From mountain peaks, glacial lakes and stunning coastal scenes to raw wilderness and pristine habitats, Canada is home to the world’s most phenomenal national parks. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new mountain to climb, or a new species of bird to watch, Canada has it all and is ready to take your breath away. Skip the hustle and bustle of busy towns and cities and enjoy a trip to the beauty of Canada’s extensive national park system. The sheer size, beauty and diversity of these spots are guaranteed to take your breath away.
Gros Morne, Newfoundland & Labrador 🪨🧗
Where: Canada’s second largest national park can be found on Newfoundland’s west coast.
What: This UNESCO heritage site boasts 1,805 square kilometres of naturally gorgeous land. This national park is a never-ending site home to forests, beaches, waterfalls and coastal features. Enjoy hikes along the amazing landscape along the earth’s mantle or climb to the summits of the park’s ancient peaks. This location showcases impressive geology, providing a highly visible example of plate tectonics and all that has changed over the millennia. Grab a park map and enjoy the number of marked and unmarked trails that allow you to explore this geological history and make the most of its breathtaking views.
Top Spot: The Tablelands - where the theory of plate tectonics was confirmed. Walk over the ancient sea floor and preserved ocean avalanches. It’s a distinctive red landscape of exposed earth’s mantle, thrust up by the collision of tectonic plates millions of years ago.
Planning a trip? Skratch has partnered with Sherpa to offer simple, trusted visa applications. Get your Canadian eTA here.
Yoho National Park, British Columbia 🧊🥾
Where: Yoho National Park can be found on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies.
What: Beautiful bright blue lakes and an abundance of waterfalls. Yoho National park is home to some of North America’s most untarnished natural wilderness. A stunning, picturesque landscape brimming with breathing scenery and exceptional hiking. The ultimate spot for those who simply adore the outdoors. Enjoy one of the most admired sights within Yoho, the Emerald Lakes, where the water is, as stated, a gorgeous vivid green body of water. This, like other landmarks, is surrounded by the rocky mountains of the Canadian Rockies. This natural rock formation allows guests to enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities and identify the Burgess Shale Fossils, one of the oldest and most complex fossils in the world.
Top Spot: Takakkaw Falls - Known for being the second-tallest waterfall in Canada, guests will not be disappointed when visiting. Enjoy the number of hiking trails that lead you to some of the park’s most spectacular glaciers and mountain scenery.
Mont-Tremblant National Park, Quebec 🎿🏂
Where: Mont-Tremblant is a few hours northwest of Montreal and northeast of Ottawa.
What: Visit one of Canada’s most remarkable national parks located in the French-speaking Québec province. Home to six rivers, 400 streams and lakes, sandy beaches, canoe routes, and 40 species of mammals, this spot does not fall short of all things natural. Best known for its exceptional skiing scene and impressive landscape, and related activities, this is a top spot for tourists. The 580-square-mile playground, celebrated for its diverse wildlife and landscapes, is a great spot to enjoy 18 different trails that span over 50 miles and vary in length and level of difficulty.
Top Spot: If you’ve hiked enough and fancy something a little less strenuous, enjoy Mont Tremblant’s two challenging 18’ers delight golfers with unique course layouts. This golf course is unlike any other in the world, with the phenomenal backdrop of the forest and rocky landscape taking your breath away as you practice your swing.
Gaspesie National Park, Quebec 🏕️ 🌠
Where: Located in the heart of the Gaspé Peninsula, eight hours from Montreal.
What: Enjoy some of the highest skiable peaks in eastern North America at the Gaspesie National Park. The park comprises a sea of mountains and a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. To be precise, 25 peaks that rise above 1,000 metres offer tourists the most phenomenal of views and 87 miles of rugged hiking trails to really challenge them. Fancy seeing the beauty of this park at night? Set up camp in one of the camping spots and enjoy a campfire under the stars of the Atlantic. With very little light pollution here, the views of the evening are spectacular at this spot. A clear night will have you and your friends gawking at the stars for hours.
Top Spot: Lake Cascapédia - Enjoy the luxury of the landscape's gorgeous lakes and partake in a number of water activities here. Here tourists can get involved with canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or fishing.
Thousand Islands, Ontario 🍂☀️
Where: Found in the Saint Lawrence River, stretching between Kingston and Brockville
What: From lighthouses, historic castles, and maritime museums to world-class fishing and diving, Thousand Islands pulls in thousands of tourists each year, and we can see why! Despite being one of Canada’s smallest national parks, the collection of 20-plus granite islands and inlets offers a mix of landscapes as well as a rich wildlife population. Whilst stunning all year round, this UNESCO site really thrives and comes to life in warmer months. In the summer, the islands turn a lush emerald green that contrasts beautifully with the blue of the water. That’s not to say the Autumn isn’t equally beautiful, with the leaves of the forests changing to the signature fiery red, orange and yellow colours that define the changes in the year.
Top Spot: Mallorytown Landing is the park’s main hub of activity, featuring a whole host of fun activities, including an interpretive centre, aquarium, picnic and camping site, kid’s playground, theatre, travelling exhibits, and plenty more to help you make the most of this unique park.
Starting from Skratch? Here are some links to help you get started:
https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/top-destinations/gros-morne#sc-19519317F19F4CE79D29A40C907B9C17
https://www.authentikcanada.com/gb-en/travel-guide/tourist-office-gaspesie-park
https://landsby.ca/blog/5-ways-to-experience-ontarios-thousand-islands-in-2022/
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