Get outside and explore the incredible landscapes in these National Parks

The natural landscapes in Canada truly are among the world’s natural treasures, and we’re lucky enough to have 46 (and counting!) National Parks protecting and preserving these breathtaking and inspiring places. If you’re looking to explore some of these incredible landscapes this summer, here are four must-visit National Parks with world-famous scenery to consider.

Banff National Park, AB
Picturesque turquoise-coloured lakes, stunning snow-capped peaks and miles of hiking through valleys, glaciers, forests and wildflower meadows makes Banff National Park a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and the world’s third, spanning 6,641 square kilometres in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. For accommodation and summer activity ideas, visit www.banfflakelouise.com.

Pacific Rim National Park, BC
Whether you plan to hike the rugged and wild West Coast Trail or catch a wave near Long Beach in Tofino, Pacific Rim National Park offers a experience like no other in Canada. The exposed, rocky coastline, sandy beaches and temperate rainforest makes you feel like you could be in another country completely. For trip planning ideas, check out www.tourismtofino.com.

Yoho National Park, BC
Yoho National Park, on the western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, is a dream destination for hikers, featuring over 400 kilometres of trails. The park boasts towering peaks, huge glaciers and specular waterfalls, including the awe-inspiring Takkakaw Falls. The park also contains the Burgess Shale Formation, a designated World Heritage Site that has the fossilized remains of more than 120 marine animal species dating back 515 million years. For accommodation and trip planning ideas, check out www.tourismgolden.com.

Prince Edward Island National Park, PE
If you love idyllic seaside settings and peaceful woodland walking paths, you’ll want to check out the wind-sculpted sand dunes, gentle shoreline and marshland boardwalks of Prince Edward Island National Park. Literary lovers will want to visit Green Gables Heritage Place and swing by the home of Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables, which is not far from the park. Visit www.tourismpei.com to plan your peaceful seaside park escape.

Riding Mountain National Park, MB
Wildlife lovers will want to explore Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba, which is home to bears, bison, wolves, pine marten, lynx and over 260 species of birds. The park was established in 1933 to protect three different ecosystems that converge in the area: grasslands, upland boreal and eastern deciduous forests. The park also boasts peaks reaching 800 metres above the surrounding prairie, as well as several lakes and creeks