{"id":7895,"date":"2017-07-21T11:16:26","date_gmt":"2017-07-21T10:16:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=7895"},"modified":"2023-06-06T09:56:47","modified_gmt":"2023-06-06T08:56:47","slug":"canadas-national-parks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/canadas-national-parks\/","title":{"rendered":"We Rank 15 of Canada’s National Parks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Canada. As one of the most vast and varied\u00a0lands\u00a0in the world, it’s no surprise that\u00a0its\u00a0national parks\u00a0are just as diverse. The parks range from prairie grasslands and northern ice-capped vistas to coastal\u00a0beauties and Rocky Mountain wonders. Of course, there are more reasons than the views to head out into Canada’s national parks. For instance, there are countless activities to try out such as snowshoeing, hiking, kayaking, whale watching, skiing, surfing and more! So your only question should be where to go first!<\/p>\n

The major\u00a0differences from one\u00a0location to another can make deciding on\u00a0your desired destination challenging, eh? We’ve ranked 15 of Canada’s national parks, so you can spend less time choosing your Canadian destination and more time exploring it!<\/p>\n

15. Forillon National Park<\/h2>\n
\"forillon
Photo credit:\u00a0<\/span>michaeljpeters2002<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location: <\/b>Quebec, Canada – 122 Gasp\u00e9 Boulevard, Gasp\u00e9 QC G4X 0B1<\/span><\/p>\n

Months of Operation:\u00a0<\/strong>June to early-October<\/p>\n

Main Activities: <\/strong>Whale and seal watching, snorkeling, cycling, hiking, and horseback riding.<\/p>\n

Forillon National Park lies at the outer tip of the Gasp\u00e9 Peninsula, covered by boreal forest. Soaring limestone cliffs, pebble beaches, and sculptured rock walls lay along the shore, while the inland is characterized by hills, gorges, and rushing streams. Grey seals, many species of whales, and harbor porpoises are often spotted from the shore. In addition to sea creature watching, Forillon National Park also beckons many other recreational activities, such as snorkeling, cycling, hiking, and horseback riding.<\/span><\/p>\n

14. Thousand Islands National Park<\/h2>\n
\"Thousand
Photo credit:\u00a0<\/span>LisArt<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:\u00a0<\/strong>Ontario, Canada –\u00a0Mallorytown ON K0E 1R0<\/p>\n

Months of Operation: <\/strong>Late May to mid-October (trails are open year-round but unmaintained from Thanksgiving to Victoria Day)<\/p>\n

Main Activities:\u00a0<\/strong>Kayaking, boating, relaxing by the river, and oTENTik camping.<\/p>\n

Thousand Islands National Park (formerly known as St. Lawrence Islands National Park) consists of 26 islands and 90 islets along 80 kilometers of the St. Lawrence River. Much of the park is explorable by kayak or powerboat. Located just a few hours from Toronto or Montreal, you can stay just for the day\u00a0or overnight at Park Canada’s waterfront oTENTik accommodations (the perfect blend of home comfort and camping).<\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>17 Reasons to Visit Canada in 2017<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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13. Prince Edward Island National Park<\/h2>\n
\"Prince
Photo credit:\u00a0brotherM<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong> Prince Edward Island, Canada –\u00a02 Palmers Lane, Charlottetown PE C1A 5V8<\/p>\n

Months of Operation:\u00a0<\/strong>Most facilities are open from mid-May to early October. All services are available in July and August.<\/p>\n

Main Activities:\u00a0<\/strong>Swimming, beach walking, bird watching, and cycling.<\/p>\n

The Prince Edward Island National Park is located on the Northern Coastline of PEI. The seascape\u00a0comprises of long sandy beaches, red sandstone cliffs, and shifting sand dunes, while spruce and birch forests lay on the interior. Cycle along the seashore path or venture inland towards the\u00a0saltwater marshes that are havens for shorebirds, such as the blue heron and the rare piping plover.<\/p>\n

One of the most famous features of the park is Green Gables, the house that inspired the classic novel Anne of Green Gables<\/em>.\u00a0Private cottages, hotels or campsites offer a variety of accommodations for any visitor.<\/p>\n

12. Mount Revelstoke National Park<\/h2>\n
\"Mount
Photo credit:\u00a0<\/span>meironke<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:\u00a0<\/strong>British Columbia, Canada –\u00a0Meadows in the Sky Pkwy, Columbia-Shuswap B BC V0E<\/p>\n

Months of Operation:<\/strong> Open year-round, but visitor facilities are closed by snow from October to May. Seasonal activities vary.<\/p>\n

Main Activities:\u00a0<\/strong>Snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, backcountry camping, and driving along the Meadows-in-the-Sky Parkway.<\/p>\n

