Your Guide to the Best National Parks in Canada

No matter where you are in the world, National Parks rarely disappoint.

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Visited by nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, these parks do an excellent job of illustrating how beautiful our world is.

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Whether you're working in Canada, or just visiting, there's something for everyone.

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With 47 National Parks spread throughout the country, Canada is a destination full of diverse wildlife and varying landscapes.

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So no matter where you happen to be in Canada, there’s always an opportunity to discover and explore someplace new.

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With so much to choose from, this article showcases 6 parks located in 6 different provinces and territories around the country.

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So, in no particular order, here’s your guide to the best national parks in Canada.

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Gros Morne National Park - Newfoundland & Labrador

Located on the island of Newfoundland in the far east of Canada, Gros Morne National Park boasts some of the most outstanding views in the entire country.

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With hiking trails for all fitness levels, tremendous camping opportunities, and boat tours throughout the famous fjords, Gros Morne has it all.

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The summer season boasts clear blue skies, while in the autumn months, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the varying colours of the fall foliage take over the park.

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If you find yourself in Eastern Canada or are planning an upcoming trip, I highly recommend taking a few days to witness the natural beauty of Gros Morne National Park.

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Cape Breton Highlands National Park - Nova Scotia

This National Park can be found in the north of the magnificent Cape Breton Island, which was recently named one of the world’s must-see islands by Travel + Leisure magazine.

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The famous scenic drive, known as the Cabot Trail, winds throughout the entire park and allows for ample photo opportunities along the coastline.

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Like Gros Morne National Park, the Highlands deliver some of the best hiking trails and camping spots in Eastern Canada.

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Outdoor enthusiasts are treated to many different activities in the area, such as kayaking, cycling, and even whale watching.

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To take advantage of everything the park has to offer, it’s important to plan your visit sometime between May and October.

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Auyuittuq National Park - Nunavut

This one is for all of you that like to think you have a strong desire for adventure.

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Do a quick google maps search to see where this park is located, and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

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That’s right, Auyuittuq is in the TRUE NORTH of Canada, where most people make the assumption that it’s inaccessible.

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I’ll be honest, until I started working in the travel industry, I had no idea how incredible the landscapes were in this part of my beautiful country.

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Although not the easiest to get to, if you have the time and money to spend, Auyuittuq National Park should be on your radar.

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There’s few people in the world that can say they’ve made it to the Arctic Circle, or seen a polar bear firsthand.

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Here lies an opportunity to make these both happen.

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This region also provides visitors the opportunity to learn about the local Inuit culture, history and traditions that exist.

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Bruce Peninsula National Park - Ontario

Combining limestone cliffs and stunning turquoise waters, the Bruce Peninsula is part of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment and located northwest of Toronto.

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Like many national parks around the world, the breathtaking scenery here is the main drawing card.

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A destination for all ages, the park becomes a popular tourist attraction during the summer months when the many campgrounds in the area open their gates.

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Almost four hours from Toronto, look into spending a couple nights here to see the beauty that exists and not feel rushed to take in all the sights.

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Consider taking a half-day trip to the nearby coastal town of Tobermory for lunch or dinner.

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Explore the various shops along the nautical themed boardwalk, and maybe even witness the famous Chi-Cheemaun.

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Banff National Park - Alberta

The crown jewel and the first national park established in the country, Banff National Park headlines the collection of parks in Canada.

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Situated along the Canadian Rockies, this park is one of many that line the jagged mountains that make their way through Alberta and British Columbia.

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It is here where the picturesque Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, and Lake Peyto are found, and is very popular all throughout the year.

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When people around the world talk about top destinations in Canada, Banff National Park is bound to come up in the conversation.

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There are an abundant amount of scenic drives in the area to explore, which I’m excited to write about in the future.

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Challenge yourself to a difficult day hike throughout the mountains and then return to the quaint town of Banff to enjoy a few beverages at a local craft brewery.

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If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting one of the following as an alternative: Yoho National Park, Kootenay National Park, or Mount Revelstoke National Park.

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Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - British Columbia

This is the go-to spot for all you surfers (or wannabe surfers) out there.

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Situated on Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve allows visitors a chance to experience what’s often referred to as the “West Coast, Best Coast.”

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Very popular with hikers up for a challenge, the 75km West Coast Trail pulls in visitors from all over the world looking to conquer what is often a bucket list item.

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Like the national parks on the east coast, Pacific Rim provides ample opportunity to spot whales and other marine life.

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Besides this, “Storm Watching” is an exhilarating activity for travelers that happen to be in the area during the winter season.

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Port Alberni or the surf town of Tofino are excellent places to base yourself while on the island.

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Don’t forget to experience and dabble in the delicious fresh seafood that awaits in one of the many restaurants in the area.

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Well there you have it my friends, the best national parks in Canada.

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I have taken you from the far east coast to the far west coast of Canada.

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These 6 National Parks, as well as the other 41 scattered around, are another great reason to make your way to the beautiful true north.

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If you've worked at a summer camp in Canada, you would've no doubt heard of some of these and are on your post-camp bucket list.

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For others, scrawl them onto that bucket list immediately.

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For now, take care of yourself - and remember, adventure is out there.

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