Imagine standing at the edge of a turquoise glacial lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks that stretch endlessly into the horizon. Or kayaking through ancient fjords where the water whispers secrets of the earth’s deep history. Canada’s national parks aren’t just protected lands—they’re living, breathing portals to some of the world’s most breathtaking wilderness. With 48 national parks and reserves spanning every province and territory, they offer a mosaic of ecosystems, from rugged Rocky Mountain trails to Arctic tundra adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker chasing adrenaline or a family seeking serene stargazing spots, this guide uncovers the full list, insider tips, and why 2025 is the perfect year to lace up your boots and dive in.
Canada’s national park system, managed by Parks Canada, safeguards over 343,000 square kilometers—about 3.3% of the country’s landmass—representing 31 of its 39 distinct natural regions. Established under the Canada National Parks Act, these areas prioritize ecological integrity while inviting millions of visitors annually to explore, learn, and recharge. From the iconic Banff, Canada’s first park founded in 1885, to remote reserves co-managed with Indigenous communities, each park tells a story of conservation, culture, and raw natural power. Fun fact: Attendance hit over 15 million in recent years, with Banff alone drawing four million eager explorers. Ready to find your next unforgettable escape? Let’s break it down by province and territory, highlighting key features, must-do activities, and what makes each one unmissable.
Alberta: Where the Rockies Reign Supreme
Alberta’s parks are synonymous with postcard-perfect mountains, wildlife encounters, and world-class drives. Home to five national parks, this province packs in diverse terrain from prairies to icefields, making it a top pick for road trippers.
- Banff National Park (Established: 1885; Area: 6,641 km²)
The crown jewel of Canada’s parks, Banff bursts with emerald forests, thundering waterfalls like Johnston Canyon, and the ethereal Lake Louise. Spot grizzly bears, elk, and wolves while hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers trail or soaking in the historic Banff Upper Hot Springs. In 2025, expect enhanced shuttle services to combat overcrowding—book early for summer gondola rides offering panoramic views. Pro tip: Drive the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic routes, linking Banff to Jasper. - Elk Island National Park (Established: 1906; Area: 194 km²)
A bison haven just east of Edmonton, this park is a grassland oasis amid urban sprawl. Paddle Wabamun Lake or join a guided bison safari to see massive herds roam freely. It’s also a Dark Sky Preserve, ideal for midnight aurora viewing in winter. Families love the easy boardwalks and the chance to picnic amid wildflowers. - Jasper National Park (Established: 1907; Area: 10,878 km²)
Canada’s largest Rocky Mountain park, Jasper dazzles with turquoise Athabasca Falls and the Columbia Icefield. Hike to Maligne Lake for canoeing amid floating icebergs or stargaze in the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve. Recent upgrades include better bear-proof facilities—essential for safe wildlife spotting, including black bears and bighorn sheep. - Wood Buffalo National Park (Established: 1922; Area: 44,807 km²; Shared with Northwest Territories)
The world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve and a UNESCO site, this vast boreal wilderness protects the last natural bison herds and the Peace-Athabasca Delta. Remote canoe trips reveal whooping cranes and sandhill dunes. Access requires floatplane or guided tours—perfect for eco-adventurers seeking solitude.
British Columbia: Coastal Cliffs and Ancient Forests
British Columbia’s eight parks blend Pacific shores with towering cedars, offering everything from whale-watching to backcountry skiing. It’s a surfer’s and forager’s paradise.
