Canadian National Parks

Location: Nunavut

Established: 2001 (originally established as a national park reserve in 1976)

Area: 4.8 million acres (19,707 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~300

Best Known For: Towering granite peaks, massive glaciers, and some of the most dramatic Arctic mountain scenery in Canada.

Landscape Type: Arctic mountains, glaciers, fjords, ice fields, and tundra.

Notable Features

• Located on Baffin Island within the Arctic Cordillera
• Home to Mount Thor, which has one of the world’s greatest vertical drops
• Features the Akshayuk Pass, a legendary Arctic trekking route
• Contains extensive glaciers, ice fields, and rugged granite peaks
• Its name means “the land that never melts” in Inuktitut

Wildlife

• Arctic foxes
• Caribou
• Arctic hares
• Polar bears
• Snow geese
• Peregrine falcons

Signature Experiences

• Trek through Akshayuk Pass between Cumberland Sound and Pangnirtung
• View the massive vertical cliffs of Mount Thor
• Explore the glacial landscapes surrounding Mount Asgard
• Experience 24-hour daylight during summer months
• Photograph some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Canadian Arctic

Iconic Viewpoint

Mount Thor and the surrounding Akshayuk Pass, showcasing sheer granite walls, glaciers, and the rugged beauty of the Arctic Cordillera.

Location: Alberta

Established: 1885

Area: 1.64 million acres (6,641 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~4 million

Best Known For: Turquoise glacial lakes, towering Rocky Mountain peaks, and some of the most iconic mountain scenery in the world.

Landscape Type: Rocky Mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, forests, rivers, and glacial lakes.

Notable Features

• Canada’s first national park and the birthplace of the country’s national park system
• Home to the world-famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
• Features a portion of the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in North America
• Contains extensive glaciers, including those connected to the Columbia Icefield
• Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site

Wildlife

• Elk
• Bighorn sheep
• Mountain goats
• Black bears
• Grizzly bears
• Wolves

Signature Experiences

• Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
• Drive the Icefields Parkway
• Ride the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain
• Hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers
• Explore the town of Banff and nearby hot springs

Iconic Viewpoint

Moraine Lake overlooking the Valley of the Ten Peaks, one of the most photographed and recognizable landscapes in Canada.

Location: Ontario

Established: 1987

Area: 60,600 acres (245 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~500,000

Best Known For: Dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rugged shoreline along Georgian Bay.

Landscape Type: Limestone escarpment, forests, wetlands, caves, rocky shoreline, and freshwater coastline.

Notable Features

• Protects a section of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
• Home to the famous Grotto, one of Canada’s most photographed natural attractions
• Features dramatic cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay
• Contains ancient cedar trees growing from exposed cliff faces
• Serves as an important ecological corridor connecting southern and northern ecosystems

Wildlife

• Black bears
• White-tailed deer
• Red foxes
• Massasauga rattlesnakes
• Bald eagles
• Numerous species of orchids

Signature Experiences

• Explore the Grotto and its sea cave
• Hike sections of the Bruce Trail
• Swim in the clear waters of Georgian Bay
• Visit Indian Head Cove
• Enjoy shoreline photography along the rugged escarpment

Iconic Viewpoint

The Grotto and Indian Head Cove, where turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and rugged shoreline create one of the most iconic landscapes in Ontario.

Location: Nova Scotia

Established: 1936

Area: 232,000 acres (949 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~300,000

Best Known For: Spectacular coastal cliffs, the world-famous Cabot Trail, and sweeping views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Landscape Type: Coastal highlands, forests, deep river canyons, rocky coastline, and ocean cliffs.

Notable Features

• Home to a significant portion of the Cabot Trail, one of the most scenic drives in North America
• Features dramatic cliffs rising directly from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of St. Lawrence
• Contains a unique blend of Acadian, Boreal, and Taiga ecosystems
• Protects some of the highest elevations in Atlantic Canada
• Offers exceptional opportunities for whale watching along the coast

Wildlife

• Moose
• Black bears
• Coyotes
• Bald eagles
• Peregrine falcons
• Minke and humpback whales offshore

Signature Experiences

• Drive the Cabot Trail through the park
• Hike the Skyline Trail for panoramic coastal views
• Explore the dramatic coastline along the Gulf of St. Lawrence
• Watch for whales from coastal lookouts
• Experience vibrant fall colors throughout the highlands

Iconic Viewpoint

The Skyline Trail overlook, where the boardwalk descends toward dramatic cliffs overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the winding Cabot Trail below.

Location: Alberta

Established: 1906

Area: 75,700 acres (306 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~250,000

Best Known For: Free-roaming bison herds, conservation success stories, and easy access to prairie and boreal ecosystems near Edmonton.

Landscape Type: Aspen parkland, grasslands, forests, wetlands, and lakes.

Notable Features

• One of Canada’s premier wildlife viewing destinations
• Home to both plains bison and wood bison herds
• Played a critical role in saving bison from extinction in North America
• Designated as a dark sky preserve for exceptional stargazing
• Located less than an hour from Edmonton, making it one of Canada’s most accessible national parks

Wildlife

• Plains bison
• Wood bison
• Elk
• Moose
• White-tailed deer
• Beavers

Signature Experiences

• Observe free-roaming bison in their natural habitat
• Drive the park roads for wildlife viewing opportunities
• Paddle or canoe on Astotin Lake
• Experience stargazing in the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve
• Hike through forests, wetlands, and grassland trails

Iconic Viewpoint

Astotin Lake, where calm waters, islands, and surrounding parkland create one of the park’s most scenic and recognizable landscapes.

