10 Most Visited National Parks In Canada
When most people think about the best national parks, they often picture the stunning landscapes of the U.S. – from the towering peaks of the Rockies to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone. But have you ever considered exploring the magnificent national parks of Canada?
Canada is home to an equally impressive collection of national parks, offering a different dimension of outdoor adventure unique to the North Country. The awe-inspiring scenery and captivating wildlife you don’t encounter every day are practically otherworldly, with landscapes that take your breath away. In fact, words like “beauty” and “vast” barely capture the essence of these parks.
So how many national parks in Canada are there? Currently, Canada boasts 37 national parks plus 11 national park reserves, making up a total of 49 protected areas. Each one offers a unique adventure for travel enthusiasts who have a passion for outdoor discovery.
To determine which to choose from, though, it’s important to know what each has to offer and how to explore them safely. Let's take a look at some of Canada’s best national parks.
1. Banff National Park (Alberta)
The most visited national park in Canada is Banff National Park in Alberta. As the oldest Canadian National Park, Banff is known for the crystal blue waters of Peyto Lake, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise, along with world-class hikes to the summits of Sulphur Mountain, Big Beehive, and Temple Mountain. Other popular activities in this national park in the Rocky Mountains are kayaking, bird watching, and mountain climbing.
As Canada’s most visited national park, Banff offers explorers 1,600 kilometers of trails that allow visitors to discover new wildlife and document their adventures through photography. Banff National Park is also excellent for backpacking adventures, weddings, and even relaxing in hot springs.
2. Jasper National Park (Alberta)
Another one of the top national parks in Canada is Jasper National Park, which is also found in Alberta. Jasper is part of UNESCO's Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site and extends more than 11,000 square kilometers. With so much space to explore, Jasper is an excellent park to immerse yourself in wildlife and better understand the world in which we live.
In Jasper National Park, there are several notable attractions, such as the Maligne Canyon, a gorge that plummets more than 160 feet with a series of bridges and trails to get you there. Other notable attractions include the turquoise blue waters of Maligne Lake, Moose Lake, and Angel Glacier. While the best time to visit this famous park in Canada is during the summer and early fall, the winter offers visitors an excellent opportunity to explore quieter trails through snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
3. Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park (Québec)
Eastern Canada is home to Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, located in Québec. As one of the top Canadian National Parks, Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park offers visitors a glimpse into marine life, where whale watching, kayaking, and sailing are prevalent. The marine park is the perfect place to explore if you’re learning to discover more about living off the land. In this national park, you can participate in interpretive programs and visit exhibitions highlighting the extraordinary underwater life features that call this national park home.
4. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (British Columbia)
On the west coast of Vancouver Island in Western Canada, you’ll find Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, another one of Canada’s most popular national parks. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is filled with adventure. Here, you can jump into your storm gear to observe the roaring waves crash upon the rocky shore or pack your sunscreen for a relaxing summer day on the sandy beaches. Popular activities include kayaking along the shoreline, learning about the culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth people, and hiking along the West Coast Trail.
5. Mount Revelstoke National Park
Among Canada’s best national parks, Mount Revelstoke National Park is one of the most visited, and for good reason. In this mountainous park, visitors can take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway from the Trans Canada Highway to Balsam Lake. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular views of Balsam Lake and breathtaking subalpine meadows filled with wildflowers, lush forests of cedar, spruce and hemlock trees.
Mount Revelstoke National Park is also an excellent area for wildlife viewing. You can see unique wildlife in the park, including grizzly bears, wolverines, mountain caribou, moose, mountain goats, black bears, and endless bird-watching opportunities. Other popular activities include learning experiences through guided tours, mountain biking along trails, and geocaching.
6. Prince Edward Island National Park
You’ll find Prince Edward Island National Park in the Province of Prince Edward Island. Facing the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Prince Edward Island offers remarkable views and outdoor activities, such as canoeing, golfing, camping, and swimming.
Prince Edward Island National Park is home to fresh and saltwater marshes, sandy beaches, and unique wildlife, including the endangered Piping Plover. One of the reasons why Prince Edward Island is one of the best national parks in Canada is that it allows visitors to relax and unwind, thanks to its extensive boardwalks and walking trails, picnic areas, and calming coastal terrain.
7. Yoho National Park (British Columbia)
One of the most beautiful national parks in Canada is Yoho National Park, located in British Columbia. Established in 1886, Yoho National Park is Canada’s second national park, and it contains one of the world’s most significant fossil sites. In Yoho National Park, you can learn about geologists R.G. McConnell and Otto Klotz, who claim to be the founders of the rich fossil beds buried in Mount Stephen, which towers 1,700 feet above the town of Field.
Regardless of who found the fossil beds first, Yoho National Park is now one of the top parks to visit in Canada due to its natural history and beauty. Here, visitors can marvel at the mountain faces that paint the western slope of the Great Divide, roaring waterfalls that flow off the peaks, and centuries-old glaciers that make this national park unforgettable.
One of the reasons Yoho National Park is one of the best national parks in Canada is its diverse landscape. Here, you can find alpine meadows, steep mountain peaks, river valleys, and glaciers. This diverse ecosystem is also home to rare and majestic wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain lions, and an assortment of birds and marine life.
