Canada's Most Beautiful National Parks Nature Lovers Must-Visit

Discover the most beautiful national parks in Canada. From rugged coastlines to alpine peaks, explore Canada’s best natural wonders.

Canada's Most Beautiful National Parks Nature Lovers Must-Visit

Banff National Park

Scenic highway lined with evergreen trees leading toward snow-capped mountains under a vibrant blue sky in Banff National Park, Canada.
Banff National Park

Canada’s Banff National Park is a symbol of wilderness beauty. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Banff boasts glacier-fed lakes like the world-famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which shimmer in impossible shades of turquoise. Wildlife lovers can spot grizzly bears, elk, and mountain goats, while adventure seekers can enjoy hiking, skiing, and scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway. Banff is iconic for a reason—it’s the perfect fusion of majestic peaks and untamed nature.

Top Attractions in Banff National Park:

  • Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
  • Icefields Parkway scenic drive
  • Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain
  • Johnston Canyon and its waterfalls
  • Cave and Basin National Historic Site
  • Bow Valley Parkway wildlife corridor
  • Hiking trails like Plain of Six Glaciers

Jasper National Park

Turquoise river flowing through a narrow canyon with layered rock walls and snow-dusted trees in Jasper National Park, Canada.
Athabasca River

Jasper National Park is Canada’s largest national park in the Rockies. It's slightly quieter but no less spectacular. Jasper features the incredible Athabasca Falls, the Columbia Icefield, and serene Maligne Lake, where you can kayak to the postcard-perfect Spirit Island. This park is also one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves, making it ideal for stargazing. With over 11,000 square kilometers of alpine terrain, it’s a dream for hikers, climbers, and road trippers alike.

Top Attractions in Jasper National Park:

  • Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
  • Athabasca Falls
  • Columbia Icefield and Ice Explorer tours
  • Jasper SkyTram
  • Miette Hot Springs
  • Wildlife spotting along Maligne Canyon
  • Dark Sky Preserve for stargazing

Gros Morne National Park

Steep, forested mountains rise above a glistening body of water under bright sunlight in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Located in Newfoundland and Labrador, Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its unique geology. Here, you can walk on the Earth’s exposed mantle, explore dramatic fjords carved by glaciers, and hike the Tablelands for an otherworldly experience. The park also offers a rich coastal culture, fishing villages, and seasonal whale watching. It’s one of the most geologically significant and visually jaw-dropping places in the country.

Top Attractions in Gros Morne National Park:

  • The Tablelands (Earth’s exposed mantle)
  • Western Brook Pond fjord boat tour
  • Gros Morne Mountain Trail
  • Green Gardens coastal hike
  • Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
  • Coastal villages like Norris Point and Rocky Harbour
  • Sea kayaking and whale watching

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Rocky shoreline with tidal pools and distant evergreen forest under overcast skies in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia, Canada.

Located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, this coastal park is a haven for surfers, nature lovers, and storm watchers. The Pacific Rim combines lush rainforests, rugged shorelines, and endless ocean views. The West Coast Trail is a legendary backpacking route, while Long Beach draws surfers and sunset chasers. With its moody beauty and raw wilderness, this park is a spectacular slice of Canada’s Pacific coast.

Top Attractions in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve:

  • West Coast Trail (multi-day backpacking route)
  • Long Beach (surfing and sunsets)
  • Rainforest Trail boardwalks
  • Broken Group Islands (kayaking paradise)
  • Wickaninnish Beach (storm watching)
  • Kwisitis Visitor Centre and Indigenous culture
  • Whale watching and tide pooling

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Wooden boardwalk winding along a cliffside overlooking the ocean and rolling green hills on the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Canada.

Where the mountains meet the sea in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers breathtaking views along the famed Cabot Trail. The park is home to dramatic coastal cliffs, boreal forests, and hidden beaches. Hike the Skyline Trail for panoramic ocean views and keep an eye out for moose, bald eagles, and whales. It’s a must-see destination for road-trippers and anyone wanting to experience Atlantic Canada’s wild side.

Top Attractions in Cape Breton Highlands National Park:

  • The Cabot Trail scenic drive
  • Skyline Trail (sunsets and moose sightings)
  • Fishing Cove Trail
  • Ingonish Beach
  • Coastal lookout points like MacKenzie Mountain
  • Whale watching tours
  • Fall foliage drives in autumn

Yoho National Park

People canoeing on the striking turquoise waters of Emerald Lake, framed by evergreen trees and snow-capped peaks in Yoho National Park, Canada.