Location: Quebec

Established: 1970

Area: 94,800 acres (244 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~180,000

Best Known For: Dramatic sea cliffs, rugged coastline, and the meeting point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean.

Landscape Type: Coastal cliffs, forests, mountains, rocky shoreline, and ocean headlands.

Notable Features

• Located at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula
• Features towering cliffs overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence
• Marks one of the easternmost points of mainland Canada
• Protects a rich blend of marine and terrestrial ecosystems
• Contains historic fishing villages and cultural sites reflecting the region’s maritime heritage

Wildlife

• Moose
• Black bears
• Red foxes
• Harbor seals
• Bald eagles
• Northern gannets

Signature Experiences

• Hike the Les Graves Trail to the tip of the peninsula
• Visit Cap Gaspé and its iconic lighthouse
• Watch for whales along the coastline
• Explore historic fishing and lighthouse sites
• Enjoy coastal hiking with panoramic ocean views

Iconic Viewpoint

Cap Gaspé, where dramatic cliffs, the historic lighthouse, and sweeping views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence create the defining image of the park.

Location: New Brunswick

Established: 1948

Area: 50,900 acres (206 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~350,000

Best Known For: The world’s highest tides, dramatic coastal landscapes, and lush Acadian forests.

Landscape Type: Rugged coastline, sea cliffs, forests, waterfalls, river valleys, and tidal shoreline.

Notable Features

• Located along the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides on Earth
• Tidal changes can exceed 50 feet (16 meters) between high and low tide
• Features numerous waterfalls, including Dickson Falls and Laverty Falls
• Protects a large section of Acadian Forest ecosystem
• Offers extensive opportunities for coastal exploration and hiking

Wildlife

• Moose
• Black bears
• White-tailed deer
• Coyotes
• Harbor seals
• Bald eagles

Signature Experiences

• Witness the dramatic rise and fall of the Bay of Fundy tides
• Walk the ocean floor during low tide
• Hike to Dickson Falls and other scenic waterfalls
• Drive or cycle the scenic parkway routes
• Explore the coastal cliffs and beaches along the bay

Iconic Viewpoint

Cape Enrage and the Fundy coastline, where towering cliffs overlook the Bay of Fundy and showcase the immense tidal forces that shape the region.

Location: Ontario

Established: 1929

Area: 3,400 acres (14 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~45,000

Best Known For: Scenic islands, windswept pines, and the meeting place of the Canadian Shield and the Great Lakes.

Landscape Type: Granite islands, rocky shoreline, forests, wetlands, and freshwater coastline.

Notable Features

• Protects 63 islands and portions of several others in southeastern Georgian Bay
• Located within the world’s largest freshwater archipelago
• Marks the transition between the rugged Canadian Shield and the hardwood forests of southern Ontario
• Features iconic windswept pines and exposed granite landscapes often associated with Georgian Bay
• Accessible primarily by boat, providing a more remote island experience

Wildlife

• White-tailed deer
• River otters
• Beavers
• Great blue herons
• Bald eagles
• Massasauga rattlesnakes

Signature Experiences

• Explore Beausoleil Island by hiking or cycling its trail network
• Paddle through sheltered bays and island channels
• Camp along the shores of Georgian Bay
• Swim in the clear waters of the bay
• Discover the unique landscapes where forest, rock, and water meet

Iconic Viewpoint

The rocky shoreline of Beausoleil Island, where windswept pines, smooth granite outcrops, and the sparkling waters of Georgian Bay create the park’s defining landscape.

Location: British Columbia

Established: 1886

Area: 331,000 acres (1,349 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~750,000

Best Known For: Massive glaciers, rugged mountain peaks, and its role in the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Landscape Type: Glaciated mountains, alpine meadows, dense forests, river valleys, and ice fields.

Notable Features

• Home to more than 130 glaciers within the Columbia Mountains
• Features Rogers Pass, a historic route through the mountains and a key transportation corridor
• Contains some of Canada’s deepest snowpacks and is renowned for avalanche research
• Protects dramatic alpine environments and ancient inland temperate rainforests
• Offers a rich history tied to mountaineering and railway expansion in western Canada

Wildlife

• Mountain goats
• Grizzly bears
• Black bears
• Wolverines
• Hoary marmots
• Golden eagles

Signature Experiences

• Drive through Rogers Pass and explore its scenic viewpoints
• Hike the Illecillewaet Glacier trails
• Visit the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre
• Explore alpine meadows filled with wildflowers during summer
• Photograph glaciers, waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery

Iconic Viewpoint

The Illecillewaet Glacier viewpoint, where visitors can admire one of the park’s most famous glaciers surrounded by towering peaks and dramatic alpine landscapes.

