A scenic destination, Canada is known for its mesmerizing mountains, beautiful islands and fascinating national parks. This former British and French colony has wonderfully combined varied cultures and have carved out a unique identity. While many tourists love to travel across its cosmopolitan cities including Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa, its real beauty lies in its numerous national parks.
Let’s Find Out The Top 10 Most Beautiful National Parks In Canada:
1. Jasper National Park
One of the best national parks in Canada, Jasper National Park is a great place to witness nature at its best. The glaciers here are simply stunning and if you love hiking, there are plenty of mountain trails that will take you through exotic routes. It is a place where there is no dearth of outdoor activity. Whether you are interested in rock climbing, hiking, fishing or camping, there is a lot of opportunity to pursue everything. You can also opt for horse riding when you travel to Jasper National Park. The Athabasca Falls, the magnificent Medicine Lake and the Jasper Sky Tram are some of the other attractions of this place.
2. Pacific Rim National Park
British Columbia’s famous travel spot, the Pacific Rim National Park is situated on Vancouver Island. The national park has three separate sections. Campers and surfers can head to Long Beach in Wickanninish Bay and consists of one of the sections. The second section is a group of small islands which include places like Cree Island and Hand Island. Pacific Rim’s third part is a long hiking trail overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is referred to as the West Coast Trail.
3. Banff National Park
Banff National Park is known for its extraordinary beauty. Located in the Alberta Rockies, the walking trails in the park offer amazing opportunities to explore the natural environment. One of the major attraction here is the hot springs in Basin National Historic Site. Also, take a tour of Lake Louise to witness the stunning views around it. If you wish to explore the region, ride on a gondola. It is also a great place to spot wild animals, ski on the snow covered slopes or hike along the numerous walking trails in Banff National Park.
4. Nahanni National Park
Nahanni National Park in Canada is truly a boon for outdoor enthusiasts. The park can be reached by a floatplane. River rafting, canoeing and kayaking are popular activities here. The South Nahanni River flows through the park and offers the perfect destination for all kinds of water sports. The beautiful Virginia Falls can be reached by a canoe or kayak, if you wish to sail through the waters of South Nahanni River. Overnight camping sites are also abundant here. The amazing hot sulfur springs and the breathtaking alpine tundra will leave you spellbound.
5. Gros Morne National Park
Named after peak of Gros Morne, the national park has long mountain ranges. Spreading from the mighty Appalachians, it has a number of vantage points. The stunning scenery at Gros Morne National Park will leave you awestruck and the hiking trails will take you through scenic routes. Visitors can also opt for guided boat trips on the Western Brook Pond. The Cow Head Lighthouse is another major attraction that is steeped in history and therefore considered a major landmark at Gros Morne.
6. Auyuittuq National Park
A hotspot for travelers during the summer season, Auyuittuq National Park is located in one of the world’s largest islands, Baffin Island. The arctic landscape of this park provides for long days during the summer when the sun does not set here. At the park, try out a sled dog tour amidst the tundra region or sleep in an igloo for a once in a lifetime experience.
7. Prince Edward Island National Park
The red sandstone cliffs of Prince Edward Island National Park draw a lot of tourists to this destination in the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal trails offer amazing views of the adjoining sea and the steep cliffs have brilliant vantage points that provide exhilarating views of the surrounding area. Many museums are located within the park and visitors can take a trip to the Covehead Harbour Lighthouse. Another major landmark here is the Green Gables Heritage Place.
8. Waterton Lakes National Park
Located on the border between Canada and the United States, Waterton Lakes National Park is situated on the Canadian side. The other side, which falls within the United States is referred to as the US Glacier National Park. The brilliant red rocks of the Red Rock Canyon is one of the most striking features of this place. At Waterton Lakes, the still waters of Cameron Lake will amaze you. It is also a great place to spot buffalos in their natural habitat at the Buffalo Paddock. Another must see feature at the park is the Blakiston Falls.
9. Riding Mountain National Park
If you are interested in photography and wish to capture nature at its best, Riding Mountain National Park is the best place to be. Located in Parkland, Manitoba it is a fantastic place for hiking as well as camping. According to history, the park once served as a war camp during World War II. The park is home to the Wasagaming settlement and has several local restaurants for visitors. Apart from these, do not forget to go for a walking tour along Loon’s Island Trail where you have the opportunity of finding a fascinating array of wildlife including grey wolves, deer, beavers, Canadian geese, elk and white pelicans.
10. Yoho National Park
Visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle of busy Calgary head to Yoho National Park for a serene holiday. It is a peaceful place and is not as crowded as the other national parks. Nature lovers would be enthralled by its elegance and beauty. The picture perfect Lake O’Hara is outstanding and its crystal clear, emerald waters are breathtaking. The Takakkaw Falls is another highlight of this park. Wapta Falls and the Natural Bridge are other places that you must not miss on your trip to the Yoho National Park.