Though Canada's coastal provinces tend to attract the most buzz from nature-lovers, there are some hidden gems throughout the rest of the country, including Ontario's Bruce Peninsula National Park. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. Mammoth Cave is one of the eastern United States few parks and is certainly worth a visit if youre in the area. As such, the following national parks are ranked by relative proximity to the east coast. How to get there: Driving is ideal to really be feelNew Brunswick's vibes. Waterfalls, rugged coastline, and the highest tide change in the world. And for good reason: the park is home to one of the largest polar bear maternity denning areas in the world. Read Best Vacations Methodology SUMMARY Best National Parks in Canada for 2023-2024 Banff National Park Jasper National. The sculptural limestone outcroppings created by centuries of waves and rain that dot the shores of le Niapiskau form the iconic image of Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve in Quebec. Where do you park? One third of the road passes along the edge of this national park, inaugurated in 1936 as the first park in Atlantic Canada. Jasper also holds the unique distinction of being the world's second-largest dark sky preserve, so you can expect excellent conditions for stargazing when you visit. Where to stay: Hotels or AirBNBs (many small towns nearby). Summary of the Top 10 East Coast National Parks. Its location near Cleveland makes it an easy stop for any park-lover to add on their trip to the city. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Be sure to hit up the Cabot Trail for your best odds at seeing Canada's majestic moose in the wild. Located in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Banff stretches over 6,600 km of glaciers, ice fields, alpine landscapes, and coniferous forests. Endless stunning beaches are one of the main highlights of Tofino. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve's cultural significance is a huge draw for historians and conservationists alike. Across the Canada-USA border from Waterton Lakes National Park is Glacier National Park, Montana. Nestled in the wooded highlands of Manitoba, Riding Mountain National Park beckons to wildlife lovers and hikers. that are open seasonally from late spring until early fall. In the winter, Nipika Mountain Resort on the edge of the park offers a serene off-grid retreat surrounded by cross-country ski trails. Grab a park map or head to the park's information center to strategize on how to fit in as many hikes as you can. Spectacular in its mountainous setting, the park attracts a rugged sort of adventurer willing to work hard for their scenery. Visiting Congaree National Park is like stepping foot back in time. Back to Florida for another truly coastal east coast national park. For something less strenuous, a day trip to Ulu Peak is a beautiful introduction to the landscape. On le aux Perroquets, travelers can stay in a historic lighthouse which has been transformed into a quaint bed and breakfast. These parks exist along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic coasts, across majestic mountains, vast prairies, dense forests, whimsical tundra, and ancient glaciers. Located in northern Canada, the vast, lonely landscape of Kluane National Park and Reserve in southwestern Yukon is perfect for those who prefer flora and fauna to people. Any must-visit's you'd add to the list? Many wildlife are most activeat dusk. Unknown to most Canadians, this incredible patch of wilderness preserves the best of what Lake Superior has to offer. Located within the Arctic Circle is Auyuittuq National Park, one of Canada's wildest national parks. Where:Nova Scotia (Eastern Canada) Congaree happens to be one of the more forgotten parks on the east coast which is great for those of us who like to avoid crowds! In warmer months, visitors can also golf, fish or head to one of six freshwater and saltwater beaches. BEST THOUSAND ISLANDS TOUR Where to stay: In the city of Churchill at a hotelor B&B. The park (whose name means "the land that never melts" in Inuktitut) is not easily accessible; you have to fly to remote Iqaluit, Nunavut, (across the Hudson Strait from Quebec province) before taking another plane to one of two Inuit villages, where adventure outfitters guide you by boat or snowmobile through sky-high fjords to get into the park. be the first to see the sun rise in the United States. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador Moving inland, there's a wide network of hiking trails to explore in the park, many of which feature spectacular waterfalls. If you plan on heading up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for the brag-worthy view youll want to check with the park website and get a reservation beforehand. Discovering is as easy or as hard as you want it to be. The parks six pear-shaped asistents give visitors the chance to sleep under the sparkling night sky in a hammock-style loft. Although you'll likely be mesmerized by the stunning cliffs and the thousands of seabirds soaring overhead, be sure to keep watching the water, where you're likely to spot seals and, of course, whales! Sign up for the email list and join an active community of monthly readers. If you've got several days and are