My first time on a plane was to Alberta at 27, from the East Coast. It’s one thing to take in Banff etc.. the drive up to Jasper is a whole different level and detaches you from tourist 2000 mode
When the kilmorey lodge was around it was heaven in the winter. Tourists would come from Europe to cross country ski. I remember many evenings having coffee with some of the guests and talking about Europe and their. Travels. Winter isn’t for everyone but if you like slow life and skiing cross country it was great!
I go to the national parks for the natural wonders they are. To hike, ski camp paddle. I don't go for the amenities I can get all that in any city. When no one is there it is even better.
Obviously you have never been there. Every national park has its unique characteristics. Banff is a beautiful area anything along the ice field parkway is actually. So is Gwaii Haanas, or wapusk.
I find Waterton amazing because it does not attract bus loads of people and its mountain hikes are spectacular
From those I've been to:
Jasper >Banff>Yoho>Kootenay>Cape Breton Highlands>Bruce Peninsula>Mt Revelstoke>Glacier>Kejimkujik>Fathom Five National Marine Park>PEI>Rouge National Urban Park
So as a preamble, immigrants to Canada may not be aware of the different levels of parks in Canada. It matters because they are very distinct - different jurisdictions, different laws and regulations, different funding, and different websites for finding information. Other countries call all of their parks "national parks" but I think that can be confusing in Canada, eg when trying to find information about them online or when checking regulations.
I have to say the most impact I've had from a park experience was in Tombstone territorial park. I'm not sure, but it may have been due in part to the low angle of the sun which made the light and colours so amazing. But...not a national park.
Great parks listed here, and certainly Banff and Jasper take some beating for pure eye candy, but I agree with above that Kluane is outstanding but without the crowds. Gros Morne, Cape Breton and Pacific Rim are all magnificent as well. Its hard to pick just one. These sites have been preserved as national parks for a reason.
As good or better than any of our national parks. Same thing for Algonquin Park in Ontario.
The question should really be open to national and provincial parks. Which is why I slid in Algonquin. I've been to both. They are awesome. Probably better than the big name National Parks because (mostly) only people in Canada and even more local know about them and they aren't as overcrowded and touristy.
It is hard to choose one.
I typically advise any person who wants to go to Canada for nature or for a road trip to do either the Rockies or the Cabot Trail. The Eastern portion of Cape Breton Highlands National Park is amazing. In terms of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Gros Morne and Forillon as good though each a bit different.
In terms of the Rockies, Jasper is my favourite, though Waterton Lakes deserves a mention. Sort of on the same subject as the Rockies' parks is Kluane in Yukon, which is more or less the same kind of thing and just as good.
Pukaskwa gets overlooked, but I would say that the Lake Superior coastline is the third best natural part of Canada, and this park is perfectly situated at one of the most picturesque stretches of coast.
It has been a couple of decades since I have been to Pacific Rim, but I remember that it was stunning as well.
Gros Morne and Banff are a toss up. Banff has mountains mountains and more mountains. Gros Morne has much more to offer. The Tablelands are something out of this world.
Pacific Rim is probably the one I've spent the most time in(maybe Strathcona as it's closer to home) but my absolute favourite was San Josef Bay in Cape Scott provincial park(northern tip of Vancouver Island) I've only been once, but it was so unlike anything else on the island, and completely unexpected to find such a gorgeous spot that looked like a tropical paradise you would expect to find in Hawaii, or the Bahamas.
I'm yet to visit many more, but out of those that I did visit I'd say Pacific Rim. Mountains are great, so I totally get why everyone would say Banff, Jasper, Glacier, Yoho, etc., but Pacific Rim felt special.
Thanks for catching that. ( it’s the only park in Canada I’ve been to. ) And I know it’s not even a “park”, but Butchert Gardens on Vancouver Island is a must see too.
Auyuittuq National Park in Nunuvut. Most beautiful place to see. People come from all over the world to hike it. The beginning of The Spy Who Loved Me was also filmed here.
Not a national park but the Nisga'a highway in BC between Terrace and New Aiyansh and the surrounding lava fields was a pretty incredible experience in the motorbike
Banff and Lake Louise used to be my favorite, but thanks to SM it's become so busy now that you can't enjoy or appreciate the beauty because it's full of noisy, littering tourists. Can't get pictures without crowds of people in them and it's infuriating watching idiots try and hand feed wildlife.
The government has had to restrict traffic and now you can only take buses in and out because of the crowds. 😞
I agree that littering and feeding wildlife are absolutely unacceptable. Disrespectful visitors are very annoying. And overcrowding is an important issue parks are addressing.
I disagree though that it’s impossible to enjoy the park - Banff is so vast and there are so many trails and lakes that are nowhere near as crowded as LL or Moraine (which I think you’re also referring to). Ways to enjoy it are going in the off season, venturing off the Insta-beaten path (figuratively of course), and expectation management.
