Canadian National Parks To Visit on Your Next Trip

Canada’s national parks are the kind of places that stay with you. One day, you’re on a trail and realise you haven’t seen another soul in hours. Next, you’re paddling past an otter that pops up to check you out. And then there are those moments when you just stop, watch the light shift across a glacier, and think this is exactly why you came.

We’ve partnered with Destination Canada to reveal some great parks to visit, comparing each one using data on: 

• Wildlife diversity
• Instagram popularity
• Visitor reviews
• Accessibility
• Park size 

Are you planning a trip to Canada and want to explore its wildest and most inspiring places? This list is the perfect starting point. We’ve also looked into some hidden gems, so if you’re looking to skip the crowds and enjoy the quiet bliss of a park, this page is for you.

Key findings

• A tie for first place: Gulf Islands National Park Reserve in British Columbia and Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia share the top spot with an overall score of 9.31 out of 10. 
• Wildlife hotspot: Ontario’s Point Pelee National Park recorded an incredible 1,821 plant and animal species per 10 km², making it the richest park for biodiversity in the country. 
• The key to a tranquil getaway: Pukaskwa National Park sees fewer than 18,000 visitors yearly, making it perfect for those looking for peace and quiet.

10 national parks in Canada to visit on your next trip

Some national parks win you over with picture-perfect scenery. Others quietly charm you with their hidden coves, wildlife encounters, or trails that seem to have been designed with your camera roll in mind. 

Our top 10 includes a mix of places that offer that wow moment and spots where the magic sneaks up on you.

So, pack your hiking boots, your binoculars, and maybe a little extra phone storage for the photos you’re bound to take. These are the national parks worth planning a whole trip around.

1. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve: British Columbia’s coastal haven

Tied for first place in our ranking with a score of 9.31 out of 10, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is one of those places you almost don’t want to tell everyone about, it’s that good.

Why we love it:

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a collection of over 30 islands and islets, each with coves, sandy beaches, and hidden trails. 

The pace here is gloriously slow. You can spend the morning kayaking alongside harbour otters, then wander through wildflower meadows in the afternoon.

What makes it special:

It’s not just pretty on the surface. With more than 454 plant and animal species per 10 km², the biodiversity here is impressive for its size. Visitors have spotted species like the Ochre Sea Starfish, a Bald Eagle, and a North American Otter. 

The park’s smaller size (just 37 km²) makes it easy to explore without feeling rushed and has a reputation for peaceful, crowd-free adventures.

Tip for visitors:

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is spread across land and sea, so the best way to get there is by boat. Consider joining a guided kayaking trip or hopping on a water taxi to visit multiple islands in a day. And don’t forget your camera, the sunsets here are pure gold.

1. Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Nova Scotia’s ocean and mountain playground

Joining the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is Cape Breton Highlands National Park in the Maritime province of Nova Scotia. It is a different kind of park, but no less impressive.

Why we love it:

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to one of the most scenic drives in the world,  the Cabot Trail. It’s a winding ribbon of road that serves up cliffside views, ocean panoramas, and more “I need to pull over for a photo” moments than you can count. 

In autumn, the hardwood forests explode in red, orange, and gold shades, making it a leaf-peeper’s paradise.

What makes it special:

With a Google review score of 4.9 out of five and a national park score of 9.31 out of 10, visitors clearly agree it’s worth the journey. The park’s mix of coastal cliffs, highlands, and deep river canyons means a hike for every mood, from gentle lookouts to challenging treks. 

Nature lovers are in for a treat too, with the chance to spot eerie Ghost Pipes, beautiful Twinflowers, and vibrant Northern Blue Flags.

Tip for visitors:

Give yourself at least two days here to drive the Cabot Trail leisurely and still have time for a few hikes. The Skyline Trail is a must-do. Its boardwalk leads you to a dramatic headland with uninterrupted views where you can watch for whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

3. Kluane National Park and Reserve: Yukon’s mountain wilderness

Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon, is ranked third overall, scoring 9.15 out of 10. It is a wild, untamed giant where adventure feels limitless.

Why we love it:

Kluane is home to Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan, and the largest non-polar icefield in the world – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Valleys, mountains, and glacial lakes set the scene for hiking, sightseeing, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. 

As you explore, you might see grizzlies, Thinhorn sheep, or the dainty Canada Jay. Or simply take in the scale of the landscape, which makes even the most seasoned adventurers feel small.

What makes it special:

With an area of 21,980 km², this is the largest park in our top 10 and one of the least crowded. At the time of our research, there were just 729 tagged Instagram posts, which means you can enjoy its beauty without the bustle. 

Its Google review score of 4.8 out of five shows how impressive visitors find it. One visitor said the “mountains here are some of the most beautiful mountains I’ve ever seen,” with another saying it was “a very memorable experience that’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Tip for visitors:

Pack layers. Even in summer, the weather here can change quickly. 

For a perspective you can’t get on foot, consider booking a sightseeing flight over the glaciers. If you prefer to stay grounded, the 12.7 km King’s Throne Trail has all the views you could ask for.

Which national park in Canada has the most wildlife?

On average, national parks and reserves have almost 222 animal and plant species per 10 km². But there’s one park that has more than eight times this.

Point Pelee may be small, but it’s one of Canada’s most rewarding national parks for a nature trip. This narrow peninsula on Lake Erie is a hotspot for biodiversity, with over 1,821 plant and animal species per 10 km², more than any other national park or reserve in the country.