up for an adventure, a portion of the famous 782-kilometer Bruce Trail Canada's oldest and longest footpath runs through the park. The Dehcho First Nations welcome adventurers to this UNESCO World Heritage Site only accessible by float plane. Where: Yukon (Western Canada) A PHD in geology is not required to absorb the majesty of Gros Mornes deep-cut fjords, lonely headlands, sheer cliffs, and 2000ft-drop (610m) waterfalls. Of course, you'll want to pull over every so often to walk a few of the park's 26 hiking trails, which range from short and easy boardwalk loops to more challenging hikes up to 12 kilometers long. The great Canadian parks guide | Canadian Living Have a favorite? There are certainly some fabulous National Parks on the East Coast. For some superb coastal scenery in Canada, you need only look to Prince Edward Island National Park. Acadia also boasts the opportunity to be the first to see the sun rise in the United States each day from atop the summit of Cadillac Mountain (which you can drive to). The Best National Parks on the East Coast (You Can't Miss) The Irish influence in this part of Canada provides unique entertainment; don't miss a local Celidh while here, it involves live fiddle, dancing so quick feet become a blur, and an impossibly good time with small-town locals. The name says it all if you're keen to check glacier-spotting off your bucket list, here's whereto do it. Jen is a five-foot-short fireball with an itch for adventure. Can be done as day trip, camp overnight, and/or part of a longer road trip including Alaska. Where:New Brunswick (Eastern Canada) Summers are beautiful, but each winter brings, rain and wild storms, causing huge waves that draw photographers as well as experienced surfers willing to brave the cold (even in the summer months, dry suits are needed to withstand the cold ocean water). Day tours are available as are multi-night packages from Winnipeg. From snowy mountain peaks to coastal greenery, here are some of the best national parks in Canada you'll want to visit on your next trip. Dense green forests, the sounds of lapping water, and adorable brickcastles sprinkledthroughout the islands are thecrowd pleasers here. Happy trails, indeed! You can expect one (short) email per week. There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings throughout the park, including bears (black and grizzly), elk, wolves, and foxes. Canadas varied landscapes offer dozens of wildlife adventures that are bound to leave you in awe. The Skyline Trail ends at a rugged headland overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where whales are often spotted cresting through the waves from May to October. Whale watching is best done from mid-July to early September. Humble as Canada is oftenprojected to be, in recent years it's hogging the travel spotlight. While the scenery here is a bit one-dimensional it is indeed grand. When to go: Spring to summer for beach time and winter for outdoor activities like snow shoeing and cross country skiing. In and around the park and near Tofino are some truly fantastic campgrounds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were Jen and Ted, former partners turned friends with a passion to inspire affordable travel. The Best East Coast National Parks - Tales of a Backpacker What to see:Snow-capped peaks, radiant glaciers, dense forests, grizzly bears, auroras (tours available or attemptyourself while camping!) If you visit in winter, try schussing down the Canadian Rockies at a ski resort or relieve sore muscles in the hot springs. The world-famous Cabot Trail winds through the park, so you can experience the rolling vistas without ever leaving your car. Exploring this park is like exploring another world and should be a must for any wildlife-lover. Guarding dramatic highland scenery, steep cliffs and a tundra-esque plateau, Cape Breton is a superb place for hiking; the park's most famous route is the 5-mile (8.2km) round-trip Skyline Trail from where you can look down on sea, headlands and the distant Cabot Trail with its cars reduced to tiny toys. The Saguenay fjord is one of the longest in the world (146 miles). At Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, culture lovers can dive into the headlands storied past. What to see: Massive fjords, gaping landscapes, majestic lakes (boat tours available), waterfalls, mountains, wildlife (arctic foxes, bears, and more). Cape Cod is about an hour to two-hour drive from Boston, Massachusetts (depending on which town is your final destination). 11 Beautiful National Parks on the East Coast All rights reserved. While other national parks in Ontario are buckling under the influx of visitors, in the provinces only wilderness park, Pukaskwa National Park, there are plenty of uncrowded, open spaces to explore on water and land. Winter means whiter, snowier mountains, spring provides bubbling rivers, summer is warmer, lush landscapes and fall showcases colourfulforestry. Situated on the northern tip of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Highlands National Park is often called the area "where the mountains meet the sea" by Canadians. The unique accommodation options in the park are also a reason to visit. Another way to experience the tide is in an ocean kayak. Gasp has many such epic coastline, with towering cliffs and emerald waters that shimmer in the summer sun. Here are the best national parks on the East Coast. Ive included a free downloadable/printable version of this east coast national parks map at the bottom of this article for those interested. When thinking about the National Parks in the US, most people tend to think of the epic west coast national parks like Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone. Its true, with snorkeling and paddling opportunities abound, youll be truly immersed in beauty at this beachfront national park. If you're feeling brave, you can jump in for a swim but the water is pretty chilly, even in the summer. 