I want you to get excited about your summer vacation this year because that elusive “someday” has arrived. No more putting it off, or delaying the journey because there will be no better summer to get out and explore your country than this year. And what better place to start than in our stunning national parks? So join me as I share the best Parks Canada places to visit now.
Last year, I had the privilege of exploring a bunch of Parks Canada gems from coast to coast, and it provided me a whole new appreciation for what we have in our own backyard. From windswept coastlines to inland trails, national historic sites to floating adventures, these places are affordable, beautiful, and, most importantly, ours.
So before the reservations fill up (because trust me, they will), here’s where I went, what I loved, and why you should book your own Parks Canada trip ASAP.
Best Parks Canada Places to Visit This Year (And That I Absolutely Recommend)
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton is a very special place to me, but bias aside, it also happens to be one of the world’s most beautiful islands and home to one of Parks Canada’s crown jewels: Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
It would be easy to lose yourself in this area for a week or more, but some of my favourite highlights include hiking up Franey Mountain for absolutely epic views of the island. Even the journey to the top is pretty amazing, with plenty of waterfalls along the way to stop, catch your breath, and soak it all in.
Speaking of water falls, Beulach Ban Falls is an easy win if you’re not up for a long hike. You will be surprised how close the falls are from the car park, but even more suprised how quickly you’re transported to another world as you look up at them.
Finally, Ingonish Beach is a personal favourite as I fondly remember playing in the waves with my Dad as a child (watch that undertow). It’s also known for it’s fresh water lake mere steps from the ocean, and do not miss the falls at Black Brook Beach!
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Beausoleil Island—part of Georgian Bay Islands National Park—was where I had one of my most memorable trips last year. Accessible only by boat, this island feels like a true escape while still being incredibly easy to reach from Ontario’s cottage country. We stayed in Parks Canada oTENTiks, learned how to make fire, hiked forest trails, and laughed around the fire until the stars came out. It was the perfect blend of back-to-nature simplicity and just enough comfort.
What I loved most about Beausoleil is that it offers something for every kind of adventurer. Whether you’re there for a peaceful paddle, a group hike, or just to sit quietly with a good book by the water, you’ll find your pace here. It’s also a great option if you’re craving a low-stress girls’ getaway that won’t break the bank. I wrote more about the experience here if you’re looking for trip inspiration.
Fortress of Louisbourg
Let’s be clear, this isn’t a park but rather a historic site, and it absolutely deserves a spot on your summer travel list. Fortress of Louisbourg is one of the most impressive national historic sites in the country, and visiting it feels like stepping into a living, breathing piece of 18th-century history. I had the chance to experience it during the Celtic Colours International Festival, and it was nothing short of magical. Sitting inside the fortress walls, listening to live music inside a centuries old chapal, was an experience I won’t forget anytime soon.
But even outside of festival season, Louisbourg delivers. The site is a full-scale reconstruction of a French fortress from 1744, complete with costumed interpreters, working bakeries, and cannon demonstrations. It’s immersive, educational, and a whole lot of fun—especially if you have kids (or curious adults) in tow. It’s also a beautiful reminder that Parks Canada doesn’t just protect natural spaces—they preserve our history too. This feels somehow more important now than it ever has.
Cape Spear & Signal Hill
Newfoundland’s dramatic coastline never disappoints, and two of the best places to take it all in are Cape Spear and Signal Hill—both managed by Parks Canada and packed with natural beauty and history.
Cape Spear is the easternmost point in North America, and standing there really does feel like you’re at the edge of the world. Visit the lighthouse, walk the trails along the cliffs, and if you’re lucky, you might catch sight of icebergs drifting by or whales breaching in the distance.
