Canada boasts some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world, showcasing towering peaks, glacial lakes, valleys, creeks, rugged coastlines, and islands. Not to mention, it is also home to the largest lake globally.
Let's take a closer look at some of the top national parks that Canada has to offer.
1. Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park, located in the Rocky Mountains of western Alberta, Canada, is renowned for its glacially eroded valleys, ice fields, mountains, and hot springs. Established in 1885, it is Canada's oldest national park.
The park shares borders with Kootenay National Park in British Columbia to the south and Jasper Park to the north. The town of Banff and Lake Louise are popular tourist destinations and serve as the starting point for wilderness adventures.
2. Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Ontario
Georgian Bay Islands National Park comprises 63 islands located in Lake Huron, Ontario, surrounded by turquoise blue waters. The park is known for its diverse wildlife and glaciers, with the Canadian Shield in the earth's crust below contributing to the islands' diversity. The park is home to 33 different species of amphibians, which is more than any other park in Canada. Each island features unique characteristics, ranging from lichen-covered shield rocks, pines, bristlecone cypress, and red oaks to dense hardwood forests and various orchids.
3. Kootenay National Park, British Columbia
Kootenay National Park is a representative park of the diverse landscape that features icy peaks and low valley grasslands of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Canada. The park is located on the western slope of British Columbia's Continental Divide, north of Banff National Park.
In addition to its stunning natural scenery and wildlife, the park is also home to 97 archaeological sites, a National Historic Site, a federal heritage building, and many historical artifacts and indigenous cultures.
The park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including badgers, grizzly bears, black bears, and Canadian lynxes. At the southern end of the park, near Ladham Hot Springs, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep make their home. Popular attractions within Kootenay National Park include Radium Hot Springs, Numa Falls, and the thermal pools of Marble Canyon.
4. Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island
Located on the north shore of Prince Edward Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Prince Edward Island National Park is a stunning combination of sand dunes, islands, beaches, sandstone cliffs, wetlands, and forests. Established in 1937 and expanded in 1998 to preserve and protect the fragile dune system, the park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Piping Plover.
5. Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland, and Labrador
Rugged cliffs, secluded bays, and a unique location in the boreal forest and North Atlantic Ocean create the breathtaking natural beauty of Terra Nova National Park. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Newfoundland marten.
In 1957, Terranova became the province's first national park, and today, outdoor enthusiasts from around the world gather here to see the stunning natural scenery and experience a variety of local recreational activities. During the summer months, visitors can participate in unique local eco-experiences.
