Canada has a few incredible national parks and reserves encompassing picturesque and scenic beauty and preserved flora and fauna. The National Parks in Canada are formed under the Canada National Parks Act and their governing body is Parks Canada.
And they are all as beautiful as they come. We will walk you through some of the top Canadian national parks you could make. visit to your next vacation plan.
8 Remarkable Canadian National Parks to Visit
1. Banff National Park
One of the first national parks in the country, it is located in Alberta’s Canadian Rocky Mountains. Established under the Rocky Mountains Park Act in 1885, it was initially named Rocky Mountains Park.
This place boasts itself as a UNESCO World Heritage site full of mesmerizing scenic gazes and wildlife spotting. Interesting adventure sports are also an attraction.
Highlights
1.1 Breath-Taking Sites
From amazing mountains to mesmerizing lake views, Banff offers an array of splendid natural scenic beauty.
1.2 Dreamlike Lakes
Banff National Park has majestic lakes and great sights, perfect for sightseeing and enjoying adventure sports.
The divine turquoise Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Lake Minnewanka, are some of the most beautiful lakes in Banff National Park. The picturesque lake sites also offer a resort experience where you can stay and witness the beauty of these surreally beautiful glacial lakes.
1.3 Cave and Basin National Historic Site
The national historic site of the cave and basin is one of the first national park’s most well-known and worthwhile destinations.
It is the birthplace of the Banff National Park and is home to beautiful hiking panoramas and settings. This place is definitely a must-visit in the oldest Canadian national park, along with the Banff Park Museum. The museum was made in 1903 and is the oldest plethora of natural flora and fauna in Canada.
1.4 Abundance of Adventure Sports
Try out canoeing, river rafting, hiking trails, and cycling over the passes or enjoy a great golf course experience at the Fairmont Springs golf course.
1.5 Flora and Fauna
Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park brings the joy of wildlife spotting and various specimens of plant species. Banff in the Canadian Rockies has over 300 species of birds and 800 species of plants. porcupine, red squirrels, wild bison, also wildflowers can be seen in the park.
2. Waterton Lakes National Park
Named after the gorgeous Waterton Lake, this is the fourth Canadian national park. It was established in 1895, and in 1979, it received the designation of biosphere reserve.
Situated in Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1995). It is a portion of the Waterton- Glacier International Peace Park, which also includes the Glacier National Park. It is a part of not just the Glacier National Park, but also Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
A short film was made on Waterton Lakes National Park in 2011 under the National Parks project. This incredible Canadian national park serves breathtaking views on the periphery of the mesmerizing lake Waterton.
Highlights
2.1 Enjoy the Picturesque Lake Waterton!
The majestic Waterton Lake is a sight to behold and is a great photography site with its crystal clear waters. The divinity of the view of and around the lake will assuredly mesmerize you. Another plus point – it’s quite near to the city of Waterton.
2.2 The Cameron Falls
The Angelic Cameron Falls is one of the best sites to visit in the Waterton Lakes National Park. Its surreal pink but crystal clear waters are arguably the most divine thing ever. You can enjoy the charming sight of the beautiful waters through a trail.
2.3 Great Hiking Trails!
Waterton offers an amazing hiking experience on various trails. The Bear’s Hump Trail and the Red Rock Canyon Trail are the most popular trails to visit.
The bear’s hump gives a great experience. It is a fun experience, however, can be challenging for some. The Red Rock Canyon also offers an incredible hiking experience. The topmost view of the trail is worth the hiking adventure.
2.4 Leisure Activities
Go for cruises, canoeing, hiking, or horseback riding, or even a game of golf.
2.5 Luxurious Accommodation
While there are a few options available, a good choice is the Prince Wales Hotel, which is one of the most visited ones.
2.6 Flora and Fauna
Moose, Columbian ground squirrels, migratory birds, ducks, geese, and many more can be spotted. The national park is renowned for its wildflowers and plant life as well. The tall Beargrass flowers are a known variety.
3. Wood Buffalo National Park
The largest in Canada and the second largest in the world, Wood Buffalo National Park was established in 1922. This was to preserve the last remaining herds of bison. Wood Buffalo National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is well-known for its karst landscapes and sinkholes. It also takes pride in being the world’s largest dark sky preserve.
Highlights
3.1 Visit the Northern Life Museum
If you are fond of cultural and historical artifacts, then the Northern Life Museum, located in Fort Smith, is a perfect stop for you. It houses agricultural equipment collections and cultural specimens.
3.2 The Dazzling Salt Plains
Gaze at the unique and picturesque salt plains at Wood Buffalo National Park. These salt plains are one of a kind. They are said to be the remains of an ancient inland sea.
3.3 The Spectacular Pine Lake
Pine Lake is one of the national park’s most alluring and scenic beauties. The Pine lake in Wood Buffalo National Park Reserve is formed by sinkholes and has beautiful bluish water. Along with the great view, there are many leisure options like firewood, camping sites, and many more.
