Established in 1885, Banff was Canada's first national park. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. The word "Yoho" is an exclamation of awe in the Cree First Nations language, and you'll certainly be amazed by this park in British Columbia's Rocky Mountains. Where to stay: Camp within the park or stay in a nearby town at ahotelor AirBNB. The mountain town of Jasper serves as a great home base for all of your outdoor adventures, or you can choose to set up camp at one of the many front-country or backcountry campsites in the park. 13 Best East Coast National Parks Ranked. When is the best time to visit US and Canada's national parks? When are the busiest days of the year? Stay at least one night here to admire the stars: This park is the only dark sky preserve in Nova Scotia. Drive the parks famous Skyline Drive, which takes you along the ridge line of the mountains, for unforgettable views. Here are our top 15 locations you need to explore! They're beautiful to see and perfect for long walks, but also serve as a playground for surfers on a year-round basis. The parks six pear-shaped asistents give visitors the chance to sleep under the sparkling night sky in a hammock-style loft. (Also: COFFEE!). In the winter, the town of Banff is the ultimate ski destination, with world-class skiing at three resorts and an aprs scene that is just as good. 13 Best East Coast National Parks Ranked - Roaming the USA Due to its early foundation, Banff is more heavily developed than newer Canadian parks and remains the countrys most-visited protected area. Stick around for a few hours to witness the tide turn and the water begin its rapid rise. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go. Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton. This means we get a small commission, at no extra cost to you, for recommending a product we personally use, trust, and own. The bluer-than-blue waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake tend to draw the attention of park visitors. Reservations open soon - and you'll have to be quick . Some offer cultural experiences like guided tours to visitors, while others are Beach Keepers (an ancient legacy) available to help travelers navigate and stay safe along the sands. What are your favourite national parks in Canada? Interested in camping in Banff? What to see: Polar bears, arctic foxes, caribou, moose, arctic landscapes,wetlands, subarctic forests. This is the best place in Canada (heck, even the world!) Kejimkujik was awarded its National Historic Site designation in 1995 because of its ties to the Mi'kmaw people (descendants of the Mi'kmaq First Nation who have inhabited the site for more than 4,000 years). Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Canadas varied landscapes offer dozens of wildlife adventures that are bound to leave you in awe. Keep your eyes open and if you are lucky enough to spot an animal, be sure to give it plenty of space by observing from a distance. Located in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Banff stretches over 6,600 km of glaciers, ice fields, alpine landscapes, and coniferous forests. To see these animals and the park's terrain, plan a road trip along the Ecotour Scenic Drive at dawn or dusk. The 12 Best National Parks in Canada | Cond Nast Traveler In the heart of the Rockies, the park's rugged mountains and turquoise lakes are undoubtedly the main attractions. The latter were successfully reintroduced into the park in 2005. Theres an elemental, end-of-the-continent feel on the precipitous north coast where cliff-top trails are well ventilated by blustery winds. New Brunswicks oldest national park, established in 1948, is famous for the worlds highest tides. Frontiers North Adventures brings travelers into the park on multi-day, Canadian wildlife adventures, where highlights include polar bear viewing and catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights from a Tundra Buggy. Nahanni National Park Reserve is a raw, unbridled landscape of sky-scraping granite spires, white-water rapids, and bottle-green forests. Due to high demand youll need a reservation to make the drive up and take in this one-of-a-kind view. At this point in the list were departing the coastal area sufficiently to no longer be on the coast. Camping in Canada's national parks? Banff is Canada's most famous National Park and not only that it is the oldest national park in the country. One of those coolest extras is the Burgess Shale fossils. Spanning across the border between Canada and the U.S., this park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ontario. Though one of Canada's smallest national parks, the forest-lined riversare big on the senses. Required fields are marked *. If you look at a map, you'll see that our East Coat extends way beyond the Eastern Seaboard of the USA. Check out this page for more purchasable national parks maps. There's something seriously cool about exploring the muddy ocean floor, only to step back and watch the water levels rise 12 meters in a matter of hours. Otherwise, there are several shorter trails for those who prefer a day trip. The cold Atlantic Ocean lashing rocky coastlines and the confetti of summer wildflowers in the Rocky Mountains. While the scenery here is a bit one-dimensional it is indeed grand. 