Top Things to do in Canada
The 10 Best National Parks in Canada, Canada
World class skiing, decadent European style cuisine, ornamental cathedrals, peaceful island life…Canada is a patchwork of thriving cities and majestic wilderness. Montreal beckons travelers with its French charm and booming cultural landscape. In Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is a vision of Frank Gehry architecture and national artistic treasures. The gleaming mountain ranges of Banff set a stunning backdrop for an exploration of the Canadian Rockies.
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1. Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,529 reviews
Treasures abound throughout the headlands and rugged cliffs of Cape Breton Highlands with its abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery and human history dating back to the last Ice Age.
Reviewed By live2love_love2live - Wilmington, United States
There is so much to see, do, and explore in this beautiful area of Nova Scotia. If you love a variety of hiking trails, great photo opportunities, chance encounters with wildlife, remote/quiet locations, and unsurpassed beauty, then you MUST visit this national park.
2. Pacific Rim National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,337 reviews
Unique park composed of three sections - Long Beach, the West Coast Trail and the Broken Group of Islands - that feature sandy beaches, island archipelagos, temperate rainforests and important archaeological sites.
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve consists of 3 units stretching from Tofino, the northern end, to Port Renfrew at the southern end, on Vancouver Island. These 3 units are: 1) The Long Beach Unit located between the beach towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, 2) The Broken Group Islands located in Barkley Sound and accessible only by boat, and 3) The West Coast Trail stretching for 75 km from Pachena Bay to Port Renfrew. Only experienced trekkers should attempt this trail. We got to explore the Broken Group of Islands when we joined one of the Whale Watching tour operators in Ucluelet. We were taken across the small islands in Barkley Sound, towards the south-east of Ucluelet, and saw the spectacular views of these islands covered by a small forest of trees, and rocks with a lot of kelp floating around. Finally the captain of the motorised boat spotted a humpback whale which we followed for quite a while as it kept spouting and breaking the surface of the water every few minutes. We even saw a group of grunting and squabbling sea lions on a rocky island, a sea otter floating on it’s back in the water, and some sea eagles perched up on tall trees of some of the islands. Likewise, a walk along the Long Beach near Tofino and along the West Coast Trail must be as mesmerizing for the incredible coastline scenery with the temperate rain-forests of the islands meeting the ever turbulent waters of the Pacific Ocean. Keep your eyes open to spot some of the wonderful aquatic and terrestrial fauna like whales, orcas, dolphins, wolves, bears, cougars, and myriads of smaller creatures along the shore.
3. Parc national de l'Ile-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Perce
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 851 reviews
Parc national de l'Ile-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Perce stands out with its rich natural, historic, and geological heritage. Sculpted by time and the sea, at the Gaspe Peninsula's tip, it has the fortress of Bonaventure Island and the magnificent stone vessel of Perce Rock-Quebec's tourism emblem. Its outstanding flora and fauna, including its famous colony of Northern Gannets make it a must-see for visitors, as do the island's old homes-the last witnesses to the way the islanders lived a century ago.
Reviewed By Odyssey139621
The national park does a wonderful job of protecting the enormous gannet colony on Bonaventure Island, while providing excellent viewing for bird-watching. Access to the island is by boat, and the ride can be rough. The bird colony is located across the island from the boat dock/visitor's center, about a 45 minute hike over the summit, or a 90 minute hike (easier terrain) at the perimeter. Bathrooms are plentiful. Bring your rain jacket, water, and a camera!
4. Banff National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 523 reviews
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
Banff National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, together with the other national and provincial parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. There are beautiful mountain landscapes to explore with tall peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, canyons, limestone caves and fossil beds. There is a lot of wildlife in the forested regions which include Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Wolves, Cougars, Wolverine, Red Fox, Weasel, River Otter, Coyote, Elk, Moose, Deer, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep and many other smaller animals like Beaver, Squirrel and Chipmunks. We took a guided coach tour and first visited the photogenic lakes; Emerald, Louise and Moraine stopping the night in Banff town. Next day we visited Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and drove up to the Columbia Icefields and Jasper National Park via the Icefields Parkway, which is supposedly one of the most scenic motorways in the world, and justifiably so. The scenery on both sides of this Highway No. 93 was spectacular with snow capped peaks even in summer, and many sparkling lakes and waterways glinting between the tall trees in unique shades of blue, green and indigo. It was a truly memorable trip in which we picked up a canvas of beautiful landscape paintings that will forever remain etched in our minds as long as we live.
5. Prince Edward Island National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 557 reviews
This narrow park stretches 40 kilometers through beautiful coastal landscape and includes the Green Gables House, immortalized in the famous novel "Anne of Green Gables."