3.4 Adventure Sports
Many fulfilling sports activities can be done in Wood Buffalo National Park. Hiking trails, canoeing, mountain biking, and many other exhilarating activities can be performed.
3.5 Wildlife Spotting
Wood Buffalo is very well known for its wildlife. The wild bison is one of the prime spotting of the place. Some of the creatures you can observe here include black bears, moose, wolves, Rex foxes, and hawks. The best time to visit the National Park is generally from May to August however you can visit at any time of the year.
4. Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is yet another great national park in Canada. It is an ensemble of splendid glaciers, wildlife, waterfalls, and mountains. This Park was given UNESCO World Historic Site designation in 1984.
Highlights
4.1 Gaze the Athabasca Falls
The beautiful Athabasca Falls is a sight to behold and enjoy the beauty of it. This waterfall is on the upper side of the Athabasca River. It is not a very high waterfall, however, is known for its force. Through various trails, you can enjoy the beauty and click wonderful pictures.
4.2 The Spectacular Columbia Icefield Tour
The Jasper National Park gives you the joy of visiting the Columbia icefield. It comprises the Athabasca, Columbia, Stufield, Dome, and Castle Guard glaciers.
It is one of the most scenic locations and you can enjoy the beauty of it along with many adventures.
4.3 Jasper Discovery Trail
The beautiful Jasper Discovery Trail provides a round of the national park. You can have a view of the park through the trail. This place gives you some of the best site views and hiking adventures.
4.4 Pyramid Lake
Nestled over the Pyramid Mountains, Pyramid Lake is a spectacular sight in one of the best national parks.
The calm waters and fresh sight are all heart! you can enjoy the sights, take pictures, and enjoy many other adventures over here.
4.5 Flora and Fauna
Jasper has many unique plant species and is also home to some rare faunal species. Brown-eyed Susans, arnica, and crocus are some plant species found.
Grizzly bears, mountain goats, moose, and elk are some animal species. Rounding off, it can be said that Jasper is indeed one of the best national parks and should be on the visit list.
5. Cape Breton Highlands National Park
It is the place where the towering mountains hug the sea. The National Park of the Cape Breton Highlands is located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. For the tourists, it will be a magical experience.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is an ensemble of valleys, mountains, waterfalls, and the iconic Cape Breton Highlands. It was established in 1936 with Parks Canada as the governing body.
Highlights
5.1 World-Famous Cobot Trail
The Cobot Trail is a stunning scenic getaway circling the Cape Breton Highlands in Nova Scotia. It offers scenic gazes along the Island of the National Park.
Through the trail, you can enjoy some of the spectacular views of the park. The park visitors will definitely have an exhilarating experience.
5.2 National Historic Sites
The Fortress of Louisburg and Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site are the most popular and visited sites of the national park.
In the Fortress of Louisburg, you can feel how people in earlier times used to live.
At the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, you can have a look at some of the belongings of the great Alexander Graham Bell.
5.3 Highlands Links Golf Course
The Highlands Links Golf Course is a well-known one among the other attractions at the national park.
You can enjoy and have a great time here. The scenic gaze allows a great golf experience.
5.4 Ingonish Whale-Watching Tour
The whale-watching tour is one of the most fascinating experiences in Cape Breton.
Minke whales, humpback whales, fin whales, and common and white-sided dolphins are some of the best spottings via the tour.
Come and visit this beautiful ensemble.
6. Gros Morne National Park
Named after Newfoundland’s second-highest mountain peak, Gros Morne National Park is one of the iconic national parks in Canada.
It was founded in 1973, but the status of a national park was given in 2005.
Boating off the specimen of plate tectonics and continental drift, Gros Morne National Park was bestowed the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
A short film was also made on it under the National Parks Act in 2011.
Highlights
6.1 Enjoy the Gros Morne Mountain Trail
The stunning Gros Morne Mountain trail offers you the most breathtaking views and a spectacular experience. You can have a bird’s eye view of the scenic beauty of the second-highest peak of Newfoundland.
The trail is a must-visit when in Gros Morne National Park.
6.2 Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
The Lobster Cove head lighthouse offers you an insight into the ancient heritage of the great Gros Morne Mountain.
6.3 Gros Morne Wildlife Museum
The Gros Morne Museum brings some of the rare real-life wildlife creatures to our view. Caribou, Lynx, Coyote, Fox, Black Bears, and Polar Bear are some of the species found in Newfoundland’s museum.
6.4 The Tablelands
The tablelands provide experience and knowledge about the crust of the earth and the processes that happened over the years.
The tectonic plates and continental drift. It is a bizarre yet very beautiful landscape.
6.5 Western Brook Pond Ford
Western Brook Pond Fjord is among the spectacular vistas that mesmerize park visitors. It offers a great scenic view of the west coast of Newfoundland and an exhilarating experience.