Acknowledged as the birthplace of alpine skiing in Canada, this diverse landscape hosts lush alpine meadows, glaciers, rocky cliffs, and one of the world’s few inland temperate rainforests. Today cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities at Mount Revelstoke.<\/p>\n

In the summer, you can camp at the backcountry campsites or drive along the Meadows-in-the-Sky Parkway to reach the summit of Mount Revelstoke (the only national park in Canada that allows you to reach the summit by car if you so choose). Mount Revelstoke is the perfect national park for wilderness worshipers at heart.<\/p>\n

\u00a011. Grasslands National Park<\/h2>\n
\"\"
Photo credit: mysticenergy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:\u00a0<\/strong>Saskatchewan, Canada –\u00a0PO Box 150, Val Marie SK S0N 2T0<\/p>\n

Months of Operation:\u00a0<\/strong>May to October (campgrounds are open from mid-May to September or October, depending on the site)<\/p>\n

Main Activities: <\/strong>Camping, stargazing, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and wildlife watching<\/p>\n

The Grasslands National Park protects one of Canada’s few remaining undisturbed prairie grasslands. Winding rivers and abundant marshes lay hidden deep in the dry plains. The hot and dry summers and cold winters provide for unique flora and fauna, including species of rare herbs and grasses, prairie rattlesnakes, horned toads, and Canada’s only black-tailed prairie dogs.<\/p>\n

Looking to get an epic view of the night sky? You’ve come to the right place. Grasslands National Park is the proud recipient of the Dark Sky Preserve. With the “dark sky” becoming threatened by increasing light pollution, the night sky view that this landscape offers is a rare find.<\/p>\n

10. Bruce Peninsula National Park<\/h2>\n
\"Bruce
Photo credit: <\/span>coloneljohnbritt<\/span><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:\u00a0<\/strong>Ontario, Canada –\u00a0120 Chi sin tib dek Rd. Box 189, Tobermory ON N0H 2R0<\/p>\n

Months of Operation:\u00a0<\/strong>May to October<\/p>\n

Main Activities: <\/strong>Hiking, bouldering, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, cave exploration, and shipwreck discovery.<\/p>\n

The limestone cliffs of the Bruce Peninsula sit magnificently poised atop the aqua Georgian Bay water. Located on the Northern end of the Niagara Escarpment, this land is home to many caves, sinkholes, and underground streams. The biggest attraction is the Grotto: a shoreline cave with beautiful turquoise waters.<\/p>\n

There are also many hiking trails on this site, including the Bruce Trail. Just off the northern tip\u00a0of the Bruce Peninsula National Park sits the Fathom Five National Marine Park, which hosts clear waters, shipwrecks,\u00a0and tall stone pillars formed from the changing water levels.<\/p>\n

9. Point Pelee National Park<\/h2>\n
\"Point
Photo credit: <\/span>P. Muller \/ Muller Art Photography<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:\u00a0<\/strong>Ontario, Canada –\u00a01118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington ON N8H 3V4<\/p>\n

Months of Operation:\u00a0<\/strong>mid-April to early-October<\/p>\n

Main Activities:\u00a0<\/strong>Swimming, Picnicking, Bicycling, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Walking, and Bird Watching.<\/p>\n

On the same latitude as Rome and Northern California, Point Pelee National Park is the southernmost point of Canada’s mainland, situated at the tip\u00a0of the long peninsula that extends into Lake Eerie. The relatively warmer climate of Point Pelee supports a lush and jungle-like forest with exotic species compared to the typical variety of plants and animals found in Canada (such as the Moose and maple tree). Enjoy a walk along the lake-side beaches or\u00a0the boardwalk-adorned marshes at this unique Canadian treasure.<\/p>\n

8. Yoho National Park<\/h2>\n
\"Yoho
Photo credit: <\/span>Gasslaurent<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:\u00a0<\/strong>British Columbia, Canada –\u00a0Trans-Canada Highway – Field, British Columbia V0A 1G0<\/p>\n

Months of Operation:\u00a0<\/strong>Open year-round, although certain areas have seasonal closures. Camping is only open from mid-May to early-October along with some park services.<\/p>\n

Main Activities:\u00a0<\/strong>Camping, ski touring, hiking, fishing, climbing, wildlife watching, canoeing, kayaking, and biking.<\/p>\n

Yoho National Park is located on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies. With 28 mountain peaks, glacier-carved valleys, thundering waterfalls, and turquoise lakes, Yoho is rightly named after the Cree word for “awe”. After a day of hiking and admiring the astounding viewpoints, take a peek into the past at the Burgess Shale fossil site, where you can see records of sea life from over 500 million years ago!<\/p>\n

