Summer is officially here, and the best way to bask in its glory is to head outdoors. Luckily, Canada is blessed by nature’s bounty—breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, fresh air, and picture-perfect skies, which lure you to step out. It is the perfect season to don your explorer’s hat, pack your camping gear, and step out with your whole family in tow to soak up the sunshine in nature’s playground. To help you jumpstart your summer adventure, we have put together a list of some of Canada’s best national parks that are quintessential destinations for family camping trips.
Banff National Park
Tucked away in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site with its jaw-dropping scenery and extensive wildlife is an ideal summer camping destination. Spanning over 6,641 square kilometers, Banff enchants with its pine forests, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, and elks. Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park with an impressive 2,400 designated camping sites. Whether you enjoy the crackling warmth of a campfire or scaling mountain peaks to witness mesmerizing vistas, or relaxing under the stars, Banff offers campers many choices with modern conveniences. Most of the campsites at Banff come equipped with essential amenities, including washrooms, showers, access to clean water, and even electrical hook-ups for RVs. Among the most popular campgrounds here are Tunnel Mountain, Two Jack Main, Two Jack Lakeside, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Soft-sided and Hard-sided, Silverhorn Creek, and Rampart Creek, each offering easy access to hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
If you truly wish to enjoy the striking natural beauty of Cape Breton Highlands, go camping here. Perched on the northern tip of Nova Scotia, along the renowned Cabot Trail, this spectacular national park boasts a dramatic landscape with cliffs, mountains, valleys, cascading waterfalls, and rocky coastlines—all creating a surreal backdrop for a memorable camping adventure. Campers can choose from seven front-country campgrounds and one backcountry campground. Chéticamp Campground, Broad Cove Campground, and Ingonish Beach Campground are some of the popular campsites here. These sites offer easy access to nearby hiking trails, with postcard-worthy views of canyons, highlands, and seacoasts. As a bonus for campers planning an extended stay, the park offers a 15% discount for booking seven or more consecutive nights within the park.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
This spectacular piece of nature in British Columbia offers a fascinating tapestry of sandy beaches, secluded island archipelagos, and dense emerald rainforest. Comprising three distinct regions—Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail—Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is perfect for families seeking both—adventure and tranquility. Green Point Campground, at Long Beach, is a popular location offering decent camping facilities in a tranquil setting. Adventure seekers can head to the Broken Group Islands, which are accessible only by boat and offer remote backcountry camping across seven designated sites. For hikers, the famous 75-kilometer West Coast Trail, with multiple trekking options, is the perfect go-to spot. So, whether you enjoy hiking through forests, kayaking, or sleeping to the sound of waves, Pacific Rim National Park promises a camping experience like no other.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Nestled in the southwest corner of Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park, with its mind-blowing scenery and easy-going wildlife, is another hot favorite amongst campers. Pristine clear lakes, roaring waterfalls, sparkling streams, colorful rocks, and stunning mountain vistas cast an unforgettable spell here. The centrally located Townsite Campground offers 238 sites, all equipped with essential amenities like showers and kitchen shelters. If you crave a more rustic experience, visit Belly River Campground, which provides modest, unserviced sites ideal for wildlife viewing and peaceful nights under the stars. Furthermore, there are nine designated backcountry campgrounds accessible only on foot, which are ideal for spending quiet time in nature.
Kouchibouguac National Park
Kouchibouguac National Park is another postcard-perfect camping destination in Canada that attracts travelers from across the globe, and for good reason. With a captivating landscape of serene estuaries, mixed-wood forests, pristine beaches, lagoons, and salt marshes, Kouchibouguac’s beauty is sure to leave you speechless. Located on the east coast of New Brunswick, Kouchibouguac National Park features several camping options. The primary camping area—South Kouchibouguac Campground, with 311 sites, is popular among families as it provides all essential amenities like washrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and playgrounds. Then there is the Côte-à-Fabien Campground, which offers 31 unserviced sites. It is perfect for campers looking to spend some peaceful time in a picturesque setting. Additionally, the park also offers three different backcountry camping locations, each equipped with fireplaces, picnic tables, and pit toilets.
