12 Most Stunning National Parks In Canada

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Ask anyone what they loved most about Canada and you’ll probably get the same answer. After they tell you about the amazingly friendly (and polite) people they’ll tell you one of the top reasons to visit Canada is the incredible scenery. And you don’t get much prettier than one of Canada’s 40+ National Parks. But where are the most stunning National Parks in Canada?

Canada is split into 10 provinces and 3 territories. And being the second largest country in the world, you can bet that there aren’t any two places in the Great White North that are alike. The same goes for its national parks. Each one is more beautiful and awe-inspiring than the last.

Where are the most stunning National Parks in Canada?

While this is perhaps a loaded question, we’re going to do our very best to cover some spectacular destinations that you won’t want to miss. These scenery-loving certified national parks fans (if only that were a real thing) recommend their favourites. From coast to coast, make these national parks a part of your next Canada adventure.

Alberta

Alberta houses some of the most famous National Parks in Canada and is home to the beyond impressive Canadian Rockies. When exploring Alberta, fly into Calgary or Edmonton and rent a car to really see the most of this beautiful province.

Banff National Park

It’s a classic choice for very good reason. Banff National Park may be more popular and busier than you want it to be, but there’s no denying this is one of the most stunning National Parks in Canada. Some of the highest peaks and the clearest lakes make up this national park which is every bit as Pinch-Me-I-Must-Be-Dreaming as you can imagine.

Jaws literally drop when they encounter the likes of Moraine Lake with its unparalleled blue-green hue, or Cascade Mountain which makes the town of Banff look like a miniature village. People flock to Alberta to see some of the most beautiful lakes in Banff National Park. This gem of Canada should not be missed.

Rent a car to see as much of the park as you can, and plan your trip well in advance as it gets busy in the summer especially. May and late September are excellent off-peak choices but make sure the lakes you want to see are not frozen before you plan your trip. Plan at least one hike for scenic views of a whole different kind. For the ultimate luxurious stay, book a night at the ultra-fancy Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Jasper National Park

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Jasper National Park is located in Alberta, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The park is 230 km north of Banff National Park’s Lake Louise and about a 4 hours drive west of Edmonton. It’s one of the must-sees of a typical Canadian Rockies itinerary.

Jasper National Park is filled with wildlife, turquoise water, and mountain peaks. Whether you are an experienced climber or a beginner hiker, there is something for you here.

As an incredibly beautiful but remote little town in the middle of a wild national park, Jasper has limited accommodation options. Prices can get really high for a hotel room. Plus, Parks Canada campsites get booked early in the year, as soon as online reservations open. So plan in advance to ensure good lodging.

While in Jasper National Park, there are many things to do for all nature lovers. Hike Maligne Canyon or the Valley of 5 Lakes. Or take a relaxing ride to the top of the mountain on board the Jasper SkyTram. Spend time relaxin by Lake Annette or take a walk around Pyramid Lake Island. You’ll see no shortage of wildlife as there are herds of elks all around town.

Jasper National Park is well worth exploring. Make sure to take your time and admire the beauty of one of the most stunning national parks in Canada.

Waterton Lakes National Park

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Waterton Lakes National Park may be the smallest National Park in the Rockies, but its beauty will leave you breathless. Waterton is so impressive that it is the only place that you can find a UNESCO World Heritage site, an international peace park, a dark sky preserve, and a biosphere reserve.

At Waterton Lakes National Park, you will have plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. There is no other National Park in Canada that protects as much wildlife within the small area that creates Waterton.

You will find gorgeous hikes, dreamy mountain views, stunning lakes, and thundering waterfalls to enjoy. It is a unique park where the Rocky Mountains meet Alberta’s prairies.

Stay at the iconic Prince of Wales hotel or stop in for tea. Waterton also has a waterfront town lined with shops and restaurants. As you wander the town you can even run into deer and bighorn sheep. If you are on more of a budget, sleep under the incredible night sky at a campsite. Waterton borders Glacier National Park in Montana, United States.

British Columbia

Home to the most National Parks of any Canadian province, British Columbia is the perfect place for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Hiking, skiing and camping are some of the favorite activity options of many people who live here or visit. BC is also home to the most bears in Canada so these bear safety tips are very important.

Kootenay National Park

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Located in BC right on the border with Alberta is one of the most beautiful and best national parks in Canada – Kootenay National Park. This area is famed for its abundance of wildlife, beautiful canyons, waterfalls, lakes, and of course, towering peaks. Kootenay National Park actually connects with Banff National Park, and as such, is often explored as an addition to any Banff trip.  