- Glacier National Park (Established: 1886; Area: 1,349 km²)
Tucked in the Selkirk Mountains, this park is a glacial wonderland with avalanche-carved valleys. Hike the Great Glacier Trail for icefield views or ride the historic Rogers Pass steam train. Snowshoeing here in winter feels like stepping into a frozen fairy tale. - Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (Established: 2003; Area: 33 km²)
A archipelago of serene islands, this reserve showcases coastal rainforests and orca pods. Kayak Sidney Island’s beaches or birdwatch for eagles. Co-managed with First Nations, it highlights Indigenous stewardship—join cultural tours for berry-picking insights. - Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site (Established: 1988; Area: 1,495 km²)
On Haida Gwaii, this remote gem protects totem poles and old-growth forests. Boat tours reveal Sgaang Gwaii (Anthony Island), a UNESCO site with abandoned villages. Dive into Haida culture through storytelling sessions— a must for history buffs. - Kootenay National Park (Established: 1920; Area: 1,406 km²)
Famous for Radium Hot Springs and paint pots (mineral-rich ochre beds), Kootenay offers desert-like canyons amid mountains. Soak in natural pools or hike to Stanley Glacier’s hanging icefalls. Fireweed blooms turn trails into purple carpets in summer. - Mount Revelstoke National Park (Established: 1914; Area: 260 km²)
Centered on Revelstoke Mountain, this compact park features meadows and the Giant Cedars Boardwalk. Ski in winter or picnic with Columbia River views. It’s an underrated gem for quick escapes from nearby towns. - Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (Established: 1970; Area: 265 km²)
Surf the Long Beach waves or storm-watch in winter— this Vancouver Island park is a temperate rainforest playground. The West Coast Trail challenges hikers with shipwreck history and tide pools teeming with sea stars. - Yoho National Park (Established: 1886; Area: 1,313 km²)
Home to Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls (Canada’s second-highest), Yoho means “awe” in Cree. Burgess Shale fossil beds offer guided hikes into prehistoric times. Twin Falls Creek’s blue pools are Instagram gold. - Kluane National Park and Reserve (Established: 1976; Area: 22,013 km²; Shared with Yukon)
A UNESCO site with Canada’s highest peak (Mount Logan), this park guards icefields and grizzly habitats. Flightseeing tours soar over the St. Elias Mountains—epic for photographers.
Manitoba: Prairies and Polar Bears
Manitoba’s two parks contrast endless grasslands with subarctic coasts, drawing birders and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Riding Mountain National Park (Established: 1930; Area: 2,968 km²)
A boreal oasis with bison prairies and deep lakes, it’s dubbed “Canada’s inland sea.” Kayak Clear Lake or wolf-howling tours at dusk. Aspen stands glow golden in fall. - Wapusk National Park (Established: 1996; Area: 11,475 km²)
The “white bear denning grounds,” this remote park hosts polar bear migrations. Snowmobile in winter for aurora views or fly in for beluga whale spotting in summer.
New Brunswick: Tidal Wonders and Acadian Trails
New Brunswick’s parks highlight dramatic tides and forested coasts.
- Fundy National Park (Established: 1948; Area: 207 km²)
Experience the world’s highest tides (up to 16 meters) in the Bay of Fundy. Hike Hopewell Rocks at low tide or whale-watch from kayaks. Dickson Falls’ mossy paths feel enchanted. - Kouchibouguac National Park (Established: 1969; Area: 238 km²)
Salt marshes and dunes shelter piping plovers. Cycle the 65-km shoreline trail or dune buggy tours. Mi’kmaq cultural exhibits add depth.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Fjords and Icebergs
These two parks capture Atlantic drama.
- Gros Morne National Park (Established: 1973; Area: 1,805 km²)
A UNESCO site proving plate tectonics, with tabletop mountains and Western Brook Pond fjord boat tours. Hike Gros Morne Mountain for 360-degree vistas. - Terra Nova National Park (Established: 1957; Area: 4,046 km²)
Newfoundland’s oldest park, with fjord-like inlets and moose sightings. Sea kayak or salmon fish—autumn colors are sublime.
Nova Scotia: Highlands and Coastal Meadows
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park (Established: 1936; Area: 948 km²)
The Cabot Trail’s cliffs and whales make this a drive-thru dream. Skyline Trail moose spotting at sunset is legendary.
Ontario: Urban Escapes to Remote Wilderness
Ontario’s three parks range from city-adjacent to canoe heaven.
- Bruce Peninsula National Park (Established: 1987; Area: 156 km²)
Turquoise Georgian Bay waters and the Grotto’s cliffs. Hike the Bruce Trail or cliff-jump (safely!). - Georgian Bay Islands National Park (Established: 1929; Area: 57 km²)
Over 60 islands for sailing and flower pot rock formations. Snorkel among shipwrecks. - Pukaskwa National Park (Established: 1978; Area: 1,878 km²)
Superior’s black cliffs and Anishinaabe heritage. The 60-km Coastal Trail is for hardcore hikers. - Rouge National Urban Park (Established: 2015; Area: 79 km²)
Toronto’s backyard oasis with wetlands and farms. Urban trails meet wild rivers—perfect for day trips.
Prince Edward Island: Red Sands and Lighthouses
- Prince Edward Island National Park (Established: 1937; Area: 63 km²)
Anne of Green Gables beaches and dunes. Cycle the Greenwich Dunes Trail or beachcomb for sea glass.
