6 National Parks To Visit In Canada

Canada has some of the best national parks in the world. The country is scattered with tall mountain peaks, glacial lakes and valleys, mountain streams, rugged coastlines, islands, and not to mention the biggest lake in the world.

There are 44 national parks and national park reserves in Canada. Each park has a unique attraction, representing the varied landscapes of Canada and protects the natural environments and natural heritage.

“These special places are gateways to nature, to adventure, to discovery, to solitude. They celebrate the beauty and infinite variety of our country.” – Parks Canada

# Banff National Park, Alberta

Known for its glacial carved valleys, ice fields, tall mountain peaks, and hot springs, Banff National Park is located in Canada’s Rocky Mountains in Western Alberta. Banff is the oldest national park in Canada and was established in 1885.

The park is bordered to the south by Kootenay National Park in British Columbia and to the north by Jasper National Park. The townships of Banff and Lake Louise are popular tourist destinations and jumping off points for exploring the wilderness.

# Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Ontario

Georgian Bay Islands National Park is comprised of 63 islands surrounded by the turquoise blue water of Lake Huron in Ontario. The park is noted for its diverse wildlife, flora and fauna and glaciation and the Canadian Shield also contribute to the islands diversity.

With 33 species, more types of amphibians live in the national park than anywhere else in Canada. On one island you might find Shield rock with lichens, pines, junipers and red oak, and on another island you’ll see thick hardwood forests and a variety of orchids, or a forest carpeted with white trilliums.

# Kootenay National Park, British Columbia

With its glaciated peaks of the southwestern Canadian Rocky Mountains and grasslands of the lower valleys, Kootenay National Park is home to a diverse landscape. The park is located on the west slope of the Continental divide in British Columbia and bordered to the north by Banff National Park.

Though Kootenay is known for its stunning natural landscapes and wildlife, the park is also home to 97 archaeological sites, one National Historic site, one federal heritage building and many historic artifacts and cultural features.

# Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island

Situated on the north shore of Prince Edward Island (PEI) in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Prince Edward Island National Park is home to sand dunes, barrier islands, beaches, sandstone cliffs, wetlands, and forests.

The park was established in 1937 and was extended in 1998 to preserve and protect Greenwich, the fragile sand dune system. The park is home to 300 species of birds including the Piping Plover, a species at risk of being endangered.

# Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador

Rugged cliffs, sheltered coves, boreal forests, and the North Atlantic Ocean create a stunning landscape for Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador. The park is home to an abundant population of wildlife including the native and endangered Newfoundland marten.​

Terra Nova became the province’s first national park in 1957. Today, outdoors enthusiasts from around the world visit for the stunning scenery and recreational options. Interpretive programs and ecological exhibits are available for summer visitors.

# Gwaii Haanas, British Columbia

Protected by Parks Canada and the Haida people, Gwaii Haanas is a ruggedly remote landscape of old growth moss-covered cedar trees, ancient carved totem poles and traditional longhouses in old Haida Village sites surrounded by beautiful rainforests. Teeming with nature, the islands of Gwaii Haanas are home to bald eagles and breaching whales.