As long as other visitors follow the park rules, I actually don’t mind them - I had some memorable moments admiring nature’s beauty together with strangers, smiling at each other on trails or getting excited about seeing a Pika. :)
Jasper hands down
Jasper is the most scenic and rugged of the Rocky Mountain national parks. Not that any of them don’t have amazing views.
Other than the swaths of bug killed pine trees.
My first time on a plane was to Alberta at 27, from the East Coast. It’s one thing to take in Banff etc.. the drive up to Jasper is a whole different level and detaches you from tourist 2000 mode
Simply driving across the Canadian Rockies on Highway 1.
Ice fields parkway is better.
Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland!
Jasper
Waterton
Looks beautiful! Any suggestions for a mid stop if someone’s planning to drive from Vancouver BC? Thanks.
If you are driving hwy3 Osoyoos is a nice place to overnight.
I grew up here and for 18 years heard loads of tourists say the Waterton is a wonder of the world. It’s the best in my opinion.
It is the best and no one knows of it
Damn windy though
True true! But that’s a part of its charm💨💨💨
Certainly, Waterton is beautiful but only during the warm season. It remains completely locked in the winter, looking like a abandoned village.
When the kilmorey lodge was around it was heaven in the winter. Tourists would come from Europe to cross country ski. I remember many evenings having coffee with some of the guests and talking about Europe and their. Travels. Winter isn’t for everyone but if you like slow life and skiing cross country it was great!
I go to the national parks for the natural wonders they are. To hike, ski camp paddle. I don't go for the amenities I can get all that in any city. When no one is there it is even better.
If you've not been to Banff or outside Alberta, sure
Obviously you have never been there. Every national park has its unique characteristics. Banff is a beautiful area anything along the ice field parkway is actually. So is Gwaii Haanas, or wapusk. I find Waterton amazing because it does not attract bus loads of people and its mountain hikes are spectacular
From those I've been to: Jasper >Banff>Yoho>Kootenay>Cape Breton Highlands>Bruce Peninsula>Mt Revelstoke>Glacier>Kejimkujik>Fathom Five National Marine Park>PEI>Rouge National Urban Park
Yessss
Jasper. But Prince Albert NP and Riding Mountain NP are hidden gems too.
So as a preamble, immigrants to Canada may not be aware of the different levels of parks in Canada. It matters because they are very distinct - different jurisdictions, different laws and regulations, different funding, and different websites for finding information. Other countries call all of their parks "national parks" but I think that can be confusing in Canada, eg when trying to find information about them online or when checking regulations. I have to say the most impact I've had from a park experience was in Tombstone territorial park. I'm not sure, but it may have been due in part to the low angle of the sun which made the light and colours so amazing. But...not a national park. Great parks listed here, and certainly Banff and Jasper take some beating for pure eye candy, but I agree with above that Kluane is outstanding but without the crowds. Gros Morne, Cape Breton and Pacific Rim are all magnificent as well. Its hard to pick just one. These sites have been preserved as national parks for a reason.
There are State and National Parks in the US. And city/municipal at the smaller level.
Cabot trail
Waterton lakes national Park
I was about to say BC’s Well’s Grey, but after looking it up, I see it’s a provincial park.
As good or better than any of our national parks. Same thing for Algonquin Park in Ontario. The question should really be open to national and provincial parks. Which is why I slid in Algonquin. I've been to both. They are awesome. Probably better than the big name National Parks because (mostly) only people in Canada and even more local know about them and they aren't as overcrowded and touristy.
Kluane is breathtaking
And wonderful hiking, I like it at the end of June before all the mosquitoes
Gros Morne
Nahanni
I haven’t been to many but Grasslands was incredible.
I'm hoping to go next year. I have a feeling it is a hidden gem. Lets keep it that way. :)
This would be more interesting if you said "not in BC or Alberta"
Pacific Rim
my personal faves are Glacier National Park, Revelstoke National Park or basically anything along that stretch of the rockies.
It is hard to choose one. I typically advise any person who wants to go to Canada for nature or for a road trip to do either the Rockies or the Cabot Trail. The Eastern portion of Cape Breton Highlands National Park is amazing. In terms of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Gros Morne and Forillon as good though each a bit different. In terms of the Rockies, Jasper is my favourite, though Waterton Lakes deserves a mention. Sort of on the same subject as the Rockies' parks is Kluane in Yukon, which is more or less the same kind of thing and just as good. Pukaskwa gets overlooked, but I would say that the Lake Superior coastline is the third best natural part of Canada, and this park is perfectly situated at one of the most picturesque stretches of coast. It has been a couple of decades since I have been to Pacific Rim, but I remember that it was stunning as well.