Quebec: Laurentian Lakes and Whale Coast
Quebec’s five parks mix French charm with wild beauty.
- Forillon National Park (Established: 1970; Area: 244 km²)
Gaspé Peninsula’s cliffs and whales. Hike Mont-St-Alban for bay views. - La Mauricie National Park (Established: 1970; Area: 536 km²)
150 lakes for canoeing. Fall foliage rivals New England’s. - Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve (Established: 1984; Area: 146 km²)
Limestone monoliths and seals. Boat tours reveal puffin colonies.
Saskatchewan: Grasslands and Ancient Seas
- Grasslands National Park (Established: 1981; Area: 913 km²)
Prairie dogs and black-tailed rattlesnakes in badlands. Stargaze in one of Canada’s darkest skies. - Prince Albert National Park (Established: 1927; Area: 3,875 km²)
Boreal forests and King’s House historic site. Spot wolves near Sandy Beach.
Northwest Territories: Arctic Frontiers
Three remote parks for northern lights chasers.
- Aulavik National Park (Established: 1992; Area: 12,200 km²)
Banks Island’s muskoxen and pingos (earth mounds). Throat-singing festivals connect to Inuvialuit culture. - Nahashe (Nahanni National Park Reserve) (Established: 1972; Area: 30,000 km²)
UNESCO’s South Nahanni River canyons. Raft Virginia Falls, twice Niagara’s height. - Tuktut Nogait National Park (Established: 1996; Area: 16,336 km²)
Horn Plateau’s caribou calving grounds. Hike to Hornby Canyon. - Wood Buffalo National Park (Shared)
Nunavut: Tundra and Marine Giants
Four parks in the High Arctic.
- Auyuittuq National Park (Established: 1972; Area: 21,471 km²)
Baffin Island’s fjords and ice caps. The Akshayuk Pass hike is grueling glory. - Qausuittuq (Sirmilik) National Park (Established: 1993; Area: 20,171 km²)
Bylot Island’s bird cliffs. Kayak among icebergs. - Quttinirpaaq National Park (Established: 1988; Area: 37,775 km²)
Ellesmere Island’s Ward Hunt Ice Shelf. Polar bear patrols for safety. - Ukkusiksalik National Park (Established: 2003; Area: 22,640 km²)
Hudson Bay’s soapstone carvings. Thule site archaeology.
Yukon: Icefields and Gold Rush Echoes
- Ivvavik National Park (Established: 1984; Area: 9,978 km²)
Vuntut Gwitchin territory’s Firth River rafting. Grizzly viewing. - Kluane National Park and Reserve (Shared)
- Vuntut National Park (Established: 1995; Area: 4,345 km²)
Northern Tuchone lands with Herschel Island outpost. Caribou migrations.
Canada’s parks aren’t static—they evolve with climate action and Indigenous partnerships, like ongoing reserve transitions. In 2025, free entry days and expanded youth programs make them more accessible than ever. Grab a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for unlimited entry, and download the app for real-time trail conditions.
| Park Name | Type | Province/Territory | Established | Area (km²) |
| Banff National Park | National Park | Alberta | 1885 | 6,641 |
| Elk Island National Park | National Park | Alberta | 1913 | 194 |
| Jasper National Park | National Park | Alberta | 1907 | 11,228 |
| Waterton Lakes National Park | National Park | Alberta | 1895 | 505 |
| Wood Buffalo National Park | National Park | Alberta/Northwest Territories | 1922 | 44,807 |
| Aulavik National Park | National Park | Northwest Territories | 1992 | 12,274 |
| Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve | National Park Reserve | Northwest Territories | 2014 | 4,850 |
| Nahanni National Park Reserve | National Park Reserve | Northwest Territories | 1972 | 30,000 |
| Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve | National Park Reserve | Northwest Territories | 2019 | 26,973 |
| Tuktut Nogait National Park | National Park | Northwest Territories | 1998 | 18,181 |
| Glacier National Park | National Park | British Columbia | 1886 | 1,349 |
| Gulf Islands National Park Reserve | National Park Reserve | British Columbia | 2003 | 36 |
| Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve | National Park Reserve | British Columbia | 1988 | 1,495 |
| Kootenay National Park | National Park | British Columbia | 1920 | 1,406 |
| Mount Revelstoke National Park | National Park | British Columbia | 1914 | 260 |
| Pacific Rim National Park Reserve | National Park Reserve | British Columbia | 1970 | 511 |
| Yoho National Park | National Park | British Columbia | 1886 | 1,313 |
| Kluane National Park and Reserve | National Park and Reserve | Yukon/British Columbia | 1976 | 21,989 |
