challenging Akshayuk Pass through the Pangnirtung and Owl River Valleys. In summer, visitors can hike and camp under the midnight sun, while winter brings opportunities for skiing and dog sledding

Thousand Islands National Park

Located along the St. Lawrence River, Thousand Islands National Park (Ontario) features a collection of islands, rugged shorelines, and diverse wildlife. Boating, kayaking, and canoeing are popular ways to explore the region, and camping on the islands offers a serene escape.

Hiking trails on the mainland provide glimpses of unique flora and fauna, while local culture and historic sites, like the Thousand Islands Tower, add a fascinating dimension to the experience

Prince Edward Island National Park

With its signature red sandstone cliffs, white-sand beaches, and lush greenery, Prince Edward Island National Park (Prince Edward Island) is a peaceful retreat. The park's beaches are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching, while the coastal dunes and wetlands provide unique ecosystems.

Visitors can also explore historical sites like Green Gables, the fictional home of Anne of Green Gables. The park’s picturesque trails wind through forests and along scenic coastlines

Kluane National Park and Reserve

Home to Mount Logan, Canada's tallest peak, Kluane (Yukon) is a wilderness of glaciers and mountain ranges. The Kaskawulsh Glacier and Donjek Glacier offer stunning views, and the park's remoteness attracts experienced hikers and mountaineers.

Wildlife is abundant, with sightings of Dall sheep, mountain goats, and grizzlies. For those seeking a less strenuous visit, scenic flights provide breathtaking views of the park's rugged beauty.

Contact

Like what you see? Get in touch to learn more.

Complete list of National Parks in Canada

Must see parks in Canada

Prince Edward Island National Park

Kluane National Park and Reserve

Other National Parks in Canada

Contact