Location: Saskatchewan

Established: 1981 (National Park established in stages; officially designated in 2001)

Area: 222,000 acres (899 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~20,000

Best Known For: Vast native prairie, badlands landscapes, and some of the darkest night skies in Canada.

Landscape Type: Mixed-grass prairie, rolling grasslands, coulees, badlands, and river valleys.

Notable Features

• Protects one of the largest remaining areas of native mixed-grass prairie in North America
• Home to dramatic badlands carved by millions of years of erosion
• Contains one of Canada’s finest dark sky preserves
• Preserves fossil-rich landscapes with evidence of ancient prehistoric ecosystems
• Features the Frenchman River Valley and sweeping prairie vistas

Wildlife

• Plains bison
• Pronghorn
• Black-tailed prairie dogs
• Coyotes
• Swift foxes
• Golden eagles

Signature Experiences

• Drive or hike through the park’s expansive prairie landscapes
• Visit prairie dog colonies in the West Block
• Observe free-roaming plains bison
• Experience exceptional stargazing under dark prairie skies
• Explore the badlands and fossil-rich terrain

Iconic Viewpoint

The Frenchman River Valley overlook, where rolling grasslands, rugged badlands, and endless prairie horizons showcase the essence of Canada’s native prairie ecosystem.

Location: Newfoundland and Labrador

Established: 1973

Area: 442,000 acres (1,805 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~250,000

Best Known For: Dramatic fjords, ancient geology, and some of the most spectacular landscapes in Atlantic Canada.

Landscape Type: Fjords, mountains, coastal cliffs, forests, lakes, and barren uplands.

Notable Features

• Home to the Tablelands, where Earth’s mantle is exposed at the surface
• Features Western Brook Pond, a landlocked freshwater fjord surrounded by towering cliffs
• Contains some of the most significant geological formations in the world
• Showcases evidence of continental drift and plate tectonics
• Offers a remarkable combination of mountains, coastline, and ancient landscapes

Wildlife

• Moose
• Woodland caribou
• Black bears
• Red foxes
• Bald eagles
• Harbor seals

Signature Experiences

• Take a boat tour through Western Brook Pond
• Hike to the summit of Gros Morne Mountain
• Explore the unique landscape of the Tablelands
• Drive the scenic coastal routes through the park
• Discover waterfalls, beaches, and dramatic coastal viewpoints

Iconic Viewpoint

Western Brook Pond, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically above the deep fjord-like waters, creating one of the most iconic and photographed landscapes in Canada.

Location: British Columbia

Established: 2003

Area: 89,000 acres (360 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~250,000

Best Known For: Scenic islands, sheltered coastal waters, and one of Canada’s warmest and driest climates.

Landscape Type: Coastal islands, rocky shorelines, forests, meadows, wetlands, and marine environments.

Notable Features

• Protects numerous islands and islets in the southern Strait of Georgia
• Home to a unique Mediterranean-like climate rarely found elsewhere in Canada
• Features a mix of marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems
• Preserves important habitat for numerous species at risk
• Offers exceptional opportunities for boating, kayaking, and island exploration

Wildlife

• Harbor seals
• River otters
• Orcas
• Bald eagles
• Great blue herons
• Black-tailed deer

Signature Experiences

• Kayak through the sheltered waters between the islands
• Hike to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Salish Sea
• Explore beaches, coves, and rocky shorelines
• Camp on island backcountry sites
• Watch for whales and other marine wildlife

Iconic Viewpoint

Mount Norman on Pender Island, where sweeping views of the Gulf Islands, the Salish Sea, and distant mountain ranges showcase the beauty of Canada’s Pacific coast.

Location: British Columbia

Established: 1993

Area: 364,000 acres (1,474 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~6,000

Best Known For: Remote wilderness, rich Haida culture, ancient village sites, and rugged Pacific coastline.

Landscape Type: Coastal rainforest, islands, mountains, fjords, beaches, and marine ecosystems.

Notable Features

• Located on the southern portion of the Haida Gwaii archipelago
• Co-managed by the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada
• Home to ancient Haida village sites, including SG̱ang Gwaay
• Protects both terrestrial and marine environments from mountaintop to ocean floor
• Features old-growth temperate rainforest and some of Canada’s most remote coastal wilderness

Wildlife

• Black bears
• Sitka black-tailed deer
• Humpback whales
• Orcas
• Sea lions
• Bald eagles

Signature Experiences

• Visit the Haida heritage site of SG̱ang Gwaay
• Kayak along the rugged Pacific coastline
• Explore remote beaches and old-growth forests
• Observe whales, sea lions, and seabirds
• Learn about Haida culture and history through guided experiences

Iconic Viewpoint

SG̱ang Gwaay, where ancient Haida mortuary and memorial poles stand along the coastline, creating one of the most culturally significant and visually striking landscapes in Canada.

Location: Yukon

Established: 1984

Area: 2.5 million acres (10,168 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~100

Best Known For: Remote Arctic wilderness, the migration of the Porcupine caribou herd, and protecting Canada’s first national park established through an Indigenous land claim agreement.

Landscape Type: Arctic tundra, mountains, river valleys, coastal plains, and wetlands.

