5 Canadian Parks You Should Visit

Living in Canada is a privilege that means you have access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world without leaving the country. It’s always hard to decide where to spend your vacation time, but here are a few parks you should consider making the trek to.

Banff National Park, Alberta
Canada’s first national park is a well-known landmark for good reason. Opening back in 1885, it’s known for incredible views of the Rockies, jewel-toned lakes and a spectacular array of animals creating a soundtrack you’ll want to record and take home. While Lake Louise is on every tourists’ list, don’t miss out on Lake Minnewanka while you’re there.

Kluane National Park, Yukon
While adventure travelers often think of visiting Alaska for its natural beauty, its Canadian neighbor is just as majestic. Visit Kluane to experience the highest peak in Canada—20,000-foot Mount Logan. While there, you will also experience the largest non-polar ice field in the world, which the most adventurous can experience up close and personal through a basecamp trek.

Prince Edward Island National Park, PEI
Find the biggest sand dunes in PEI in the Greenwich region of the park, and then head to Cavendish, best known for inspiring the setting of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables with its red sandstone cliffs and sandy beaches.

Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
Take a hike along the rugged Georgian Bay Trail to get to this park’s beloved landmark, the Grotto—a wide mouthed cave filled with crystal waters. You can camp here all year long, and while you’re there, take the ferry to Fathom Five national marine park—home of many underwater wrecks you can easily see while snorkeling.

Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia
Take a trip to the southern edge of Vancouver Island to this Pacific Ocean-facing park for beaches, rainforests, trails and whale watching. Grey, humpback and killer whales can be seen from the beach. If you are hoping to explore the rugged 45-mile West Coast Trail, know that it’s not for beginners—tide-table and map reading skills are required.