The 28 Best Camping Spots In Canada

Canada’s diverse and vast landscapes host some of the most remarkable camping destinations on Earth, where the natural world’s wonders are at the forefront. From the rugged coasts of Nova Scotia to the majestic peaks of British Columbia, the best camping spots reside in Canada’s National Parks. They offer a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, encounters with diverse wildlife, convenience, and remoteness.

Banff National Park

First on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is Banff National Park. Banff National Park is an iconic example of Canada’s incredible nature in the Canadian Rockies. This national park ranks among the best camping spots in Canada, thanks to its breathtaking alpine landscapes and otherworldly wilderness. This park covers an extensive 6,641 square kilometers and offers a range of campgrounds. Moreover, there are around 17 campgrounds across frontcountry and backcountry camping, with over 2,400 sites to choose from. While camping here, one can indulge in activities like hiking one of the 369 hiking trails. Furthermore, many of the trails lead to glacier-fed lakes and panoramic vistas, and wildlife enthusiasts can spot grizzly bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park, a neighboring gem to Banff, holds its own as a top-tier camping destination. It has over 2,000 individual campsites along with over 90 backcountry camping areas. With a vast expanse spanning roughly 10,878 square kilometers, it boasts some of the darkest skies in North America, making it an excellent spot for stargazing while camping amidst the Canadian Rockies. Highlights include visits to Maligne Lake, a boat tour to Spirit Island, taking the Jasper SkyTram for panoramic views, and hiking in the picturesque Tonquin Valley Trail, all while encountering the park’s wildlife, which includes black bears, moose, caribou, and the soaring bald eagles.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Third on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. For those seeking coastal camping of the highest order, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia is a must-visit. Its 511 square kilometers encompass sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and proximity to the dynamic Pacific Ocean. Green Point Campground provides the best frontcountry camping opportunity. They have around 116 individual campsites. There are also two backcountry campgrounds. Campers here can indulge in surfing the waves, kayaking through serene inlets, beachcombing along the shore, and hiking amid the temperate rainforest. Furthermore, wildlife enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either, as they may spot various species of whales, sea otters, sea lions, and a myriad of coastal bird species.

Kootenay National Park

Tucked away in the Canadian Rockies, Kootenay National Park beckons campers. The national park has three front-country campgrounds with various campsites as well as various backcountry camping opportunities. Moreover, the Radium Hot Springs Pools are a popular destination in this region. This park, spanning 1,406 square kilometers, offers campers the chance to soak in warm mineral waters while surrounded by the rugged beauty of the surrounding natural landscape. Moreover, adventurers can explore the vibrant Paint Pots, traverse the dramatic Marble Canyon, and witness diverse wildlife, including mountain goats, mule deer, and many bird species.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Fifth on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is the Waterton Lakes National Park. Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta is a harmonious blend of prairies, mountains, and deep-blue lakes, making it a unique and serene camping destination. This national park has three frontcountry campgrounds and nine backcountry campgrounds, providing plenty of opportunities for all skill levels. It encompasses 505 square kilometers and offers tranquility amidst stunning lakeside landscapes. Activities range from hiking the challenging Crypt Lake Trail to exploring the striking Red Rock Canyon and more. Furthermore, the park is also home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, cougars, and the common Columbia spotted frog.

Prince Albert National Park

Deep in the heart of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert National Park beckons campers with the enchanting beauty of the boreal forest. It hosts five front-country campgrounds and four backcountry campgrounds. The park covers a substantial 3,874 square kilometers. It provides an authentic wilderness experience. Camping here allows you to immerse yourself in nature as you canoe on Waskesiu Lake and embark on wildlife tours to spot bison, white-tailed deer, wolves, and various bird species. Moreover, you can also explore a network of scenic hiking trails, all while embracing the serenity of this incredible park.

Yoho National Park

Seventh on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is the Yoho National Park. Yoho National Park, a hidden gem in the Canadian Rockies, stands out as a paradise for nature enthusiasts and campers alike. It encompasses 1,313 square kilometers and offers breathtaking scenery and serene campgrounds in a pristine alpine setting. It hosts four frontcountry campgrounds and various trails that offer backcountry camping opportunities. Moreover, key attractions include the awe-inspiring Takakkaw Falls, hiking adventures to Lake O’Hara, and a journey to the Burgess Shale fossil beds. Wildlife is plentiful here, with opportunities to spot grizzly bears, mountain goats, and the elusive wolverines.

