Canada is beautiful. It’s something we probably all know, but it’s also something that’s easy to forget when you’re stuck at home for over a year during a pandemic. Well, it’s time to remember that beauty, because US News has released its 2021 ranking of the 15 Best National Parks in Canada, and goodness gracious, they are nice to look at.
By analyzing and ranking each park on its accessibility, traveller sentiment, and scenic beauty, US News was able to put together what we think is a pretty respectable ranking. It has a few surprises, sure, but what good ranking doesn’t?
Revered for its world-renowned hiking, biking, boating, and for being the world’s second-largest dark-sky reserve, US News placed Alberta’s Jasper National Park at number 1 overall, followed in second place by Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland.
You know what? These places are too nice to look at for us to keep talking, so here are some beautiful pics of the 5 best national parks in Canada according to US News.
1. Jasper National Park, AB
2. Gros Morne National Park, NL
3. Banff National Park, AB
4. Yoho National Park, BC
5. Waterton Lakes National Park, AB
At 3rd place, the bustling mountain spot of Banff National Park was named for having (what honestly feels like) a million different things to do and see. From wetlands to hot springs, pine forests, and many ski resorts, it’s not surprising to see this near the top of the list.
Though they did mention it was the smallest park in the Rocky Mountains, US News praised it for having “a lot of impressive sights within its nearly 124,800 acres.”
With waterfalls, mountains, wildflowers, and wildlife It really is no wonder that they were placed as high as they were.
So, who made up the rest of the list? Well, here is the full ranking of the 15 best national parks in Canada:
1. Jasper National Park, Alberta
2. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
3. Banff National Park, Alberta
4. Yoho National Park, BC
5. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
6. Kootenay National Park, BC
7. Auyuittuq National Park. Nunavut
8. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, BC
9. Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
10. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
11. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
12. Gwaii Hamnas National Park Reserve, BC
13. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
14. Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, Nova Scotia
15. Wapusk National Park, Manitoba
Until next year, brag away, Alberta. We think you’ve earned it!
