Discover the Most Beautiful National Parks in Canada (2024)

Canada is a vast and diverse North American country, and this nation is undoubtedly very scenic. It is home to the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, which are present in the form of National Parks. Canada boasts 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves. The selection of National Parks here may not be very extensive, but it is truly diverse. No matter how you choose to connect with nature, there are always enough National Park options to choose from.

The Canadian National Parks are home to stunning scenery and mesmerizing vistas. This natural landscape boasts diverse features ranging from pristine lakes, towering mountains, diverse wildlife, and remote wilderness. Exploring these landscapes allows travelers to connect with nature and soak in raw, unaltered beauty. Whether you are curious about Prince Edward Island National Park’s serene shoes or Banff National Park’s rugged terrain, Canada’s natural landscapes will never disappoint you. Everyone from wildlife enthusiasts to avid hikers, professional campers, or simply wanderers, people from different parts of the world find Solace in Canada’s National Parks.

With that said, here we present the Most Beautiful National Parks in Canada. Moving forward, we’ll get into parks’ history, culture, recreational opportunities, and other details. Make sure you stick to the end to get the most out of it. Let’s get started:

Discover the Most Beautiful National Parks in Canada

1. Banff National Park

Banff is unarguably the top-rated National Park in Canada, perhaps the best known. This iconic natural landscape is nestled in the Alberta Rockies in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. A visit here introduces travelers to dramatic mountain peaks, pristine wilderness, and crystal-clear lakes. Banff National Park is truly a perfect blend of serene natural beauty and rugged outdoor recreation.

The best way to start exploring Banff is by visiting Lake Louise at the park’s center. This stunning emerald-green lake, surrounding glaciers, and soaring peaks make it Canada’s most beautiful landmark. The lake boasts endless recreational opportunities, including canoeing, skiing, hiking, horseback riding, and more. Or, for an uplifting experience, take a gondola ride and enjoy spectacular aerial vistas of the lake and its surroundings.

Banff National Park is also North America’s hiking wonderland, offering some extremely challenging yet rewarding trails. Some of the excellent trails include Wilcox Pass, Plain of Six Glaciers, Sentinel Pass/Larch Valley, and Helen Lake Trail. Hiking and backpacking are excellent ways to explore Banff’s natural beauty. Such trips may also introduce you to mountain goats, grizzly bears, elk, and other local wildlife. Visitors can also opt for guided tours and learn about Banff’s geology, ecology, and history.

2. Nahanni National Park Reserve

Encompassing 30,000 square kilometers, Nahanni is one of the largest National Parks in Canada. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is nestled in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Nahanni National Park Reserve boasts vast wilderness, rugged terrain, and stunning natural beauty. The South Nahanni River flows from the center of the park and gives birth to ‘The Gate’ rapid, the most challenging and spectacular rapid in North America. To navigate through this route, one requires expert-level kayaking or rafting skills. However, despite how challenging it may get, the surrounding landscape and stunning backdrop make it all worth it.

South Nahanni River is truly awe-inspiring, especially its surrounding features, including waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and sky-high canyons. Another remarkable feature of the National Park is Virginia Falls which towers 96 meters high, about twice the height of Niagara Falls. To witness the power and beauty of this towering fall, visitors can hike along the trails or take a boat tour for an up close and personal experience.

Visitors to Nahanni National Park Reserve can also take a helicopter tour and witness the secret spots and hidden gems in the wilderness. These tours depart from the town of Fort Simpson and can be 20 minutes to several hours long. The aerial views of the park via these tours are definitely to be seen. Or, check out a diverse range of wildlife and a variety of bird species at Nahanni.

In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Nahanni National Park Reserve is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. Visitors can explore the park by foot, canoe, or helicopter, and there are numerous backcountry campsites and lodges for those looking to immerse themselves in the park’s wilderness. Sunblood Mountain Trail and South Nahanni River offer some exciting opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.

3. Jasper National Park

Similarly to Banff, Jasper National Park is another gem nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. This landmark of stunning natural beauty attracts millions of visitors every year, not only from domestic but international land as well. The park’s wilderness features lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, towering peaks, and some truly incredible wildlife. The most iconic feature of Jasper National Park is the iconic Icefields Parkway. The parkway stretches 144.15 miles making its way through the center of the park. Driving through the Icefields Parkway is one of the most thrilling, enjoyable, and rewarding experiences of all time. The view of towering mountains, Columbia icefields, glaciers, and waterfalls makes it a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.

Jasper National Park is also vividly known for housing a wealth of wildlife. Some of the common animals visitors can spot here include bighorn sheep, elk, moose, and grizzly bears. The best way to observe Jasper’s wildlife is while hiking through the park’s trail. Individuals have to behave attentively and keep their eyes peeled. Or opt for a guided wildlife tour for an easy, personal, and informative experience.

When in Jasper, you cannot miss soaking in the Miette Hot Springs. An ideal place to relax and rejuvenate after a day of hiking, Miette is the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies.

4. Yoho National Park

Located in the British Columbia province, the Yoho National Park is one of the most scenic and breathtaking natural landmarks in Canada. This landscaped beauty is home to cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, and soaring peaks. All of these make Yoho National Park a wonderland for nature lovers. The park is home to Emerald Lake, perhaps Canada’s most iconic attraction. Its shimmering green and blue water will leave you in awe.

The park is home to some of the most iconic natural attractions in Canada, including the stunning Emerald Lake. This crystal-clear freshwater lake is a beautiful place to stop and relax. Unlike other tourist landmarks in the park, Emerald Lake is usually less crowded. Another exciting feature of the Yoho National Park is the Takakkaw Fall. Towering 1,224 feet high, it is the second-highest waterfall in Canada. Its main drop is 833 feet high, and as it cascades down a towering cliff face, it creates a stunning mist. Takakkaw translates to Magnificent, and it truly is.

Another popular feature of Yoho is the Natural Bridge. This unique rock formation creates a natural archway that visitors walk across and enjoy clicking pictures at. Yoho National Park is a peaceful retreat for photographers, hikers, nature lovers, wildlife watchers, and more.

5. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Another popular National Park in Canada is the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. This mesmerizing natural destination boasts the Canadian west coasts’ rugged beauty. The National park reserve is nestled in British Columbia on Vancouver Island/ According to its regular visitors, this natural landmark houses the most scenic landscapes in Canada. The most iconic feature of the park is the 47 miles long West Coast Trail. Offering a multi-day backcountry hike, this trail introduces hikers to some spectacular views of the forest and the Pacific Ocean. The trail isn’t true for beginners since the rugged terrain gives possibilities to challenging conditions.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve boasts a rocky shoreline featuring beautiful sandy beaches. The pristine beaches here boast a range of opportunities, including swimming, kayaking, and surfing. Or go whale watching in the Pacific Ocean and enjoy your time differently. Park visitors can also go hiking and backpacking through the park’s ancient forests.

When at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, do not miss the chance for wildlife spotting. It is easy to spot black bears, wolves, and cougars that to the abundance of wildlife here. The park is also a common spot to witness sea otters in the ocean or bald eagles making their way over your head. 

6. Fundy National Park

Fundy National Park in New Brunswick on the coast of the Bay of Fundy is truly a breathtaking destination. This landmark attracts nature lovers all throughout the year, not only from Canada but the world across. Fundy’s unique location and geology boast unique scenery and also make it an excellent outdoor recreational landmark. The major highlight of the National Park is its coastline. With secluded beaches, cloves, and rugged cliffs, the coastline here boasts otherworldly views. On days when high tides reach 53 feet, those extreme views are definitely to be seen. Bay of Fundy’s unique geography creates a funnel-like shape. This shape further amplifies the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun and leads to high tides. The phenomena can be dangerous but truly rewarding as well.

Visitors to Fundy often enjoy strolling along the Fundy Trail Parkway. A nature walk here allows individuals to enjoy the dramatic views of the ocean. On low tide days, Hopewell Rocks emerge from the water, and that’s when you can witness how rock formations sculpted over thousands of years due to the tidal effects.

Park’s landlocked beauty boasts rolling hills and lush green forests. It allows visitors to explore miles of hiking trails either for challenging backcountry treks or leisurely strolls. The park also boasts tranquil streams and cascading waterfalls, most of which are seen during a hiking trip. Or, get deep into the wilderness and spot wildlife like white-tailed deer, black bears, moose, and more. Fundy also offers camping opportunities in the form of cozy yurts and campsites.

7. Kluane National Park and Reserve

Located in the southwestern Yukon, Kluane National Park and Reserve is a breathtaking wilderness of Canada. This natural landscape is known for its crystal-clear lakes and rivers, expansive glaciers, and dramatic, snow-capped peaks. Kluane is home to Mount Logan of Saint Elias Mountains (19,551 feet), the highest mountain peak in Canada. The soaring landscapes in Kluane attract hikers from all across North America. The famous Sheep Mountain (home to the Dall sheep) is where the most exciting and rewarding opportunities for hikers lie.

The rugged terrain of Kluane National Park can be explored in a range of ways. Visitors can choose to hike or enjoy recreational boating opportunities within its inland lakes and rivers. Another way to explore the park is through Flightseeing Tours, which provide aerial views of mountains, glaciers, and lakes.

Another popular tourist attraction in Kluane National Park is the namesake lake. The pristine glacial-fed Kluane Lake is known for its mesmerizing surroundings and crystal-clear water. Visitors can either sit at the shores and soak in the natural beauty around them. Or opt for fishing or paddling at the lake for an enjoyable experience. Kluane National Park has no shortage of scenic beauty, and its upon visitors how much they can get into.