Trekking and boat tours are the touring options. Come and enjoy this heaven-like place.
7. Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is among the most stunning National Parks. Back in 1886, it was considered the Glacier National Park.
Yoho National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site sharing its boundaries with the great Banff National Park and Kootenay National Park. The park features awesome scenic gazes and fauna.
Highlights
7.1 Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site
Canada has designated the Kicking Horse Pass as a National Historic monument. The spiral tunnels are a great specimen of Canadian engineering.
While crossing the pass, you will have a thrilling view of the mountain corridor in the Yoho National Park.
7.2 Emerald Lake
Very obvious with the name, this lake is famous for its emerald-like waters and divinity around. You will have an awesome experience witnessing the beauty of the emerald lake. Come over here, chill at Emerald Lake Lodge, and enjoy the gasping beauty of the lake.
7.3 Burgess Shale Fossils
Yoho National Park exhibits the rarest fossil reserves in the world. The Burgess Shale fossils are the earliest attestation of intricate life. The fossils are uniquely saved in Burgess Shale-type of preservation.
7.4 Wapta Falls
It is the waterfall belonging to the Kicking Horse River in British Columbia. It is a spectacular sight to behold. Along with the amazing breathtaking view of the falls, you can enjoy many activities here like hiking, snowshoeing, and many more.
7.5 Flora and Fauna
This beautiful Canadian national park in British Columbia exhibits great flora and fauna. Some of the species here are:
- Black bears,
- Moose,
- The golden-mantled ground squirrel,
- Rufous hummingbird,
- White rhododendron,
- Dwarf birch, and
- Alpine bearberry
8. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
A stunning national park that encompasses the long beach, the broken group islands, and the west coast route is called the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Which is situated on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
Established in 1970, it is the oldest park reserve in the country. Great views, lush greenery, coastal trails, beaches, backcountry camping, and rainforest trails are all the attractions over here.
Highlights
8.1 West Coast Trail
The national park features a great backpacking trail experience and is one of the most popular hiking trails. You must be an experienced hiker to complete the trek because it is difficult.
Even with the difficulties, it is an exciting experience.
8.2 Long Beach
If you are fond of sandy beaches and stunning sceneries, then Long Beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is the perfect destination for you.
Surf along this specimen of awe and amazement. an array of fun activities can be enjoyed over here.
8.3 Broken Group Islands
The Broken Group Islands in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a marvelous archipelago and an attractive escape from the daily crowd – and also a great spot for paddling.
8.4 Fauna
The reserve has a great variety of faunal species. Some of the animals seen are the black-tailed deer, black bear, cougar, wolf, raccoon, marten, and mink.
The Canada Hustle team talked to Marc Bromhall, Founder of Cape Trek, about strategies for balancing national park preservation with tourism growth. Here is what he said:
“Balancing the preservation and promotion of Canadian national parks with increasing tourism requires a multifaceted approach that emphasizes sustainability, education, and community engagement. Here are some strategies to achieve this balance:
1. Implementing Sustainable Tourism Practices
- Capacity Limits: Establish visitor limits during peak times to prevent overcrowding and minimize environmental impact. This can be managed through reservation systems for popular trails and campgrounds.
- Zoning and Restricted Areas: Designate specific zones for high-impact activities while protecting sensitive areas. Implement restricted areas where human activity is limited to preserve critical habitats and ecosystems.
- Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Develop eco-friendly infrastructure such as sustainable trails, boardwalks, and visitor centers that minimize environmental disruption and encourage responsible behavior.
2. Promoting Education and Awareness
- Interpretive Programs: Offer educational programs and guided tours led by park rangers to inform visitors about the ecological and cultural significance of the parks. These programs can emphasize the importance of conservation and responsible recreation.
- Leave No Trace Principles: Promote Leave No Trace principles through signage, brochures, and digital media to educate visitors on minimizing their environmental footprint.
- Community Engagement: Involve local communities and Indigenous groups in educational initiatives to provide diverse perspectives on conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
3. Supporting Conservation and Research
- Monitoring and Research: Invest in ongoing ecological monitoring and research to understand the impacts of tourism on wildlife and ecosystems. Use this data to inform management practices and policy decisions.
- Funding for Conservation: Allocate a portion of tourism revenue to conservation projects, habitat restoration, and wildlife protection initiatives. Encourage donations and partnerships with environmental organizations.
- Volunteer Programs: Develop volunteer programs where visitors can participate in conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and wildlife monitoring.”
Ranging from the largest to the smallest national park, Canada has some breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and wide range of outdoor activities. And whether you are going there on summers or winter, there is plenty to do, from skiing, camping, wildlife viewing and canoeing. Which one of these parks is on your next go-to list?
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on June 5, 2024 by Saket
