6 Overlooked National Parks in Canada You Must Explore in 2023

Claiming that Canada is teeming with stunning natural landscapes is truly an understatement. This vast, lightly populated nation makes it nearly impossible not to stumble upon breathtaking outdoor spaces. It's no wonder that Canada is home to an impressive array of national parks, each embodying the essence of beauty.

However, many of these amazing parks are frequently overshadowed by a few renowned favorites like Banff National Park, Jasper, Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine, and Pacific Rim. While these spots are undeniably spectacular, numerous other remarkable national parks in Canada offer breathtaking scenery without the throngs of tourists. With that in mind, here are six underrated Canadian national parks to consider for your spring adventures.

Mount Revelstoke National Park, British Columbia

Location: British Columbia | See on Google Maps

Nestled along Highway 1, roughly positioned between Banff and Pacific Rim national parks, and adjacent to the more renowned Glacier National Park, you'll find Mount Revelstoke. Although it may be smaller by Canadian standards (about 100 square miles compared to Banff’s expansive 2,500 square miles), it is rich in breathtaking scenery with its stunning alpine vistas and lush forests and meadows. Notably, it hosts the only inland temperate rainforest in the world, showcasing ancient old-growth trees.

In the spring, summer, and early fall, Revelstoke attracts hikers eager to explore meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers and mossy groves of towering cedars. In winter, it transforms into a hidden gem for skilled skiers seeking the powder at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, known for its challenging slopes. Regardless of the season, this compact park promises a wealth of outdoor experiences.

Visiting Tips

The Trans-Canada Highway serves as the primary route to reach the park, taking approximately six hours to drive from Vancouver and five hours from Calgary. While there are campgrounds available on-site, it's essential to book your spot well in advance. For accommodation, consider staying at Heather Mountain Lodge, located about an hour east of the park, which acts as a launch point for hiking trails in the summer and offers Great Canadian Heli-Skiing experiences in the winter months.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve

Location: Haida Gwaii, British Columbia | See on Google Maps

Situated on the southern part of the secluded Haida Gwaii archipelago off the northern coast of British Columbia, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve requires some effort to access, as it can only be reached by boat or small aircraft. However, the lush green rainforests and rich insights into Indigenous cultures make the journey worthwhile.

Here, you'll discover the remnants of a 19th-century Haida village, now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Haida people have inhabited this area for at least 14,000 years, though the village is currently uninhabited, as most Haida live in Skidegate and Masset. The site still features remnants of traditional totem poles and wooden longhouses. The park also protects diverse forest and marine ecosystems and has garnered praise for its sustainable management. A notable initiative is the Watchmen program, where the Haida appoint seasonal “watchmen” to oversee the grounds. From May to October, visitors can engage with them to learn more about the park and Haida history.

Visiting Tips

Getting to Gwaii Haanas is quite the adventure. You can either take a two-hour flight north from Vancouver or embark on a lengthy boat trip to Skidegate. While you have the option to travel by private boat or undertake a two-day kayaking expedition, the most reliable way is to book a trip with one of Parks Canada’s licensed tour operators. There isn’t formal camping available on the island, but you are permitted to set up a tent anywhere outside the cultural sites—though it’s advisable to select spots that minimize your impact, like sandy or rocky areas. In the northern part of the archipelago, you can stay at the Haida-owned Haida House, nestled between the forest and the ocean.

Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta and Northwest Territories

Location: Alberta and Northwest Territories | See on Google Maps

Covering an expansive 17,300 square miles, Wood Buffalo National Park holds the title of Canada’s largest national park. Spanning regions of both Alberta and the Northwest Territories, this remote wilderness—equivalent in size to Switzerland—provides opportunities to encounter wild buffalo, salt flats, beaver wetlands, and flocks of whooping cranes.

