If you’re looking to do some outdoor exploring (especially with fall colours just around the corner), perhaps National Geographic can persuade you on where to visit. Yep, the beloved brand just released its list of 10 national parks in Canada you need to visit, and two Ontario spots made the cut.
Of course, you could do some out-of-province exploration as well (actually, I totally recommend it!).
Let’s break it down.
According to National Geographic, Pukaskwa National Park comes in at number four on the list. Its biggest draw? The epic hiking.
“Challenging trails make this northern Ontario park a prime pick for seasoned hikers,” shares National Geographic. “The Mdaabii Miikna Trail, a two-to-three-day loop trail within the Coastal Trail, is slightly less intense. Short on time? Opt for the almost 5-mile White River Suspension Bridge Trail, a day hike to the 100-foot-long bridge that overlooks Chigamiwinigum Falls’ swirling rapids,” it continues.
The park is located way up north in Heron Bay, about 11 and a half hours by car from Toronto.
If you’re near the GTA, this park is much closer than the last.
Rouge National Urban Park came in at fifth. The area is located right outside of Toronto and is one of the largest urban parks in North America. For those who don’t dive, it’s also the only Canadian National Park accessible by public transit.
“You can walk more than seven miles of woodland, waterfront, and mixed-surface trails in this 19,521-acre park. Its heritage as part of a travel and trade route for First Nations make it historically significant,” says National Geographic.
As for the rest of the list? Here are the other parks that ranked as must-visits.
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park, N.S.
- Gros Morne National Park, N.L.
- Mingan Archipelago National Park, Que.
- Pukaskwa National Park, Ont.
- Rouge National Urban Park, Ont.
- Grasslands National Park, Sask.
- Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, Alta.
- Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, B.C.
- Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, B.C.
- Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
Do you think this list is missing any National Parks in Canada?
Happy exploring!
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