It’s officially the season of all things golden and there’s no better time to grab your favourite sweater and head outdoors. If you need a little bit of inspiration, these Canadian national parks are the perfect places to fall in love with fall!
While Canada is a pretty big country, there are spectacular national parks in every region.
This means you don’t have to catch a flight or drive for hours to find a red, orange and golden paradise.
From the Skyline Trail in Nova Scotia, to Alberta’s iconic Banff National Park, this country is jam-packed with extraordinary places to explore the changing leaves.
Whether you’re a hiker, a photographer or someone who just wants a change of scenery, these spots are some of the best places in the country to discover glorious fall foliage.
What are you waiting for?!
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Alberta
Where: Banff National Park
Why You Need To Go: One of the most instantly recognizable national parks in the country, Banff is simply stunning in every season. That said, there’s a certain golden magic found in the fall that shouldn’t be missed.
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British Columbia
Where: Yoho National Park
Why You Need To Go: With countless waterfalls, towering rock walls and 28 different peaks that stand taller than 3,000 metres, it won’t be hard to find the perfect autumn lookout point here.
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Manitoba
Where: Riding Mountain National Park
Why You Need To Go: A true wildlife lover’s paradise, this park is home to black bears, deer, elk, beavers and moose. With that kind of company, this has to be one of the most Canadian places in the country to watch the leaves change!
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New Brunswick
Where: Kouchibouguac National Park
Why You Need To Go: Located on New Brunswick’s east coast, this 238 square-kilometer park has forests, lagoons and sand dunes. With all of that on offer, plus more, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy the cozy season.
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Newfoundland and Labrador
Where: Gros Morne National Park
Why You Need To Go: If you’re looking for the perfect time to visit Newfoundland’s Gros Morne, this is it! During the autumn, this place transforms into a colourful paradise, jam-packed with hiking trails, water views and more.
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Nova Scotia
Where: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Why You Need To Go: If one thing should be on your seasonal bucket list, hiking the Skyline Trail is it. October is the most spectacular time of year to complete this hike, as fall foliage in every colour will surround you from start to finish.
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Ontario
Where: Algonquin Provincial Park
Why You Need To Go: While it’s a provincial park rather than a national park, this spot is second-to-none when it comes to fall adventures in Ontario. It’s got extraordinary colours, foliage and hiking paths, and it’s really easy to explore, too.
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Prince Edward Island
Where: Prince Edward Island National Park
Why You Need To Go: Wherever you go in P.E.I. during fall, you’ll find vibrant red and bright orange colours. That said, if you’re not ready to say goodbye to the beach, this park’s rolling sand dunes and ocean views have got you covered.
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Quebec
Where: La Mauricie National Park
Why You Need To Go: With 150 lakes and ponds, trees for miles and the company of beavers and wood turtles, this sprawling Quebec park is a golden, natural paradise just waiting to be explored.
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Saskatchewan
Where: Prince Albert National Park
Why You Need To Go: With boreal forests in all directions, this should be your go-to spot for everything yellow and gold. This spot has enough hikes to keep you busy for the whole season and the views you’ll discover will be worth every step.
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Northwest Territories
Where: Wood Buffalo National Park
Why You Need To Go: With the fall freeze-up usually occurring at the end of October, this is an adventure that should be taken sooner rather than later. It’s bound to be chilly in this region, but it’s worth braving the cold for the scenery.
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Nunavut
Where: Put those plans on hold!
Why You Need To Go: The fall season kicks-off between late August and early September in Nunavut, and winter rolls around very quickly. Instead, a summer visit to this region’s national parks may be more appropriate for most visitors!
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Yukon
Where: Tombstone Territorial Park
Why You Need To Go: Through September and October, this territorial park transforms into a red, orange and purple heaven. With the rugged mountains as a backdrop, it’s the perfect place to get that once-in-a-lifetime fall photograph.
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Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.