Canada’s national parks

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Canada has 46 national parks, which are protected areas managed by Parks Canada, a federal agency responsible for preserving and protecting the country’s natural and cultural heritage. These national parks are located in every province and territory in Canada. They offer a wide range of recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, as well as opportunities to learn about the country’s history and culture. Some of Canada’s most well-known national parks include Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park in Alberta, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia, and La Mauricie National Park in Quebec.

Quick links: Alberta’s national parks, British Columbia’s national parks, Manitoba’s national parks, New Brunswick’s national parks, Newfoundland and Labrador’s national parks, Northwest Territories national parks, Nova Scotia’s national parks, Nunavut’s national parks, Ontario’s national parks, Prince Edward Island’s national parks, Quebec’s national parks, Saskatchewan’s national parks, The Yukon’s national parks.

Alberta’s national parks

Alberta is home to several national parks, including:

  1. Banff National Park: Located in the Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is known for its stunning mountain scenery, hot springs, and recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing.
  2. Jasper National Park: Located in the Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. The park is known for its rugged mountain scenery, glaciers, and recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing.
  3. Waterton Lakes National Park: Located in the southwestern corner of Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park is known for its stunning mountain scenery and recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and boating.
  4. Wood Buffalo National Park: Located in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest national park in Canada. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, wolves, and birds of prey, and is known for its vast wetlands and recreational activities such as canoeing and birdwatching.
  5. Elk Island National Park: Located just east of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is known for its bison herd, as well as its recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
  6. Kananaskis Country: Located in the Rocky Mountains, Kananaskis Country is a network of provincial parks and protected areas that offer a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, skiing, and horseback riding.
Banff national park

No matter which national park you visit in Alberta, you’re sure to be treated to stunning scenery and a wide range of recreational activities.

British Columbia’s national parks

British Columbia is home to several national parks, including:

  1. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is known for its rugged coastline, rainforests, and recreational activities such as hiking, surfing, and whale watching.
  2. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve: Located on the Haida Gwaii archipelago, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is known for its ancient Haida village sites, rainforests, and recreational activities such as hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.
  3. Mount Revelstoke National Park: Located in the Selkirk Mountains, Mount Revelstoke National Park is known for its alpine meadows, forests, and recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.
  4. Glacier National Park: Located in the Selkirk Mountains, Glacier National Park is known for its glaciers, forests, and recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.
  5. Yoho National Park: Located in the Rocky Mountains, Yoho National Park is known for its waterfalls, glaciers, and recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, and fishing.
  6. Kootenay National Park: Located in the Rocky Mountains, Kootenay National Park is known for its hot springs, forests, and recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, and skiing.
- Late Afternoon at the Beach -

No matter which national park you visit in British Columbia, you’re sure to be treated to stunning scenery and a wide range of recreational activities. From the rugged coastline of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to the ancient Haida village sites of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, British Columbia’s national parks offer something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in hiking, skiing, surfing, or whale watching, you’ll find it all in British Columbia’s national parks.

Manitoba’s national parks

Manitoba is home to several national parks, including:

  1. Riding Mountain National Park: Located in the Manitoba Escarpment, Riding Mountain National Park is known for its diverse landscape, which includes forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, bison, and wolves, and is known for its recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
  2. Wapusk National Park: Located in northern Manitoba, Wapusk National Park is known for its polar bear population, as well as its recreational activities, such as hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
  3. Nopiming Provincial Park: Located in eastern Manitoba, Nopiming Provincial Park is known for its diverse landscape, which includes forests, lakes, and wetlands. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and birds of prey, and is known for its recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
  4. Atikaki Provincial Wilderness Park: Located in northeastern Manitoba, Atikaki Provincial Wilderness Park is known for its remote wilderness setting, which includes forests, wetlands, and rocky outcrops. The park is home to various wildlife, including moose, wolves, and birds of prey, and is known for its recreational activities, such as hiking, canoeing, and fishing.
The moments that take our breath away...

No matter which national park you visit in Manitoba, you’re sure to be treated to stunning scenery and a wide range of recreational activities. From the diverse landscape of Riding Mountain National Park to the remote wilderness setting of Atikaki Provincial Wilderness Park, Manitoba.