Some of the top attractions you can find in Yoho National Park include Emerald Lake, Wapta Falls, and Takakkaw Falls. As one of the most visited national parks in Canada, Yoho National Park’s beauty, with its turquoise-colored Emerald Lake and natural stone bridge, makes for a perfect place to visit.
At Road Scholar, we have a wide range of experiential learning adventures, including a group tour to Yoho National Park, which is perfect for many travelers. With the ability to choose your own pace, you can enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty Yoho National Park offers, whether you’re a solo traveler, traveling with a family, or a senior.
8. Thousand Islands National Park (Ontario)
Nestled along the St. Lawrence River in Ontario, Thousand Islands National Park offers a unique freshwater experience. This isn't your typical mountain-and-forest national park; instead, it's a collection of over 20 islands, numerous smaller islets and a mainland base. Just imagine yourself paddling through those crystal-clear waters, discovering hidden coves, and finding those perfect secluded beaches.
You can camp on several of the islands, many of which are equipped with an oTENTiks — a cross between a tent and a rustic cabin, offering a comfortable and unique overnight experience. The interpretive programs here really dive into the area's unique history, covering everything from its role during the War of 1812 to the geology of the Canadian Shield. If you thrive on learning about history and nature, particularly when you're paddling or boating, then Thousand Islands National Park is without a doubt a shining star among Canada's best national parks.
9. Gros Morne National Park (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Prepare to be amazed by Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the west coast of Newfoundland. This park is a geological wonder, with a landscape so unique it literally exposes the Earth’s mantle. It’s one of the few places on the planet where you can see evidence of plate tectonics firsthand.
Hiking here is unlike anywhere else. The most famous trek is the hike up Gros Morne Mountain itself, offering panoramic views of fjords and tuckamore forests. But even if you're not an experienced mountaineer, there are plenty of trails for all skill levels.
Don't miss hopping on a boat tour through Western Brook Pond — it's an incredible fjord carved by glaciers where you'll soak in the most amazing cliffs and waterfalls. Honestly, if you're someone who gets excited about cool geology, unique wildlife and views that just make your jaw drop, Gros Morne is absolutely the perfect spot.
10. Kootenay National Park (British Columbia)
Moving westward to British Columbia, we find Kootenay National Park, a land of striking contrasts. You'll be amazed by the sheer variety in Kootenay. Within just one park, you go from dramatic glacial peaks and serene alpine meadows to unexpected semi-arid grasslands and, yes, even natural hot springs. It's part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, alongside Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks.
A huge favorite in the park is the Radium Hot Springs. It's an incredible spot where you can just relax and soak in mineral-rich waters, all while towering rock walls create this stunning natural backdrop. For hikers, trails like the Rockwall Trail offer challenging multi-day excursions with breathtaking vistas, while shorter, more accessible paths lead to Marble Canyon and the vibrant Paint Pots, mineral-rich cold springs.
Planning Your First National Park Adventure in Canada
Ready to embark on a learning adventure in one of the Canadian national parks? Similar to exploring national parks in the U.S., you'll want to do your homework.
First, research the specific park you plan to visit. Understand the typical weather conditions for the time of year you're going and assess the difficulty level of various activities and hikes. The Parks Canada website serves as a great resource, providing alerts and trail warnings.
Always share your itinerary with a friend or family member, including your lodging plans and estimated return times from hikes. Stick to marked trails to avoid getting lost and to protect the environment. Don't rely solely on your phone for navigation; bring a physical map and a GPS device with downloadable maps.
Pack enough food and water for an extra day, especially in hot or dry environments. Essential supplies include a first aid kit, flashlight, multi-tool, emergency blanket and additional clothing. Dress in moisture-wicking layers and sturdy hiking boots. Finally, know your limits and choose hikes suitable for your fitness level.
Remember to practice "leave no trace" principles by packing out all trash, staying on designated paths and leaving natural and cultural features undisturbed.
Canada’s National Parks Through the Seasons
The beauty of the Canadian national parks changes with the seasons, offering a unique experience no matter when you visit.
In spring, the parks burst with new life. Wildflowers emerge, migratory birds return and waterfalls are often at their most powerful due to snowmelt.
Summer is peak season, and for good reason. All facilities and services are typically open. However, popular national parks in Canada can get crowded, so plan and book accommodations or campsites well in advance.
Come autumn, you're in for a treat with those spectacular changing leaves, especially if you're exploring eastern Canada. That crisp air is just invigorating, and one of the best parts is that the big crowds start to thin out, giving you a much more serene experience. Just remember to bundle up for those cooler temperatures and keep in mind that higher elevations might see a sprinkle of early snow.
Winter transforms the national parks into serene, snow-covered wonderlands. This is a perfect time for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating. Many parks offer winter camping, and the quiet solitude can be incredibly rewarding. Access to some areas may be limited, and cold-weather hiking safety becomes even more paramount. Always check park conditions and trail closures before venturing out on a winter hike.
Each Road Scholar group tour of the most beautiful national parks in Canada is led by a local expert who will teach you about the culture, history, wildlife, and geography of the national park you’re visiting. With the ability to ask questions in a small setting and mingle with your diverse cohort of fellow travelers, you can enjoy a unique learning experience you won’t forget. Find an adventure today that piques your interest by browsing our collection of one-of-a-kind travel tours to the best national parks in Canada.