One of the best ways to enjoy Kootenay National Park is by driving through it. Head South On Highway 93 (just after Lake Louise) and enjoy one very scenic drive. You’ll pass tons of amazing attractions along the way including Marble Canyon, Stanley Glacier, Numa Falls, the Paint Pots, and so many more. You could easily spend an entire day driving this stretch of road stopping along the way and exploring.

There are some beautiful easy hikes that are family-friendly such as Marble Canyon, as well as other more challenging ones such as the trail to the famed Floe Lake.  

Radium Hot Springs is also located in Kootenay National Park. The town of Radium boasts tons of things to do as well as places to stay. Radium is therefore a great base for your adventures exploring Kootenay National Park. 

Pacific Rim National Park

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Centrally located on the westernmost point of Vancouver Island in the province of British Columbia, is the lush Pacific Rim national park. Iconic for long stretches of dark sand beaches, Pacific Ocean views, rainforest hikes, and activities steeped in Nuu-Chah Nulth culture, Pacific Rim is one of the best National Parks in Canada. 

You will find a plethora of things to do in the Pacific Rim. Rent a surfboard and catch some world-renowned deep water waves, or grab a kayak to capture the beautiful coastal scenery. You may even spot a bald eagle, lucky you! For the more adventurous souls, try your hand at the West Coast Trail, a 75-kilometre hike along wide open beaches, old-growth forests and suspension bridges.

If you are in the mood to splurge, book your stay at the Wickaninnish Inn. Located on a rock outcrop, the inn has unparalleled views of Chesterman Beach. Or stay at a cozy B&B in the township of Tofino. 

Yoho National Park

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Yoho National Park in British Columbia is well known for its beautiful water features set within stunning mountain landscapes. The park sits in the Rockies and is a short drive from Banff National Park. Despite being the smallest of the parks in the Rockies, it is one of the most impressive. At this park, you’ll see bright turquoise water, roaring waterfalls, and some of the highest mountain peaks in the Rockies. 

When you visit Yoho national park you can enjoy hiking, kayaking, or camping. There are amazing trails that will take you through the mountains or around the lakes. Some of the must see areas to explore include Emerald Lake, Lake O’Hara, Takakkaw Falls, and Wapta Falls. 

For accommodation, there are a few lodges around the park including Emerald Lake Lodge and Cathedral Mountain Lodge. Alternatively you can stay in the town of Golden. For the more outdoorsy individuals, you can find four different campsites within the park itself to stay. Yoho National Park is a gorgeous place that will surely impress you. 

Nova Scotia

One of Canada’s maritime provinces, Nova Scotia is wonderfully rugged and charming. It’s also one of the friendliest provinces you can explore and almost entirely surrounded by water.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

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The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is one of the most beautiful places to see while visiting Nova Scotia. The iconic Cabot Trail is the main road that goes around the park. Along the way, you will see some of the most magnificent waterfalls in all of Nova Scotia, endless rolling hills, panoramic ocean views, and plenty of hiking trails for all skill levels. Kayaking, ziplining, and whale watching are other activities you can do too.

A unique activity is to listen to traditional Celtic music. These musical gatherings are known as Ceilidhs (pronounced kay-lees) and can be found at local pubs throughout Cape Breton Island.

The best time to visit is during the fall months – especially during the Celtic Colours International Music Festival in October! The beauty of the fall foliage is unreal, and there are plenty of places along the Cabot Trail to stop and admire the scenery. At least 3 Days in the Cape Breton Highlands are recommended. Spend each night in a different location as you travel around the park. The best towns to stay in are Baddeck, Ingonish, Cheticamp, Inverness, and Port Hood. 

Ontario

Ontario is the most populous provinces in Canada, but that doesn’t mean there’s any less of the amazing outdoors. It might not be as mountainous as other provinces, but given that it sits on not one but FOUR of the 5 Great Lakes, you’ll find some stellar views and gorgeous lakeside parks.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

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Bruce Peninsula National Park is a beautiful park located near Tobermory, Ontario. It is part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Ontario locals claim it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ontario!

The park is home to stunning limestone cliffs, where adventurers will find endless views of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. It is a nature-lovers perfect destination, with numerous hiking paths around caves, unique rock formations, and lookout points.

Located in the park is the Grotto, a famous limestone cave found right in the water. It is a popular place to swim within the park. Definitely head there early because it gets really busy during the day during the summertime!

A day trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park is always a blast, but camping overnight in the park is even better. Waking up in the middle of a gorgeous park makes for great memories! Campsites sell out far in advance, so be sure to book ahead of time.

Point Pelee National Park

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This Canadian National Park is in southern Ontario, a 4 hour drive from Toronto, or only 1 hour drive from Windsor. Point Pelee National Park is special because it’s at the most southern point in Canada. Known as “the point”, because the park is a peninsula that tapers out into a long, sharp point, it is surrounded by the waters of Lake Erie. 