The park’s variety of habitats is what makes it special. Wetlands to shelter turtles, forests to provide cover for deer and foxes, and a shoreline for migratory birds.

Walk along the marsh boardwalk, which offers plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities. The tip of the peninsula is the place to be during migration season. If you’re a keen photographer or birder, bring your longest lens.

Where can I find the quietest national park in Canada?

Canadian national parks attract an average of 542,000 visitors yearly, ranging from under 20,000 to more than 4.2 million. Fancy a quiet getaway? Here’s where to head. 

If your idea of a perfect trip is finding somewhere you can switch off, Pukaskwa National Park should be on your radar. Tucked away on the northern shores of Lake Superior, it’s one of Canada’s quietest national parks, with only around 17,774 visitors a year. That means no crowds, queues, just the sound of the waves and the occasional bird call.

It’s the kind of place where you can wander along the 60 km Coastal Hiking Trail and not see another person for hours. Even a short walk can lead you to a viewpoint that feels like it belongs only to you.

Come prepared, bring everything you need for the day, and you’ll be rewarded with a real sense of escape.

The national park with plenty to explore

Most Canadian national parks are big enough to keep you busy for a few days – averaging just under 2,156 km² – but some are on a whole other scale.

Spanning 21,980 km², the first thing that strikes you about Kluane is the scale. There are mountains, glaciers, lakes, and icefields… all in one park. 

There’s no shortage of ways to explore. You can take on alpine hiking trails, paddle the glassy surface of Kathleen Lake, or book a flightseeing trip for an unforgettable look at the park. 

Exploring Kluane takes time, but that’s part of its magic. Plan to stay for at least a couple of days, and you’ll be rewarded with experiences that feel genuinely wild and untouched.

Canadian national parks with accessible trails

Whatever your ability, Canada’s national parks are there to be enjoyed. Three parks have two officially designated accessible trails, with 10 more parks around the country offering one route. 

Exploring Canada’s wild beauty doesn’t have to mean tackling steep climbs or rough terrain. Several national parks have invested in well-designed accessible trails, making it easier for visitors of all ages and abilities to experience their standout scenery.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island National Park, and Forillon National Park in Quebec all have two officially designated accessible trails.

In Cape Breton Highlands, the entire Bog Trail 0.5 km loop has boardwalk paths over moss and wildflowers, making it wheelchair-friendly. The Freshwater Lake Trail also has a boardwalk access as you enjoy the sounds of the ocean and loons.

Prince Edward Island National Park has a mix of beachside boardwalks and gentle forest paths, perfect for a seaside stroll. The Gulf Shore Way East and Gulf Shore Way West trails are smooth, level, and suitable for people with limited mobility. 

The Forillon National Park has an option for people who are looking for a shorter or longer trail. The Prélude-à-Forillon is a half-kilometre loop that takes around 15 minutes on a boardwalk along a pebble beach. Whereas, the Du Banc trail could take up to two hours as you go among the Forillon cliffs and check out the Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse over four kilometres. 

How to safely and responsibly enjoy Canada’s national parks

Canada’s national parks are wild, beautiful, and often remote, which is exactly what makes them so special. But with that beauty comes the responsibility to protect it and to look after yourself while exploring. 

While planning, it’s worth knowing the difference between a national park and a national park reserve: 

• National parks are fully protected and managed for conservation and recreation.
• Reserves often have unresolved Indigenous land claims and may allow certain traditional activities alongside regular park use.

Plan ahead

Weather, terrain, and wildlife can vary hugely between parks (and even within the same park). So the key is to plan for all eventualities. 

Before you set out, check park alerts, trail conditions, and seasonal closures. In remote areas, mobile signal can be patchy, so download maps in advance and let someone know your plans.

Respect the wildlife

Seeing animals in their natural habitat can be a highlight of any trip, but keeping your distance is important. Use binoculars or a zoom lens for photos, never feed wildlife, and store food securely to avoid attracting curious visitors to your campsite.

Leave no trace

Canada’s parks are pristine for a reason. Stick to marked trails, keep rubbish with you, and avoid picking plants or disturbing natural features. Even small changes can have a big impact on fragile ecosystems.

Be prepared for the elements

Conditions can change quickly, especially in mountain or coastal regions. Dress in layers, carry extra water and snacks, and pack essentials like a first aid kit, torch, and rain gear, even in summer.

Travel with an expert

If you want a worry-free way to explore, consider booking through a specialist tour operator. 

Journeyscape’s Canada travel experts can recommend the best parks or reserves for your interests, arrange experienced local guides, and make sure every detail is taken care of.

Methodology:

Journeyscape is the UK’s leading specialist in North American holidays. It curates inspiring, authentic, and extraordinary journeys, all delivered with exceptional customer service. 

To spark ideas for your next adventure, we analysed extensive data on wildlife diversity, Instagram popularity, visitor reviews, accessibility, and park size to reveal Canadian national parks and reserves you should visit.

We created a seed list of Canada’s National Parks and National Park Reserves using the Parks Canada official site. We then recorded the following data for each:

• Total area from Guide to the National Parks of Canada by National Geographic. This was accessed via Wikipedia.
• Annual visitor numbers from the Government of Canada’s open data source.
• Number of plant and animal species observations from iNaturalist.
• The number of Instagram posts using the hashtag “[parkname]”
• Google review score

Lastly, we found which parks had accessible routes using the Parks Canada official site.

All data was collected in July 2025 and is correct as of then.

All information was compiled by Journeyscape.