The Best National Parks in Canada

By Kenya Barrett


When you think of vacation, it's natural to dream of palm trees, clear ocean beaches, and tropical infused dishes. However, not all vacation destinations fit that description. In fact, Canada is a perfect location for travelers who are looking for the complete opposite!

Expanding a vast amount of parks and natural reserves, here is a list of the top National Parks in Canada.


Banff National Park

Nestled within the Rocky Mountain peaks in the Alberta province, Banff serves as Canada’s oldest National Park, having been established in 1885. Known for its beautiful mountain ridges and dense forests, visitors who travel to this park will definitely have their hands full. Whether it’s going for a hike in the Castle Mountains, skiing through Banff Sunshine Village, or observing glaciers from the Iceland Parkway, there’s an activity for everyone to participate in. For those who just want to chill, the city of Banff is home to many cultural and historic attractions including the Whyte Museum, the Banff Centre, and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.


Lake Louise

Although not a National Park by itself, it's worth mentioning as it's something you don't want to miss! Named after the famed princess Louise Caroline Alberta, Lake Louise is a glacial fed lake that rests within Banff National Park. Famous for its beautiful turquoise color, the lake hosts a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts including skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, and ice fishing. Additionally, there are several hiking trails available that give visitors the opportunity to go horseback riding and mountain biking. Lake Louise is also home to Fairmont’s Chateau Lake Louise, a luxury hotel located just east of the shore.


Jasper National Park

Also located within the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is one the largest in the area spanning about 4,200 square miles. Popular for its eclectic collection of wildlife, visitors can find wolverines, caribou, lynx, and black bears scattered throughout the mountain ranges. The Columbia Icefield is a famous attraction known for its glaciers; Athabasca, Castleguard, Columbia, Stutfield, Saskatchewan, and Dome. Other places of interest include the scenic lakes of Pyramid Mountain and Maligne Valley, as well as picturesque Athabasca Falls.


Yoho National Park

The smallest of the national parks in the area, Yoho National Park only covers 507 square miles but is home to the 2nd largest waterfall in Canada, Takakkaw Falls. More of a unique landscape with diverse geological features than anything else, Yoho National Park is an exceptional area for experienced hikers looking for a challenge climbing rock walls and jagged peaks. The sights atop the mountain ranges that surround the park offer a skyline view that is well worth the hike!


Kootenay National Park

Located in the Southeastern part of British Columbia, Kootenay National Park is perhaps the most unique destination of all the parks in the Canadian Rockies. Home to several interesting attractions, the park is well known for the Radium Hot Springs - a natural hot spring which has been proven to contain trace amounts of radon! Additionally, nature enthusiasts and conservationists can visit Paint Pots, an acidic mineral water spring that hosts 14 species of algae and was once an area of importance due to the commercial iron mining. Travelers can also spend time exploring canyons, fossil collecting through the various trails situated along Redstreak Mountain, or catching rainbow trout in the Kootenay River.

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