Notable Features

• Canada’s first national park created as a result of an Indigenous land claim agreement
• Protects a portion of the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd
• Located entirely above the Arctic Circle
• Features the Firth River, one of Canada’s premier wilderness rafting destinations
• Accessible only by charter aircraft, making it one of Canada’s most remote national parks

Wildlife

• Porcupine caribou
• Grizzly bears
• Arctic foxes
• Dall sheep
• Muskoxen
• Golden eagles

Signature Experiences

• Raft the wild and scenic Firth River
• Witness the migration of the Porcupine caribou herd
• Explore pristine Arctic tundra landscapes
• Experience the Midnight Sun during summer
• Learn about Inuvialuit culture and the region’s rich Indigenous heritage

Iconic Viewpoint

The Firth River Valley, where winding waterways cut through vast Arctic tundra beneath the rugged peaks of the British Mountains, showcasing the park’s remote northern wilderness.

Location: Alberta

Established: 1907

Area: 2.7 million acres (10,878 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~2.5 million

Best Known For: Expansive Rocky Mountain wilderness, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and some of the darkest skies in the Canadian Rockies.

Landscape Type: Rocky Mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, forests, rivers, and glacial lakes.

Notable Features

• The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies
• Home to the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in North America south of the Arctic
• Features iconic destinations such as Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, and Spirit Island
• Designated as one of the world’s largest accessible dark sky preserves
• Connected to Banff National Park by the spectacular Icefields Parkway

Wildlife

• Elk
• Moose
• Bighorn sheep
• Mountain goats
• Black bears
• Grizzly bears

Signature Experiences

• Cruise or paddle on Maligne Lake
• Visit Spirit Island, one of Canada’s most famous natural landmarks
• Explore the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier
• Drive the Icefields Parkway
• Experience world-class stargazing in Jasper Dark Sky Preserve

Iconic Viewpoint

Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, where emerald waters, forested islands, and towering Rocky Mountain peaks create one of the most iconic and photographed scenes in Canada.

Location: Nova Scotia

Established: 1969

Area: 991,000 acres (402 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~70,000

Best Known For: Canoe routes, dark skies, Acadian forests, and rich Mi’kmaq cultural heritage.

Landscape Type: Forests, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and coastal wilderness.

Notable Features

• Home to one of eastern Canada’s premier canoeing destinations
• Preserves ancient Mi’kmaq petroglyphs and cultural sites
• Designated as both a National Historic Site and a National Park
• Features the Kejimkujik Seaside unit along Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast
• Recognized as a Dark Sky Preserve for exceptional stargazing opportunities

Wildlife

• White-tailed deer
• Black bears
• River otters
• Beavers
• Bald eagles
• Common loons

Signature Experiences

• Paddle the interconnected lakes and rivers of the park
• View ancient Mi’kmaq petroglyphs
• Camp beneath some of the darkest skies in Atlantic Canada
• Explore hiking trails through Acadian forest
• Visit Kejimkujik Seaside and its rugged coastal landscapes

Iconic Viewpoint

Merrymakedge Beach on Kejimkujik Lake, where calm waters, forested shorelines, and classic Nova Scotia wilderness scenery capture the essence of the park.

Location: Yukon

Established: 1972

Area: 5.4 million acres (21,980 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~30,000

Best Known For: Canada’s highest mountains, massive ice fields, and some of the most spectacular wilderness in North America.

Landscape Type: Glaciated mountains, ice fields, alpine tundra, river valleys, and boreal forest.

Notable Features

• Home to Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada at 19,551 feet (5,959 m)
• Contains the largest non-polar ice field on Earth
• Features some of the most extensive glacier systems in North America
• Protects a vast section of the Saint Elias Mountains
• Offers extraordinary opportunities for wilderness adventure and flightseeing

Wildlife

• Dall sheep
• Grizzly bears
• Black bears
• Moose
• Mountain goats
• Golden eagles

Signature Experiences

• View the immense Kaskawulsh and Lowell glaciers
• Take a flightseeing tour over Mount Logan and the ice fields
• Hike the King’s Throne Trail overlooking Kathleen Lake
• Explore the shoreline of Kathleen Lake
• Experience some of the most remote wilderness in North America

Iconic Viewpoint

King’s Throne overlooking Kathleen Lake, where turquoise waters, rugged mountain peaks, and vast wilderness create one of the most iconic views in the Yukon.

Location: British Columbia

Established: 1920

Area: 543,000 acres (1,406 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~500,000

Best Known For: Diverse landscapes, natural hot springs, colorful mineral formations, and dramatic mountain scenery.

Landscape Type: Rocky Mountains, canyons, forests, alpine meadows, rivers, and hot springs.

Notable Features

• Connected to Banff National Park by the scenic Banff–Windermere Highway
• Home to the famous Radium Hot Springs
• Features the striking ochre-colored Paint Pots mineral springs
• Contains Marble Canyon, one of the most impressive limestone gorges in the Canadian Rockies
• Showcases a remarkable transition from dry grasslands to alpine environments

Wildlife

• Bighorn sheep
• Mountain goats
• Elk
• Black bears
• Grizzly bears
• Wolves

Signature Experiences

• Relax in the waters of Radium Hot Springs
• Walk through the narrow limestone walls of Marble Canyon
• Visit the colorful Paint Pots
• Drive the scenic Banff–Windermere Highway
• Hike through alpine meadows and mountain valleys

Iconic Viewpoint

Marble Canyon, where turquoise waters cut through towering limestone walls, creating one of the most recognizable and photographed landscapes in the park.