The main attraction here: hiking, and plenty of it. This area is largely flat and open, with only a few boreal forests scattered about, meaning you'll likely spend your time strolling through the plains or following scenic trail loops, observing a variety of wildlife. Be sure to visit the Angus Sinkhole (found at one of the initial rest areas and interpretive centers along Highway 5 upon entering the Northwest Territories) and the Nyarling River (which winds along the park's northern border before vanishing underground). From August to April, relax and enjoy the stars and the aurora borealis in one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world.

Visiting Tips

Wood Buffalo National Park is about as isolated as it gets: a 12-hour drive north from the already remote city of Edmonton. In other words, this is a journey for serious road-trippers. Once you arrive, backcountry camping is permitted throughout the park, and there are several established campgrounds available. The nearest hotels are located a 30-minute drive away in Fort Smith, with the Wood Buffalo Inn being the top choice among them.

Mingan Archipelago National Park

Location: Quebec | See on Google Maps

In the far reaches of northern Quebec, just south of Newfoundland, lies the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. This small chain of islands features charming marine boardwalk trails for hiking, bizarre rock formations that rise from the tide pools like surreal monoliths, and puffins.

Indeed, puffins. While the islands host various marine bird species—such as razorbills, terns, guillemots, and kittiwakes—puffins take center stage here, drawing bird-watchers each spring who flock to see and photograph these seasonal residents as they nest and feed.

Visiting Tips

The archipelago is approximately a two-hour drive east of the city of Sept-Îles. Upon reaching the towns of Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, Havre-St.-Pierre, Baie-Johan-Beetz, or Aguanish, you will need to board a boat tour with anywhere from 10 to 60 passengers or take a taxi boat. The islands offer numerous camping options—Ôasis by Parks Canada provides a unique experience that approaches glamping—but if you prefer a hotel, you’ll need to stay on the mainland in Havre-St.-Pierre.

Kluane National Park

Location: Yukon | See on Google Maps

Did I mention that Wood Buffalo is remote? Kluane National Park takes it to another level. Home to the largest ice fields outside of the Poles, this park lies along the Yukon-Alaska border, so far north that roads are a rarity. Here, you’ll discover 17 of Canada’s 20 tallest peaks, including the famous Mount Logan, along with a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities.

There are three primary ways to experience the park. First, you can drive along the highways that border it, where you may spot Dall sheep, mountain goats, and bears. Second, you can hike on a mix of family-friendly day trails (such as the Kathleen Lake Cottonwood Trail just off Highway 3) or venture into the backcountry on extensive treks (check out the breathtaking Alsek Valley Trail, which begins near the Mount Logan EcoLodge). Lastly, you can raft down one of the park's rivers with operators like Tatshenshini Expediting and catch glimpses of bears, wolves, and eagles far from the roads.

Visiting Tips

The most straightforward way to access Kluane National Park is by flying into Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, which is just over an hour's drive to the east. From there, you can rent a car. If you prefer to bring your own vehicle, consider the Alaska Marine Highway for an adventurous experience, as it ferries you for about 48 hours from Vancouver to either Haines or Skagway, Alaska. After that, you’ll drive for another four hours.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Location: Alberta | See on Google Maps

I realize this is a list of national parks, and Dinosaur Provincial Park is, as the name indicates, a provincial park. However, here’s the deal: dinosaurs. This park is not only visually stunning, showcasing a unique desert-like landscape with hardpacked dirt plains, jagged rock spires, and rugged ravines, but it is also renowned for being the site of some of the world's most significant dinosaur fossil discoveries.

For accommodation, look to stay in or near Drumheller, a quaint town about 90 minutes from the park, surrounded by breathtaking rock formations (don’t miss the pale, mushroom-like Drumheller hoodoos) and home to “the World’s Largest Dinosaur”—a towering eight-story T. Rex replica. This quirky town offers plenty of hiking and cycling opportunities and hosts the Royal Tyrrell Museum, packed with dinosaur bones and other fascinating fossils.

Visiting Tips

Dinosaur Provincial Park is located approximately 2.5 hours east of Calgary, the largest city nearby. The park and its surrounding areas offer numerous camping and hotel options, but as mentioned, I recommend using Drumheller as your base for exploration.