Reviewed By CMN14 - Boise, United States
This is a spectacularly beautiful area that you must see if you're in the area. With lovely forests, gorgeous beaches and scenery for miles, it's got something to appeal to everyone. We enjoyed some great hiking, a short walk on the beach and a scenic drive along the coast.
6. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 488 reviews
Located on a rugged peninsula of thick forests, several lakes, and high granite cliffs, this scenic wonderland offers nature walks, camping and fishing activities.
Reviewed By lauren5598 - Hamilton, Canada
Sleeping Giant is a beautiful park with great camping. The water front sites on the peninsula into Marie Louise Lake were stunning, and having your own steps down to the water and views of the giant. You could swim right from your campsite although the water was still cold in August. However, beware that the sites can be very windy which made it a challenge to set up a tent! During our stay we did the Sea Lion hike on one day which was an easy walk to a great view of the sea lion. The next day we did the Top of the Giant hike. This is a full day trip even if you bike, it took us 6-7 hours and we only stopped for a quick lunch at the top. Make sure you get an early start, we started at 9am and the trail wasn't busy, but as we came down from the giant the trail was getting very busy around the noon hour. If you choose to bike in make sure you have a mountain bike and are a confident cyclist as the trail is quite rocky and muddy in areas. The walking it self is very strenuous for just over a km, as it is a straight up climb. This hike is possible to accomplish in a slow and steady manner! Once reaching the top the views are spectacular, but be prepared to work hard to get there. I would definitely like to return to explore more of the park
7. Fundy National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 972 reviews
A beautiful coastal park with miles of hiking trails along rugged shores and bubbling forest streams.
Reviewed By 448cheriep - Pahrump, United States
We spent a couple days here in the park hiking and could have easily enjoyed a longer time. We enjoyed all the hikes and camping at Point Wolfe campground.. truly an amazing place with great trails, beautiful scenery ...we had an amazing time!
8. Jasper SkyTram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,897 reviews
Jasper SkyTram is the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada. This family trip offers incredible views of six different mountain ranges, turquoise-coloured lakes, glacier-fed rivers and the town of Jasper. Gain a new perspective on Jasper National Park, the largest park in the UNESCO Canadian Rockies World Heritage Site. Watch for wildlife below as you gently climb towards the upper station located at 7,425 feet (2,263 meters). A knowledgeable guide will accompany you on your 7.5 minute flight, sharing a few insights about the area, its history and the diversity of nature surrounding you. Stroll along the interpretive boardwalk or try hiking the 1.4 km trail to the summit of Whistlers Mountain at 8,081 feet (2,463 meters). Make sure to stop at the Summit Restaurant for a meal at the top of the Canadian Rockies and visit the gift shops at the upper or lower stations for a souvenir to take home. From March to early May, rent snowshoes at the top for a unique experience.
Reviewed By bbeerbower - Peachtree City, United States
This was my favorite of the 2 gondola/sky trams we took up to the mountains. Banff gondola, Lake Louise gondola & Jasper Sky Tram. the scenery was fantastic at the top, you could see the entire valley, the town of Jasper and Whistler etc. Once there you could hike up to the top of the mountain or just sit on rocks taking in the scenery.
9. Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
Reviewed By AsierOsacar - Ottawa, Canada
My partner and i stayed in one of the campings for 2 nights. Loved the national park, hiking and the peace in there. Camping sites are big and separate enough between each other for a little privacy. We will come back for sure.
10. Bruce Peninsula National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 737 reviews
When visiting Bruce Peninsula National Park, start your adventure at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory. Here you'll find information to help plan your visit including tips on where to go when the Cyprus Lake parking lots are full, activities for children, and recommendations on hiking trails. Don't forget the Visitor Centre also includes a natural history museum and just around the corner, a viewing tower and some great hiking trails. While you're at the Visitor Centre take in an Interpretation program. Other visitor attractions in the park include Singing Sands Beach, Halfway Log Dump with incredible views of limestone cliffs and boulder beaches, and of course the Grotto and Indian Head Cove near Cyprus Lake. Bruce Peninsula National Park also includes the popular Cyprus Lake Campground with 232 camp sites and 10 yurt accommodations. Please visit the park website for more information and links to the Parks Canada reservations website. July and August are extrememly busy times in the park so plan your trip accordingly and visit the park website for information on other attractions in the area, fees, hours, park regulations and safety tips.
Reviewed By Vladimiramirela - Mississauga, Canada
Even though the park is beautiful for hiking and sight seeing, my favourite spot remains the Observation Tower, high above the forest, rewarding those who climb all the way to its top with an incredible view of the point where Huron Lake meets Georgian Bay, way on the far horizon.
