National Parks of Canada protect representative examples of the country’s natural regions while enabling public understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment. Parks are administered by Parks Canada under the Canada National Parks Act, with a legal priority on maintaining or restoring ecological integrity.
| Purpose | Protect natural heritage and ecological integrity; provide learning and visitor opportunities. |
|---|---|
| Governance | Parks Canada (federal agency); legislation: Canada National Parks Act and related regulations. |
| Place types | National Parks and National Park Reserves; related federal systems include National Marine Conservation Areas and National Urban Parks. |
| Zoning (I–V) | I Special preservation • II Wilderness • III Natural environment • IV Outdoor recreation • V Park services. |
| Trip basics | Reserve campsites online; check bulletins, fire bans, wildlife advisories; consider a Discovery Pass for entry fees. |
What is a national park?
National parks conserve large landscapes, ecosystems, and species while supporting education and carefully managed recreation. Each park has a management plan, zoning, and monitoring programs. Activities and infrastructure are designed to minimize impacts, and restoration projects occur where needed.
National park reserves and Indigenous partnerships
A national park reserve is established where Indigenous land claims or agreements are not yet fully settled. It is managed like a national park while honouring ongoing rights and negotiations. Many parks and reserves are co-managed or collaboratively governed with Indigenous partners, and traditional land use may continue in accordance with agreements.
Planning your visit
- Reservations & permits: Frontcountry and backcountry sites, roofed accommodations, and popular day-use activities are reservable online. Backcountry travel may require permits.
- Passes & fees: Daily entry fees apply in many parks; frequent visitors may use the Parks Canada Discovery Pass.
- Safety: Check park bulletins for wildlife activity, avalanche conditions (mountain parks), trail closures, water levels, and fire bans. Carry appropriate gear and follow Leave No Trace.
- Access: Some parks are remote (fly-in/boat access); others are road-accessible near cities. Seasonal conditions strongly influence access in northern and mountain parks.
Zoning and visitor use
Parks apply a five-zone system: Zone I special preservation (very limited access), Zone II wilderness (non-motorized, minimal facilities), Zone III natural environment (trails and basic facilities), Zone IV outdoor recreation (roads, campgrounds), and Zone V park services (townsites or service nodes).
National parks by province/territory
Parks listed A–Z within each region. “(NPR)” denotes a National Park Reserve.
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Gros Morne National Park
- Terra Nova National Park
- Torngat Mountains National Park
- Akami–uapishkᵁ–KakKasuak–Mealy Mountains (NPR)
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- New Brunswick
- Quebec
- Ontario
- Bruce Peninsula National Park
- Georgian Bay Islands National Park
- Point Pelee National Park
- Pukaskwa National Park
- Thousand Islands National Park
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Alberta
- Banff National Park
- Elk Island National Park
- Jasper National Park
- Waterton Lakes National Park
- Wood Buffalo National Park (shared with NWT)
- British Columbia
- Glacier National Park
- Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (NPR)
- Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site (NPR)
- Kootenay National Park
- Mount Revelstoke National Park
- Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (NPR)
- Yoho National Park
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Aulavik National Park
- Nahanni National Park Reserve (NPR)
- Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve (NPR)
- Tuktut Nogait National Park
- Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve (NPR)
- Wood Buffalo National Park (shared with Alberta)
- Nunavut
- Auyuittuq National Park
- Qausuittuq National Park
- Quttinirpaaq National Park
- Sirmilik National Park
- Ukkusiksalik National Park
Related federal protected places
- National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCAs): e.g., Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (ON); Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (BC); Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (NU).
- National Urban Parks (NUPs): e.g., Rouge National Urban Park (ON).
- National Historic Sites of Canada: cultural heritage places (distinct from national parks but also administered by Parks Canada in many cases).
Visitor etiquette and rules (high level)
- Wildlife: Keep safe distances; store food/garbage securely; obey area closures.
- Backcountry: Permit requirements, group size limits, and seasonal restrictions may apply.
- Fires & drones: Follow fire bans; recreational drones are generally not permitted in national parks without a permit.
- Pets: Allowed in many areas on leash; some trails or backcountry zones may restrict pets for wildlife protection.
- Cultural respect: Many parks protect sacred places; follow signage and community guidance.
See also
- Travel in Canada • Geography of Canada • Climate of Canada
- Provinces of Canada • Cities of Canada
- Culture of Canada • History of Canada
- Visitor Health Insurance for Canada (2025)
External links (official)
- Parks Canada — National parks overview: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np
- Parks Canada — Reservations (camping, backcountry, day use): https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
- Parks Canada — Discovery Pass (fees & passes): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/visit/carte-pass
- Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, fire bans, wildlife): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp
- Parks Canada — National Marine Conservation Areas: https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca
- Parks Canada — National Urban Parks: https://parks.canada.ca/np-pn