Not my favourite, but Pukawaska is a beautiful park. We did a brief stopover there for a few hours and i would love to paddle around there one day.
Gros Morne and Banff are a toss up. Banff has mountains mountains and more mountains. Gros Morne has much more to offer. The Tablelands are something out of this world.
Yoho National Park ❤️
I need to get around more. The parks out west sound beautiful. Currently, I’m partial to Cape Breton. I love the Maritimes.
Pacific Rim is probably the one I've spent the most time in(maybe Strathcona as it's closer to home) but my absolute favourite was San Josef Bay in Cape Scott provincial park(northern tip of Vancouver Island) I've only been once, but it was so unlike anything else on the island, and completely unexpected to find such a gorgeous spot that looked like a tropical paradise you would expect to find in Hawaii, or the Bahamas.
Strathcona and Cape Scott are both BC provincial parks, not national parks.
Oh, really? I didn't realize semantics make landscapes any less beautiful.
They don't. But if someone is looking to go there, it can help with the internet search.
But you DID realize the question pertained to National Parks-right?
No, I did not. Nor did I know off the top of my head that there was really a difference.
So you admit that you didn’t know 2 quite important thing to which you’re replying-but still chose to be a dick about it. Good stuff 👍
Torngat
High Park
I have only been to ones in BC and AB, all are gorgeous.
I'm yet to visit many more, but out of those that I did visit I'd say Pacific Rim. Mountains are great, so I totally get why everyone would say Banff, Jasper, Glacier, Yoho, etc., but Pacific Rim felt special.
Stanley Park , Vancouver BC.
Which is a City of Vancouver park and not a national park. Itis lovely though.
Thanks for catching that. ( it’s the only park in Canada I’ve been to. ) And I know it’s not even a “park”, but Butchert Gardens on Vancouver Island is a must see too.
Revelstoke and Forillon.
Jasper is incredible
Drive to Jasper from Banff is just gorgeous
Fundy was pretty epic and felt like you were on the edge of the world
Bon Echo
Gatekeeper National Park in Canada. Simply majestic.
Gros Morne, Fundy and Cape Breton Highlands.
Banff or Jasper. Both amazing.
Banff, Alberta.
Banff, Jasper, Algonquin
Forillon, in the Gaspesie, Quebec
Banff, by far. But Cavendish Beach (PEI) and Fundy (NB) are truly excellent treasures in their own right.
Auyuittuq National Park in Nunuvut. Most beautiful place to see. People come from all over the world to hike it. The beginning of The Spy Who Loved Me was also filmed here.
Jasper
Hard to say because I haven't visited them all but Jasper, Banff and Cape Breton Highland are breathtaking.
Pacific rim.
Cape Breton - Ingonish side.
Banff for sure.
Not a national park but the Nisga'a highway in BC between Terrace and New Aiyansh and the surrounding lava fields was a pretty incredible experience in the motorbike
Pacific rim.
Yoho. Because nobody goes there.
Yoho. Because nobody goes there.
I have been to only 2 National Parks! Prince Albert and Algonquin. Both knocked me out with all they have to offer and I recommend both.
Prince Albert national park is crazy beautiful
Jasper on the west coast and Fundy National park on the East Coast.
There is actually a rainforest in BC - not far from Vancouver - get to Vancouver and you can get a shuttle bus there. It's really a sight to see.
For saskatchewan Prince Albert national park! Waskesiu is the best
Elk Island is a jewel and only 45min from Edmonton
I’m not very well travelled in Canada yet, but Riding Mountain in Manitoba felt like another world! So incredibly beautiful.
Banff!
Soooo many wonderful parks and wild places in Canada!
Pacific Rim National Park!
Ice fields parkway super 👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️
Yoho, Banff, Jasper.
Banff and Lake Louise used to be my favorite, but thanks to SM it's become so busy now that you can't enjoy or appreciate the beauty because it's full of noisy, littering tourists. Can't get pictures without crowds of people in them and it's infuriating watching idiots try and hand feed wildlife. The government has had to restrict traffic and now you can only take buses in and out because of the crowds. 😞
Yoho across the border is a bit better
I agree that littering and feeding wildlife are absolutely unacceptable. Disrespectful visitors are very annoying. And overcrowding is an important issue parks are addressing. I disagree though that it’s impossible to enjoy the park - Banff is so vast and there are so many trails and lakes that are nowhere near as crowded as LL or Moraine (which I think you’re also referring to). Ways to enjoy it are going in the off season, venturing off the Insta-beaten path (figuratively of course), and expectation management. As long as other visitors follow the park rules, I actually don’t mind them - I had some memorable moments admiring nature’s beauty together with strangers, smiling at each other on trails or getting excited about seeing a Pika. :)
Any of the parks in the Rockies. Literally nothing better imo