Specialist tour operator Journeyscape, in partnership with Destination Canada, has unveiled its definitive ranking of the most inspiring Canadian national parks to explore in 2026. The list compares parks using data on wildlife diversity, Instagram popularity, visitor reviews, accessibility, and park size - helping visitors to plan for unforgettable adventures.

Key Highlights

• Top Parks: Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (British Columbia) and Cape Breton Highlands National Park (Nova Scotia) share first place with an overall score of 9.31/10.
• Wildlife Hotspot: Ontario's Point Pelee National Park boasts an incredible 1,821 plant and animal species per 10 km², making it Canada's richest park for biodiversity.
• Tranquil Escape: Pukaskwa National Park in Ontario welcomes fewer than 18,000 visitors annually, perfect for those seeking peace and solitude.

Canada's Top 10 National Parks

From dramatic coastlines to serene forests, these parks offer a mix of “wow” moments and hidden gems:

1. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, BC – A coastal haven of 30+ islands with coves, beaches, and trails. Kayak alongside otters or hike Mount Norman for panoramic views.
2. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, NS – Home to the world-famous Cabot Trail and vibrant autumn foliage. The Skyline Trail promises breathtaking ocean vistas.
3. Kluane National Park and Reserve, YT – Canada's largest park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring Mount Logan and vast glaciers. Ideal for hiking or flightseeing.
4. Pukaskwa National Park, ON – Remote and quiet, with rugged Lake Superior shores and the 60 km Coastal Hiking Trail.
5. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, QC – Limestone islands, rare flora, and rich marine life.
6. Kejimkujik National Park, NS – A mix of forest trails and waterways steeped in Mi'kmaq heritage.
7. Georgian Bay Islands National Park, ON – Tiny but biodiverse, with over 1,000 species per 10 km².
8. La Mauricie National Park, QC – Rolling hills and lakes perfect for paddling and hiking.
9. Thousand Islands National Park, ON – Scenic waterways and island hopping adventures.
10. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, BC – Wild beaches and lush rainforests along Vancouver Island's west coast.
11. Grasslands National Park, SK – Sweeping prairie landscapes and dark-sky stargazing.

Journeyscape Canada Holidays

Highlights of the Yukon is a 10-day fly-drive holiday that spend two full days exploring the Kluane National Park as well as the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Half the size of Switzerland, Kluane contains ancient glaciers, spectacular trails, lakes and boreal forests overlooked by 17 of Canada's highest peaks including Mount Logan. Take an unforgettable flightseeing tour over the park for breathtaking views then explore the landscapes on hikes and kayak trips. Prices start from £1,570 per person and include good quality hotels, car hire and a guided excursion of the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. International flights are extra.

Highlights of the Maritimes is a 13-day fly-drive holiday that explores Canada's maritime provinces along the Atlantic coast famous for marine life, stunning landscapes and delicious seafood. Spend a full day exploring Kejimkujik National Park made up of 400 square kilometres of rivers and forests, ideal for hiking, cycling, kayaking and canoeing. There are some 15 hiking trails with wildlife including beavers, squirrels, deer and many species of birds. Prices start from £1,750 per person and include good-quality hotels, hire car and a guided excursion to Hopewell Rocks. International flights are extra.

Vancouver Island and The Sunshine Coast is a 14-day fly-holiday that explores the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Watch black bears along the coast and kayak in Pacific Rim National Park on British Columbia's Vancouver Island. Prices start from £2,950 per person and include good-quality hotels, car hire and some guided excursions. International flights are extra.

Classic Quebec by Motorhome is an 11-day holiday that ventures to Mont Tremblant, one of Quebec's most stunning national parks with hiking and canoeing past lakes, peaks and beaches before heading to La Mauricie National Park to explore waterfalls, rafting and canyoning. Prices start from £2,280 per person and include motorhome hire. International flights are extra.

Special Mentions

• Most Biodiverse: Point Pelee National Park, ON – A nature lover's dream with wetlands, forests, and migratory bird hotspots.
• Quietest Retreat: Pukaskwa National Park, ON – Fewer crowds, more tranquility.
• Largest Playground: Kluane National Park, YT – Spanning 21,980 km² of mountains and icefields.
• Accessible Adventures: Cape Breton Highlands, Prince Edward Island, and Forillon National Parks offer designated accessible trails for inclusive exploration.

Travel Tips for a Responsible Adventure

• Plan Ahead: Check park alerts and download maps before visiting remote areas.
• Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance and never feed animals.
• Leave No Trace: Stick to marked trails and pack out all waste.
• Prepare for Weather: Dress in layers and carry essentials like water, snacks, and rain gear.
• Go Guided: Journeyscape's Canada specialists can arrange expert-led tours for a stress-free experience.

Methodology:

Journeyscape analysed extensive data on wildlife diversity, Instagram popularity, visitor reviews, accessibility, and park size to reveal Canadian national parks and reserves you should visit.

We created a seed list of Canada's National Parks and National Park Reserves using the Parks Canada official site. We then recorded the following data for each:

• Total area from Guide to the National Parks of Canada by National Geographic. This was accessed via Wikipedia.
• Annual visitor numbers from the Government of Canada's open data source.
• Number of plant and animal species observations from iNaturalist.
• The number of Instagram posts using the hashtag "[parkname]"
• Google review score

Lastly, we found which parks had accessible routes using the Parks Canada official site.

All data was collected in July 2025 and is correct as of then.

The complete methodology and findings are published on Journeyscape.com Canadian National Parks To Visit on Your Next Trip - Journeyscape

Note: Any parks or reserves with under 10,000 annual visitors were removed from the dataset.

About Journeyscape:

Journeyscape (Journeyscape.com, 0203 733 4413) specialises in immersive holidays across the USA and Canada, combining iconic landscapes with authentic cultural experiences. From national parks and wildlife encounters to local cuisine and indigenous cultures, every journey inspires exploration, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Journeyscape is brought to you by the award-winning team at Journey Latin America, a specialist tour operator with over 40 years of experience in crafting tailor-made holidays and leading small escorted group tours to every corner of Latin America.