Top 20 Best Places to Camp in Canada

Welcome to the great outdoors of Canada! With its stunning landscapes and vast wilderness, Canada is a camper's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the camping scene, this list of the top 20 best places to camp in Canada will help you plan your next adventure. From coast to coast, Canada offers a diverse range of camping experiences that are sure to satisfy every nature lover.

5 min read

person holding ski poles in the middle of snow during winter season
person holding ski poles in the middle of snow during winter season

Welcome to the great outdoors of Canada! With its stunning landscapes and vast wilderness, Canada is a camper's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the camping scene, this list of the top 20 best places to camp in Canada will help you plan your next adventure. From coast to coast, Canada offers a diverse range of camping experiences that are sure to satisfy every nature lover.

1. Banff National Park, Alberta

Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a must-visit destination for camping enthusiasts. With its breathtaking mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife, this park offers a truly unforgettable camping experience. Pitch your tent at one of the many campgrounds and explore the numerous hiking trails that will lead you to stunning viewpoints and hidden gems.

2. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia

If you're looking for a camping experience by the ocean, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is the place to be. Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, this park offers both beachside and rainforest camping options. Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up to the sight of majestic old-growth trees. Don't forget to try your hand at surfing or kayaking while you're here!

3. Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

Algonquin Provincial Park is Ontario's oldest and most popular provincial park, and for good reason. With over 7,000 square kilometers of pristine wilderness, this park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Set up camp along one of the many lakes and enjoy fishing, canoeing, and hiking. Keep an eye out for moose, black bears, and beavers, as they are commonly spotted in the park.

4. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador

For a camping experience like no other, head to Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning fjords, towering cliffs, and unique geological formations. Camp at one of the park's campgrounds and explore the many hiking trails that will take you through ancient forests and up to breathtaking viewpoints.

5. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

If you're a fan of tides, Fundy National Park is the place to be. Located on the Bay of Fundy, this park boasts the highest tides in the world. Camp along the coastline and witness the dramatic rise and fall of the tides, which create a unique and ever-changing landscape. Don't miss the chance to explore the park's lush forests and scenic waterfalls.

6. Jasper National Park, Alberta

Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, offers a camping experience like no other. With its rugged mountains, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes, this park is a photographer's dream. Set up camp at one of the many campgrounds and embark on an adventure-filled journey, whether it's hiking to the top of a mountain or paddling along a serene lake.

7. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

For a camping experience along the picturesque Cabot Trail, look no further than Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This park offers stunning coastal views, rugged cliffs, and lush forests. Camp at one of the park's campgrounds and explore the many hiking trails that will lead you to hidden beaches and panoramic viewpoints.

8. Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Yoho National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies, is a hidden gem that offers a quieter camping experience compared to its more popular neighbors. With its pristine lakes, waterfalls, and towering peaks, this park is a paradise for nature lovers. Pitch your tent at one of the campgrounds and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness.

9. Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon

If you're up for an adventure, head to Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon. This park is home to Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan, as well as the largest ice field outside of the polar regions. Camp at one of the park's remote campgrounds and marvel at the stunning glaciers and rugged mountain landscapes.

10. Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island

For a camping experience by the sea, Prince Edward Island National Park is the perfect destination. With its sandy beaches, red cliffs, and rolling dunes, this park offers a tranquil retreat for beach lovers. Set up camp at one of the campgrounds and spend your days exploring the shoreline or cycling along the scenic trails.

11. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta

Located in the southwestern corner of Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park offers a unique blend of prairies, mountains, and lakes. Camp at one of the park's campgrounds and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Don't miss the chance to hike to the iconic Cameron Falls or take a boat tour on the picturesque Upper Waterton Lake.

12. Kootenay National Park, British Columbia

Kootenay National Park, located in the southeastern part of British Columbia, is a hidden gem that offers a variety of camping experiences. From riverside camping to backcountry camping, this park has something for everyone. Explore the park's hot springs, hike to stunning waterfalls, or simply relax and enjoy the peacefulness of nature.

13. Forillon National Park, Quebec

For a camping experience on the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon National Park is the place to be. This park offers stunning coastal cliffs, picturesque lighthouses, and a rich marine life. Camp at one of the park's campgrounds and explore the many hiking trails that will take you along the rugged coastline and through dense forests.

14. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba

Riding Mountain National Park, located in central Manitoba, offers a diverse range of camping experiences. From camping by the lake to camping in the boreal forest, this park has it all. Explore the park's extensive trail system, go wildlife spotting, or simply relax and enjoy the peacefulness of nature.

15. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

If you're looking for a camping experience on the prairies, Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan is the place to be. This park offers a unique landscape of rolling hills, vast grasslands, and badlands. Camp at one of the park's campgrounds and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the prairie wilderness.

16. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, British Columbia

For a camping experience in the remote wilderness, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve in British Columbia is a hidden gem. This park, located on the Haida Gwaii archipelago, offers pristine forests, ancient Haida village sites, and abundant wildlife. Camp at one of the park's remote campgrounds and explore the untouched beauty of this unique coastal wilderness.

17. Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta and Northwest Territories

Wood Buffalo National Park, located in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, is Canada's largest national park. This park offers a truly wild camping experience, with its vast boreal forests, pristine rivers, and the world's largest free-roaming herd of wood bison. Camp at one of the park's campgrounds and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the northern wilderness.

18. Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador

Terra Nova National Park, located on the northeast coast of Newfoundland, offers a unique camping experience by the sea. This park is known for its rugged coastline, sheltered bays, and abundant wildlife. Set up camp at one of the park's campgrounds and explore the many hiking trails that will take you through ancient forests and along scenic coastal paths.

19. Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia

Kejimkujik National Park, located in southwestern Nova Scotia, offers a camping experience in the heart of the Acadian forest. This park is known for its pristine lakes, meandering rivers, and ancient Mi'kmaq petroglyphs. Camp at one of the park's campgrounds and immerse yourself in the rich cultural and natural heritage of this unique wilderness.

20. Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories

Nahanni National Park Reserve, located in the Northwest Territories, is a true wilderness paradise. This park offers stunning canyons, majestic waterfalls, and the iconic South Nahanni River. Camp at one of the park's remote campgrounds and embark on an unforgettable adventure, whether it's hiking to Virginia Falls or paddling through the awe-inspiring canyons.

Conclusion

Canada is home to some of the most breathtaking camping destinations in the world. From the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic provinces, there is a camping experience for every nature lover. So pack your tent, gather your camping gear, and get ready to explore the great outdoors of Canada. Happy camping!