Sukoharjonews.com – Canada has some of the best national parks in the world. The country is dotted with high mountain peaks, glacial lakes and valleys, mountain streams, rugged coastlines, islands, not to mention the largest lake in the world. Each park has a unique appeal, representing the diversity of Canada's landscapes and protecting the natural environment and natural heritage.
Quoted by Tripsavvy, Sunday (1/21/2024), here are some of the best national parks in Canada:
1. Banff National Park, Alberta
Known for its glacier-carved valleys, ice fields, high peaks and hot springs, Banff National Park is located in the Canadian Rockies of western Alberta. Banff is Canada's oldest national park and was established in 1885. The park is bordered to the south by Kootenay National Park in British Columbia and to the north by Jasper National Park. Banff Township and Lake Louise are popular tourist destinations and jumping off points for exploring the wilderness.
There are more than 1,500 kilometers of hiking trails that backcountry travelers can explore in Banff National Park. Backpacking is very popular and lodges, campsites and shelters are available for backcountry camping. To plan a safe and enjoyable wilderness trip in Banff, visit the Parks Canada website for trip planning information.
2. Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Ontario
Georgian Bay Islands National Park is comprised of 63 islands surrounded by the turquoise waters of Lake Huron in Ontario. The park is known for its diversity of wildlife, flora and fauna as well as its glaciation and the Canadian Shield also contributes to the diversity of the island.
With 33 species, more types of amphibians live in the national park than anywhere else in Canada. On one island you may find Rocky Shield with moss, pines, junipers and red oaks, and on another you will see dense deciduous forests and a variety of orchids, or canopy forests white trillium.
The Georgian Bay islands are only accessible by boat, canoe, kayak or water taxi. Beausoleil Island, the largest of the national parks, has nine campgrounds totaling 120 sites and 10 rustic cabins. Georgian Bay Islands National Park even offers a full campground for those who want to camp, but don't have the necessary equipment.
3. Kootenay National Park, British Columbia
With glacier peaks in the southwest Canadian Rockies and grasslands in the lower valleys, Kootenay National Park is home to a diverse landscape. The park is located on the western slope of the Continental Divide in British Columbia and borders Banff National Park to the north.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including raccoons, grizzly bears and black bears, as well as the Canadian lynx. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep live at the southern end of the park, near Radium Hot Springs. Points of interest in Kootenay National Park include Radium Hot Springs, Numa Falls and Marble Canyon.
Campgrounds are open from mid-May to mid-October in Kootenay National Park. There are four campgrounds with over 300 campsites with varied facilities. Backcountry camping is available and campsites can be reserved.
4. Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island
Located on the north coast of Prince Edward Island (PEI), in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Prince Edward Island National Park is home to dunes sandstone, barrier islands, beaches, sandstone cliffs, wetlands and forests.
The park was established in 1937 and expanded in 1998 to preserve and protect Greenwich, a fragile sand dune system. The park is home to 300 species of birds, including the Piping Plover, an endangered species.
Many outdoor recreation opportunities are available in Prince Edward Island's national parks. Visitors enjoy hiking, bird watching, beach walks and camping.
There are three campsites available in Prince Edward Island's national parks. Each campsite is located near beaches and hiking trails, and ranger-led interpretive programs are available. Visit the Parks Canada website for more information on visiting Prince Edward Island.
5. Gwaii Haanas, British Columbia
Protected by Parks Canada and the Haida people, Gwaii Haanas is a remote landscape of ancient moss-covered cedars, ancient carved totem poles and traditional longhouses on the site of an ancient Haida village surrounded by a beautiful rainforest . Full of nature, Gwaii Haanas Island is home to bald eagles and breaching whales.
6. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Located on Canada's westernmost coast on Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is home to dense rainforest where epic multi-day hiking trails like the West Coast Trail along of rugged coastlines and vast beaches. Surfers come to the area to enjoy the waves in the cool Pacific and the park also offers insight into the history, traditions and culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth people. (quote septa)
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