These Underrated National Parks Just Tied as the Best in Canada—With Quiet Beaches, Orca Sightings, and Scenic Spots

Outdoor enthusiasts may recognize Banff and Jasper National Park as some of the most popular destinations in Canada, but a new ranking shines a spotlight on some lesser-known spots more than worth a visit.

Set in British Columbia and tied for the top national park in Canada, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is coastal paradise made up of more than 30 islands and islets complete with coves, beaches, and trails, according to the report from tour operator Journeyscape. The park was described by Canada’s parks department as a “haven for wildlife, eagles, and seabirds” and as a year-round habitat for southern resident orcas.

Also tied for first place was Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park, lauded for the Cabot Trail, which the company called “one of the most scenic drives in the world.” The park also received high marks on AllTrails, which recognized the Skyline Trail, Middle Head Trail, and Acadian Trail as the highest-rated hikes there.

Both parks received a score of 9.31 out of 10.

“Some national parks win you over with picture-perfect scenery. Others quietly charm you with their hidden coves, wildlife encounters, or trails that seem to have been designed with your camera roll in mind,” Journeyscape wrote in the report. “Our top 10 includes a mix of places that offer that wow moment and spots where the magic sneaks up on you. So, pack your hiking boots, your binoculars, and maybe a little extra phone storage for the photos you’re bound to take. These are the national parks worth planning a whole trip around.”

Third on the list was Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon, which scored 9.15. The “wild, untamed” spot is home to Canada’s highest mountain, Mount Logan.

When it came to the most Instagram mentions, British Columbia’s Pacific Rim National Park Reserve came out on top with more than 29,000 posts. Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the park is known for its sandy beaches and temperate rainforests, according to Canada’s parks department.

To come up with its list, Journeyscape said it partnered with Destination Canada and examined wildlife diversity, Instagram popularity, visitor reviews, and the total size of the park.

This is the full list of national parks worth a visit in Canada, according to Journeyscape.

1) Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, British Columbia
1) Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
3) Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
4) Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario
5) Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec
5) Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site, Nova Scotia
7) Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Ontario
7) La Mauricie National Park, Quebec
9) Thousand Islands National Park, Ontario
9) Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
9) Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan