Canada is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, and its national parks remain a top choice for travelers looking to explore untouched beauty, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. In 2025, the best national parks in Canada are expected to attract even more global visitors as interest in sustainable tourism and outdoor exploration continues to rise. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the crystal clear lakes of Banff and Jasper, to the coastal treasures of the Pacific Rim and the vast wilderness of Gros Morne, these destinations offer unique experiences that showcase Canada’s incredible biodiversity.
Travelers searching for the best places to visit in Canada will find that national parks provide the perfect blend of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural heritage. Hiking trails, camping opportunities, kayaking routes, and photography spots make these parks ideal for adventurers, families, and nature lovers alike. With trending interest in eco travel, Canada’s national parks are becoming top ranked destinations for 2025 vacations. This list highlights the top ten best national parks to visit in Canada, ensuring readers discover hidden gems alongside world famous attractions. Whether planning a road trip, a luxury getaway, or a backpacking adventure, these parks stand out as must visit locations that define the essence of Canadian travel in 2025.
The Top Ten Best National Parks To Visit In Canada (2025)
10. Mount Revelstoke National Park, British Columbia
Mount Revelstoke rewards visitors who seek lush rainforest valleys, ancient cedar groves, and quiet alpine meadows. The ascent along the Meadows in the Sky Parkway reveals dramatic changes in vegetation, from mossy lowland trails to sunlit high country where carpets of wildflowers bloom in mid summer. Boardwalks and short interpretive trails protect fragile wetlands while offering easy access for families and photographers.
The Giant Cedars area showcases trees with remarkable girth and age that feel almost cathedral like against a backdrop of mountain ridges. Seasonal hiking is straightforward with trails suitable for a range of fitness levels, while birders can enjoy a steady variety of songbirds and raptors. Because Mount Revelstoke is smaller and less crowded than the major Rocky Mountain parks, solo travellers and small groups often find it easier to secure campsites and parking, especially early and late in the season.
Wildflower displays peak from late June to August and create excellent opportunities for close up nature photography. Practical planning tips include preparing for sudden weather shifts, packing layered clothing, and allowing time to explore both valley floor ecosystems and higher alpine viewpoints.
9. Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Yoho is a concentrated showcase of geology and waterfall drama tucked into a narrow Rocky Mountain valley. Water fed from ancient glaciers spills over sheer cliffs at Takakkaw Falls creating thunderous spray and vivid rainbows on sunny days. Emerald Lake glows with a jewel like turquoise that invites canoeing and gentle shoreline walks where reflections of jagged peaks reward patient photographers.
Beyond the iconic viewpoints, Yoho has caves and fossil sites that tell deep time stories about how these mountains formed. Trail networks range from family friendly loops to more strenuous alpine scrambling that leads to remote cirques and high meadows. The natural bridge and the Kicking Horse River offer striking contrasts of water shaped stone and powerful currents.
Wildlife can be elusive but attentive hikers may glimpse mountain sheep along rocky ledges or mule deer in forest openings. For visitors who want a compact mountain experience with sweeping geology and accessible lakeside scenery, Yoho delivers memorable day hikes and calm overnight stays in nearby lodges and campgrounds.
8. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Pacific Rim brings together coastal rainforest, expansive sandy beaches, and a richly productive marine environment in one unforgettable region on Vancouver Island. Long Beach stretches for kilometers of surf and sand where tide pools reveal diverse intertidal life at low tide and surfers test Pacific swells. Inland from the shore, old growth forests of Sitka spruce and western red cedar cloak hiking routes that smell of cedar and salt.
The Broken Group Islands are a paddler friendly archipelago with sheltered coves ideal for sea kayaking and wildlife watching. The West Coast Trail is a marquee multi day route known for its rugged coastal scenery, boardwalk sections and ladder climbs, rewarding capable backpackers with solitude and dramatic shorelines. Marine excursions offer chances to see sea birds, seals and migrating whales depending on the season.
Visitors benefit from planning around tides and weather and from reserving accommodations well in advance during summer. For those who want a coastal wilderness escape that blends beach time with forested exploration and marine adventures, Pacific Rim remains an exceptional choice.
7. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Waterton Lakes sits where prairie meets mountain and specializes in dramatic transitions of landscape within a compact area. Open grasslands rise sharply into foothills and craggy peaks, while glacier fed lakes reflect surrounding cliffs in glassy stillness on calm mornings. The Prince of Wales Hotel perches over the water offering one of the most photographed vantage points in western Canada.
Trails thread through meadows of wildflowers that attract butterflies and bees in summer and produce vivid autumn colours in fall. Water activities include kayaking and boat tours that reveal hidden bays and shoreline geology. The park is part of an international peace park with protected lands across the border, which creates extended opportunities for cross border hiking and scenic driving.
Wildlife such as deer, bighorn sheep and various bird species are common, but visitors should always keep a safe distance and follow guidelines for animal encounters. Waterton’s particular blend of open prairie light and mountain scale makes it especially rewarding for landscape photography and for travellers seeking a varied but manageable mountain experience.
6. Kootenay National Park, British Columbia
Kootenay mixes glacier carved valleys, hot springs and vivid mountain lakes into a compact and diverse experience. The park stretches across river corridors that thread through steep slopes and alpine basins where wildflower meadows flourish in summer. One of the gentle pleasures here is soaking in natural mineral pools after a day of hiking, an ideal way to soothe tired legs. Scenic drives through the park reveal dramatic colour contrasts where pale limestone cliffs meet emerald river channels.
Hikers will appreciate options from short interpretive loops to long ridge routes that climb into quiet backcountry. Wildlife is varied and includes residents like elk and marmots alongside occasional bear sightings, so carrying bear spray and following park safety guidance is important. For travellers who want an off the beaten path taste of the Rockies that combines restorative hot springs, accessible trailheads and striking mountain vistas, Kootenay offers a memorable alternative to the busier park circuits.
5. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Fundy is a coastal playground built around some of the highest tides on earth and a rugged shoreline that continually reshapes itself. Tidal mud flats, rocky headlands and sheltered coves create dynamic habitats for shorebirds, crustaceans and coastal flora. At low tide exposed channels reveal intricate ecosystems that are fascinating for guided interpretation and tide pool exploration. Inland, red spruce and fir forests shelter hiking trails that range from easy river walks to challenging climbs with rewarding summit views over the bay.
Kayaking along sheltered inlets provides close up encounters with seals and waterfowl while scenic lookouts capture the scale of tidal change that can exceed several meters between high and low water. The park also supports family friendly facilities such as boardwalks and interpretive centres that explain the tidal forces shaping the coast. For visitors who value coastal geology, dramatic shorelines and hands on tide exploration, Fundy is a compelling east coast destination.
4. Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park, Québec
Where a deep glacial fjord meets a broad tidal river, Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park protects one of the most wildlife rich waterways in eastern Canada. Steep fjord walls plunge into cold deep water that attracts marine mammals and a lively food web. Whale watching tours often focus on species that use the mixing waters for feeding and social behaviour, and observers on land can witness seabird colonies on exposed cliffs. The park supports a network of sea oriented activities such as kayaking and guided boat excursions that emphasize responsible wildlife viewing and coastal stewardship.
The riverside communities add cultural texture with Indigenous and francophone heritage that enhances interpretive programs and local cuisine. Trails and scenic viewpoints along the fjord allow for dramatic overhead perspectives of water patterns and shifting light. For travellers who want an immersive coastal and marine experience that balances observation with education, this region combines powerful natural spectacle with thoughtful access.
3. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
Gros Morne is exceptional for its geological story and for landscapes that shift quickly from fjord to barren plateau to forested coastline. The Tablelands present a rare glimpse into earth’s mantle as exposed rock formations create a moonscape like appearance that surprises visitors used to green hills. Boats and hikes along deep freshwater fjords reveal steep cliffs and moody reflections that change with weather and light. The park supports long distance trails that attract backpackers as well as shorter interpretive routes that explore coastal ecology.
Bird watchers and marine observers can encounter seabird colonies and occasional marine mammals on coastal tours. Gros Morne’s world heritage designation recognizes both its geological importance and its outstanding scenic diversity. Visitors should plan for variable weather, pack layers and consider guided tours to gain deeper insight into the unique landforms and cultural history of the area.
2. Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper combines vast wilderness with accessible adventure opportunities, ranging from glacier edge walks to tranquil lake cruises. Maligne Lake and Spirit Island are postcard worthy scenes that draw photographers and paddlers who want pristine blue water framed by soaring peaks. The park’s expansive size supports extensive trail networks and remote backcountry areas that appeal to hikers and wildlife watchers seeking solitude. Jasper has a special commitment to protecting night skies and was officially designated as a dark sky preserve, creating outstanding conditions for night sky observation and stargazing events.
Winter brings a different character with snow covered valleys and opportunities for cross country skiing and ice walks, while summer showcases wildflower filled meadows and abundant bird life. Town amenities provide a convenient base for arranging guided experiences and for learning about safety in bear country. For travellers who value both large scale wilderness and well organized interpretive programs, Jasper offers a balanced and immersive mountain experience.
1. Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff stands as an emblem of Canadian mountain scenery with turquoise lakes, glaciated peaks and an array of outdoor pursuits that suit many kinds of visitors. Founded in the late nineteenth century, Banff is recognized as Canada’s first national park and it forms part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage region in the Canadian Rockies. Iconic lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake offer dramatic reflections in calm conditions and provide easy access for canoeing and lakeside strolls. The town of Banff brings conveniences such as visitor centres, museums, and a broad range of lodging options that make mountain travel manageable for families and new visitors.
Scenic drives including the Icefields Parkway open up sweeping panoramas and roadside lookouts that reward brief stops with stunning views. In addition to summer hiking and water activities, winter transforms the park into a playground for skiing and snow based adventures. Planning ahead for parking and reservations helps avoid peak time congestion and allows for more relaxed enjoyment of the many viewpoints, trails and interpretive experiences.