List of National Parks in Canada

List of National Parks in Canada: Canada has 47 national parks. Of these 37 are designated as national parks and 10 are reserved national parks. These 47 national parks represent the 336,343 square kilometers area of Canada which falls under the 39 terrestrial natural regions. These 47 national parks cover almost every province and territory of Canada that is responsible for protecting the wildlife and flora’s lives.

In this article, we are going to discuss the National Parks in Canada in detail.

List of National Parks in Canada

Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest National Park in Canada and Georgian Bay Islands National Park is the smallest one. Here are the detailed list of the National Parks in Canada as mentioned below.

National Park Name	State	Estd Date	Area
Gros Morne	Newfoundland and Labrador	October 1, 2005 (national park) August 1973 (national park reserve)	1,805 km2
Qausuittuq	Nunavut	September 1, 2015	11,008 km2
Aulavik	Northwest Territories	1992	12,200 km2
Tuktut Nogait	Northwest Territories	1998	18,181 km2
Gulf Islands (Reserve)	British Columbia	May 9, 2003	37 km2
Bruce Peninsula	Ontario	1987	125 km2
Mingan Archipelago (Reserve)	Quebec	1984	151 km2
Point Pelee	Ontario	May 29, 1918	15 km2
Rouge (Urban)	Ontario	May 15, 2015	79.1 km2
Thousand Islands	Ontario	1904	24 km2
Elk Island	Alberta	1913	194 km2
Prince Albert	Saskatchewan	March 24, 1927	3,875 km2
Riding Mountain	Manitoba	May 30, 1933	2,968 km2
Banff	Alberta	November 25, 1885	6,641 km2
Jasper	Alberta	September 14, 1907	11,228 km2
Kootenay	British Columbia	April 21, 1920	1,406 km2
Waterton Lakes	Alberta	May 30, 1895	505 km2
Yoho	British Columbia	October 10, 1886	1,313 km2
Grasslands	Saskatchewan	1981	730 km2
Gwaii Haanas (Reserve)	British Columbia	1988	1,474 km2
Pacific Rim (Reserve)	British Columbia	1970	510 km2
Forillon	Quebec	June 8, 1970	240 km2
Thaidene Nëné (Reserve)	Northwest Territories	August 21, 2019	14,305 km2
Ivvavik	Yukon	1984	9,750 km2
Vuntut	Yukon	1993	4,345 km2
Torngat Mountains	Newfoundland and Labrador	July 10, 2008	9,700 km2
Auyuittuq	Nunavut	2001	19,089 km2
Kluane * (Park and Reserve)	Yukon	May 29, 1993 (Park) 1972 (Reserve)	5,900 km2
Wood Buffalo	Alberta / Northwest Territories	1922	44,972 km2
Kouchibouguac	New Brunswick	1969	239 km2
Prince Edward Island	Prince Edward Island	1937	27 km2
Cape Breton Highlands	Nova Scotia	1936	948 km2
Fundy	New Brunswick	1948	206 km2
Nááts’ihch’oh (Reserve)	Northwest Territories	December 18, 2014	4,850 km2
Nahanni (Reserve)	Northwest Territories	1974	30,000 km2
Wapusk	Manitoba	1996	11,475 km2
Georgian Bay Islands	Ontario	1930	14 km2
La Mauricie	Quebec	August 22, 1970	536 km2
Terra Nova	Newfoundland and Labrador	1957	399 km2
Quttinirpaaq	Nunavut	1988	37,775 km2
Sirmilik	Nunavut	2001	22,200 km2
Akami-Uapishkᵘ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains (Reserve)	Newfoundland and Labrador	July 31, 2015	10,700 km2
Glacier	British Columbia	October 10, 1886	1,349 km2
Mount Revelstoke	British Columbia	1914	262 km2
Ukkusiksalik	Nunavut	August 23, 2003	20,880 km2
Pukaskwa	Ontario	1971	1,878 km2
Kejimkujik	Nova Scotia	1967	404 km2 (
Sable Island (Reserve)	Nova Scotia	June 20, 2013	30 km2

Gros Morne – Newfoundland & Labrador

This national park is located on Newfoundland’s west coast and is the second largest in Atlantic Canada.

• This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with natural wonders, including towering granite mountains, deep fjords, forests, beaches, waterfalls, and coastal features.
• It also boasts picturesque seaside villages. The park’s ancient landscape dates back millennia, showcasing significant geological features and providing a clear example of plate tectonics.
• Visitors can enjoy beachcombing, boating, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting in the alpine highlands.
• The Tablelands, found within the park, offer access to rare rocks from deep within the Earth’s crust.
• Guided hikes in this area provide the opportunity to observe billions of years of geological history and explore a landscape teeming with unique flora and fauna.