Location: Quebec

Established: 1970

Area: 209,000 acres (536 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~250,000

Best Known For: Dense forests, interconnected lakes, scenic canoe routes, and vibrant fall colors.

Landscape Type: Boreal and mixed forests, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and rolling Laurentian hills.

Notable Features

• Protects a classic section of the Laurentian Mountains
• Contains more than 150 lakes connected by rivers and waterways
• Known for spectacular autumn foliage displays
• Features numerous scenic waterfalls and lookouts
• Offers some of the best canoeing and paddling opportunities in eastern Canada

Wildlife

• Moose
• Black bears
• White-tailed deer
• Beavers
• River otters
• Common loons

Signature Experiences

• Paddle through the park’s interconnected lakes and rivers
• Drive the Promenade scenic parkway
• Hike to waterfalls such as Waber Falls
• Enjoy fall colors throughout the Laurentian forests
• Camp along the park’s lakeshores and backcountry routes

Iconic Viewpoint

Le Passage Overlook along the Promenade, where panoramic views stretch across forested hills, lakes, and the rolling landscapes of the Laurentians.

Location: Quebec

Established: 1984

Area: 59,000 acres (151 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~45,000

Best Known For: Spectacular limestone monoliths, remote islands, and unique coastal scenery along the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Landscape Type: Coastal islands, limestone formations, beaches, boreal forest, wetlands, and marine environments.

Notable Features

• Protects more than 40 islands and thousands of limestone formations
• Home to some of the largest concentrations of erosion-shaped limestone monoliths in North America
• Features dramatic sea arches, sea stacks, and coastal cliffs
• Supports important nesting habitat for seabirds and migratory birds
• Accessible primarily by boat, creating a remote island adventure experience

Wildlife

• Harbor seals
• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• Atlantic puffins
• Bald eagles
• Common eiders

Signature Experiences

• Explore the limestone monoliths by boat or kayak
• Visit the islands of Quarry Island and Niapiskau Island
• Watch for whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
• Hike coastal trails through island landscapes
• Photograph the unique rock formations at sunrise and sunset

Iconic Viewpoint

The limestone monoliths of Niapiskau Island, where towering rock formations rise from the shoreline and create the park’s most recognizable and otherworldly landscape.

Location: British Columbia

Established: 1914

Area: 100,000 acres (404 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~700,000

Best Known For: Spectacular wildflower meadows, subalpine landscapes, and one of the few mountain summits in Canada accessible by road.

Landscape Type: Inland temperate rainforest, subalpine meadows, alpine tundra, mountains, and old-growth forest.

Notable Features

• Home to the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, one of Canada’s most scenic mountain roads
• Features some of the most impressive wildflower displays in the Canadian Rockies and Columbia Mountains
• Protects rare inland temperate rainforest ecosystems at lower elevations
• Offers easy access to alpine environments without extensive hiking
• Contains historic sites related to early mountaineering and park development

Wildlife

• Black bears
• Grizzly bears
• Mountain goats
• Hoary marmots
• Columbian ground squirrels
• Golden eagles

Signature Experiences

• Drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway to the summit area
• Hike through colorful alpine wildflower meadows
• Visit the Giant Cedars Boardwalk
• Explore subalpine trails around Balsam Lake
• Enjoy panoramic views of the Columbia Mountains

Iconic Viewpoint

The summit area at Mount Revelstoke, where alpine meadows and sweeping views of the Columbia River Valley and surrounding mountain ranges create the park’s defining landscape.

Location: Northwest Territories

Established: 2014

Area: 1.2 million acres (4,895 sq km)

Annual Visitors: Fewer than 100

Best Known For: Remote mountain wilderness, the headwaters of the South Nahanni River, and pristine northern landscapes.

Landscape Type: Mountains, river valleys, tundra, boreal forest, wetlands, and alpine environments.

Notable Features

• Protects the headwaters of the South Nahanni River watershed
• Serves as an important ecological buffer for nearby Nahanni National Park Reserve
• Contains the rugged peaks of the Mackenzie Mountains
• Features vast areas of untouched wilderness with no developed road access
• Holds deep cultural significance for the Sahtu Dene and Métis peoples

Wildlife

• Dall sheep
• Mountain caribou
• Grizzly bears
• Wolves
• Moose
• Golden eagles

Signature Experiences

• Experience true wilderness travel in one of Canada’s most remote parks
• Explore the headwaters of the South Nahanni River
• Observe wildlife in pristine mountain habitats
• Enjoy backcountry hiking and expedition-style travel
• Photograph untouched northern landscapes and dramatic mountain scenery

Iconic Viewpoint

The upper South Nahanni River Valley beneath the peaks of the Mackenzie Mountains, where rugged wilderness and untouched river corridors showcase the remote beauty of Canada’s North.

Location: Northwest Territories

Established: 1976

Area: 7.3 million acres (29,970 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~1,000

Best Known For: Virginia Falls, wild river expeditions, and one of the most spectacular wilderness landscapes in North America.