11 Beautiful National Parks on the East Coast If you look at a map, you'll see that our East Coat extends way beyond the Eastern Seaboard of the USA. Cape Cod is about an hour to two-hour drive from Boston, Massachusetts (depending on which town is your final destination). Whale watching is best done from mid-July to early September. It is, therefore, incredibly well-preserved and flourishing. When to go:Fall for an unworldly sight of rust-coloured trees, summer or spring for warmer temps and greener landscapes for hiking With 48 national parks in Canadas system, there are no shortage of outdoor spaces to visit. Congaree happens to be one of the more forgotten parks on the east coast which is great for those of us who like to avoid crowds! It wasn't easy whittling this list down, but rest assured that each of the featured parks rightfully earned its spot by offering something that's particularly spectacular. And there you have it, a snippetof some of Canada's most incredible gems. Kayaking the Bay of Fundy is also possible in warmmonths. Its like looking at Planet Earth without its clothes on. All rights reserved. The famed Algonquin Provincial Park is a dream for canoers and hikers alike (the nightly wolf howls are a great draw for kids). Truth be told, each and every one of Canada's national parks deserves a spot on this list. To help you make the most of your first-time visit, here are some things you should know before planning a trip to the Great White North. Though Canada's coastal provinces tend to attract the most buzz from nature-lovers, there are some hidden gems throughout the rest of the country, including Ontario's Bruce Peninsula National Park. Radium Hot Springs is a draw for visitors keen on relaxing, while the Stanley Glacier appeals to those interested in seeing the Burgess Shale fossils. The great Canadian parks guide | Canadian Living Banff is Canada's oldest and perhaps most well-known national park, established in 1885. Great Smoky Mountains National Park; North Carolina and Tennessee While many of Canada's best national parks are geared towards those seeking epic adventures, Prince Edward Island National park is well-suited to families with young kids. Palm trees, white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal clear blue water, whats not to like? Imagine a land that has waterfalls twice the height of Niagara Falls, mountains so steep and challenging to ascend that they are called the Cirque of the Unclimbables, coupled with wild rivers that attract white water canoeists from around the world. Are you an eager beaver to see Canadian wildlife? This last activity, known as "flightseeing," lets you hop aboard a plane or helicopter to see Mount Logan up close and personal. If you're planning on camping in the summer, it's wise to reserve a campsite ahead of time. So, are your feet itching for an outdoor adventure? You can canoe, kayak or hop in a motorized boat to explore the aptly named Clear Lake, which is considered the clearest lake in the southern prairies. Do You Have a Favorite East Coast National Park? Meanwhile, ambitious hikers can climb to Gros Morne Mountain's summit and more leisurely travelers can view the fjords from a scenic boat ride on Western Brook Pond. Read our Privacy Policy. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Multiple First Nations such as Nuu-chah-nulth, Tla-o-qui-aht, Tseshaht and Ditidaht still inhabit and protect the area. Exploring this park is like exploring another world and should be a must for any wildlife-lover. How to Book the Cheapest Flight Possible to Anywhere, How To Access Airport Lounges for Cheap (or FREE) (Updated 2023), Round the World Tickets: The Ultimate Guide (Updated 2023), 5 spectacularroad trips around the world (with routes), 10 ways to embrace Montreal winter on the cheap. Banff is a 9-10 hour drive from Seattle. When to go: Winter is harsh here, so spring to fall is ideal with summer being best if you are wanting to camp or hike. More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides, Article Overview: East Coast National Parks. There are plenty of spectacular hiking trails on offer here, from day walks to multi-day treks. Highlights include Takakkaw Falls (one of the highest waterfalls in Canada) and the aptly named Emerald Lake (the park's largest lake). This national park at the northern end of the island province of the same name is adored for its sandy shores and impressive cliffs. We learned travel doesn't have to be pricey, and created this blog to prove it. If youre keen on visiting one of them, fill up the four-wheeler with gas and drive to Kluane in the Yukon, an imposing empire of mountain and ice" thats home to Canadas highest peak, Mt Logan (19550ft/5959m), and sits flush up against humongous Wrangell-St Elias national park in Alaska to form one of the largest protected wilderness areas in the world. This is the Canadian wilderness at its finest, whether you're visiting in the sunny summer months or the cold and snowy winter season. Visit Gorgeous Canadian National Parks Near the US Border - TripSavvy Check out our comprehensive guide on Acadia National Park here! Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not that even though this park is in British Columbia, the easiest way to drive to this section of the Rocky Mountains is by flying to Calgary. Best National Parks in Canada for 2023-2024 - U.S. News Travel If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. There's even the opportunity to camp overnight at the Icefield Discovery base camp which is, quite possibly, the coolest camping experience in Canada in every sense of the word. The best things to do in Canada: be . Ad Choices. When it comes to east coast national parks, Florida is flush with them! Read More: Top Highlights of Nahanni National Park Reserve. Located within the Arctic Circle is Auyuittuq National Park, one of Canada's wildest national parks. Why does Acadia top Great Smoky Mountains you might ask? CheckBooking.com for hotels or AirBNBif you fancy nicer digs. The interconnecting Rocky Mountain parks with their big fauna and brawny mountains are emblematic of the nation and recognized by Unesco. Late spring offers pleasant weather for hiking and camping, while fall offers a burst of lovely colors. 11 Best National Parks on the East Coast (Massive Guide) Where:Qubec (Central Canada) Saguenay Fjord National Park is located in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec. While other national parks in Ontario are buckling under the influx of visitors, in the provinces only wilderness park, Pukaskwa National Park, there are plenty of uncrowded, open spaces to explore on water and land. From the vacation of a lifetime to the life of a digital nomad, we've got everything you need to know about entry requirements for Panama. Whether you travel by canoe, kayak, boat, or walking some of the parks many boardwalks, youre sure to be amazed by this south Florida wildlife paradise. Mountaineers from around the globe pine after the pinnacles and walls of the Cirque of the Unclimbables, while day hikes take adventurers of all levels through spectacular alpine scenery. And if Skyline Drive wasnt enough for you, the world famous Blue Ridge Parkway even makes an appearance in the park! On le aux Perroquets, travelers can stay in a historic lighthouse which has been transformed into a quaint bed and breakfast. Everglades is home to numerous endangered species like the American Crocodile and the Florida Panther providing them with one of their last sanctuaries on earth. Banff was designated as a national park in 1885 after the discovery of its hot springs by employees of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The Best National Parks on the East Coast (You Can't Miss) Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Sticking out into the Gulf of St Lawrence on the eastern extremity of Qubec province, Forillon covers the crumpled crests of the Gasp Peninsula. A book-lover's guide to Canada from coast to coast. Bring your bike or your hiking shoes and spend the day exploring the parks beautiful carriage roads which wind through the woods and are off limits to cars. Top 10 national parks and preserves in Atlantic Canada Where:Nova Scotia (Eastern Canada) That's the kind of magic you can experience in New Brunswick's Fundy National Park, home to the world's highest tides. How to get there: 35 min drive from Edmonton (feasible day trip). Its location near Cleveland makes it an easy stop for any park-lover to add on their trip to the city. Visiting Congaree National Park is like stepping foot back in time. Jasper is arguably your best bet to do it. 1. Road trippers driving along Nova Scotias scenic Cabot Trail highway will find themselves winding through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Lured by the wilderness, Jasper attracts legions of DIY travelers to its rustic hostels and hike- or ski-in backcountry lodges. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Leave us a comment below and let us know what your favorite east coast national park is! One of eastern Canadas most beloved parks, Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023. #10. Speaking of hiking, with over 200 kilometers of trails to choose from, there's something for just about everyone, from beginner hikers to experienced pros. Situated on the northern tip of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Highlands National Park is often called the area "where the mountains meet the sea" by Canadians. Entrance to the park is free, and its gateway town of Gatlinburg, TN is full of stores, restaurants, and activities for the whole family. Its not uncommon to see moose on this trail as well, and visitors should make sure to give the territorial Canadian wildlife a wide berth. Home Features The 8 best National Parks on the east coast By Julia Clarke last updated 26 October 2022 The best National Parks on the east coast deliver jaw-dropping landscapes, from rugged mountains to coral reefs So, if you're looking for the