Thousand Islands – Ontario

This beautiful island chain is situated in the Saint Lawrence River, stretching between Kingston and Brockville, near the eastern end of Lake Ontario, just 3 hours from Toronto.

• One of Canada’s smallest national parks, this group of 20 plus granite islands, numerous inlets, and several mainland bases is characterized by marshland, pine forest, and sparkling waterways.
• It is home to some of the country’s richest wildlife populations.
• Visitors can explore the lush terrain via hiking trails or by taking to the water in a kayak or powerboat to discover secluded bays and rugged coastal areas, while catching glimpses of rare turtle and bird species.
• Mallorytown Landing serves as the park’s main hub, offering a range of activities including an interpretive center, aquarium, picnic and camping sites, a children’s playground, theater, traveling exhibits, and more, ensuring visitors can fully enjoy their time in this unique park.

Waterton Lakes – Alberta

The grasslands of Alberta meet the peaks of the Rockies. Waterton Lakes is situated in southern Alberta, bordering Montana’s Glacier National Park.

• With the Rockies as its backdrop, Waterton Lakes is renowned for its chain of gleaming lakes, powerful waterfalls, and shimmering streams.
• The quaint waterfront town of Waterton serves as an excellent base for exploring the magnificent landscapes.
• What sets Waterton apart is the remarkable variety of wildlife and wildflowers that flourish in this remarkable national park.
• The main attraction lies in the hikes, which offer opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna along relatively short trails.
• The trails are plentiful and well-marked – Red Rock Canyon Parkway is highly recommended, as is a hike to Lineham Falls.

Gaspesie National Park – Quebec

Established in 1937 to safeguard the caribou of the Gaspé Peninsula, the salmon of the Sainte-Anne River, and the natural splendor of two of Québec’s most magnificent mountain ranges (Chic Choc and McGerrigle), this 802-square-kilometer national park is situated in the heart of the Gaspé Peninsula, approximately eight hours from Montreal.

• Within this national park, there are 25 mountains that rise over 3,300 feet, stunning arctic-alpine flora, and remarkable wildlife such as white-tailed deer, moose, and the only caribou herd south of the St. Lawrence River.
• The rugged beauty here is unparalleled. You’ll also discover 87 miles of hiking trails, with the standout being the Mont Jacques-Cartier trail, which takes around five hours and offers breathtaking views of the alpine tundra.
• Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or fishing on Lake Cascapédia, and explore segments of the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) that traverses the park from east to west.
• Photography enthusiasts should aim to capture the park’s unique mountain vistas at sunrise or sunset.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Nova Scotia

The northern part of Cape Breton Island, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the West.

• A unique mix of northern forest, mossy wetlands, and coastal habitats not found elsewhere in Canada characterize this enchanting corner of Nova Scotia.
• The park is defined by a high plateau with a landscape similar to the tundra, dotted with deep forested river valleys that slope down towards the warmer lowlands and coastline.
• The result is a remarkable haven for wildlife, where you can expect to see the endangered lynx, moose, grouse, small whales, harbor seals, and bald eagles.
• The park’s special combination of ocean, mountains, and forests, along with its famous hiking trails and rich cultural history, make it a must-visit destination in Canada.
• One-third of the renowned Cabot Trail winds through the park, offering adventurous hikers the opportunity to explore the finest scenery of Cape Breton’s captivating natural landscapes.
• As you traverse the trail through the highlands and along the island’s shores, you will be treated to expansive views of valleys, forests, and stunning coastal vistas.

Mont-Tremblant National Park – Quebec

Just a few hours northwest from Montreal and northeast from Ottawa, Mont-Tremblant is a great side trip for a few days of outdoor fun while exploring eastern Canada.

• This 1,510-square-kilometer park is known for its six rivers, 400 streams and lakes, expansive Laurentian peaks, sandy beaches, canoe routes, and 40 species of mammals.
• There are also 18 different hiking trails that cover over 82 kilometers, a series of excellent river routes for canoeists (the winding route from Lac Chat to Mont de la Vache Noire is great if you have a half-day to spare), and numerous camping spots.
• The park features two supervised and serviced beaches: Crémaillère beach in the La Diable sector, and Lac-Provost beach in the La Pimbina sector.
• The Via Ferrata du Diable, resembling rock climbing, on the wall of the Vache Noire at the park’s entrance, is a unique trail that allows both beginners and experienced climbers to safely ascend the mountain.
• You’ll be secured to a steel cable running the length of the cliff as you navigate the built-in steps, beams, footpaths, walkways, and bridges overlooking the Diable River below.