Riding Mountain National Park

Situated in Manitoba, Riding Mountain National Park captivates campers with its rolling hills and diverse ecosystems, providing a unique camping experience. Covering 2,969 square kilometers, it offers scenic drives through lush forests, hikes along trails like the Bison Enclosure Trail, and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bison, black bears, and white-tailed deer. Furthermore, it has five frontcountry campgrounds and numerous backcountry camping options.

Glacier National Park

Ninth on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is Glacier National Park. Back in British Columbia, Glacier National Park offers a charming mountain experience. This park spans around 1,349 square kilometers of land and features stunning glaciers, grasslands, and lush forests. Camping here is an opportunity to explore vast landscapes with gorgeous lakes and marvel at the beauty of nature in Canada. Furthermore, the park’s diverse wildlife includes grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep, making it a destination for nature enthusiasts. It hosts three campgrounds with approximately 95 campsites.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario encompasses 156 square kilometers. This park boasts prime semi-wilderness camping opportunities, including one frontcountry campground and two backcountry camping opportunities. The park has dramatic cliffs and is surrounded by pristine waters and lush evergreen. These factors create an idyllic backdrop for camping. Campers can traverse the iconic Bruce Trail, which winds through the stunning coastline, or engage in aquatic adventures such as kayaking and swimming in chilly Georgian Bay. Furthermore, the park’s Dark Sky Preserve status makes it ideal for stargazing.

Mount Revelstoke National Park

Eleventh on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is Mount Revelstoke National Park. Mount Revelstoke National Park, sprawling across 260 square kilometers, offers a camping experience immersed in British Columbia’s breathtaking mountain wilderness. Camping here provides access to an extensive network of hiking trails, including the scenic Meadows-in-the-Sky Parkway. The best frontcountry camping option is the Snowforest Campground. At the same time, there are two designated backcountry campgrounds, both of which are on lakes. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy the incredible wildflower show during the summer season. They may also have the chance to encounter wildlife such as bears, moose, marmots, and mountain goats.

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve beckons with its coastal charm. This makes it a coveted camping destination. It has three frontcountry campgrounds and seven backcountry camping areas. This park spans 36 square kilometers across 16 islands and more than 30 islets. It enjoys a mild climate, wild beaches, and lush forests. Campers can savor the delights of coastal and island life, including canoeing among picturesque islands, beachcombing along the shores, and embarking on scenic hikes. Furthermore, the waters teem with marine life, offering glimpses of orcas, seals, eagles, and various marine species.

Elk Island National Park

Thirteenth on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is Elk Island National Park. Elk Island National Park covers 194 square kilometers in Alberta. It offers a distinctive camping experience with a strong focus on wildlife conservation. There are two frontcountry campgrounds and one designated backcountry campground. Campers can relish lakeside camping, explore hiking trails through tranquil landscapes, and engage in interpretive programs focusing on conservation. Furthermore, the park serves as a refuge for plains bison, elk, moose, and a variety of bird species, creating an immersive wildlife experience.

Grasslands National Park

Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan is a unique camping destination, stretching across 907 square kilometers of prairie landscapes. There are two frontcountry campgrounds and various backcountry camping opportunities. Campers can savor the tranquility of the open prairies and gaze at the stars under remarkably clear night skies. Moreover, they can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems. Furthermore, wildlife enthusiasts have the opportunity to spot pronghorns, bison, coyotes, and a variety of bird species, including the charming burrowing owl.

Pukaskwa National Park

Fifteenth on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is Pukaskwa National Park. Pukaskwa National Park spans over 1,878 square kilometers along Lake Superior’s shores in Northern Ontario. It offers an immersive camping experience in the remote wilderness. The best frontcountry campground is the Hattie Cove campground, with around 72 campsites. There are also many backcountry camping opportunities, including 65 campsites and primitive camping. Campers can challenge themselves with hikes along the demanding Coastal Hiking Trail, paddle on the vast expanse of Lake Superior, and discover secluded beaches and rugged cliffs. Furthermore, wildlife sightings may include black bears, wolves, and moose.

