A guide to your first time visiting Parks Canada

New to exploring national parks and historic sites? Discover things to do, the best times to visit, tips on camping, fees and passes, reservations, and everything you need to know about staying safe in the great outdoors.

Find your story with Parks Canada

Parks Canada protects one of the finest and most extensive systems of natural and cultural heritage places, including forts, battlefields, Indigenous landmarks, forests, mountains, waters, shorelines and glaciers. With over 220 destinations waiting to be explored, the only question is: what will your adventure be?

450 000 km² of stories await. Find yours.

Exploring the underwater world off the shore of Gandll K'in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island) in Gwaii Haanas.

Pre-trip planning

Best time to visit Parks Canada

Every season has its perks. Find the best things to do year-round and how to avoid crowds. In general, weekends are busiest, especially in July and August. Check the website of the location you want to visit.

A woman looks at wildflowers along the riverbank near Vermilion Crossing Day-use Area in Kootenay.

Spring

Fewer crowds and milder temperatures as many parks and sites begin to reopen.

A kayak heads toward an adult and a tent on the shoreline, with coastal mountains in the background in Gulf Islands.

Summer

The most popular season with all places open. Expect larger crowds and busy parking lots.

Fall

Quieter destinations and easier bookings.

Winter

Shorter days and quieter destinations. Note that not all parks and sites are open.

How long to visit for

Whether you have an hour or a week, there’s a day trip, weekend getaway, or week-long adventure waiting for you.

A military interpreter leading a guided tour of the Halifax Citadel.

Travel ideas

Find inspiration with pre-planned itineraries and ideas for day trips or longer getaways. Some destinations are near major cities and even accessible without a vehicle.

Choose your experience

No matter your travel style, there’s an activity for you: nature, history, food and more!

Best activities to enjoy nature

Orchard Trail in Rouge National Urban Park.

Hiking

Slip on shoes and bring some water. Clearly marked, beginner‑friendly trails make it easy to enjoy your first hike.

Visitors observing the stars atop the Bog trail tower in Kouchibouguac.

Stargazing in a Dark-Sky Preserve

Just look up. Many Parks Canada places offer dark skies and open views, perfect even without any special gear.

A man fishing in the Pacific at Gwaii Haanas.

Wildlife watching

Enjoy the quiet excitement of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. Remember to keep a respectful distance.

Red chairs

Find the iconic red chairs placed in scenic spots across Parks Canada places and take a moment to enjoy the view.

A family of four walks on a beach carrying wakeboards on a beautiful sunny day with clear skies.

Explore beautiful beaches

Enjoy the waves and space to picnic and relax. Some beaches are wheelchair accessible.

A vehicle driving on a scenic road in Grasslands National Park.

Scenic drives

Enjoy the landscape with routes offering beautiful viewpoints, short trails and picnic spots along the way.

Best activities to enjoy history and culture

Two indigenous women teaching beading and leather crafts to two young adults inside the Boat House at Rocky Mountain House.

Indigenous-led tourism experiences

Deepen your understanding and connection to First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures.

A military interpreter leading a ghost tour of the Halifax Citadel leads a group of visitors all carrying lanterns.

Historic experiences

Explore the past through interpretive tours, reenactments and visits to forts, battlefields and lighthouses.

Four visitors discover the taste of Fortress Rum and its story in a period tavern with costumed guides at the Fortress of Louisbourg.

Historic food and drink

Sample local beer, wine and spirits, and enjoy culinary workshops and historic food.

Start your journey

Get the basics you need to plan a smooth first visit to Parks Canada destinations, from preparing ahead and booking early to knowing what to expect when you arrive and what services are available.

Mother and daughter enjoying the tranquility of an oTENTik in Grasslands.

Camping 101: What to know before staying the night

Learn about camping types, amenities, and services to choose from.

The shuttle to the Tip next to the Visitor Centre in Point Pelee.

How to make reservations

Learn how to make sure your camping, parking and/or shuttle reservations are in place.

Park staff looking at a visitor backcountry permit in Banff.

Passes, permits and fees

Find out which fees apply to admission and which activities and services involve additional costs.

Rampart Creek campground on the Icefields Parkway in Banff.

Camping checklist

Find a list of practical gear to bring on your camping trip, along with some tips for specific items.

Couple looking at a topographic map at Aylmer Pass Junction backcountry campground next to Lake Minnewanka in Banff.

Camping basics

Explore your essential guide to campfires, tents, recipes, and safety.

A hiker bends over a backpack beside hiking poles on a lush beach in a sunny haze in Pacific Rim.

How to prepare for a hike

Learn how to plan your route and pack essentials for a safe and enjoyable hike.

Download your travel companions

Before you leave home, download the helpful app and a couple of entertaining podcasts so you can plan, learn and explore — even when you're offline.

Parks Canada app

Enjoy self‑guided tours, exclusive content, and travel tips with this pocket guide.

ReCollections podcast

Dive into history and archaeology. Each episode uncovers new sites and breathes life into the past. Season two out now.

Connected podcast

Learn more about animal and plant species at risk as well as the specialists that work to protect them.

Travel safely and responsibly

Get ready for a safe, respectful and enjoyable visit with these essential tips for exploring Parks Canada destinations.

Young hikers point to an interpretive panel before starting the skyline trail in Jasper.

Remember your story and dream of your next adventure

Your first visit is just the beginning. Take a moment to remember the places you explored and start dreaming about where your next Parks Canada adventure will take you.