best east coast national parks to explore - then take a read of this list! Where:Manitoba (Midwest/Central Canada) From glittering glacial lakesto forest-lined roads speckled with wildlife Canada is a feast for the eyes, and will leave any visitor hungry for just a little more time to explore it. What do you do if you get hurt? to skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Head to either lake early if you're hoping to snap a pic with no one else in the frame but resist the urge to take a dip, as these glacier-fed lakes are freezing cold! One can also take a 3-day tour departing from Toronto if a DIY trip is less feasible. The 8 best National Parks on the east coast | Advnture To soak up the best of this Alberta national park, drive down the famous Icefields Parkway, which is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Travel Stories Canada Canada's best national parks Save Brendan Sainsbury Mar 26, 2021 8 min read Icefields Parkway, Banff National Park Alexander Howard/Lonely Planet In the battle to safeguard the planet's endangered ecosystems, Canada is a global leader. Back to Florida for another truly coastal east coast national park. 12 of Canada's Most Breathtaking National Parks - Thrifty Nomads from Moncton, New Brunswick. In and around the park and near Tofino are some truly fantastic campgrounds. More accessible and attracting 95% of the visitors is the northern Long Beach Unit, bookended between the two mellow tourist towns of Tofino and Ucluelet and revered for its surf beaches and burnt orange Pacific sunsets. When to go: Late February to mid-March is ideal for spotting polar cubs, while late October to November is prime time for seeing hoards of adult bears. So, here there are - 13 best national parks East Coast is renowned for. The worlds third oldest national park is an integral piece of Canadian history and an essential introduction to the glories of the Rocky Mountains. 2. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Almost 300 miles northwest of Toronto, the Bruce peninsula consists of a limestone outcrop at the northern end of the Niagara Escarpment that juts out into the Great Lakes separating the cooler waters of Georgian Bay from warmer Lake Huron. Many wildlife are most activeat dusk. 10 BEST EAST COAST NATIONAL PARKS Ranked By Experts (+ Map) If you can reach it, the park offers unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling, sea kayaking, wildlife viewing, and a completely one-of-a-kind national park experience. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the InterContinental Boston. Fall offersincredible foliage and spring is the less busy shoulder season. Scenes from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Point Reyes National Seashore, Chiricahua National Monument, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Dinosaur National Monument. There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings throughout the park, including bears (black and grizzly), elk, wolves, and foxes. The springs still do brisk business but have since been joined by a litany of other attractions, from a mountainside gondola to a chateau-esque hotel overlooking the robin-egg blue waters of Lake Louise. 5 National Park Destinations That Aren't Parks Spectacular in its mountainous setting, the park attracts a rugged sort of adventurer willing to work hard for their scenery. Does Applying for Credit Cards Affect Your Credit Score? In Canadas northernmost territory of Nunavut, Auyuittuq National Park is one of the countrys most remote and dramatic parklands. Besides travel, her shameless vices include wine-fuelled nights with good company, road trips to remote places, and squealing at adorable elderly dogs. Summer is the most popular season in the Smokies and can see some serious crowds, but thanks to the parks sprawling layout there are always places to escape the hustle and bustle. Get out into the mountains in this hikers paradise, following the 53-mile, multi-day Cottonwood Trail, or walk the seven-mile loop on Sheep Mountain in one day. Nearly two dozen hikes lead off a 109-mile (175km) stretch of the road. No matter what you choose to do, be sure to save time for trekking the Marble Canyon trail, which sits atop a limestone and dolomite canyon. Extend your visit by making the hour-long drive north along the Icefields Parkwaywhere the road is hugged by glaciers and milky-blue riversto neighboring Jasper National Park. Gasp has many such epic coastline, with towering cliffs and emerald waters that shimmer in the summer sun. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve's cultural significance is a huge draw for historians and conservationists alike. The nations most visited national park, straddling the misty mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, is a true national treasure. A PHD in geology is not required to absorb the majesty of Gros Mornes deep-cut fjords, lonely headlands, sheer cliffs, and 2000ft-drop (610m) waterfalls. As Canadians ourselves, we are decidedlybiased in sayingit's a placeeveryone should visit in their lifetime. Autumn brings kaleidoscopic fall color to the parks old forests and rolling landscapes. Sea kayaking is another fantastic way to experience the shorelines of Gasp Bay. One third of the road passes along the edge of this national park, inaugurated in 1936 as the first park in Atlantic Canada. Theres also a Coastal Paddling Route, part of the Trans-Canada Trail, for those who prefer to experience the wilderness on the water. With over 1.6 million square kilometers of protected natural land, Canada is lucky to benefit from a world-class national park system. As this park is located on Vancouver Island (separated by the Strait of Georgia from the city of Vancouver) the park can be reached by ferry or float plane from mainland British Columbia, or by flying straight into Victoria and then driving. Tours are pricey but essential for visiting the park. Today, you can engage with Mi'kmaw culture by attending a birch bark canoe building demonstration or petroglyph tour. BEST THOUSAND ISLANDS TOUR Banff National Park - Alberta. 12 Best National Parks in Canada worth exploring! The ecosystem is home to animals like bison, black-tailed prairie dogs and short-horned lizards, and visitors can even see dinosaur fossils here. It can get cold very cold in the winter, but you can warm up quickly by exploring the park on snowshoes, cross-country skis, ice skates, or even ice cleats for a one-of-a-kind tour of a frozen ice canyon. Where: Yukon (Western Canada) With even lesser crowds than its sister park, Banff (which is also indeed worth a visit), you're nearly guaranteed to see something. Summers are beautiful, but each winter brings, rain and wild storms, causing huge waves that draw photographers as well as experienced surfers willing to brave the cold (even in the summer months, dry suits are needed to withstand the cold ocean water). Students of plate tectonics and continental drift can augment their knowledge uncovering the topography of the barren "Tablelands," an eerie flattop massif that features exposed rock from deep within the earths mantle. What makes this national park so special? 14 Best National Parks in Canada | PlanetWare Near the resort town of Tofino, on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island lies Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, stretching along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Because of its size most travelers focus on either the western or eastern provinces. With bears, arctic foxes, lynxes, and waterfalls all on offer, how can one not be intrigued by thisincredible place? Its mountains are between 45 and 120 million years old, with the highest, Mount Forbes, reaching 11,850ft (3612m). Kluane National Park's claim to fame is that it's home to the highest peak in the entire country that would be the 5,959-meter Mount Logan, nestled deep into the park and typically only hiked by experienced mountaineers. Just 80 miles from the city of Calgary, Banff National Parks imposing mountains, aquamarine glacial lakes, and emerald forestshome to bears, moose, and wolveshave coalesced into a postcard image of the Canadian Rockies in the collective consciousness. While not numerically precise to itsname, the abundance of islands here (which are worn-down ancient mountain peaks) are incredible to see. You'll find some of the highest tides in the world at this New Brunswick park. If you've got several days and are up for an adventure, a portion of the famous 782-kilometer Bruce Trail Canada's oldest and longest footpath runs through the park. 2022 Thrifty Nomads All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy. Home to Canadas highest peak, 19,551 feet Mount Logan, the countrys largest ice field, and a dense grizzly bear population, Kluane is a landscape of superlatives. For some superb coastal scenery in Canada, you need only look to Prince Edward Island National Park. From sandy stretches along alpine lakes to lighthouse-studded coasts to city parks, these are Canada's best beaches. Located in northern Canada, the vast, lonely landscape of Kluane National Park and Reserve in southwestern Yukon is perfect for those who prefer flora and fauna to people. Jen is a five-foot-short fireball with an itch for adventure. RELATED: ALL of Floridas National Parks RANKED (+video). By Vanessa Holmes Canada is a vast and diverse country. When you hear the word safari', Canada doesn't come to mind. Though it's the smallest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Waterton Lakes National Park manages to pack a lot of impressive sights within its nearly 125,000 acres. Part of UNESCO's Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, Jasper National Park is rugged, wild, and incredibly large (11,000 square kilometers, to be exact). What can I say? Whales breach in the surrounding seas and shipwrecks and beaches dot the coast. The paved road winds along towering coastal cliffs and through lush forestry that blankets the park. 1. What you'll find in this wildly spectacular national park are pink granite shorelines, boreal forests, and rushing rivers all just waiting to be discovered. 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