Canada is undoubtedly the world’s finest destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, having an enormous national park system that is almost unrivaled in terms of sheer size, beauty, and variety.
Canada is fortunate to have a world-class national park system, which protects more than 328,000 square kilometers of natural territory. Because Canada was the first country in the world to create a national park service, it’s fair to assume that the country knows a thing or two about incredible natural wonders and attractions.
A large country with a wide range of landscapes, each with its own distinct geological characteristics, outdoor activities, and breathtaking picture opportunities, makes for a great vacation destination.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Long Beach, Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail are three separate components that make up the West Coast Trail, which is located along the western coast of Vancouver Island.
One word describes the weather at Pacific Rim National Park: drizzly. Although it rains a lot, this helps to maintain the old-growth woods lush and verdant. Summers are lovely, but each winter comes violent storms that produce massive waves that attract skilled surfers who are prepared to face the bitter cold to ride them (even in the summer months, dry suits are needed to withstand the cold ocean water).
There are miles of sandy beaches, vibrant old-growth woods, and jaw-dropping coastline views throughout the park, which makes it a hiker’s dream destination. Explore the West Coast Trail, which stretches 47 miles down the coast, or choose from a variety of shorter circuits, such as the magnificent Wild Pacific Trail that runs around the Ucluelet peninsula.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park and the third-oldest in the world, is one of the most popular locations on the continent. Banff is an iconic national park that is on nearly every traveler’s bucket list for a reason. It is one of the most visited and great places in the world. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, 80 miles west of Calgary, this town is a must see. It is one of the most frequented national parks in Canada, with over 3 million people each year, making it one of the most popular destinations.
Additionally, visitors to the park are drawn to the lake’s waters, which are a deeper shade of blue than the surrounding mountains. In addition to Lake Louise’s magnificent body of water and picturesque scenery, the park’s gondolas may offer even more breathtaking aerial views. Banff National Park has plenty to offer everyone, whether you want to go skiing, hiking, golfing, or just watching nature.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, which is surrounded by the sparkling seas of the Atlantic Ocean, has some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll discover anywhere in the nation.
In fact, one-third of the world-famous Cabot Trail makes its way through the park, providing hikers with the opportunity to experience the very best of Cape Breton’s mesmerizing natural beauty at their fingertips. As you hike into the highlands and down the island’s coastline, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of canyons, woods, and stunning seascapes as you pass through.
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park, located in the heart of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, is an amazing and expansive park that provides everything from mountain climbing to breathtaking glaciers and all in between.
Jasper National Park, which is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, is rough, wild, and extremely vast (11,000 square kilometers, to be exact). No matter whether you’re coming during the warm summer months or the cold and snowy winter months, you’ll be treated to some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada.
However, there are many paths to walk or cycle on, campgrounds to explore, and rivers and lakes to splash about in during the summer months when the park is busier.
The Columbia Icefields are a genuine natural wonder of the globe, and they should not be overlooked. However, even after the sun has set, the chances to take in Jasper’s natural splendors are not gone. The Park has been designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, and it happens to be one of the finest locations on the planet for viewing the night sky in its natural state. Plan your vacation to coincide with the Dark Sky Festival, which takes place in October and brings together astronomy aficionados for a weekend of parties, concerts, and exhibits centered on stargazing.
Mont-Tremblant National Park, Quebec
The resort town of Mont-Tremblant, located only a few hours north-west of Montreal and north-east of Ottawa, is a perfect stopover for a few days of outdoor fun when traveling across eastern Canada.
The Via Ferrata du Diable, which resembles rock climbing and is located on the wall of the Vache Noire at the park’s entrance, is a one-of-a-kind route that allows both novice and experienced climbers to safely ascend the mountain. As you navigate the built-in stairs, beams, footbaths, walkways, and bridges overlooking the Diable River below, you’ll be secured to a steel rope that runs the length of the cliff.
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Gros Morne National Park, located on the west coast of Newfoundland and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has 1,805 square kilometers of breathtaking beauty. Gros Morne National Park is without a doubt one of the most beautiful national parks in Eastern Canada.
The Long Range Mountains, which rise up from the Appalachian Mountains and make up a large portion of the park, are the most prominent feature. Hiking at Gros Morne National Park is a popular activity, and the park’s many lookout sites offer several opportunities to take in the magnificent landscape.
The Tablelands are often regarded as the most accessible location on the planet for seeing unusual rocks that have erupted from deep inside the Earth’s crust. Take a guided walk around the region to see rocks that have been formed over billions of years and to marvel at the beautiful glacially carved terrain, which is teeming with interesting plants and animals to see.
Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Take a walk along the Atlantic!
The prospect of investigating the murky ocean bottom just to stand back and see the water levels increase by 12 meters in a couple of hours is very exciting. In Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, where the world’s highest tides may be found, you can see this sort of enchantment firsthand.
When the tide recedes, you may walk on the bare ocean floor – more than half a mile (1 km) out to the edge of the sea – and study all the periwinkles and other interesting tiny marine creatures that have been left behind.