The Most Beautiful National Park in Canada, Ranked

Choose the national park you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:19
Every year, countless nature enthusiasts and adventurers seek to explore the serene beauty encapsulated within Canada's national parks. Each park offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking vistas, making it a significant challenge to decide which park to visit first. Having a reliable ranking of the most beautiful national parks can guide visitors to choices that align with their personal preferences in scenery and outdoor activities. That’s where your votes come in! By participating in rankings, you help create a comprehensive guide that highlights the top national parks as decided by the public. Your input ensures that others like you can benefit from updated and crowd-sourced information, making it easier to plan trips that promise unforgettable experiences in nature’s splendor.

What Is the Most Beautiful National Park in Canada?

  1. 1
    55
    votes
    Banff National Park
    Gorgo · Public domain

    Banff National Park

    Canadian government
    Banff National Park - known for its stunning turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and abundant wildlife. It's one of the most visited national parks in Canada.
    Banff National Park is a protected area located in Canadian Rocky Mountains, Alberta, Canada. It was established in 1885 as Canada's first national park and covers an area of over 2,500 square miles. Banff National Park is known for its stunning scenery, including picturesque lakes and mountains, abundant wildlife, and hot springs. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, camping, and more.
    • Established date: November 25, 1885
    • Area: 2,564 square miles
    • Highest mountain: Mount Forbes (3,612 m)
    • Number of lakes: more than 1,000
    • Number of species: Around 58 mammal species and more than 260 bird species
    Banff National Park in other rankings
  2. 2
    29
    votes
    Jasper National Park
    Florian Fuchs · CC BY 3.0
    Jasper National Park is home to the famous Columbia Icefield, Maligne Lake, and the picturesque Athabasca Falls. Jasper also offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world.
    Jasper National Park is a beautiful protected area located in western Alberta, Canada. It is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and is home to stunning scenery such as mountains, glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing.
    • Size: 10,878 km²
    • Elevation: 1,600 - 3,747 m
    • Highest Peak: Mount Columbia (3,747 m)
    • Glaciers: Over 100
    • Lakes: Over 1,200
    Jasper National Park in other rankings
  3. 3
    24
    votes
    Yoho National Park
    JZ85 · CC BY 3.0

    Yoho National Park

    Government of Canada
    Yoho National Park is located in the Canadian Rockies, Yoho is known for its cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and towering mountains. The park is also home to the Burgess Shale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Yoho National Park is a stunning natural oasis located in the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia. It covers an area of 1,313 square kilometers and was established in 1886. The park is known for its dramatic mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, roaring waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and photography. Yoho National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is managed by Parks Canada.
    • Location: British Columbia, Canada
    • Area: 1,313 square kilometers
    • Established: 1886
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes
    • Mountain Peaks: Multiple, including Mount Burgess, Mount Stephen, and Mount Field
  4. 4
    4
    votes
    Gros Morne National Park
    Adavyd · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Gros Morne National Park is located in Newfoundland, Gros Morne is known for its unique geological features, including the Tablelands, a flat-topped mountain range made of peridotite. The park also offers stunning coastal views and hiking trails.
  5. 5
    24
    votes
    Kluane National Park
    Kantokano · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Kluane National Park

    Government of Canada
    Kluane National Park - located in the Yukon, Kluane is home to Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan, and the largest non-polar icefield in the world. The park is also home to grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep.
    Kluane National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful national park located in the southwestern corner of the Yukon Territory, Canada. It covers an area of 22,013 square kilometers, making it one of the largest national parks in Canada. Kluane National Park is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, glaciers, and diverse wildlife species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
    • Highest Peak: Mount Logan – 5,959 meters
    • Location: Yukon Territory, Canada
    • Size: 22,013 square kilometers
    • Mountain Ranges: St. Elias Mountains, Kluane Ranges
    • Glaciers: Over 80% glacierized area
  6. 6
    18
    votes

    Pacific Rim National Park

    Government of Canada
    Pacific Rim National Park is located on Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim offers stunning coastal scenery, including long sandy beaches, rugged rocky shores, and old-growth rainforests. The park is also a popular spot for surfing and wildlife viewing.
    Pacific Rim National Park is a stunning protected area located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It encompasses a diverse landscape including rugged coastline, temperate rainforest, and sandy beaches. The park offers breathtaking views, unique wildlife encounters, and a range of recreational activities.
    • Established: 1970
    • Size: 511 square kilometers
    • Ecosystems: Coastal temperate rainforest, rocky shorelines, sandy beaches
    • Biodiversity: Home to over 200 bird species, grey wolves, black bears, cougars, and sea otters
    • Beaches: Long Beach, Wickaninnish Beach, and Florencia Bay are popular destinations
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Riding Mountain National Park
    Norm Andreiw · CC BY 3.0