Point Pelee has a unique ecology and location, which makes it one of North America’s most renowned spots for birdwatching. In the spring, you can watch bird and butterfly migrations, and attend the annual Festival of Birds. Point Pelee has fantastic beaches for swimming, and you can go paddling through it’s marshes, too. 

The park is a Dark Sky Preserve, so on designated nights you can stay late to gaze at the stars. Year round, you can hike Point Pelee’s trails. Be sure to hike out to “The Point” so that you can officially stand at the most southern point of Canada! 
When visiting Point Pelee you can stay within the park by renting an oTentik, or you can camp at the nearby Wheatley Provincial Park. Alternatively, book a hotel, cottage or Airbnb in the nearby towns of Leamington, Kingsville, or Essex.

Prince Edward Island

The smallest of all the Canadian provinces still packs a punch. Connected to mainland Canada by the country’s longest bridge, and the longest bridge in the world that goes over ice covered water, this is a place you shouldn’t miss. They might only have one national park, but it’s a good one.

Prince Edward Island National Park

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Prince Edward Island National Park takes up much of the Northern Shore of the tiny Province of Prince Edward Island. It is one of the most spectacularly beautiful national parks in Canada that draws thousands of visitors each year.

The largest beach in PEI National Park is Cavendish Beach, with over 8 km of shoreline to explore. Located north of the town of Cavendish, it is considered one of the best beaches in Canada for swimming and kayaking. The shallow water makes it some of the warmest water north of the Carolinas and a delightful place to swim in the ocean. The red sand here serves as a great contrast to the bright blue waters.

Many of the more than 50km of bike trails offer beautiful views of the sandy beaches and dunes of PEI National Seashore as you cycle along gravel roads past small rolling hills. You will often see deer, rabbits, foxes, ospreys, and many other species of birds while biking the trails. Bring your own bikes or rent them from North Shore Surf Company in Cavendish.

Stay in nearby Cavendish to have the easiest access to PEI National Park and enjoy all the great seafood restaurants that dot the main road. There are lots of vacation cottages and hotels in Cavendish, as well as the National Park itself.

Québec 

From the smallest to the biggest, Québec is the largest of all the Canadian provinces. Stretching all the way from the US border to the world famous Hudson Bay, Québec has some unique scenery. If you get a chance, visit in the autumn for some of the most enchanting fall colors in North America.

Parc National de la Mauricie

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Tucked away in the province of Québec, is the beautiful Parc National de la Mauricie. Trois-Riviéres is the closest large city, still a 2 hour drive away.

Unique about la Mauricie is that there are 150 lakes! It’s famous for the many lakes, like lac Édouard and lac Caribou. It’s a nature park that’s rugged and pristine and covers 563km². Next to lakes, there’s pink granite and forests.

When visiting the park don’t miss driving the scenic drive along the parkway. This road meanders along the large lakes, through the park and is 63 kilometer long. Stop at least at the lookouts Le Passage and Île-aux-Pins for beautiful vistas.

There are 3 not to be missed hikes. The first is the Les Cascades trail, which is easy and has a sand beach, a picnic area and a waterfall. Second is the Solitaire Lake trail, you can see the lake from above on this hike. The last one is a backcountry hike to Waber Falls.

Shawinigan and Saint-Jean-des-Piles are excellent towns to stay at for visiting the park with several hotels and campgrounds to choose from.

Mont Tremblant National Park

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Located only 2 hours from Montreal, Mont Tremblant National Park is one of the largest in Québec. In fact, it’s divided into 3 sectors: La Diable, Pimbina-Saint-Donat, L’Assomption.

The Diable Sector is the closest entrance to Montreal and Mont Tremblant Village. And the best place to stay to explore Mont Tremblant National Park is either to camp in the park itself, or stay in Mont Tremblant Village.

There are no shortage of outdoor activities to do in the Diable sector of Mont Tremblant National Park. The most popular hike is the La Roche trail, a 2 hour loop. Turn it into a longer hike, and get a second view by connecting to la Corniche through la Coulée trail.

There are two waterfalls that are easy to get to: La Chute-du-Diable and Les Chutes-Croches. Another popular spot is Lac Monroe. Relax on the beach or rent a kayak, canoe, or even paddle boat!

Canada’s top National Parks

While there are many more we didn’t have a chance to mention, you have to admit these are some of the best national parks in Canada you might see.

As with any national park visit, respecting the great outdoors is key to helping preserve it.

Make the most of your time in this gorgeous country and plan the ultimate road trip through at least a few of these national parks. Sure, the cities are nice, but can you really beat leaving the bright lights behind for some of the most breathtaking scenery in Canada?

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