Top National/Provincial Parks to Visit in Western Canada
For those who have visited Canada, you know that pictures can never truly do it justice. In fact, it’s not uncommon for individuals from across Canada to visit the west coast, then decide to pack up and move to British Columbia or Alberta.
Offering the perfect mix of ocean views, mountain adventures, and hiking trails like no other, traveling to Western Canada is definitely one for the books. To see this special part of Canada in all its glory, you’ll want to check out a couple national/provincial parks.
Whether you want to hike, camp, or fish, there’s something for everyone. Preserving the land and the wildlife that call these areas home, visit one of these parks to experience the true beauty of Western Canada.
You Have to Visit These National/Provincial Western Parks
Planning your next adventure? Here’s a quick list of some of the parks you need to consider.
1. Mount Revelstoke National Park
Although fairly small for a national park, don’t let the 260 square km area fool you — this park is anything but ordinary. By car, you can head to the Meadows-in-the-Sky Parkway, starting in the park’s rainforests, before winding up through the sub-alpine forests, and ending in rolling meadows.
Prefer to walk? Well, you’re in luck — home to the only mountain in the national park system that allows you to reach the summit, just a short walk from your car. Also, be sure to plan a nighttime adventure, as the stars here will make your jaw drop.
2. Yoho National Park
Located in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, this is the smallest of the national parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. This area also includes three BC provincial parks (Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine, and Hamper).
From breathtaking mountain views to stunning waterfalls, this park offers a combination of unbeatable hiking trails, sightseeing, and some of Canada’s most prized natural wonders. Be sure to check out Lake O’Hara and the Spiral Tunnels.
3. Jasper National Park
Within Alberta, many flock to Banff National Park, based on its incredible beauty — but don’t count out Jasper National Park. Being the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, this stunning area is around 3.5 hours northwest of Banff.
With year-round family camping and many opportunities to spot wildlife, this park will leave you speechless. After all, nearly 97 percent of this park’s 11,000 square km is protected, resulting in an area that is as pristine as nature intended.
4. E.C. Manning Provincial Park
Just a three-hour drive from Vancouver, this park lies in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Depending on your skill level, you can enjoy easy 15-minute hikes or 6-day hiking adventures. Home to over 200 species of birds, as well as grizzly bears and approximately 60 other mammals, this is also the ideal place for nature and wildlife photographers.
For more information, please visit BC Parks — E.C. Manning Provincial Park.
5. Dinosaur Provincial Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located just 2.5 hours from Calgary, allowing visitors to step back into history. Here, you will find the richest site of Cretaceous fossils in the world. Whether you’d like to camp under towering cottonwoods or hike the Coulee Viewpoint Trail, everyone needs to experience this park at least once in their lifetime.
If you weren’t already convinced, you now have all the tools you need to make your next adventure one you’ll never forget. Explore Western Canada’s parks to bring you one step closer to nature and enhance self-discovery.
Image Credit:
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I’m Dan, and I’m the Editor in Chief of True North Athletics. I’m also an avid adventurer, digital nomad and traveler. I enjoy all types of outdoor sports, a good golf tan, and spontaneous weekend trips. I currently live in Brazil where I can be found frequently hiking the rain forest around my city!