Landscape Type: Mountains, deep river canyons, waterfalls, karst formations, hot springs, and boreal forest.

Notable Features

• Home to Virginia Falls, a waterfall nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls
• Protects a large section of the South Nahanni River, one of the world’s premier wilderness rivers
• Features four massive river canyons carved through the Mackenzie Mountains
• Contains caves, sinkholes, and extensive karst landscapes
• One of Canada’s most renowned wilderness destinations

Wildlife

• Dall sheep
• Mountain caribou
• Moose
• Grizzly bears
• Wolves
• Golden eagles

Signature Experiences

• Raft or canoe the South Nahanni River
• View the towering Virginia Falls
• Explore the park’s dramatic river canyons
• Visit natural hot springs in remote wilderness settings
• Experience multi-day backcountry adventures in one of Canada’s most remote landscapes

Iconic Viewpoint

Virginia Falls, where the South Nahanni River plunges 315 feet (96 m) into a narrow canyon, creating one of the most powerful and iconic natural landmarks in Canada.

Location: British Columbia

Established: 1970

Area: 126,000 acres (511 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~1 million

Best Known For: Rugged Pacific coastline, ancient temperate rainforests, and world-class surfing.

Landscape Type: Coastal rainforest, sandy beaches, rocky shoreline, islands, and marine ecosystems.

Notable Features

• Stretches along the west coast of Vancouver Island
• Divided into three distinct units: Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail
• Home to some of Canada’s most famous surfing beaches
• Protects old-growth temperate rainforest ecosystems
• Features dramatic coastal scenery shaped by the Pacific Ocean

Wildlife

• Gray whales
• Humpback whales
• Sea otters
• Harbor seals
• Bald eagles
• Black bears

Signature Experiences

• Walk the expansive beaches of Long Beach
• Hike portions of the legendary West Coast Trail
• Kayak among the Broken Group Islands
• Watch for migrating whales along the coast
• Explore old-growth rainforest trails

Iconic Viewpoint

Long Beach, where endless sandy shoreline, crashing Pacific waves, and forested headlands create one of Canada’s most recognizable coastal landscapes.

Location: Ontario

Established: 1918

Area: 6,100 acres (25 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~400,000

Best Known For: Exceptional bird migration, unique Carolinian ecosystems, and being the southernmost point of mainland Canada.

Landscape Type: Marshes, beaches, forests, sand spits, and freshwater coastal habitats.

Notable Features

• Marks the southernmost point of mainland Canada
• One of North America’s premier birdwatching destinations
• Protects rare Carolinian forest ecosystems found nowhere else in Canada
• Features extensive wetlands that support diverse wildlife populations
• Serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds crossing Lake Erie

Wildlife

• More than 390 species of birds
• Monarch butterflies
• White-tailed deer
• Red foxes
• Turtles
• Great blue herons

Signature Experiences

• Visit the iconic tip of Point Pelee where the sand spit extends into Lake Erie
• Experience spring and fall bird migrations
• Explore the Marsh Boardwalk by foot or canoe
• Observe monarch butterfly migrations in autumn
• Discover rare plants and wildlife unique to southern Ontario

Iconic Viewpoint

The Tip, where the narrow sand spit stretches into Lake Erie and visitors can stand at the southernmost point of mainland Canada surrounded by open water.

Location: Saskatchewan

Established: 1927

Area: 950,000 acres (3,875 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~250,000

Best Known For: Vast boreal forests, pristine lakes, and being the former home of conservationist Grey Owl.

Landscape Type: Boreal forest, lakes, wetlands, rivers, and rolling parkland.

Notable Features

• Protects the transition zone between prairie grasslands and northern boreal forest
• Home to Waskesiu Lake, the park’s most popular recreation area
• Contains Grey Owl’s historic cabin at Ajawaan Lake
• Features thousands of lakes and wetlands that support abundant wildlife
• One of Canada’s most accessible wilderness experiences in the Prairie Provinces

Wildlife

• Elk
• Moose
• Black bears
• Timber wolves
• Bison
• Beavers

Signature Experiences

• Paddle or boat on Waskesiu Lake
• Visit Grey Owl’s Cabin at Ajawaan Lake
• Observe wildlife along scenic park roads and trails
• Explore the park’s extensive network of hiking and paddling routes
• Experience camping and lakeside recreation in the boreal forest

Iconic Viewpoint

Kingsmere Lake and the route to Grey Owl’s Cabin, where forested shorelines, clear waters, and classic boreal wilderness capture the essence of the park.

Location: Prince Edward Island

Established: 1937

Area: 54,000 acres (219 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~750,000

Best Known For: Red sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and the landscapes that inspired Anne of Green Gables.

Landscape Type: Coastal dunes, sandy beaches, red sandstone cliffs, wetlands, and coastal forests.

