Photo by Michael Olsen on Unsplash
If you are planning to go camping in Canada and want to know where the best places are to pitch a tent then this list is for you!
Everyone needs to escape city life sometimes and there’s no better way to do that than by going on a camping trip. Canada is a world-class camping destination with a ton of parks and green space to explore. When you feel the need to freshen up and be in the great outdoors, Canada is the place to be. From the incredible coastal wilderness to rugged mountainsides, Canada has a wide variety of campgrounds and a number of spots to go camping. Camping in Canada offers you an endless supply of scenic spots for all levels of experience.
No matter where you go in Canada, you are sure to find camping sites that will blow your mind. But with so many camping sites available, it can be overwhelming to choose one particular site for your trip. So to help you enjoy the best of what Canada has to offer, whether you live in it or are just visiting, we put together a list of top 5 camping sites in Canada.
Here is the top 5 camping sites in Canada that you shouldn’t miss out on.
1) Pacific Rim National Park
Photo by Lennart Heim on Unsplash
Location: British Columbia
Date Established: 1970
Size: 511 km²
What’s better than camping on the beach? Located in British Columbia, Pacific Rim National Park is one of the best places to go camping in Canada. It is visited by almost 600,000 people each year. Pacific Rim National Park is mostly famous for its secluded beaches and scenic rainforest. Most of the 113 campsites inside the park are located near Long Beach. Camping here is perfect for those who would like to take on the popular West Coast Trail.
If you’re an outdoorsy person, you’ll never run out of things to do in Pacific Rim National Park. You can head to Amphitrite Lighthouse in the town of Ucluelet if you want to see grey whales. Year-round surfing is possible on its beaches. Experience waterfalls, sandy white beaches, and deep valleys filled with ancient forestry. You may bring your dog provided they are kept on a leash at all times. And don’t forget to taste fresh-off-the-boat seafood while you’re here.
2) Waterton Lakes National Park
Photo by Sharissa Johnson on Unsplash
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Established: 1895
Size: 505 km²
Next on the list is the Waterton Lakes National Park. It is located in Alberta and is considered by many as one of Canada’s most beautiful national parks. This park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Peace Park. Although well known for its secluded camping grounds, Waterton Lakes National Park is also ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, and horseback riding.
It is still unspoiled by over-tourism so you’ll have no trouble finding awe-inspiring places to explore and set up a tent for a night or two. You can also rent mini motorbikes and motorboats for day tours around the parks famous tourist attractions. The location is ideal for nature lovers who want to visit the famous Cameron Lake and take on the Carthew-Alderson Trail. Campers can also participate in other activities such as mountain biking, and climbing.
3) Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Photo by Adam Jang on Unsplash
Location: Nova Scotia
Date Established: 1936
Size: 949 km²
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is an amazing place to spend your summer days. It lies in the province of Nova Scotia. If you love maritime climates and scenery in the summer then a visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must. Corney Brook Campground is the most sought-after site in this park. You will enjoy the views of the rugged, windswept coastline and green hills during your camping trip here. This is an ideal place for those who prefer to sleep out under the stars.
Most of its campsites are open for the summer season from late April, and you can book your site up to one year in advance. You can spend your days exploring the beautiful surroundings on foot. Or go birdwatching, fishing, & swimming. There are numerous steep cliffs and deep river canyons. So the change in scenery may overwhelm you. Be ready for that!
4) Jasper National Park
Photo by Chris Stenger on Unsplash
Location: Alberta
Date Established: 1907
Size: 11,000 km²
Rich with wildlife, mountains, lakes and green forests, Jasper National Park is a year-round camping destination. If you want to explore wilderness-rich landscapes & enjoy awe-inspiring natural vistas then consider visiting the Jasper National Park. It is home to Canada’s largest campground. The park’s spectacular scenery has long made it one of Canada’s most popular camping destinations. This place is also perfect for car camping trips with your family.
Downtown Jasper, Maligne Canyon, Athabasca Glacier, Patricia Lake, Sunwapta Falls, Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, Jasper Planetarium, Glacier Skywalk, and Jasper SkyTram – Whistlers Mountain are the major attractions of Jasper National Park. Being such a touristic hotspot, Jasper National Park has a huge number of great accommodation options for all its visitors. Overall, a great place to bring your entire family for a lovely camping experience.
5) Fundy National Park
Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash
Location: New Brunswick
Date Established: 1948
Size: 207 km²
Home to world’s largest tides, the Fundy National Park offers visitors with areas of true wilderness, beaches, rocky headlands, sea caves and inlets, wildlife, and stunning vistas. It is located on the east coast of Canada. This park is full of breathtaking beauty. Its rugged natural landscape and undisturbed beauty make it a perfect place to go camping. Fundy National Park provides all-year-round camping opportunities to anyone with a knack for travel and adventure.
If backcountry camping experience is what you’re looking for then this is the place to be. The Point Wolfe Campground is the best option available for nature lovers. You can get back to nature by pitching your tent directly alongside a river amidst beautiful scenery. We also recommend setting up your camp near the beaches along the Herring Cove. Keep in mind that not all beaches are accessible. Whatever your form of adventure may be, you will not be disappointed with what the Fundy National Park has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Just about anywhere you go in Canada there are campgrounds or RV parks, but these are our favorite places to pitch a tent. These 5 camping sites, personally selected as the top places for camping in Canada, guarantee never-ending adventure and stimulation. But you can only experience so much on a day trip. So, to really take it all in, camp in any one of the above-mentioned sites for at least a few days. This way you will have plenty of free time to soak up the serene beauty of the Canadian landscape.
Think we missed some of your favorite camping sites? Make sure to let us know in the comments down below!
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