Yoho National Park in British Columbia is a hidden gem in the Canadian Rockies. Its name means “awe” in Cree—and it’s easy to see why. With towering waterfalls like Takakkaw Falls, ancient fossil beds, and the surreal Emerald Lake, Yoho delivers serene beauty with fewer crowds. The park is also part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a perfect destination for photography and peaceful exploration.

Top Attractions in Yoho National Park:

  • Emerald Lake (canoeing and hiking)
  • Takakkaw Falls (one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls)
  • Burgess Shale fossil beds
  • Natural Bridge over the Kicking Horse River
  • Lake O’Hara and alpine hiking
  • Wapta Falls
  • Spiral Tunnels viewpoint

Fundy National Park

Lush forest setting with cascading Dickson Falls surrounded by moss-covered rocks and a wooden boardwalk in Fundy National Park, Canada.

In New Brunswick, Fundy National Park is famous for the world’s highest tides, which rise and fall up to 50 feet twice daily. This dramatic coastal phenomenon creates striking landscapes, including towering cliffs and sea stacks. Visitors can explore forest trails, cascading waterfalls, and secluded beaches. It’s also a prime destination for bird watching and kayaking through the Bay of Fundy. A trip here offers a perfect blend of marine and forest ecosystems.

Top Attractions in Fundy National Park:

  • Hopewell Rocks (nearby but often visited together)
  • Dickson Falls trail
  • Point Wolfe Covered Bridge
  • Alma beach at low tide
  • Kayaking on the Bay of Fundy
  • Laverty Falls and Third Vault Falls hikes
  • Autumn foliage in the Acadian forest

Kluane National Park and Reserve

A hiker stands on a rocky slope overlooking a vibrant blue lake and towering mountain range in Kluane National Park, Canada.

In the Yukon Territory, Kluane National Park & Reserce is home to Canada’s highest peak—Mount Logan—and one of the largest non-polar ice fields on Earth. This remote wilderness is perfect for seasoned adventurers and glacier enthusiasts. Flightseeing tours reveal stunning views of snow-capped peaks and sprawling icefields, while experienced hikers can tackle the King’s Throne or trek to the Alsek River. Wildlife includes Dall sheep, grizzlies, and mountain goats. Kluane is truly raw, powerful wilderness.

Top Attractions in Kluane National Park and Reserve:

  • Mount Logan (Canada’s highest peak)
  • King’s Throne Trail
  • Flightseeing tours over the Icefields
  • Alsek River rafting
  • Sheep Mountain Visitor Centre
  • Kathleen Lake for camping and hiking
  • Wildlife watching (grizzly bears, moose, wolves)

Waterton Lakes National Park

Panoramic view of a deep blue lake surrounded by forested hills and rugged mountains in Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada.

Located in Alberta and forming part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park with the U.S., Waterton Lakes National Park is a place of astonishing contrasts. It offers prairie grasslands, aspen groves, and rugged peaks all in one compact area. The Prince of Wales Hotel stands as a charming landmark above the lake, while the scenic Red Rock Canyon and Crypt Lake Trail offer unforgettable hikes. This UNESCO site is ideal for both casual visitors and serious adventurers.

Top Attractions in Waterton Lakes National Park:

  • Prince of Wales Hotel views
  • Crypt Lake Trail (via boat + hike combo)
  • Red Rock Canyon
  • Cameron Falls in the townsite
  • Bear’s Hump Trail for panoramic views
  • Boat cruises on Upper Waterton Lake
  • Wildflower viewing in summer

Not A Member? ✈️

Save 40%-95% On Flights With Jetsetter Alerts Airline Mistake Fare & Flash Sales Alerts!

Get Personalized Airfare Alerts
13 Most Beautiful National Parks In Brazil
Discover the most beautiful national parks in Brazil, from shimmering dunes to thundering waterfalls and lush jungles.
23 Most Beautiful National Parks In The World I’ve Explored So Far
In this guide, I highlight 23 of the most beautiful national parks I’ve experienced during my travels around the world.
7 Most Beautiful National Parks in Russia
These 7 beautiful national parks in Russia reveal the reveal some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the country.
7 Most Beautiful National Parks In China
China’s most beautiful national parks offer soaring peaks, glassy lakes, rare wildlife, and epic hikes you won’t want to miss.
7 Most Beautiful National Parks In France (Must-Visits)
France’s most beautiful national parks offer some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe. The Alpine peaks, turquoise gorges, and epic coastal views will leave you in awe.

Airline Mistake Fares