Hidden Gems: Canada's Lesser-Known Parks
Huge, eh?
In case you hadn’t noticed, Canada is a vast country. It spans a whopping six time zones. The waves of three oceans — the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic — pound its coastlines. To the south, it shares the longest border in the world with the U.S.
In such a huge place, it’s no wonder you would find a diverse collection of unique landscapes and climates. Fortunately, just as our American neighbours had done when they founded iconic parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite, Canada recognized early on the importance of protecting its own gemstones of geography for generations to come.
The road less travelled, the campground less trampled
No doubt you’ve heard the names of Banff, Jasper, Mont Tremblant and Cape Breton. But so have millions of others who invade these parks every year. As spectacular as they are, perhaps your idea of a vacation doesn’t include bumper-to-bumper traffic as you inch your way through the sights.
Thankfully, Canada is also home to some hidden gems — magical destinations that lie beyond the well-trodden paths of their more famous neighbours.
Grasslands National Park, Val Marie, SK
You might ask yourself how a landscape of rolling prairie hills could compare to majestic mountain peaks and towering trees. Beauty doesn’t necessarily need to gobsmack the observer; it can be experienced in gentler ways.
Grasslands National Park offers visitors an experience of what the prairies were like before vast tracts were ploughed and vast herds of bison wiped out. But perhaps even rarer than the experience of viewing an unspoiled landscape is the experience of true solitude and silence under a canopy of countless stars. Visitors can embark on guided hikes or take a self-guided tour and, if lucky, catch a glimpse of the elusive pronghorn or bison that roam the park.
Mount Revelstoke National Park, B.C.
If majestic mountains are what you’re longing to see, check out BC’s Mount Revelstoke National Park. Among its many attractions is the Meadow in the Sky Parkway, a winding paved road that will take you through an inland temperate rainforest — one of the rarest in the world — to Balsam Lake and its world-famous subalpine wildflower meadows.
A couple of caveats: due to the narrow width and switchbacks, Class A RVs are not permitted on the parkway, and campers must be lodged in a hard-sided camping unit as protection from snooping bears.
Forillon National Park, Qc.
Located near the tip of the Gaspé peninsula in the eastern reaches of Quebec, Forillon is a coastal gem that is curiously absent from many travellers’ radar. It offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged cliffs and picturesque lighthouses to dense forests and pristine beaches. If you’re a birdwatcher, it is a must-see, with numerous seabirds and migratory species calling the park home.
Kejimkujik National Park, N.S.
On the Atlantic coast, Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia is another hidden treasure. Known for its ancient petroglyphs and Mi’kmaq cultural heritage, Kejimkujik offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Paddle along the calm waters of Kejimkujik Lake and explore hiking trails that wind through lush forests.
Nahanni National Park Reserve, N.W.T.
Nestled in the heart of the Northwest Territories, this remote park is only accessible by air — but for the true wilderness enthusiast, this is a bucket list destination. As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of Canada’s northern wilderness.
Canada has no shortage of natural wonders to explore, and these lesser-known gems are awe-inspiring in their own right but, at least for now, with fewer bodies blocking the view.