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Travel to: <\/em>Canada <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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7. Gros Morne National Park<\/h2>\n
\"Gros
Photo credit: <\/span>Douglas Sprott<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location: <\/strong>Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada –\u00a0P.O. Box 130 3 D.O.T. Drive, Rocky Harbour NL A0K 4N0<\/p>\n

Months of Operation:\u00a0<\/strong>mid-May to mid-October. From June to September, park facilities are open seven days a week. The park is open in a limited capacity in the winter for some activities.<\/p>\n

Main Activities: <\/strong>Hiking, cycling, kayaking, swimming, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and Cruising the Freshwater fjord.<\/p>\n

Explore majestic fjords, colossal mountains, rocky cliffs, pristine lakes, and alpine forests on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland. The historic continental drift left the Earth’s mantle and deep ocean crust exposed, granting this park the honorable UNESCO World Heritage site title.<\/p>\n

Traverse these acclaimed tablelands where you can catch a glimpse of naked Earth. More recent glacial grinding has also helped to shape the spectacular scenery we enjoy today. In the winter, take advantage of winter sports among the epic monstrous mountain backdrop, including snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing.<\/p>\n

6. Waterton Lakes National Park<\/h2>\n
\"Overlooking
Photo credit: <\/span>Seth K. Hughes<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong> Alberta, Canada –\u00a0PO Box 200, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0<\/p>\n

Months of Operation:\u00a0<\/strong>Year Round. Peak season is in July and August, so consider visiting in the Spring and Fall shoulder season to avoid crowds.<\/p>\n

Main Activities: <\/strong>Sailing, boating, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, climbing, stargazing, cycling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding.<\/p>\n

The spectacular view of the Prince of Wales Hotel with the deep blue Waterton Lake and mountain peaks in the background is enough to entice any explorer to this national park. Located in Southern Alberta near the 49th parallel, this destination is a getaway for Canadians and foreigners alike. Explore roaring waterfalls, colorful streams, mountain vistas, and a diversity of wildlife in the place where the Albertan prairies meet the Rockies.<\/p>\n

5. Fundy National Park<\/h2>\n
\"Dickson
Photo credit: <\/span>Dale Wilson<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:\u00a0<\/strong>New Brunswick, Canada –\u00a0PO Box 1001 Alma New Brunswick E4H 1B4<\/p>\n

Months of Operation: <\/strong>Most facilities are open from mid-May to mid-October every year. Full services are available in July and August.<\/p>\n

Main Activities:\u00a0<\/strong>Trail walking, kayaking, canoeing, golfing, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and waterfall gazing.<\/p>\n

Fundy National Park is home to the highest tides on Earth. Walk along the ocean beach at low tide or hop into a kayak and paddle as the tide rises over 10 meters, even 16 meters at times (which is taller than a 3-story building). Once you’ve had enough with the ocean, hike inland along one of the 120 kilometers of trails to savor the lush Acadian forest, pristine creeks, and rushing waterfalls. At the Fundy National Park, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience unique camping options (including yurts) and outdoor music performances.<\/p>\n

4. Jasper National Park<\/h2>\n
\"Jasper
Photo credit: <\/span>Visual Hunt<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:\u00a0<\/strong>Alberta, Canada –\u00a0PO Box 10, Jasper, AB \u00a0T0E 1E0<\/p>\n

Months of Operation:\u00a0<\/strong>Year round. Winter months offer great winter activities. Summer months are the busiest. Fall offers quieter crowds.<\/p>\n

Main Activities: <\/strong>Backcountry camping, day hiking, mountain biking, climbing,\u00a0kayaking, canoeing, fishing,\u00a0snowshoeing, skiing, skating, golfing, scenic driving along the Icefields Parkway, and stargazing.<\/p>\n

Jasper is the largest national park in the Rocky Mountain area, comprised of breathtaking viewpoints including Maligne Lake, Mount Edith Cavell, Pyramid Mountain, and Medicine Lake. It is situated along the scenic Icefields Parkway drive, with roads leading to Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls. This National Park offers a wide variety of activities, from canyoning, rock climbing, and white water rafting to hiking, canoeing, fishing, and golfing, or even museum hopping and telescope stargazing. At Jasper National Park, you are sure to find the adventure that is right for you.<\/p>\n

3. Pacific Rim National Park<\/h2>\n
\"Pacific
Photo credit: <\/span>Tiana Mae Piva<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:\u00a0<\/strong>British Columbia, Canada –\u00a0P.O. Box 280, 2040 Pacific Rim Highway, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0<\/p>\n

Months of Operation:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n