Notable Features

• Protects a large portion of Prince Edward Island’s scenic north shore
• Famous for its striking red sandstone cliffs and beaches
• Includes Green Gables Heritage Place, linked to the beloved Anne of Green Gables novels
• Features extensive dune systems and coastal habitats
• Offers some of the most picturesque seaside scenery in Atlantic Canada

Wildlife

• Red foxes
• Harbor seals
• Great blue herons
• Piping plovers
• Bald eagles
• Numerous migratory shorebirds

Signature Experiences

• Walk the red sand beaches along the Gulf of St. Lawrence
• Visit Green Gables Heritage Place
• Cycle portions of the Confederation Trail
• Explore coastal dunes and scenic boardwalks
• Watch sunsets over the island’s iconic shoreline

Iconic Viewpoint

Cavendish Beach, where red sandstone cliffs, rolling dunes, and the blue waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence create the defining landscape of Prince Edward Island National Park.

Location: Ontario

Established: 1978

Area: 462,000 acres (1,878 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~15,000

Best Known For: Rugged Lake Superior coastline, remote wilderness, and some of the most dramatic hiking in Ontario.

Landscape Type: Boreal forest, rocky shoreline, inland lakes, rivers, wetlands, and Canadian Shield terrain.

Notable Features

• Protects the longest undeveloped stretch of shoreline on Lake Superior
• Features rugged Canadian Shield landscapes shaped by glaciers
• Home to the famous White River Suspension Bridge
• Offers a true wilderness experience with limited development and remote backcountry routes
• Contains culturally significant sites connected to Indigenous history and traditions

Wildlife

• Moose
• Black bears
• Timber wolves
• Lynx
• Bald eagles
• Peregrine falcons

Signature Experiences

• Hike sections of the Coastal Hiking Trail along Lake Superior
• Cross the White River Suspension Bridge
• Explore secluded beaches and rocky shorelines
• Paddle inland lakes and coastal waters
• Experience backcountry camping in remote wilderness settings

Iconic Viewpoint

The White River Suspension Bridge overlooking the White River Gorge, where rugged cliffs, boreal forest, and the untamed landscapes of Lake Superior’s north shore create one of the park’s most memorable views.

Location: Nunavut

Established: 2015

Area: 2.7 million acres (11,000 sq km)

Annual Visitors: Fewer than 20

Best Known For: Extreme Arctic wilderness, polar bear habitat, and one of the most remote national parks in the world.

Landscape Type: Polar desert, Arctic tundra, coastal plains, sea ice environments, and barren landscapes.

Notable Features

• Located on northern Bathurst Island in the High Arctic
• One of Canada’s newest and least-visited national parks
• Its name means “place where the sun does not rise” in Inuktitut, referring to the long polar night
• Protects critical habitat for endangered Peary caribou
• Preserves a pristine High Arctic ecosystem with virtually no permanent infrastructure

Wildlife

• Polar bears
• Peary caribou
• Arctic wolves
• Muskoxen
• Arctic foxes
• Snowy owls

Signature Experiences

• Experience one of the most remote wilderness areas in North America
• Observe High Arctic wildlife in its natural habitat
• Explore vast polar desert landscapes
• Witness the Midnight Sun during summer months
• Photograph untouched Arctic scenery rarely seen by visitors

Iconic Viewpoint

The coastal plains of Bathurst Island, where endless Arctic tundra, distant mountains, and expansive sea ice create a landscape that embodies the isolation and beauty of the High Arctic.

Location: Nunavut

Established: 2001

Area: 9.3 million acres (37,775 sq km)

Annual Visitors: Fewer than 100

Best Known For: Canada’s northernmost national park, towering Arctic mountains, and some of the most remote wilderness on Earth.

Landscape Type: Polar desert, mountains, glaciers, ice caps, fjords, and Arctic tundra.

Notable Features

• Located on Ellesmere Island, just a few hundred miles from the North Pole
• Canada’s second-largest national park
• Home to Barbeau Peak, the highest mountain in eastern North America
• Contains vast glaciers, ice caps, and the famous Tanquary Fiord
• One of the most isolated and least-visited national parks in the world

Wildlife

• Muskoxen
• Peary caribou
• Arctic wolves
• Arctic hares
• Polar bears
• Snowy owls

Signature Experiences

• Explore the dramatic landscapes of Tanquary Fiord
• View glaciers, ice caps, and rugged Arctic mountains
• Experience 24-hour daylight during the summer season
• Observe rare High Arctic wildlife
• Undertake expedition-style wilderness travel in one of the most remote places on Earth

Iconic Viewpoint

Tanquary Fiord, where steep mountain walls, glaciers, and vast Arctic wilderness create one of the most spectacular and remote landscapes in Canada.

Location: Manitoba

Established: 1933

Area: 1.2 million acres (2,969 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~350,000

Best Known For: Rolling hills, clear lakes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife in the heart of the Canadian Prairies.

Landscape Type: Boreal forest, aspen parkland, grasslands, lakes, wetlands, and escarpments.

Notable Features

• Protects the meeting point of prairie, parkland, and boreal forest ecosystems
• Home to a free-ranging plains bison herd
• Features Clear Lake, one of Manitoba’s most popular outdoor recreation destinations
• Contains the scenic Riding Mountain Escarpment
• Supports one of the most diverse wildlife populations in the Prairie Provinces

Wildlife

• Plains bison
• Elk
• Moose
• Black bears
• Timber wolves
• White-tailed deer

Signature Experiences

• Visit and paddle on Clear Lake
• Observe bison in the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure area
• Hike through forests, grasslands, and scenic escarpments
• Watch wildlife along the park’s scenic roads and trails
• Enjoy camping, boating, and outdoor recreation around Wasagaming

Iconic Viewpoint

Clear Lake, where crystal-clear waters, forested shorelines, and the rolling landscapes of Riding Mountain create the park’s most recognizable and beloved scenery.

Location: Nunavut

Established: 2001

Area: 5.4 million acres (22,200 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~200

Best Known For: Spectacular Arctic landscapes, towering cliffs, glaciers, and some of Canada’s most important seabird colonies.

Landscape Type: Arctic tundra, glaciers, mountains, fjords, sea ice, and coastal cliffs.

Notable Features

• Located on Bylot Island and portions of northern Baffin Island
• Home to some of the largest seabird colonies in the Canadian Arctic
• Features the dramatic cliffs and glaciers of Bylot Island
• Protects important habitat for narwhals, polar bears, and migratory birds
• Its name means “place of glaciers” in Inuktitut

Wildlife

• Polar bears
• Narwhals
• Arctic foxes
• Arctic hares
• Snow geese
• Thick-billed murres

Signature Experiences

• Explore the glacier-carved landscapes of Bylot Island
• Observe large colonies of nesting seabirds
• View Arctic wildlife in one of Canada’s most remote regions
• Experience the Midnight Sun during summer
• Photograph dramatic glaciers, mountains, and coastal scenery

Iconic Viewpoint

The cliffs and glaciers of Bylot Island, where towering ice-covered peaks rise above Arctic tundra and coastal waters, creating one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Canadian Arctic.

Location: Newfoundland and Labrador

Established: 1957

Area: 155,000 acres (400 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~120,000

Best Known For: Rugged coastline, sheltered fjords, boreal forests, and classic Newfoundland wilderness.

Landscape Type: Boreal forest, fjords, coastline, rivers, wetlands, and rolling hills.

Notable Features

• Canada’s first national park in Atlantic Canada
• Protects a landscape shaped by glaciers and the sea
• Features numerous sheltered inlets and fjord-like coastlines
• Home to extensive boreal forest ecosystems
• Offers excellent opportunities for paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing

Wildlife

• Moose
• Black bears
• Red foxes
• River otters
• Bald eagles
• Common loons

Signature Experiences

• Explore the sheltered waters of Newman Sound
• Hike the Coastal Trail and other scenic routes
• Paddle through fjords and protected bays
• Visit the park’s beaches, coves, and overlooks
• Observe wildlife throughout the boreal forest and coastline

Iconic Viewpoint

Newman Sound, where forested shorelines, sheltered waters, and rugged coastal landscapes showcase the beauty of Newfoundland’s wilderness.

Location: Ontario

Established: 1904

Area: 9,300 acres (38 sq km)

Annual Visitors: ~100,000

Best Known For: Scenic islands, granite shorelines, and the meeting place of the St. Lawrence River and the Canadian Shield.

Landscape Type: Islands, freshwater coastline, forests, wetlands, and granite outcrops.

Notable Features

• Canada’s oldest national park east of the Rocky Mountains
• Protects more than 20 islands and numerous mainland properties along the St. Lawrence River
• Located within the world-famous Thousand Islands region
• Marks the transition between the Canadian Shield and the St. Lawrence Lowlands
• Offers excellent opportunities for boating, paddling, and island exploration

Wildlife

• River otters
• Beavers
• White-tailed deer
• Bald eagles
• Great blue herons
• Turtles

Signature Experiences

• Explore the islands by kayak, canoe, or boat
• Hike scenic trails on Landon Bay and the park’s islands
• Camp on remote island campsites
• Cruise through the Thousand Islands region
• Enjoy wildlife viewing along the St. Lawrence River

Iconic Viewpoint

Landon Bay Lookout, where panoramic views stretch across the St. Lawrence River and the countless islands that define this iconic Canadian landscape.

Location: Newfoundland and Labrador

Established: 2008

Area: 3.8 million acres (9,700 sq km)

Annual Visitors: Fewer than 1,000

Best Known For: Rugged Arctic mountains, dramatic fjords, polar bear habitat, and some of the most remote wilderness in eastern North America.

Landscape Type: Mountains, fjords, glaciers, tundra, coastal cliffs, and Arctic wilderness.

Notable Features

• Home to the highest mountains in mainland Canada east of the Rockies
• Features dramatic fjords carved by glaciers along the Labrador coast
• Co-managed with Inuit organizations and deeply connected to Inuit culture and history
• Contains some of the most pristine and untouched wilderness in North America
• Its name comes from the Inuktitut word meaning “place of spirits”

Wildlife

• Polar bears
• Black bears
• Caribou
• Arctic foxes
• Wolves
• Peregrine falcons

Signature Experiences

• Explore remote fjords and mountain valleys
• Experience Inuit-led cultural and wilderness programs
• Observe polar bears and other Arctic wildlife
• Undertake expedition-style hiking in untouched wilderness
• View some of eastern Canada’s most dramatic mountain scenery

Iconic Viewpoint

Saglek Fjord, where towering mountains rise directly from deep fjord waters, creating one of the most spectacular and remote landscapes in eastern North America.

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