    Riding Mountain National Park

    The Government of Canada
    Riding Mountain National Park is located in Manitoba, Riding Mountain offers a diverse landscape of forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, black bears, and wolves.
    Riding Mountain National Park is a breathtaking national park located in Manitoba, Canada. It encompasses diverse landscapes including forests, grasslands, lakes, and rolling hills. The park is known for its majestic beauty and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. The park offers a wide range of activities such as hiking, camping, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Whether you are seeking adventure or tranquility, Riding Mountain National Park has something for everyone.
    • Location: Manitoba, Canada
    • Size: 2,969 square kilometers
    • Established: 1929
    • Elevation: up to 735 meters
    • Biodiversity: Over 260 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, and countless plant species
  8. 8
    2
    votes
    Thousand Islands National Park
    Shroha · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Thousand Islands National Park is located on the St. Lawrence River, Thousand Islands offers a unique landscape of rocky islands and clear blue waters. The park is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and camping.
    Thousand Islands National Park is a stunning national park located in the Thousand Islands region of the Saint Lawrence River, straddling the border of Ontario, Canada and New York, USA. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, crystal clear waters, and diverse wildlife.
    • Size: Approximately 24 square kilometers
    • Islands: Over 1,800 islands and islets
    • Marine Life: Home to various species including fish, turtles, and amphibians
    • Birds: A haven for over 200 species of birds, including herons and eagles
    • Camping: Offers several camping sites, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    Nahanni National Park
    Paul Gierszewski · Public domain
    Nahanni National Park - located in the Northwest Territories, Nahanni is known for its deep canyons, hot springs, and the South Nahanni River, which offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the world. The park is also home to Dall sheep, mountain goats, and grizzly bears.
    Nahanni National Park is a breathtaking and pristine wilderness area located in the southwestern part of the Northwest Territories, Canada. This stunning park covers approximately 30,000 square kilometers of diverse landscapes, including rugged mountains, deep canyons, stunning waterfalls, and winding rivers. It is known for its exceptional natural beauty, untouched landscapes, and rich cultural and geological history.
    • Size: Approximately 30,000 square kilometers
    • Location: Southwestern part of the Northwest Territories, Canada
    • Landscapes: Rugged mountains, deep canyons, stunning waterfalls, winding rivers
    • Accessibility: Remote and accessible only by air or water
    • Wildlife: Home to a diverse range of species, including caribou, Dall's sheep, moose, black bears, and gray wolves
  10. 10
    6
    votes

    Waterton Lakes National Park

    The Government of Canada
    Waterton Lakes National Park is located in Alberta, Waterton Lakes offers a stunning landscape of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, and elk.
    Waterton Lakes National Park is located in southwestern Alberta, Canada, and is known for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. It was established in 1895, making it one of the oldest national parks in Canada. The park covers an area of approximately 505 square kilometers and is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The park is named after the Waterton Lakes, a series of scenic mountain lakes that dot the region.
    • Location: Southwestern Alberta, Canada
    • Established: 1895
    • Size: 505 square kilometers
    • Designation: National Park
    • Part of: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

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Ranking factors for beautiful national park

  1. Scenery and landscape
    The natural beauty and diversity of the park, including its unique geologic formations, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and forests.
  2. Wildlife
    The variety and abundance of wildlife in the park, including both plant and animal species, as well as the presence of endangered or rare species.
  3. Recreational activities
    The range of outdoor activities available to visitors, such as hiking, camping, paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
  4. Accessibility
    The ease of reaching the park, with factors such as proximity to major cities and transportation options taken into account.
  5. Visitor facilities and amenities
    The quality and availability of visitor facilities, including campgrounds, trails, visitor centers, and interpretive programs.
  6. Environmental conservation and sustainability efforts
    The park's commitment to protecting its natural resources, habitats, and overall ecological health.
  7. Cultural and historical significance
    The presence of significant cultural or historical sites or features within the park, including Indigenous history, landmarks, and artifacts.
  8. Visitor experience
    Overall visitor satisfaction with the park, including factors such as cleanliness, safety, and educational opportunities.
  9. Seasonal attractions
    Unique seasonal events or natural phenomena that occur within the park, such as fall foliage, spring wildflower blooms, or winter sports opportunities.
  10. Popularity and prestige
    Public perception of the park's beauty and significance, as well as its reputation among travel experts and enthusiasts.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful national park in Canada. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or park is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1967 views
  • 176 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each park once every 24 hours. The rank of each park is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful national park in canada

Canada is a country known for its stunning natural landscapes, and its national parks are no exception. With 48 national parks scattered across the country, it can be tough to choose which one to visit first. Each park offers unique wildlife, pristine lakes, and awe-inspiring mountains, making them popular destinations for tourists and locals alike. When it comes to the most beautiful national park in Canada, opinions are divided. While some may argue that Banff National Park is the most beautiful with its turquoise lakes and towering peaks, others may prefer the rugged wilderness of Jasper National Park or the remote beauty of Nahanni National Park Reserve. Regardless of which park you choose, a visit to any of Canada's national parks promises to be a memorable experience. With endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, these parks are truly a nature lover's paradise. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty of Canada's national parks.

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