8 Best National Parks In Canada - WorldAtlas Gwaii Haanas features moss-laden cedar and spruce forests, dramatic coastal terrain and even UNESCO-sanctioned ruins. The largest park in the lower 48, to the surprise of many, is not a national park at all - it's the Adirondack park, which takes up a massive chunk of upstate New York, near the Canadian border. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Everglades is home to numerous endangered species like the American Crocodile and the Florida Panther providing them with one of their last sanctuaries on earth. In the last decade, the park has added another string to its bow, establishing itself as the worlds second-largest dark sky preserve with an unusual array of star-gazing and astronomical activities. This national park at the northern end of the island province of the same name is adored for its sandy shores and impressive cliffs. Whether you travel by canoe, kayak, boat, or walking some of the parks many boardwalks, youre sure to be amazed by this south Florida wildlife paradise. Great Smoky Mountains National Park can certainly be described as one of the best national parks on the east coast. Banff is Canada's oldest and perhaps most well-known national park, established in 1885. What makes this national park so special? Where:Newfoundland (Eastern Canada) From the stunning Moraine Lake to the popular Niagara Falls, here are Canada's best natural wonders. If you want to experience the Canadian Rockies without the crowds, skip Banff and head just south to British Columbia's Kootenay National Park. The first and only Five Diamond property in Qubec. Untouched swaths of fragrant spruce and pine forest meet biodiverse wetlands, and the waves of Lake Superior crash onto sandy beaches swimming at Horsehoe Beach. Best national parks on the east coast. - Canada Forum Where to stay: Camping in the park is possible, or visits can stay 1 hour away in Moncton in hotels or AirBNBs. Check out our comprehensive guide on Acadia National Park here! Be sure to put the Skyline trail at the top of your must-hike list: this trail is on the longer side (8.2 kilometers for the full loop) but is relatively easy, leading you out to viewpoints over some extremely daunting but beautiful cliffs overlooking the sea. Anne of Green Gable's fans(and even those who aren't) should pay a visit to the picturesquebirthplace of the fictional character. The 22 best US national parks to escape the crowds - The Guardian There are 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves in Canada that represent 31 of Canada's 39 terrestrial natural regions and protect approximately 336,343 square kilometers of Canada's lands. Simply because this is an East Coast National Parks list and Acadia is actually on the coast! Banff is Canada's most famous National Park and not only that it is the oldest national park in the country. We haven't looked back since! 10. Much of Canada's brilliant landscape can conveniently be found in the confines of its incredible national parks, offering the opportunity to get up close and personal with natural wonders ranging from glaciers to granite peaks. With national park fees waived this year, there's never been a better time to get out there and see 'em, eh! Do You Have a Favorite East Coast National Park? Part of UNESCO's Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, Jasper National Park is rugged, wild, and incredibly large (11,000 square kilometers, to be exact). It is, therefore, incredibly well-preserved and flourishing. National parks - Parks Canada Fundy's beaches, lighthouses, and forest walks are plentiful here, as is its wildlife including moose, whales, dolphins, beavers, and more. Read More: Top Highlights of Nahanni National Park Reserve. Yoho National Park A continental divide separates the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Though Canada's coastal provinces tend to attract the most buzz from nature-lovers, there are some hidden gems throughout the rest of the country, including Ontario's Bruce Peninsula National Park. Whether you're building a sand sculpture, swimming in the Atlantic, or walking the trail system, you'll find it easy to fill a day (or more) at PEI National Park. Where:Alberta (Western Canada) With the Niagara region nearby, you're best to pair this with a trip to the famous falls while you're at it. Stay at least one night here to admire the stars: This park is the only dark sky preserve in Nova Scotia. Road-tripping is how most people absorb the primordial land-meets-ocean scenery of Cape Breton courtesy of the Cabot Trail Scenic Travelway, a 185-mile-long (298km) "ring road" that circumnavigates the islands northern reaches dipping into tiny Acadian fishing villages en route. 