Best National Parks in Canada 2025

Looking for the best national parks in Canada for your next adventure? From soaring Rocky Mountain peaks to wave-pounded Atlantic coasts, these top Canadian national parks deliver spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and activities for every traveler—families, hikers, photographers, and international tourists alike. Use this Canada national parks travel guide to plan the perfect getaway, complete with the best time to go, must-see attractions, and outdoor experiences that showcase the very heart of the country’s wilderness.

Banff National Park (Alberta)

The flagship of the Canadian Rockies national parks, Banff dazzles with turquoise lakes, snow-tipped summits, and a lively mountain town that makes nature easy to access.

• Best Time to Visit: Late June–September for hiking, wildlife, and scenic drives; December–March for world-class skiing
• Top Attractions: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway, Banff Gondola, Banff Upper Hot Springs
• Recommended Activities: Lakeside hikes, Bow Valley wildlife watching, glacier-view road trips, family-friendly snowshoeing, gondola ride for panoramic views

Jasper National Park (Alberta)

Wilder and more expansive than its southern neighbor, Jasper offers rugged peaks, star-filled skies, and incredible wildlife in Canadian national parks settings.

• Best Time to Visit: June–September for warm hikes; October for Dark Sky Festival; November–March for Marmot Basin skiing
• Top Attractions: Columbia Icefield, Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, Maligne Canyon, Pyramid Lake, Medicine Lake
• Recommended Activities: Valley of the Five Lakes hike, guided glacier tours, Athabasca River rafting, dusk elk safaris, stargazing in this Dark Sky Preserve
  

Yoho National Park (British Columbia)

True to its Cree name meaning “awe,” Yoho packs waterfalls, fossils, and emerald lakes into a compact corner of the Rockies—perfect for travelers seeking scenic national parks Canada experiences without big crowds.

• Best Time to Visit: July–August for wildflowers; early September for quieter trails
• Top Attractions: Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Natural Bridge, Yoho Valley, Burgess Shale fossil beds
• Recommended Activities: Canoeing on emerald waters, Iceline Trail glacier views, family-friendly lakeshore strolls, guided fossil hikes, waterfall photography
  

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (British Columbia)

A must-see national park to visit in Canada for ocean lovers, Pacific Rim blends sandy beaches, cedar rainforests, and storm-lashed headlands on Vancouver Island’s wild west coast.

• Best Time to Visit: May–September for beach days and whale watching; November–February for dramatic storm watching
• Top Attractions: Long Beach, Rainforest Trail boardwalks, Wild Pacific Trail, Broken Group Islands, West Coast Trail
• Recommended Activities: Surf lessons in Tofino, tide-pool exploring, sea-kayak tours, rainforest hikes, boat-based whale watching
  

Gros Morne National Park (Newfoundland & Labrador)

A UNESCO gem, Gros Morne showcases fjords, waterfalls, and the striking Tablelands—ideal for anyone eager to experience unique hiking in Canada’s national parks.

• Best Time to Visit: July–August for boat cruises; early September for fall color and lighter crowds
• Top Attractions: Western Brook Pond fjord, Tablelands, Gros Morne Mountain, Green Gardens, Bonne Bay
• Recommended Activities: Boat tour through glacier-carved fjords, summit trek up Gros Morne Mountain, guided walk on Earth’s mantle, coastal kayaking, moose and whale spotting
  

Cape Breton Highlands National Park (Nova Scotia)

Where mountains meet the sea, this Atlantic treasure anchors the Cabot Trail with sweeping views and vibrant Celtic culture—one of the most family-friendly national parks Canada has to offer.

• Best Time to Visit: July–August for warm weather; late September–mid-October for unforgettable fall foliage
• Top Attractions: Cabot Trail scenic highway, Skyline Trail, Ingonish Beach, Pleasant Bay whale watching, Gulf of St. Lawrence lookouts
• Recommended Activities: Sunset Skyline hike, beach fun at Ingonish, cycling the Cabot Trail, moose viewing at dawn, enjoying Celtic Colours music festival
  

Fundy National Park (New Brunswick)

Home to the planet’s highest tides, Fundy pairs rugged cliffs, fern-filled forests, and cascading waterfalls with jaw-dropping coastal changes.

