Part of the Discover More Travel network — 14 destinations worldwide
Forty-four national parks protecting 340,000 square kilometres. From the Rocky Mountain giants to the Atlantic's dramatic coastlines — here's how to experience them.
One pass for unlimited access to 80+ national parks and historic sites across Canada for one year. If you're spending more than 7 park days, it pays for itself.
Skip the gate queue. Buy the Discovery Pass online at pc.gc.ca before your trip.
Buy Discovery PassCanada's most visited and most iconic national park. Turquoise glacial lakes, the Rocky Mountains at their most dramatic, and elk walking down the main street of town.
Larger and wilder than Banff. The world's largest accessible dark sky preserve, the Columbia Icefield, and Maligne Lake's Spirit Island make this equally extraordinary.
Storm-watching in winter, surfing in spring, and hiking ancient rainforest year-round. Tofino is the gateway — one of Canada's most dramatic coastal experiences.
Home to the world's highest tides (16m). The tidal flats become mudflats twice a day, revealing a landscape unlike anything else. Excellent hiking and sea kayaking.
The Cabot Trail circles this park through some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in eastern Canada. Fall foliage (late September) draws visitors from across North America.
Yoho and Kootenay national parks adjoin Banff and are included in the same Discovery Pass. Yoho's Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls (373m) are spectacular and less crowded.
Drive-in campgrounds accessible by car. Electrical hookups at some sites. Booking opens 90 days ahead at reservation.pc.gc.ca. $22-42 CAD per night. Very competitive in summer.
Wilderness camping on designated sites accessible only on foot. Permit required ($9.80 CAD/night per person). Bear canisters required. Register your itinerary at the park information centre.
Parks Canada operates oTENTiks (canvas tent/cabin hybrids, $120-150 CAD/night), MĪRA pods, and some cabins. These book out instantly — check at pc.gc.ca for availability.
Campfires are only permitted in designated fire pits. Many parks implement fire bans during dry summer periods. Always check current fire conditions. Firewood is sold at campgrounds ($10 CAD/bundle) — don't bring your own.
The Discovery Pass ($75.25 CAD per adult, $219.50 CAD per family/group) provides unlimited entry to 80+ national parks and historic sites for one year. If you're visiting more than 7 park days during your trip, it pays for itself versus buying $10.50 CAD day passes. Buy online at pc.gc.ca before your visit.
Most main roads open by early May. The Icefields Parkway is open year-round (weather permitting). The Moraine Lake Road opens mid-June and closes in mid-October. The Banff–Windermere Parkway (to Kootenay) opens in mid-May. Check pc.gc.ca/banff for current road conditions.
Yes, especially for summer and any long weekends. Most national park front-country campsites are bookable at reservation.pc.gc.ca from 90 days in advance. Backcountry permits require separate booking. Banff and Jasper campgrounds sell out within minutes of opening in peak season — set a calendar alert.
National parks are federally managed by Parks Canada and require the Discovery Pass. Provincial parks are managed by each province (BC Parks, Alberta Parks, etc.) and have separate admission systems — usually cheaper or free. The Rocky Mountain provincial parks (Kananaskis in Alberta, Garibaldi in BC) offer outstanding experiences with fewer crowds than the national parks.
Yes, on leash at all times. Dogs must be kept on a maximum 3m leash in all national park areas. This is enforced — fines are real. Dogs are not allowed in the backcountry in some areas to protect wildlife. Check specific park regulations at pc.gc.ca.
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