10 Most Amazing Destinations in Eastern Canada - Touropia Road trippers driving along Nova Scotias scenic Cabot Trail highway will find themselves winding through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Sign up for our newsletters to receive the latest and greatest on all things travel. Vote below to influence next year's ranking. Prince Edward Island National Park. Where to stay: Camping is possible in the park, though AirBNBs and hotels are available in the area too. From coast to coast, these national parks showcase the countrys wild landscapes. 1. One of Banffs best assets is the thin line it draws between the civilized and the wild. The beautiful Canadian wildlife is the main attraction in the park, along with Arctic foxes, wolves, and caribou. To fully appreciate these magnificent trees and forests, consider camping. What to see: Rust coloured sands, adorablelighthouses, colourful seaside towns Other must-do activities here include hiking among 300-year-old hemlock trees and paddling down the park's waterways. Banff is where tourism in Canada first took root in the 1880s inspired by the exploitation of a natural hot springs and the construction of the cross-continental railway. 1. How to get there: ~10 hour drive from Montral, Quebec or ~7 hours from Moncton, New Brunswick. The park, situated on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, also boasts stunning, unspoiled surroundings (think: cedar groves, rocky outcrops, tide pools and beaches) that can be admired from tails like the nearly 50-mile West Coast Trail. On the BC side of the Canadian Rockies, Yoho offers all the best elements of the Rocky Mountains: hikes that will get your heart beating fast, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and all kinds of flora and fauna with a few little extras. Looking for the best east coast National Parks? The Must-See National Parks In Canada - Culture Trip Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 5. When to go: All times of year offer different wildlife sightings, though spring to fall are arguably the most comfortable temperature-wise, especially if camping. What can I say? How to get there:Fly from Winnipeg or take the train (limited scheduling, check VIA rail website for details). Mountaineers from around the globe pine after the pinnacles and walls of the Cirque of the Unclimbables, while day hikes take adventurers of all levels through spectacular alpine scenery. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. The 12 Most Incredible Hikes to Take in Canada - Culture Trip The mountain paradise fondly known to Virginians as Shenandoah National Park, is situated high in the Blue Ridge Mountains where old stand of trees, craggy cliffs, and plenty wildlife make their home. Explore festivities ideal for maximizing the sweater weather season. They're beautiful to see and perfect for long walks, but also serve as a playground for surfers on a year-round basis. As this park is located on Vancouver Island (separated by the Strait of Georgia from the city of Vancouver) the park can be reached by ferry or float plane from mainland British Columbia, or by flying straight into Victoria and then driving. Summer is the most popular season in the Smokies and can see some serious crowds, but thanks to the parks sprawling layout there are always places to escape the hustle and bustle. The nations most visited national park, straddling the misty mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, is a true national treasure. Here youll discover ancient cypress trees and waterways that once dominated the coastal southern United States but now are found only in a few pockets of protected land. You'll also want to save time for checking out the Burgess Shale fossils, which are estimated to be more than 500 million years old. Also among the top-visited parks in the U.S., the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located between North Carolina and Tennessee boasts 14.1 million recreational visits(2021). The latter were successfully reintroduced into the park in 2005. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Highlands National Park features some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll find in the entire country. The 8 Best National Parks on the East Coast are: Acadia National Park Shenandoah National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park Congaree National Park Mammoth Cave National Park Biscayne National Park Everglades National Park Dry Tortugas National Park The East Coast is home to many outstanding National Parks that deserve a visit. One minute you could be enjoying afternoon tea in the grandiose Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, the next you might be sharing a mountain trail with bears and wondering where you fit into the food chain. The interconnecting Rocky Mountain parks with their big fauna and brawny mountains are emblematic of the nation and recognized by Unesco. Just about every view from Prince Edward Island National Park is postcard perfect, from the iconic lighthouses to the red, sandy seashore. Kayaking and canoeing are popular, as are strolling the parks boardwalks. Beyond a shoreline backed by irregularly eroded sandstone