Right now, is a good time to be Canadian. Lonely Planet named us the top travel destination of 2017, then The New York Times dubbed us the #1 travel destination in the world, not to mention this year is also Canada’s 150th birthday!
If you’re deciding how to celebrate, you should definitely consider booking a National Park, because Canada is goddamn beautiful and all that beauty should not be wasted. To get in the spirit, the Liberal Government has even waived all entrance fees to national parks.
Below take a look at the most stunning national parks you need to visit on Canada’s birthday:
Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Yoho was named after a Cree expression meaning “awe and wonder” – they really weren’t joking. The Rocky Mountains and clear lakes will leave you speechless.
Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
If you choose to celebrate Canada’s 150th at Fundy National Park, you’ll also be witnessing one of North America’s seven natural wonders. It has the world’s highest tides and some of the most interesting rock formations.
Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia
If you love being by the vast beauty of the ocean, Pacific Rim National Park is another option. Comprised of Long Beach, Broken Group Islands and the West Coast Trail, the entire park borders on the sea.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Fun fact: Banff is Canada’s oldest national park. The ancient Rocky Mountains, surrounding glaciers and alpine forests would make the perfect backdrop for Canada’s 150th.
Ivvavik National Park, Yukon
You may have to travel far to get to Ivvavik National Park (all the way to the Yukon) but it’s definitely worth it! The landscape is steeped in natural beauty with unparalleled wildlife.
Torngat Mountains National Park, Newfoundland
On the tip of the Labrador Peninsula, Torngat Mountains looks almost other-worldly. It’s hard to believe the mountains are real – they’re the highest mainland peaks in Canada.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
With 98% of the park space being protected wilderness, Jasper continues to let nature take its course and is truly an unforgettable scene. A network of trails allows you to intertwine yourself with all the beauty the wilderness has to offer.
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
If you’re after rugged beauty, then Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta is the place to be. The landscape is bursting with clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, and mountain vistas.
Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
You don’t have to go far to be in awe. Bruce Peninsula National Park is located right here in Ontario, but it definitely feels like some place else. The crystal clear waters of Georgian Bay meet the Niagara Escarpment for a stunning view.
Mingan Archipelago, Quebec
Composed of limestone, Mingan Archipelago was carved by the waters of the Gulf of the St. Lawrence making some of the most unique rock formations. Not to mention the ocean seems endless and the shore line is dotted by a chain of around 40 islands.