Just a short drive away, Signal Hill offers panoramic views over St. John’s and the Atlantic Ocean that are nothing short of breathtaking. It’s also steeped in maritime history, being the site where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just in it for the killer selfies, both spots deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is an unexpected favourite of mine. It’s not just about the telephone, it’s about a man who never stopped tinkering, inventing, and dreaming. And while we can’t technically claim him as a Canadian (thanks, 1947), Alexander Graham Bell spent nearly 40 years in Baddeck and called it his home on Earth—so we’re going to go ahead and feel just a little possessive here. I visited the museum during the Celtic Colours Festival, and it blew me away. The exhibits are fascinating, and the building itself—with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Bras d’Or Lake—is a stunner.
Rideau Canal (via Le Boat)
I’ve travelled the Rideau Canal a few times now with Le Boat, and every trip feels like a brand new adventure. Whether you’re on a family voyage, a couples’ getaway, or a girls’ trip (been there, done them all), there’s something magic about navigating your own boat through one of Canada’s most beautiful and historic waterways. No boating licence needed, just a willingness to slow down, go with the flow, and maybe figure out how to dock without too much drama.
The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. It winds through charming towns, peaceful lakes, and lush forests. You can dock and explore at your own pace—whether that means shopping in Westport, grabbing pastries in Smiths Falls, catching fireworks on Parliament Hill or going for a dip off the back of the boat. It’s the kind of trip that turns the journey into the destination, and honestly, it doesn’t get more Canadian summer than that.
Stanley Park
Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about Stanley Park, a place that’s often seen as Vancouver’s backyard, but it’s so much more than that. It’s also a national historic site and one of the most visited urban parks in North America. Whether you’re biking the seawall, wandering through the forest trails, or visiting the totem poles, there’s always something magical here.
What makes Stanley Park truly special is its deep Indigenous connections. The land has been home to the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples for thousands of years. As you explore the park, you’re walking through not just natural beauty but a place steeped in culture, history, and meaning. It’s a stunning reminder of the power and presence of Canada’s West Coast, and a perfect way to end any Parks Canada journey.
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Most Visited Parks Canada Site (and Why It’s Not the Only One Worth Seeing)
No surprise here—Banff National Park holds the crown as the most visited site in Canada. Between the turquoise lakes, mountain peaks, and Instagram gold, it’s easy to see why. But if you’re after solitude and space to breathe, there are better-kept secrets worth exploring.
Least Visited Parks Canada Site (and Why You Should Go)
One of the least visited and at the top of my list to get to is Tuktut Nogait National Park in the Northwest Territories. It’s remote, yes, but that’s the point. Wild, rugged, and teeming with Arctic wildlife, it’s the kind of place that I suspect feels like another planet in the best possible way. If you’re craving something off the beaten path, it doesn’t get more Canadian—or more untouched—than this.
Quick Answers to Your Parks Canada Questions
- How many national parks are in Canada?
There are 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves across the country, covering everything from towering mountains to remote tundra. But Parks Canada doesn’t stop there—there are also 171 national historic sites, each one preserving a piece of the stories that shaped this country. Consider it the ultimate Canada travel challenge: how many can you check off your list? - What is the best Parks Canada pass?
If you’re planning to visit more than two sites, the Discovery Pass is your best bet. It gives you unlimited admission to over 80 Parks Canada places for 12 months. - How much is a Parks Canada pass?
A Discovery Pass costs $75.25 for adults, $64.50 for seniors, and $151.25 for families or groups (up to seven people in one vehicle). Kids 17 and under get in free. Your pass covers admission to national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. That money helps fund maintenance, conservation, cultural preservation, and infrastructure—so you’re not just getting access, you’re helping protect these spaces for future generations. - When do Parks Canada reservations open?
Each park opens reservations on a different date, but most begin between January and April. And this summer, more than ever—especially with so many Canadians opting to stay domestic—booking early is crucial if you want to snag a great spot. - Can you cancel Parks Canada reservations?
Yes! There’s usually a small cancellation fee, but the system is designed to be flexible. Just don’t wait too long—sites fill up fast, and last-minute changes might leave you out of luck.