| Ivvavik National Park | National Park | Yukon | 1984 | 10,108 |
| Vuntut National Park | National Park | Yukon | 1995 | 4,345 |
| Bruce Peninsula National Park | National Park | Ontario | 1987 | 154 |
| Georgian Bay Islands National Park | National Park | Ontario | 1929 | 14 |
| Point Pelee National Park | National Park | Ontario | 1918 | 15 |
| Pukaskwa National Park | National Park | Ontario | 1978 | 1,878 |
| Rouge National Urban Park | Urban Park | Ontario | 2015 | 79 |
| Thousand Islands National Park | National Park | Ontario | 1904 | 22 |
| Fundy National Park | National Park | New Brunswick | 1948 | 206 |
| Kouchibouguac National Park | National Park | New Brunswick | 1969 | 237 |
| Prince Edward Island National Park | National Park | Prince Edward Island | 1937 | 63 |
| Cape Breton Highlands National Park | National Park | Nova Scotia | 1936 | 948 |
| Kejimkujik National Park | National Park | Nova Scotia | 1969 | 404 |
| Sable Island National Park Reserve | National Park Reserve | Nova Scotia | 2013 | 300 |
| Forillon National Park | National Park | Quebec | 1970 | 244 |
| La Mauricie National Park | National Park | Quebec | 1970 | 544 |
| Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve | National Park Reserve | Quebec | 1984 | 150 |
| Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine National Park Reserve | National Park Reserve | Quebec | 1998 | 1,245 |
| Grasslands National Park | National Park | Saskatchewan | 1981 | 913 |
| Prince Albert National Park | National Park | Saskatchewan | 1927 | 3,875 |
| Riding Mountain National Park | National Park | Manitoba | 1930 | 2,968 |
| Wapusk National Park | National Park | Manitoba | 1996 | 11,475 |
| Akami-uapishkᵘ-kakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve | National Park Reserve | Newfoundland and Labrador | 2015 | 10,700 |
| Gros Morne National Park | National Park | Newfoundland and Labrador | 1973 | 1,805 |
| Terra Nova National Park | National Park | Newfoundland and Labrador | 1957 | 400 |
| Torngat Mountains National Park | National Park | Newfoundland and Labrador | 2005 | 9,600 |
| Auyuittuq National Park | National Park | Nunavut | 1976 | 19,089 |
| Qausuittuq National Park | National Park | Nunavut | 2015 | 11,000 |
| Quttinirpaaq National Park | National Park | Nunavut | 1988 | 37,775 |
| Sirmilik National Park | National Park | Nunavut | 1999 | 22,250 |
| Ukkusiksalik National Park | National Park | Nunavut | 2003 | 20,880 |
What are you waiting for? These parks aren’t just destinations; they’re calls to adventure. Pick one, pack your sense of wonder, and let Canada’s wild heart pull you in. Your story starts here—share your favorites in the comments below!
How many national parks are in Canada?
Canada has 48 national parks and national park reserves, which are managed by Parks Canada. These protected areas are located in every province and territory across the country. They represent 31 of Canada’s 39 unique terrestrial natural regions.
What is the largest national park in Canada?
Wood Buffalo National Park is Canada’s largest, spanning across northeastern Alberta and the southern Northwest Territories. It is larger than the entire country of Switzerland and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park protects the world’s largest herd of free-roaming wood bison.
Which is the most visited national park in Canada?
Banff National Park in Alberta is consistently the most visited national park in Canada, attracting over four million visitors annually. Its stunning Rocky Mountain scenery, turquoise glacial lakes like Lake Louise, and abundant wildlife make it a world-renowned destination. It is also Canada’s oldest national park.
Do you need a pass for Canada’s national parks?
Yes, visitors are required to have a valid pass to enter most national parks in Canada. You can purchase a day pass or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which provides unlimited admission for a full year. Fees help support visitor services and conservation efforts.
Which province has the most national parks?
British Columbia has the most national parks in Canada, with a total of seven. These parks showcase incredibly diverse ecosystems, from the coastal rainforests of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to the rugged peaks of Glacier National Park. Ontario and Alberta also have a significant number of national parks.
