10 national parks you can visit for free next year

Aug 30 2016, 4:35 am

We hate to remind you, but summer is coming to a close. Soon, you’ll have to put away the shorts and tank tops and get ready for those gloomy fall days.

The good news is you can start planning for next year’s summer vacation. While you may have tropical destinations in mind, we’d like to suggest travelling to some of Canada’s national parks.

The even better news is that in 2017, entry into all of Canada’s national parks will be free for visitors in celebration of the country’s 150th birthday.

So why not save some money and explore the beauty Canada has to offer?

To help you start planning, here is a list of a few national parks you may want to visit in 2017.

1. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia

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The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada (PRNPR) is located near the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island and is made up three separate areas: the Long Beach Unit, the Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail. With mountains, the ocean, and rainforest, the park encapsulates British Columbia’s exquisite natural landscape. 

2. Banff National Park, Alberta

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Banff National Park is often considered one of the most spectacular sites in Canada. Known for its breathtaking view of Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks, be sure to put Banff National Park on the top of your ‘places to visit’ list.

3. Wapusk National Park, Manitoba

Cuteness alert! #wapusknationalpark #polarbears #michellevalberg #canada #manitoba

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In the Cree language, ‘Wapusk’ means polar bear and you’ll be seeing plenty them at this national park in Manitoba.

4. Mount Revelstoke National Park, British Columbia

With its rolling hills, stunning forests, and fields of wildflowers, Mount Revelstoke National Park offers a range of spectacular sites. Wander down the Giant Cedars or Skunk Cabbage Boardwalks and discover the park’s flora and fauna.

5. Prince Edward Island National Park, PEI

Need a beach get away? Prince Edward Island National Park is the place to go. With its long-stretching beaches, the park is the perfect location to explore PEI’s coastal region.

6. Sirmilik National Park, Nunavut

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Canada’s Arctic at Sirmilik National Park in Nunavut. With crisp white glaciers, crystal blue waters, and an abundance of wildlife, Sirmilik tops the list as one of the most stunning places in the country. 

7. Tuktut Nogait National Park, Northwest Territories

With few visitors, Tuktut Nogait National Park in the Northwest Territories is definitely one of Canada’s best kept secrets. Located 170 km from the Arctic circle, Tuktut is home to the Bluenose caribou. The best time to visit Tuktut is in June when thousands of Bluenose caribou can be spotted roaming in the park. 

8. Saguenay – St.Lawrence, Quebec

Spettacolo della natura… whale watching 😊

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Saguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park is one of three national marine conservation areas in Canada. Located between the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence River, the park is a prime spot to go whale watching.

9. Jasper National Park, Alberta

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Glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, canyons, rivers, and mountains… Jasper National Park has it all. With over 1,000 km of hiking trails and 300 km of bike trails, the park offers endless options for exploration.

10. Kootenay National Park, British Columbia

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Kootenay National Park has plenty of scenic hiking trails for novice and experienced explorers. After your hike, take a dip in the park’s hot springs pool.

Simran SinghSimran Singh

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