New Brunswick’s national parks

New Brunswick is home to several national parks, including:

  1. Fundy National Park: Located on the Bay of Fundy, Fundy National Park is known for its rugged coastline, forests, and recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
  2. Kouchibouguac National Park: Located on the east coast of New Brunswick, Kouchibouguac National Park is known for its sandy beaches, salt marshes, and recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and camping.
  3. Shepody National Wildlife Area: Located in the Bay of Fundy, Shepody National Wildlife Area is known for its wetlands, forests, and recreational activities such as birdwatching and hiking.
  4. Les Murailles National Wildlife Area: Located in the Bay of Fundy, Les Murailles National Wildlife Area is known for its salt marshes, forests, and recreational activities such as birdwatching and hiking.
Dickson Falls (Fundy National Park)

No matter which national park you visit in New Brunswick, you’re sure to be treated to stunning scenery and a wide range of recreational activities. New Brunswick’s national parks offer something for everyone, from the rugged coastline of Fundy National Park to the sandy beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s national parks

Newfoundland and Labrador is home to several national parks, including:

  1. Gros Morne National Park: Located on the west coast of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning fjords, forests, and recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and whale watching.
  2. Torngat Mountains National Park: Located on the Labrador Peninsula, Torngat Mountains National Park is known for its rugged mountain scenery, glaciers, and recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
  3. Terra Nova National Park: Located on the east coast of Newfoundland, Terra Nova National Park is known for its coastal landscape, forests, and recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
  4. Pingualuit National Park: Located in northern Quebec, Pingualuit National Park is known for its stunning landscape, which includes a crater lake, forests, and tundra. The park is known for its recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
Green Gardens, Gros Morne National Park

No matter which national park you visit in Newfoundland and Labrador, you’re sure to be treated to stunning scenery and a wide range of recreational activities. From the fjords of Gros Morne National Park to the rugged mountain scenery of Torngat Mountains National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador’s national parks offer something for everyone.

Northwest Territories national parks

The Northwest Territories is home to several national parks, including:

  1. Aulavik National Park: Located on Banks Island in the western Arctic, Aulavik National Park is known for its tundra landscape, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including caribou, muskoxen, and polar bears. The park is known for its recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
  2. Nahanni National Park Reserve: Located in the Mackenzie Mountains, Nahanni National Park Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rugged mountain scenery, waterfalls, and recreational activities such as hiking, rafting, and canoeing.
  3. Tuktut Nogait National Park: Located in the western Arctic, Tuktut Nogait National Park is known for its tundra landscape, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including caribou, muskoxen, and wolves. The park is known for its recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
  4. Wood Buffalo National Park: Located in Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest national park in Canada. The park is known for its vast wetlands and recreational activities such as canoeing and birdwatching.
Muskoxen

No matter which national park you visit in the Northwest Territories, you’re sure to be treated to stunning scenery and a wide range of recreational activities. From the tundra landscape of Aulavik National Park to the rugged mountain scenery of Nahanni National Park Reserve, the Northwest Territories national parks offer something for everyone.

Nova Scotia’s national parks

Nova Scotia is home to several national parks, including:

  1. Kejimkujik National Park: Located in the Annapolis Valley, Kejimkujik National Park is known for its forests, lakes, and recreational activities such as hiking, canoeing, and birdwatching.
  2. Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Located on Cape Breton Island, Cape Breton Highlands National Park is known for its rugged coastline, forests, and recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and whale watching.
  3. Sable Island National Park Reserve: Located off the coast of Nova Scotia, Sable Island National Park Reserve is known for its sandy beaches, dunes, and recreational activities such as birdwatching and beachcombing.
  4. Fort Anne National Historic Site: Located in Annapolis Royal, Fort Anne National Historic Site is a historic military fort known for its cultural and military history.
Kejimkujik's New Bridge

No matter which national park you visit in Nova Scotia, you’re sure to be treated to stunning scenery and a wide range of recreational activities. Nova Scotia’s national parks offer something for everyone, from the forests of Kejimkujik National Park to the rugged coastline of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Nunavut’s national parks

Nunavut is home to several national parks, including:

  1. Qausuittuq National Park: Located on Bathhurst Island in the Arctic, Qausuittuq National Park is known for its tundra landscape, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including caribou, muskoxen, and polar bears. The park is known for its recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
  2. Sirmilik National Park: Located on Baffin Island in the Arctic, Sirmilik National Park is known for its stunning mountain scenery, glaciers, and recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
  3. Auyuittuq National Park: Located on Baffin Island in the Arctic, Auyuittuq National Park is known for its rugged mountain scenery, glaciers, and recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
  4. Ukkusiksalik National Park: Located on the Hudson Bay coast in the Arctic, Ukkusiksalik National Park is known for its tundra landscape, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including caribou, muskoxen, and polar bears. The park is known for its recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
Panorama Sirmilik Glacier Sirmilik National Park Bylot Island Pond Inlet Arctic Canada

No matter which national park you visit in Nunavut, you’re sure to be treated to stunning scenery and a wide range of recreational activities. From the tundra landscape of Qausuittuq National Park to the rugged mountain scenery of Sirmilik National Park, Nunavut’s national parks offer something for everyone.

Ontario’s national parks

Ontario is home to many national parks, including:

  1. Algonquin Provincial Park: This park is located in central Ontario and is known for its beautiful forests, lakes, and streams. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and beavers. The park is popular for activities such as camping, hiking, and canoeing.
  2. Point Pelee National Park: Located in southwestern Ontario, this park is known for its diverse array of plants and animals, including over 300 species of birds. It is a popular birdwatching destination and features several hiking trails.
  3. Bruce Peninsula National Park: Located on the Bruce Peninsula, this park features beautiful cliffs, sandy beaches, and forests. It is home to a variety of plants and animals, including the endangered Massasauga rattlesnake. The park is popular for activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
  4. Georgian Bay Islands National Park: This park is located on a group of islands in Georgian Bay and is known for its beautiful forests, sandy beaches, and clear waters. It is a popular destination for camping, boating, and hiking.
  5. Fathom Five National Marine Park: Located in Georgian Bay, this park is known for its clear waters and underwater shipwrecks. It is a popular destination for scuba diving and features a number of hiking trails.
  6. Pukaskwa National Park: Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, this park is known for its rugged coastline and ancient forests. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose and wolves, and is a popular destination for hiking and backpacking.
  7. La Mauricie National Park: Located in central Quebec, this park is known for its beautiful forests, lakes, and streams. It is a popular destination for activities such as hiking, canoeing, and fishing.
  8. Thousand Islands National Park: This park is located on a group of islands in the St. Lawrence River and is known for its beautiful forests, sandy beaches, and clear waters. It is a popular destination for camping, boating, and hiking.
  9. Rouge National Urban Park: Located in the Greater Toronto Area, this park is the largest urban park in Canada and is known for its diverse array of plants and animals. It is a popular destination for activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking.
Fall

It is difficult to determine the most popular national park in Ontario, as different parks are popular for different reasons and attract different types of visitors. Some of the more popular parks in Ontario based on annual visitor numbers include Algonquin Provincial Park, Bruce Peninsula National Park, and Georgian Bay Islands National Park. These parks are known for their beautiful natural surroundings and offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Prince Edward Island’s national parks

Prince Edward Island is home to two national parks:

  1. Prince Edward Island National Park: Located on the north shore of the island, this park is known for its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and salt marshes. It is home to a variety of plants and animals, including the endangered piping plover. The park is popular for activities such as hiking, beachcombing, and picnicking.
  2. Greenwich National Park: Located on the eastern end of the island, this park is known for its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and salt marshes. It is a popular destination for activities such as hiking, beachcombing, and picnicking. The park is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Greenwich Dunes Trail and the Greenwich Interpretive Centre.
Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is a beautiful place with a lot to offer visitors, and its national parks are a great way to experience the island’s natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in hiking, beachcombing, or just enjoying the outdoors, there is something for everyone in Prince Edward Island’s national parks.