Jasper National Park – Alberta

Located on the eastern slopes of the Rockies in western Alberta. With rugged snow-covered peaks, massive icy fields, blue-streaked lakes, and blooming mountain meadows, Jasper’s famous scenery is truly remarkable and must be experienced firsthand.

• Explore the rugged wilderness through the extensive network of hiking and biking trails, taking the opportunity to observe abundant wildlife along the way, including bears, elk, caribou, and bighorn sheep.
• The relaxed town of Jasper offers all the amenities of urban life and provides easy access to numerous adventurous activities that will immerse you in the park’s vast and well-preserved wilderness.
• The Columbia Icefields are an extraordinary natural wonder and definitely worth visiting.
• Additionally, when night falls, there are still plenty of opportunities to appreciate Jasper’s natural beauty.
• The park is designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, making it one of the premier locations on the planet for stargazing.
• Plan your visit to coincide with the Dark Sky Festival in October, where enthusiasts gather for a weekend of festivities, including parties, concerts, and exhibitions focused on observing the night sky.

Yoho National Park – British Columbia

Yoho National Park adorns the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies. Celebrating some of North America’s most pristine natural wilderness, this park is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, filled with breathtaking scenery and outstanding hiking opportunities.

• Experience the impressive effects of ice and water that have shaped vertical rock formations, towering peaks, deep blue lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
• Dive into Yoho’s intriguing geology and natural history with a guided tour of Mt. Stephen and Mt. Field, where you’ll marvel at fossilized remains of some of the earliest life forms on Earth.
• Conveniently accessible from Highway 1 is the captivating Takkakaw Falls, an internationally renowned site and one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls.
• From here, embark on the Iceline Trail, a 20-kilometer loop that showcases some of the park’s most magnificent glaciers and mountain vistas.

Banff National Park – Alberta

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, 80 miles west of Calgary. As Canada’s oldest national park, and the world’s third oldest, Banff is one of the continent’s top destinations, boasting nearly unmatched levels of natural beauty with its snow-capped peaks, dense pine forests, mountain meadows, and pristine lakes.

• Every year, visitors travel to witness the majestic mountain scenery and enjoy endless opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking, biking, and canoeing to camping in remote areas.
• Explore chains of glaciers and lakes, each more stunning than the last, drive along the scenic Icefield Parkway, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Banff town with its top-notch resorts, shops, restaurants, and breweries.
• Lake Louise is an idyllic destination, widely celebrated as the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies.
• It can become crowded, but the sheer grandeur of the setting, including turquoise waters, towering mountains, and an elegant chateau, is simply difficult to surpass.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – British Columbia

It is located along the western shoreline of Vancouver Island, this park includes three distinct sections: Long Beach, Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail.

• The Pacific Rim showcases pristine Canadian wilderness, featuring lush temperate rainforests, stunning coastal cliffs, and vast sandy beaches.
• Experience some of the country’s most challenging surf at Long Beach, observe migrating humpback whales while hiking coastal trails, or venture to Barkley Sound for kayaking adventures in clear waters among numerous islands, inlets, and hidden coves.
• The entire park offers excellent hiking opportunities, with miles of sandy beaches, thriving ancient forests, and breathtaking coastal views.
• Take on the challenging 47-mile West Coast Trail, or explore shorter routes like the scenic Wild Pacific Trail along the Ucluelet peninsula.

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List of National Parks in Canada – FAQs

How many national parks are in Canada?

There are 38 national parks, 10 national park reserves, and one national urban park, covering an area of approximately 342,456 km2 (132,223 sq mi), or about 3.3% of the total land area of Canada, and representing 31 of its 39 natural regions.

What is Canada’s most famous park?

The most famous national park in Canada is Banff National Park in Alberta. Also the oldest Canadian National Park, Banff is known for its crystal blue waters in Peyto Lake, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise, along with world-class hikes to the summits of Sulphur Mountain, Big Beehive, and Temple Mountain.

What is Canada’s most visited national park?

Banff is Canada’s oldest and most visited national park.

What is the prettiest national park in Canada?

Gaspesie National Park is the prettiest national park in Canada.

Why is Banff so famous?

The natural beauty of Banff’s surrounding lakes and mountains made it Canada’s first National Park and the world’s third national park refuge, and part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Are national parks free in Canada?

Fees are charged at most national parks and historic sites. Revenues support visitor programs, services, facilities and conservation efforts.

What is Canada’s smallest national park?

Georgian Bay Islands National Park protects 63 islands and is Canada’s smallest national park with a total area of 14 km².