Top 10 Underrated National Parks in Canada (That Locals Love)
When people think of Canada’s national parks, iconic names like Banff, Jasper, and Gros Morne usually come to mind — and for good reason. These world-famous parks are no doubt stunning and well worth a visit. But with 48 national parks and preserves spread across this vast country, there are plenty of quieter, lesser-known spots that offer just as much beauty and adventure, often without the crowds.
From the salt plains of the Northwest Territories to the wind-swept prairie of Saskatchewan, these are the parks that Canadians hold close to their hearts. Tucked-away treasures that locals return to year after year for hiking, paddling, stargazing, and simply being in nature.
If you're looking to step off the tourist trail and into places where silence is part of the scenery, this list is for you.
1. Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador
Canada’s first national park in Newfoundland, Terra Nova is a peaceful escape of rugged coastline, boreal forest, and protected inlets. Locals love kayaking in sheltered Newman Sound, hiking the Outport Trail, and watching the fog roll in off the Atlantic.
Quick Tip: Catch a sunset from Ochre Hill — one of the best views in the park.
2. Kejimkujik National Park (inland), Nova Scotia
Often overshadowed by Cape Breton Highlands, “Keji” is beloved by Nova Scotians for its dark skies, mirror-like lakes, and deep cultural roots. The inland park is rich with Mi’kmaw petroglyphs and has some of the best backcountry paddling in Eastern Canada.
Quick Tip: Visit in early fall for crisp canoe trips and vibrant colour without the summer crowds.
See also: Wetlands to Woodlands
3. Forillon National Park, Quebec
Tucked at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon blends cliffs, pebble beaches, and spruce forest in a wild, sea-swept landscape. Locals adore its quiet hiking trails, historic fishing villages, and excellent whale watching right from shore.
Quick Tip: Don’t miss the Les Graves Trail to Cap Gaspé—it ends at a cliffside lighthouse and panoramic view.
4. Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario
On the remote northern coast of Lake Superior, Pukaskwa is a hidden gem that offers dramatic vistas, secluded beaches, and a challenging coastal hiking trail. Locals know it as one of the best places in Ontario to experience true solitude and wilderness.
Quick Tip: Even a short hike along the Southern Headland Trail gives you a taste of Superior’s raw beauty.
5. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
A prairie park with surprising variety, Riding Mountain is where Manitobans go to camp, bike, and unwind. It combines boreal forest, aspen parkland, and grassy hills, and is home to bison, black bears, and elk.
Quick Tip: Visit Wasagaming townsite for a charming mix of lakeside cafés and outdoor adventures.
6. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Endless sky, waving grasses, and roaming bison—this park is like no other in the country. Locals love it for its silence, its stars, and its sense of time stretching beyond the horizon. It’s one of Canada’s best places for stargazing and solitude.
Quick Tip: Camp under the stars in the Frenchman Valley and watch for prairie dog colonies nearby.
See also: Tales From the Dark
7. Elk Island National Park, Alberta
Just outside Edmonton, Elk Island is often overlooked by visitors heading to the Rockies—but locals know it as a bison sanctuary with peaceful trails, starlit skies, and calm lakes perfect for paddling.
Quick Tip: Arrive at dawn for a chance to see wood bison grazing near the road.
See also: Listening to the Land
8. Mount Revelstoke National Park, British Columbia
Don’t let its small size fool you. This compact park in the Columbia Mountains is a favourite among locals for its easy access to alpine meadows, old-growth rainforest, and scenic drives. In midsummer, the wildflower blooms here rival anything in the Rockies, but often without the crowds.
Quick Tip: Drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway and take a short walk from the summit to reach panoramic alpine trails bursting with colour.
9. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Tucked into the southwest corner of Alberta, Waterton Lakes is often overlooked in favour of its more famous Rocky Mountain siblings — but locals know it as a hidden gem. Here, the mountains crash into the prairie in a spectacular meeting of ecosystems, with wildflower-filled meadows, deep blue lakes, and one of the most charming small towns inside any Canadian park.
Quick Tip: Hike the Bear’s Hump Trail for a quick climb and sweeping views over the townsite and Upper Waterton Lake.
10. Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories
Carved by water and steeped in legend, Nahanni is one of Canada’s greatest wilderness parks—and yet it remains surprisingly under the radar. Locals and seasoned adventurers treasure this place for its soaring canyons, hidden hot springs, and the mighty Virginia Falls, which plunges from a height twice that of Niagara. The park lies within the traditional territory of the Dehcho First Nations and is co-managed in recognition of its cultural and ecological importance.
Quick Tip: Book a floatplane tour from Fort Simpson to see Virginia Falls from the air — a breathtaking way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site without needing to paddle the full river.
See also: National Parks of the Northwest Territories
Final Thoughts
Canada’s national parks aren’t just postcard places, they’re living landscapes. These lesser-known parks may not all have the name recognition of some of Canada’s more popular national parks, but they offer something deeper: quiet beauty, cultural connection, and the feeling of having space to breathe.
Whether you're planning a road trip close to home or venturing farther afield, consider adding one of these parks to your list.
FAQs on Canada’s National Parks
Q: What is the least-visited national park in Canada?
A: Tuktut Nogait National Park in the Northwest Territories has among the lowest visitation numbers due to its remote location.
Q: Are these parks good for families?
A: Many are! Elk Island, Riding Mountain, and Kejimkujik offer excellent day-use facilities and kid-friendly trails.
Q: Do I need a Parks Canada pass?
A: Typically, yes — but from June 20 to September 2, 2025, the Canada Strong Pass provides free admission to all Parks Canada national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, so no entry pass is required during that timeframe. Additionally, there's a 25% discount on camping and overnight stays under the same program. Note: Existing annual or single-location Discovery Passes valid during summer 2025 are automatically extended three months.
Q: How long is the Canada Strong Pass valid?
A: The initiative runs from June 20 to September 2, 2025. After this period, standard fees apply unless you have a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass.
Q: What costs are still in effect during this period?
A: Fees still apply for campground reservations, parking, hot springs, guided programs, mooring, and permits like fishing or drone use. Free admission only covers basic entry to parks and historic sites.
Q. Is the Canada Strong Pass a physical pass or free at the gate?
A: The Canada Strong Pass is not a physical or digital pass you need to get. You don't need to sign up, register, or pick up anything. From June 20 to September 2, 2025, simply arriving at a participating Parks Canada site, national historic site, or marine conservation area will automatically grant you free entry, without needing to present a pass or known voucher.
How it works at the gate:
- No pass needed: Just show up during the eligible period; the free admission is automatically applied.
- No booking required: You don’t need to present any documentation — staff will simply not charge the admission fee.
- Universal access: Applies to everyone (residents, visitors, families, youth, seniors) at all participating Parks Canada locations
