From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic and Arctic tundra, Canada’s national parks are a celebration of raw, breathtaking nature. With over 40 national parks scattered across the country, narrowing it down to the best isn’t easy—but these 15 offer the most iconic landscapes, unique wildlife, and unforgettable outdoor experiences in the Great White North.
1. Banff National Park, Alberta
Why it’s amazing: Canada’s first—and arguably most famous—national park, Banff is a jewel of the Canadian Rockies.
Highlights:
- Turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
- Hike the Lake Agnes Tea House trail or Johnston Canyon
- Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Spot grizzly bears, elk, and bighorn sheep
- Stroll through the charming mountain town of Banff
2. Jasper National Park, Alberta
Why it’s amazing: Jasper offers more solitude than Banff but with equally stunning Rocky Mountain views.
Highlights:
- Explore Maligne Lake and Spirit Island by kayak or cruise
- Drive the Icefields Parkway to see Athabasca Glacier
- Hike through Maligne Canyon
- Stargaze in Canada’s largest dark sky preserve
- Relax in the Miette Hot Springs
3. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
Why it’s amazing: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne is where fjords meet Tablelands and dramatic cliffs drop into the sea.
Highlights:
- Take a boat tour of Western Brook Pond fjord
- Walk on exposed earth’s mantle at the Tablelands
- Visit the charming village of Rocky Harbour
- Hike the summit of Gros Morne Mountain for panoramic views
4. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Why it’s amazing: On the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, this park offers dramatic shorelines, old-growth forests, and thriving marine life.
Highlights:
- Walk the 75-km West Coast Trail (or a portion of it)
- Surf at Long Beach near Tofino
- Watch for gray whales during migration season
- Explore lush rainforests in the Broken Group Islands
5. Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Why it’s amazing: Nestled next to Banff and less crowded, Yoho is full of waterfalls, alpine lakes, and rich geological wonders.
Highlights:
- Marvel at the towering Takakkaw Falls
- Visit the emerald waters of Lake O’Hara (permit required)
- See ancient fossil beds at the Burgess Shale
- Hike to Wapta Falls or Iceline Trail
6. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Why it’s amazing: This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve borders Montana’s Glacier National Park, forming an international peace park.
Highlights:
- Take in the views from the historic Prince of Wales Hotel
- Hike to Crypt Lake (one of Canada’s best trails)
- Boat across Waterton Lake into the U.S.
- Spot bears, deer, and wildflowers in summer
7. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
Why it’s amazing: Dramatic coastal cliffs and highland plateaus meet the Atlantic in this scenic eastern gem.
Highlights:
- Drive the Cabot Trail, one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes
- Hike the Skyline Trail for epic ocean views
- Enjoy Celtic culture in nearby Cheticamp
- Spot whales and moose in their natural habitat
8. Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
Why it’s amazing: Home to Canada’s highest peak (Mount Logan), Kluane is a vast wilderness of glaciers and rugged peaks.
Highlights:
- Fly over the St. Elias Mountains for glacier views
- Hike the King’s Throne or Soldier’s Summit
- Canoe on Kathleen Lake
- Look for Dall sheep and grizzlies
9. Prince Edward Island National Park, PEI
Why it’s amazing: Gentle landscapes, red sandstone cliffs, and wide sandy beaches define this charming island park.
Highlights:
- Visit Green Gables Heritage Place, the inspiration for Anne of Green Gables
- Cycle the Gulf Shore Parkway
- Explore sand dunes and beaches at Cavendish
- Spot seals and seabirds along the coast
10. Auyuittuq National Park, Nunavut
Why it’s amazing: One of Canada’s most remote parks, Auyuittuq (“the land that never melts”) offers Arctic grandeur like no other.
Highlights:
- Trek the 97-km Akshayuk Pass
- See Mount Thor, with the world’s tallest vertical drop
- Experience Inuit culture in nearby Pangnirtung
- Encounter glaciers, icefields, and endless tundra
11. Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
Why it’s amazing: Where turquoise waters meet ancient cliffs, this park showcases some of Ontario’s most dramatic scenery.
Highlights:
- Hike the Bruce Trail and explore the Grotto sea cave
- Swim in Georgian Bay’s crystal-clear waters
- Camp at Cyprus Lake or stay in Tobermory
- Visit nearby Fathom Five Marine Park and Flowerpot Island
12. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Why it’s amazing: Home to the world’s highest tides, Fundy is a coastal wonderland of waterfalls, mossy forests, and rugged cliffs.
Highlights:
- Walk the ocean floor at low tide
- Kayak in the Bay of Fundy
- Hike to Dickson Falls or Laverty Falls
- Spot deer and bald eagles on inland trails
13. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
Why it’s amazing: A surprising mix of forest, prairie, and lakes—this park is an oasis for wildlife in the heart of the Prairies.
Highlights:
- See bison at Lake Audy Bison Enclosure
- Hike through aspen parkland on Gorge Creek Trail
- Enjoy Clear Lake’s beaches and watersports
- Visit the charming resort town of Wasagaming
14. La Mauricie National Park, Quebec
Why it’s amazing: Forested hills, over 150 lakes, and waterfalls make this a stunning, serene destination in the Laurentians.
Highlights:
- Canoe through interconnected lakes
- Hike to Waber Falls or Les Cascades
- Go wildlife spotting—moose, loons, and bears are common
- Enjoy fall foliage in all its glory
15. Torngat Mountains National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
Why it’s amazing: One of the wildest parks in North America, Torngat is Inuit land where polar bears, fjords, and dramatic peaks reign supreme.
Highlights:
- Trek through untouched Arctic wilderness
- Take a guided Inuit-led expedition
- See icebergs floating in glacial fjords
- Spot polar bears, caribou, and Arctic foxes
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.