• Best Time to Visit: June–August for full services; early October for fiery autumn leaves
• Top Attractions: Bay of Fundy tidal flats, Dickson Falls, Point Wolfe covered bridge, Herring Cove Beach, seaside town of Alma
• Recommended Activities: Walk on the ocean floor at low tide, high-tide kayaking, waterfall hikes, mountain-bike trails, night-sky stargazing over the bay
  

Bruce Peninsula National Park (Ontario)

Caribbean-blue waters meet rugged limestone cliffs on the Georgian Bay shoreline, creating one of the most photogenic and accessible parks in Ontario.

• Best Time to Visit: Late May–June or September for lighter crowds; July–August for warm swimming
• Top Attractions: The Grotto sea cave, Indian Head Cove, Singing Sands Beach, Cyprus Lake, Bruce Trail segments
• Recommended Activities: Short hike to the Grotto, snorkeling in crystal water, cliffside photography, dark-sky camping, boat trip to Flowerpot Island
  

Kluane National Park and Reserve (Yukon)

Showcasing Canada’s highest peaks and vast icefields, Kluane offers pure northern wilderness and summer days that seem to last forever.

• Best Time to Visit: June–August for long daylight; late August–September for aurora and autumn tundra colors
• Top Attractions: Mount Logan vistas, Kaskawulsh and Donjek Glaciers, Kathleen Lake, Sheep Mountain viewpoints, Alsek River valley
• Recommended Activities: Scenic flight over glaciers, King’s Throne day hike, guided rafting on the Alsek, grizzly and Dall sheep viewing, late-night aurora photography
  

Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta)

At the crossroads of prairie and peaks, Waterton charms visitors with wildflowers, wildlife, and serene alpine lakes—underscoring why it’s among the best national parks to visit in Canada.

• Best Time to Visit: Mid-June–August for wildflowers; early September for quieter trails and elk rutting season
• Top Attractions: Upper Waterton Lake, Prince of Wales Hotel, Red Rock Canyon, Cameron Lake, Bear’s Hump overlook
• Recommended Activities: Scenic lake cruise, sunrise hike up Bear’s Hump, wildlife drive along Red Rock Parkway, paddleboarding on Cameron Lake, mid-summer wildflower walks
  

Which parks are you visiting next?

From Banff’s turquoise lakes to Fundy’s record-breaking tides and Kluane’s icy giants, these top Canadian national parks highlight the country’s extraordinary range of landscapes. Time your visit for the optimal season, pack your camera and hiking boots, and immerse yourself in the hiking, wildlife, and family-friendly adventures that make Canada’s parks world-class. Whether you crave rugged coastlines, alpine summits, or quiet forests alive with songbirds, Canada’s national parks promise memories that will last a lifetime. Happy exploring!

FAQ

Which park tops the list of the best national parks in Canada for first-time visitors?

Banff National Park is the most popular starting point thanks to its turquoise lakes, easy access from Calgary, and year-round activities.

When is the ideal time to visit these top Canadian national parks?

Late June–September offers prime hiking and wildlife viewing, while October delivers spectacular fall colors in parks like Cape Breton Highlands and Fundy.

What are the most family-friendly national parks in Canada?

Fundy, Bruce Peninsula, and Pacific Rim provide easy shoreline trails, tide-pool or beach fun, and plenty of visitor facilities for kids.

Where can I see the Northern Lights in a Canadian national park?

Kluane National Park in Yukon offers excellent aurora viewing from late August through winter, combined with towering peaks and vast icefields.

Do I need reservations to explore popular attractions like The Grotto or Lake Louise?

Yes—time-slot parking or shuttle reservations are required in peak season for Bruce Peninsula’s Grotto and Banff’s Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Plan ahead!