Photos courtesy Parks Canada
RV Lifestyle Magazine asked the team at Parks Canada to show us 10 hidden gems in the Canadian National Parks system – places that may be a bit off the beaten trail, where the crowds may not be large, but the views are spectacular!
Waterton Lakes National Park: Alberta
Waterton-Glacier
International Peace Park
At Waterton Lakes National Park, the term “majestic” makes perfect sense. The prairie grassland quickly gives way to the windswept, steep mountains. Several different ecological areas coexist in a landscape shaped by wind, fire and water where all kinds of plants and animals can be found. Townsite Campground has 237 sites, 90 of which are fully serviced.
For more information, please follow these links:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/waterton
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/waterton/info/designation
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/waterton/activ/camping/townsite-camping
Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Nova Scotia
Breathtaking landscapes welcome you as they shape the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia. High, steep cliffs and deep river valleys dissect the forest-covered plateau bordering the Atlantic Ocean. One-third of the famous Cabot Trail runs through the Park along the coast and dominates the Highlands. Located near the charming village of Ingonish, Broad Cove Campground (202 sites – 83 are fully serviced) is in a forest bordered by a long sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
For more information, please follow these links:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ns/cbreton
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ns/cbreton/activ/camping/broadcove
Forillon National Park: Quebec
A jewel of the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon National Park’s mountains are bordered by the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Gaspé Bay. Its boreal forest is home to a diverse wildlife which is easy to watch. Its breathtaking cliffs are home to thousands of sea birds and its shores host colonies of seals. The recreation centre and pool is located a short distance from the Petit-Gaspé Campground (163 sites, including 33 with electricity) which is only a 15-minute walk away to a pebble beach.
For more information, please follow these links:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/qc/forillon
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/qc/forillon/activ/Camping/avant-front
Kootenay: British Columbia
National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site
Radium Hot Springs
Diversity is Kootenay National Park’s trademark. A varied landscape and ecological environment not only includes glacier-topped peaks along the Continental Divide, but also the Rocky Mountain Trench, semi-arid prairies where you can find cacti and hot springs! The hot springs are only 2.7 kilometres from Redstreak Campground (144 sites – 50 sites are fully serviced, and 38 have electricity hook-ups) and a 1.8 kilometre trail connects the campground to the village restaurants and services.
For more information, please follow these links:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay/activ/camping/redstreak
Kouchibouguac: New Brunswick
National Park Dark Sky Preserve
TripAdvisor 2014 Certificate of Excellence
Kouchibouguac National Park offers a fascinating mosaic of bogs, salt marshes, estuaries, waterways, sheltered lagoons, old fields and forests with majestic trees in addition to a stunning starry sky, 25 kilometres of sandy beach and a 60 kilometre bike trail located just next to the campsite! South Kouchibouguac Campground has 311 reservable sites – 72 are fully serviced, and 123 are with electricity hook-ups.
For more information, please follow these links:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nb/kouchibouguac
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nb/kouchibouguac/activ/camping/southkouchibouguac
Terra Nova National Park: Newfoundland and Labrador
The 200 kilometres of coastline and numerous rivers, lakes and ponds of Terra Nova National Park await water sports enthusiasts. The landscape consists of high cliffs and sheltered bays along the coast, and rolling hills covered by forests, bogs and inland ponds. Newman Sound Campground has 276 sites, including 153 with electricity.
For more information, please follow this link:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nl/terranova
Grasslands National Park: Saskatchewan
Experience the solitude of the wide-open plain as the prairie wind ripples a sea of grasses beneath the clear blue sky. Ride a traditional wagon, sit before a crackling campfire or spend the night beneath a canopy of brilliant stars. Travel back in time as you gaze at dinosaur bones, wander past tipi rings and catch a glimpse of a prairie homestead on the distant horizon. Frenchman Valley Campground (20 sites, all with electricity) is located in the West Block, about 30 minutes from the village of Val-Marie.
For more information, please follow these links:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/sk/grasslands
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/sk/grasslands/activ/activ4/activ4a
Parks Canada has lots of great ways to experience the outdoors:
Visiting the Parks Canada camping destinations is a wonderful way to discover Canada’s national historic sites – see the rates for day passes and longer stays at this web page: www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/admission
The Parks Canada oTENTiks as well as brand new accommodation offers continue to grow throughout the Canadian National Parks network! https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/hebergement-accommodation
Parks Canada encourages visitors to plan to do something with family and friends that will help the environment. Check out these eco-friendly activities: https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/conseils-tips
The popular Parks Canada Canadian Signature Experiences continue to expand – take a look at the great new adventures: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/experiences/signature-experiences-distinctives
Looking for more destination ideas within the Parks Canada system? Follow this link:
Check out the full array of Canadian National and Provincial parks here:
Camping in Canada’s National and Provincial Parks – Spring/Summer 2024
