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Waterton Lake National Park (Image by Jason Patrick Ross, Shutterstock)
Taking a road trip to one or more of Canada’s National Parks — especially these that are so close to the U.S. border — should be on your bucket list.
If you’ve ever taken a road trip from the U.S. to Canada, you may agree that parts of Canada are home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. While the country has several renowned national parks like Banff and Jasper, a few lesser-known national parks are just as impressive. Canada has 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves with seemingly endless miles of nature to explore.
And like in the U.S., visiting all the national parks in Canada could take you many years or even a lifetime.
From rugged coastlines to pristine lakes and towering mountains, Canada’s national parks offer you a truly unforgettable experience to explore the beauty of the great outdoors. With stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique natural wonders, visiting Canada is a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. It’s no wonder wildlife and landscape photographers flock to Canada every year to capture the natural beauty of Canada’s parks.
And still, many people in the United States haven’t heard of Canada’s national parks. So let’s change that, and here we’ll highlight five national parks you can explore in Canada — some that may be relatively unknown to a lot of American travelers — and are just a short road trip away from the U.S. As with any international trip, be sure to check the days and times of border crossings before you head out.
So, start planning your trip, get your bags packed and take a trip to explore one (or all) of these national parks.
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Thousand Islands National Park
If you enjoy kayaking this national park is for you. Thousand Islands National Park in Canada’s province of Ontario should be on any avid kayaker’s bucket list. You can drive to the park in under six hours from New York City, New York, and it’s just under two hours from Syracuse, New York.
Thousand Island is nestled in the heart of the St. Lawrence River, so the name is fitting. You’ll find more than 20 islands to explore — making it picturesque and tranquil as the park is known for its crystal-clear waters, lush forests and diverse wildlife.
Once you get to the park, you can take your time kayaking through waterways. And you don’t need to be an expert kayaker as there are waterways for people of all skill levels. You can fish, picnic and enjoy the relaxing scenery.
You can also see several species of birds like eagles, herons and a variety of fish. You may even get lucky and see a moose. While in the area, be sure to soak up one of the region’s most iconic sights: Boldt Castle. It’s a 120-room mansion that sits on one of the islands just on the U.S. side of the water.
Learn more about Thousand Islands National Park on the Parks Canada website.
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Banff National Park
Banff National Park is known to many as a natural wonderland in the province of Alberta. On Instagram, you can see endless photos of the park’s turquoise lakes and iconic mountain peaks (like Mount Rundle and Castle Mountain) posted by visitors. The scenic drive to the park from the U.S. can add to the fun. From Seattle, you can reach Banff in about 10.5 hours, and from Missoula, Montana, you can reach the park in less than eight hours.
If you like viewing dense forests and seeing abundant wildlife, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you busy during your visit to Banff. Hiking, camping, biking, kayaking, and skiing are just some of the activities you can enjoy in this picturesque park.
Learn more about Banff National Park in this online visitors guide by Parks Canada.
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Grasslands National Park
One of the lesser-known national parks in Canada that you can easily drive to from the U.S. is Grasslands National Park. Located in southern Saskatchewan, Grasslands — which is just under five hours from Great Falls, Montana — is a prime destination for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more remote and peaceful outdoor experience.
It’s also a premiere destination for stargazing as experts have designated Grasslands National Park as a Dark Sky Preserve, meaning the night sky is free from light pollution and provides a remarkable view of the stars. You can choose from several designated stargazing areas in the park, and you can even join a guided stargazing tour to learn more about the constellations and planets visible in the night sky.
You can also explore one of the last remaining areas of untouched prairie in North America and hike through grasslands while observing herds of bison and pronghorn antelope. One of the rare species to look for in the park is the burrowing owl. The park is also home to a few historical sites, including the ruins of the old Métis settlement of Val Marie and the remnants of a former ranching community.
If you love geology, you’ll be excited to see the geological formations in the park. The unique badlands landscape of the Frenchman River Valley offers many opportunities for you to explore the geology of the area. You can also hike along the valley floor and view the brightly colored rock formations. Grasslands National Park is a hidden gem that offers a unique and peaceful outdoor experience.
Learn more about Grasslands National Park through Tourism Saskatchewan.
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Jasper National Park
Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is another breathtaking destination in Alberta that you can easily access from the United States. From both Seattle, Washington and Missoula, Montana, you can reach Jasper National Park in under 10 hours. And like getting to Banff, the scenic drive along the way adds to the adventure.
Jasper National Park boasts an incredible array of landscapes, from towering mountain peaks to serene lakes and valleys, with more than 700 miles of hiking trails, Jasper is known as a hiker’s paradise. Wildlife sightings are also common in the park. You’ll have the opportunity to see animals like elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and bears.
Learn more about Jasper National Park in this guide.
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Waterton Lakes National Park
Located in Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park is a hidden gem that’s just over a five hour drive from Missoula, Montana, and 10 hours from Seattle.
The park is a true natural wonder, with rugged mountain peaks, serene lakes, and vast prairies all within its borders. The most iconic thing to see in the park is Waterton Lake, a 9-mile lake in the heart of the mark surrounded by mountains — including Mount Cleveland Mountain. Paddleboarding is popular on this glacially fed lake and you can see a variety of wildlife like waterfowl and beavers.
You can also explore the park’s many hiking trails and go on a scenic drive along the park’s winding roads. From easy strolls along the lake to challenging hikes, there’s something for every level of hiker at Waterton Lakes.
Learn more about Waterton Lakes National Park through Parks Canada.
Suzanne Downing is an outdoor writer and photographer in Montana with an environmental science journalism background. Her work can be found in Outdoors Unlimited, Bugle Magazine, Missoulian, Byline Magazine, Communique, MTPR online, UM Native News, National Wildlife Federation campaigns and more.
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