Quebec’s national parks

There are several national parks in the province of Quebec, Canada:

  1. Forillon National Park: Located on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, this national park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, whale watching, and sea kayaking. It is also home to a number of animals, including seals, seabirds, and moose.
  2. La Mauricie National Park: Located in the Laurentian Mountains, this national park is known for its beautiful forests, lakes, and waterfalls. It offers a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, and canoeing.
  3. Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park: This national park is located in the St. Lawrence River and is known for its whales and other marine life. It offers a variety of activities, such as whale watching, boat tours, and kayaking.
  4. Miguasha National Park: This national park is located on the Gaspé Peninsula and is known for its fossil-rich cliffs containing the remains of ancient fish and other animals. It is a popular destination for paleontologists and other scientists.
  5. Yoho National Park: Located in the Rocky Mountains, this national park is known for its stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers. It offers a range of activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.
  6. Kouchibouguac National Park: Located on the east coast of New Brunswick, this national park is known for its sandy beaches and saltwater marshes. It offers a variety of activities, such as swimming, fishing, and bird watching.
Forillon Park

Saskatchewan’s national parks

There are several national parks in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Here is a list of some of them:

  1. Grasslands National Park: Located in the southern part of the province, this national park is known for its diverse grassland ecosystem, which is home to a variety of plants and animals, including bison, pronghorns, and rattlesnakes. It offers a range of activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding.
  2. Prince Albert National Park: Located in the central part of the province, this national park is known for its beautiful forests, lakes, and wildlife. It offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing.
  3. Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park: Located in the northern part of the province, this park is known for its unique sand dunes, which are the most northerly in the world. It offers a range of activities such as hiking, sandboarding, and bird watching.
  4. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park: Located in the southwest corner of the province, this park straddles the border with Alberta and is known for its rolling hills, forests, and lakes. It offers a range of activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
  5. Narrow Hills Provincial Park: Located in the northeastern part of the province, this park is known for its beautiful forests, lakes, and wildlife. It offers a range of activities, such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing.
HBM! Tales of Battle Creek

The Yukon’s national parks

The territory of Yukon in Canada is home to several national parks and protected areas. Here is a list of some of them:

  1. Kluane National Park and Reserve: Located in the southwestern part of the territory, this national park is known for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, and forests. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. The park offers a range of activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
  2. Vuntut National Park: Located in the northwestern part of the territory, this national park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including mountains, forests, and wetlands. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves. The park offers a range of activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing.
  3. Ivvavik National Park: Located in the northeastern part of the territory, this national park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including mountains, tundra, and forests. It is home to various wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves. The park offers a range of activities, such as hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing.
  4. Tombstone Territorial Park: Located in the central part of the territory, this park is known for its rugged landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and glaciers. It offers a range of activities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
  5. Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park: Located in the southwestern corner of the territory, this park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, and forests. It is home to various wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. The park offers a range of activities, such as hiking, rafting, and wildlife viewing.
The Beautiful Kluane National Park

The complete list of the national parks in Canada

Aulavik National Park, Banff National Park, Bruce Peninsula National Park, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Churchill National Park, Côte-Nord-du-Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent National Park, Elk Island National Park, Forillon National Park, Fundy National Park, Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Gros Morne National Park, Gulf Islands National Park, Ivvavik National Park, Jasper National Park, Kejimkujik National Park, Kluane National Park, Kootenay National Park, La Mauricie National Park, Mingan Archipelago National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park, Nahanni National Park, Point Pelee National Park, Prince Albert National Park, Prince Edward Island National Park, Pukaskwa National Park, Qausuittuq National Park, Quttinirpaaq National Park, Riding Mountain National Park, Rouge National Urban Park, Sable Island National Park, Sirmilik National Park, Terra Nova National Park, Thousand Islands National Park, Torngat Mountains National Park, Tuktut Nogait National Park, Ukkusiksalik National Park, Vuntut National Park, Wapusk National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, Wood Buffalo National Park, Yoho National Park.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Canada is home to a diverse and stunning array of national parks, which offer visitors a wide range of activities and experiences. From the rugged coastlines and towering mountains of the west to the rolling hills and forests of the east, there is something for everyone in Canada’s national parks. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or simply marveling at the beauty of nature, Canada’s national parks have something to offer. These protected areas are an important part of Canada’s natural heritage and a treasure for Canadians and visitors from around the world.