The 12 Best National Parks in Canada

Arctic tundra, shadowy forests, and glacial lakes. The cold Atlantic Ocean lashing rocky coastlines and the confetti of summer wildflowers in the Rocky Mountains. For many, a wilderness experience is practically synonymous with a visit to Canada, and exploration of its national parks is an immersion in the country’s natural beauty and cultural history.

Demand for the kind of travel parklands offer is growing, too, according to a 2021 survey of global tour operators by the Adventure Travel Trade Association. The report highlighted the popularity of hiking trips, and noted that Canada is in the top third of trending destinations for outdoor adventure tour bookings.

With 48 national parks in Canada’s system, there are no shortage of outdoor spaces to visit. Whether you want to get your hands dirty by taking part in one of the park’s citizen science projects, savor nature’s healing powers—in four Canadian provinces, visits to national parks can now be prescribed as medicine by doctors—or embark on an adrenaline-fueled backcountry adventure, these are some of the country’s best national parks.

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