Canada is one of the premier destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts across the globe. No matter the kind of adventure you are looking for – soaring mountain peaks, recreational activities, or glistening glacial lakes, the intoxicating wilderness you will experience here in Canada is incomparable to most adventures. So, do you want to know the top 5 must-visit national parks in Canada? If yes, let’s get the ball rolling with the roundup of Canada’s most loving national parks.
Banff National Park
Banff is the first national park of Canada, established in 1885, covering nearly 6600 square kilometers of unparalleled natural beauty. It is located 80 miles west of Calgary, Alberta, and attracts millions of visitors each year. The levels of natural beauty are unprecedented, boasting snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and dense coniferous forests.
And do you know what makes Banff National Park more beautiful? The existence of Lake Louise, as it is called the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. You can indulge in a range of activities, starting from hiking to biking to wildlife viewing to canoeing. Bear viewing in Lake Louise is very popular during the summer season, attracting large numbers of visitors who come specifically for this unique experience. Dive into the sheer majesty of the encompassing turquoise waters, towering mountains, strings of glaciers, lakes, and spectacular restaurants and breweries.
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is one of the wildest places in Canada situated on the eastern slopes of the Rockies in Western Alberta. The adventurers in the Northern Hemisphere can see it as a beacon for serving their exciting and bold experiences. It has also been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The highlight of the Jasper National Park is Columbia Icefields, the largest icefield in North America’s Rocky Mountains. You cannot miss out on visiting Columbia Icefields as the natural splendor is at its peak here. Yet another highlight is the dark sky festival which is organized every year and the best opportunity on this earth to observe the night sky. So, set your time for stargazing at Jasper.
Gros Morne National Park
The second largest park of Atlantic Canada, Gros Morne National Park is filled with endless natural wonders where you can witness waterfalls, deep fjords, beaches and a dozen seaside villages. Established in 1973, it has also been given the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The activities you can do here are beachcombing, boating, kayaking and wildlife spotting to get the most of your trip.
The Tablelands is the unique barren landscape in the Gros Morne National Park where you can access rare rocks from deep within the Earth’s crust. It is a must see place for geology enthusiasts. Get ready to experience the magnificent beauty of Gros Morne National Park brimming with fascinating flora and fauna.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
“Where the mountains meet the sea” – this is what Cape Breton Highlands National Park is called by the locals which is bordered by the Atlantic to the East and the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the West. With 26 hiking trails of varied difficulty levels, Cape Breton Highlands National Park fulfills every need of new and expert hikers. It offers a unique mix of Boreal, Tagia and Acadian habitats that you won’t find anywhere else in Canada.
The national park is the haven for viewing remarkable wildlife like moose, grouse, minke whales, endangered lyn, and bald eagles. The lively cultural history of the park alongwith the mix of mountains and forest ecosystem makes it worth visiting if you are in Canada.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Spread over 126,500 acres of the west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is called a 3-in-one park with distinct units, namely Broken Group Islands, Long Beach and the West Coast Trail. Have fun along the sandy beaches in the long beach unit where you can reach by car or witness more than 100 islands in the Broken Group Islands Unit accessible only by boat. Let yourself drown in the adventures in the 47-mile West coast trail.
If you have planned a hike, spot migrating humpback whales while hiking a coastal trail. Kayak in crystal clear waters for the utmost adventure. All in all, let the visit to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve prove one of your best trips filled with adventure in your life.
To make a long story short
Canada’s national parks show its diverse natural beauty. All the hodophiles will agree with me that you can’t skip these destinations if all you want is to experience the towering peaks of Rockies and coastal landscapes of the Atlantic and Pacific. It’s time to explore the rugged mountains, ancient fjords or simply relax at the pristine beaches of the Great White North. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, and let the adventure begin.