cliffs, the heavily-wooded park is dotted with pretty waterfalls and braided with trails suited to hiking and biking. For an added dose of adventure, the roiling rapids of the Tatshenshini River offer some of the best white-water rafting in the country. Where: Ontario (Central Canada) Newfoundlands finest park is as exciting to geologists as it is to tourists. British Columbia has seven national parks, more than any other province, but its most symbolic and unique protected space is, arguably, Pacific Rim. Campsites are found throughoutthe island as well. Keep in mind that there are no marked trails at this park; everything must be navigated the old-fashioned way (with a map and compass). For this east coast national park we travel to just about as far south as you can go in the United States to find this remote, rugged, and jaw-droppingly beautiful national park. Written by Magee Walker and Michael Law Updated Jul 13, 2022. Rusty red sand and a rainbow of brightly painted beach houses PEI National Park offers colourful oceanside views on a less trodden scale. In the heart of the Rockies, the park's rugged mountains and turquoise lakes are undoubtedly the main attractions. Sea kayaking is another fantastic way to experience the shorelines of Gasp Bay. Several parks in the territories are so vast and remote that they only receive a handful of annual visitors. 10 Canada National Parks that Need to Be on Your Radar You can either spend the night in the park or just stop on the way to see the islands. Palm trees, white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal clear blue water, whats not to like? #10. The quaint town of Tobermory at the peninsulas tip is ground zero for freshwater scuba diving in the adjacent Fathom Five National Marine Park, a treasure trove of shipwrecks. 15 Best National Parks on The East Coast to Visit Whitehorseis nearest city, checkBooking.com for hotels or AirBNB. Hike the myriad trails that thread up and around Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, head out on a boat to explore Lake Minnewanka, or pitch a tent in the woods. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Keep on scrolling to discover new destinations that are sure to rival any of the wests iconic national parks. The paved road winds along towering coastal cliffs and through lush forestry that blankets the park. If youre searching for a one-off, all-encompassing park experience, its a toss up between hiking the harsh 10-mile (16km) Gros Morne Mountain Trail or taking a bracing boat tour of Western Brook Pond, a land-locked fjord with billion-year-old cliffs. The finger-like peninsulas craggy shorelines and green woodlands shelter ancient cedars and rare orchids and are intersected by a short shore-hugging section of the 497-mile (800km) Bruce Trail, Canadas oldest and longest-marked hiking route. Camping in Canada's national parks? A short stroll along a well-graded path takes you to the base of this torrent of water descending over 234 meters (833 feet) from the edge of a sheer granite wall. Discover the top options with our list of the best national parks in Canada. Whatever your preference, you havent really understood Canada until youve visited at least one of them. Steep in steaming hot springs post-adventure at Radium Hot Springs. However, its perceived "commercialization" is partly illusionary. Where:Ontario (Central Canada) Fall offersincredible foliage and spring is the less busy shoulder season. Looking for the best national parks on the east coast? 2023 Cond Nast. We've headed to this outdoorsy wonderland to visit some of the country's best national parks and preserves - all of which have a shared common bond with the Atlantic's waters. You can canoe, kayak or hop in a motorized boat to explore the aptly named Clear Lake, which is considered the clearest lake in the southern prairies. All rights reserved. Everyone should see at least some of these east coast national parks in their life. How to get there:It's a long (nearly 7 hour) drive from St. John's, though a quick one hour flight to Deer Lake does the trick where one can pick up a car rental. Check out our Complete List of National Parks with comprehensive resources for each one including FREE National Parks Maps, best hikes & trails, interesting facts, amazing things to do, & more. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the InterContinental Boston. See them in the wild by camping at Elk Islandand driving through the park yourself which is home to bison, moose, deer, and more. Nearly two dozen hikes lead off a 109-mile (175km) stretch of the road. How to get there: Driving is ideal (~3.5 hour drive from Toronto with many small stops along the way and near the park). The Icefields Parkways connects these two iconic Canadian Parks. Whales breach in the surrounding seas and shipwrecks and beaches dot the coast. Banffs non-identical twin shares many similarities with its southern neighbor. When to go: Summer for warm temperatures (it can get quite chilly by the sea, especially if camping). If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Compared to the nearly 4 million people that descended upon Banff National Park pre-pandemic in 2019, Kootenay National Park only saw around 500,000 annual visitors.
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