By Canada is home to over 30 national parks, each offering a unique experience, from the rugged peaks of the Rockies to serene coastal landscapes and dense forests. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone looking for a relaxing getaway, these parks are a perfect way to immerse yourself in the country’s natural beauty. Here are 10 of the best national parks to visit in Canada, along with highlights, recommended activities, the best times to visit, and sample itineraries for each.
1. Banff National Park (Alberta)
As Canada’s first national park, Banff is renowned for its stunning glacier-fed lakes, alpine peaks, and vibrant wildlife. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, it offers endless outdoor adventures and spectacular photo ops.
Things to Do:
- Canoeing on Lake Louise
- Hiking to the Lake Agnes Tea House
- Exploring Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks
- Driving the scenic Icefields Parkway
- Relaxing at the Banff Upper Hot Springs
Best Time to Visit:
- Summer (June to September) for hiking and lakes
- Winter (December to March) for skiing and snow activities
Sample 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Explore Banff Town, take the Banff Gondola, soak in the hot springs
- Day 2: Visit Lake Louise, hike to Lake Agnes
- Day 3: Drive along the Icefields Parkway, stop at Peyto and Bow Lakes
2. Jasper National Park (Alberta)
Jasper is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies and offers a quieter, more rugged experience compared to Banff. Its vast wilderness, dramatic landscapes, and dark sky preserve make it a haven for explorers.
Things to Do:
- Kayaking or cruising on Maligne Lake
- Hiking to Maligne Canyon
- Wildlife spotting along the Icefields Parkway
- Visiting Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls
- Stargazing at the Jasper Planetarium
Best Time to Visit:
- June to October for hiking and sightseeing
- October for stargazing during the Jasper Dark Sky Festival
Sample 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Explore Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake
- Day 2: Cruise Maligne Lake, visit Spirit Island
- Day 3: Visit Athabasca Falls and enjoy a wildlife drive
3. Yoho National Park (British Columbia)
Yoho National Park, located just west of Banff, is a hidden gem of the Canadian Rockies. Its towering waterfalls, sparkling lakes, and stunning rock formations make it a must-see for nature lovers.
Things to Do:
- Canoeing on Emerald Lake
- Viewing Takakkaw Falls (one of Canada’s tallest)
- Hiking the Iceline Trail
- Exploring Natural Bridge
- Taking a guided tour of the Burgess Shale fossil beds
Best Time to Visit:
- Mid-June to early October when trails and roads are open
Sample 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Visit Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge
- Day 2: Hike Takakkaw Falls and the Iceline Trail
- Day 3: Join a Burgess Shale tour or relax by the lake
4. Kootenay National Park (British Columbia)
Kootenay National Park, just south of Banff, is perfect for those seeking a quieter park experience. Its dramatic canyons, mineral pools, and serene trails offer a peaceful escape from the more crowded parks.
Things to Do:
- Soaking in Radium Hot Springs
- Hiking Marble Canyon
- Visiting the Paint Pots trail
- Driving through Sinclair Canyon
- Wildlife viewing along Highway 93
Best Time to Visit:
- June to September for hiking
- Spring and fall for fewer crowds
Sample 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Soak in Radium Hot Springs and explore Sinclair Canyon
- Day 2: Hike the Paint Pots and Marble Canyon
- Day 3: Scenic drive and short hikes along Highway 93
5. Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta)
Nestled along the border with Montana’s Glacier National Park, Waterton offers a beautiful mix of prairies, mountains, and lakes. It is part of the world’s first International Peace Park.
Things to Do:
- Hiking the Crypt Lake Trail (via boat shuttle)
- Visiting the Prince of Wales Hotel viewpoint
- Exploring Red Rock Canyon
- Taking a boat tour on Waterton Lake
- Hiking the Bear’s Hump Trail for panoramic views
Best Time to Visit:
- July to early October for ideal weather
Sample 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Hike Bear’s Hump and visit the Prince of Wales Hotel
- Day 2: Hike the Crypt Lake Trail
- Day 3: Explore Red Rock Canyon and take a boat cruise
6. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (British Columbia)
Located on Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim offers a blend of temperate rainforests, surf-ready beaches, and Indigenous cultural sites. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers.
Things to Do:
- Walking the Wild Pacific Trail
- Exploring Long Beach and watching surfers
- Visiting Tofino and Ucluelet
- Kayaking in Clayoquot Sound
- Hiking rainforest loop trails
Best Time to Visit:
- May to October, with July and August being the driest months
Sample 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Hike the Rainforest Trail and visit Long Beach
- Day 2: Explore the Wild Pacific Trail and Ucluelet
- Day 3: Kayak or go whale watching in Tofino
7. Gros Morne National Park (Newfoundland & Labrador)
Gros Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features fjords, ancient cliffs, and other geological wonders. It offers a remote and wild experience in Atlantic Canada.
Things to Do:
- Taking a boat tour in Western Brook Pond
- Hiking Gros Morne Mountain
- Exploring the Tablelands
- Visiting scenic fishing villages
- Wildlife and moose spotting
Best Time to Visit:
- Late June to September
Sample 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Visit the Tablelands and Discovery Centre
- Day 2: Take the Western Brook Pond boat tour
- Day 3: Hike Gros Morne Mountain or visit a lighthouse
8. Cape Breton Highlands National Park (Nova Scotia)
Famous for the Cabot Trail, this park offers stunning coastal views, rugged cliffs, and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal blend of road trips and hiking.
Things to Do:
- Driving the Cabot Trail
- Hiking the Skyline Trail
- Whale and moose watching
- Visiting Ingonish Beach
- Exploring fishing villages and lighthouses
Best Time to Visit:
- June to October, with peak fall foliage in early October
Sample 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Drive the Cabot Trail, stop at Ingonish
- Day 2: Hike the Skyline Trail and visit coastal viewpoints
- Day 3: Walk the beach, enjoy local seafood, and explore scenic detours
9. Prince Edward Island National Park (PEI)
Known for its red sandstone cliffs and sandy beaches, PEI National Park is a serene coastal retreat with a touch of literary charm, thanks to its connection to Anne of Green Gables.
Things to Do:
- Walking the Greenwich Dunes Trail
- Visiting Cavendish Beach
- Touring Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place
- Biking the Gulf Shore Way
- Photographing red cliffs at Orby Head
Best Time to Visit:
- Late June to early September
Sample 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Visit Cavendish Beach and Green Gables
- Day 2: Bike the Gulf Shore Way
- Day 3: Explore the Greenwich Dunes and enjoy a sunset at Covehead Lighthouse
10. Fundy National Park (New Brunswick)
Fundy National Park, known for the world’s highest tides, offers dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, and forested trails, making it a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Things to Do:
- Walking the ocean floor at Alma Beach during low tide
- Hiking the Dickson Falls and Matthews Head trails
- Exploring the Fundy Trail Parkway
- Kayaking or paddleboarding in the Bay of Fundy
- Visiting Alma for fresh seafood
Best Time to Visit:
- June to early October, with August and September offering warm weather and fewer crowds
Sample 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Explore Alma Beach and the village
- Day 2: Hike Dickson Falls and Matthews Head
- Day 3: Drive the Fundy Trail Parkway and enjoy a scenic picnic
Final Thoughts
Canada’s national parks are some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the world, offering everything from mountain adventures to coastal escapes. Whether you’re seeking thrill-filled hiking expeditions or peaceful moments by the water, these 10 parks offer something for every type of traveler. Plan your visit, pack your gear, and get ready to experience the best of Canada’s wilderness.