Wood Buffalo National Park

Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest in Canada at a staggering 44,741 square kilometers. It beckons campers to experience the vast boreal wilderness. The main frontcountry campground is the Pine Lake Campground. Primitive backcountry camping is also permitted in the majority of the park. Camping here offers a journey into the heart of the northern wilderness. Campers can explore the unique Salt Plains and paddle on the expansive Peace-Athabasca Delta. In addition, they can witness the world’s largest free-roaming wood bison population. Furthermore, wildlife encounters may include wood bison, whooping cranes, and grey wolves.

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

Seventeenth on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site spans across 404 square kilometers of lush forests and pristine lakes on the Nova Scotia peninsula. It offers a vast variety of camping experiences with two front-country campgrounds and multiple backcountry campsites and cabins. Campers can revel in lakeside camping, paddle along the picturesque Mersey River, explore historic Mi’kmaq petroglyphs, and hike scenic trails. Furthermore, wildlife sightings may include white-tailed deer, beavers, and a variety of bird species.

Prince Edward Island National Park

Prince Edward Island National Park offers a serene coastal camping experience along its 27 square kilometers. It has two main campgrounds, including the Stanhope Campground and the Cavendish Campground, adding up to over 300 campsites. Its hallmark is the stunning sandy beaches and iconic red cliffs that frame the shores. Camping here invites beachcombing, swimming in the chilly Atlantic Ocean, and relaxing in picturesque settings. Furthermore, the park’s wildlife includes red foxes, white-tailed deer, and a variety of bird species. This makes it a charming and tranquil camping retreat on Prince Edward Island.

Kluane National Park

Nineteenth on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is Kluane National Park. Kluane National Park, located in the Yukon, is a wilderness camping haven for those who crave authentic wilderness experiences. This park encompasses a vast 21,980 square kilometers and is renowned for its towering peaks and glaciers. Kathleen Lake offers 38 frontcountry campsites, and there are numerous backcountry camping opportunities across the park. Campers can explore rugged and remote hiking trails, paddle on crystal-clear lakes, fish for kokanee salmon, and bear witness to impressive wildlife. Some of the wildlife includes grizzly bears, Dall’s sheep, and majestic golden eagles. Furthermore, Kluane National Park offers an immersive journey into the heart of Canada’s untamed wilderness.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands National Park spans 948 square kilometers in Nova Scotia on Cape Breton Island. It combines coastal and mountain camping for a truly unique experience. The famous Cabot Trail scenic highway traverses a 185-mile loop around the park. There are eight campgrounds in total, including frontcounty and backcountry camping opportunities. The park offers campers dramatic cliffs, scenic hiking trails, and whale-watching opportunities. Furthermore, the park’s abundant wildlife includes many species. A few species are moose, bald eagles, and charming Atlantic puffins.

Fundy National Park

Next on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is Fundy National Park. Fundy National Park, nestled in New Brunswick, is celebrated for its awe-inspiring tides. This park covers 206 square kilometers in New Brunswick and has five front-country campgrounds and eight backcountry campsites. Campers can explore coastal hiking trails, embark on kayaking adventures in tidal rivers, and partake in interpretive programs. Furthermore, the park’s diverse wildlife includes black bears, white-tailed deer, and migratory shorebirds, ensuring a rich natural experience.

Kouchibouguac National Park

Kouchibouguac National Park is also in New Brunswick. There are multifaceted camping experiences across two frontcountry campgrounds and three backcountry camping locations. It holds 238 square kilometers of land and features charming beaches, salt marshes, and lush forests. Campers can paddle on serene lagoons, explore hiking and cycling trails, and delight in birdwatching opportunities. Furthermore, wildlife sightings may include harbor seals, beavers, and ospreys.

Terra Nova National Park

Terra Nova National Park, also in Newfoundland and Labrador, seamlessly blends lush forests with coastal beauty. It contains 400 square kilometers and offers two frontcountry campgrounds and seven backcountry areas, including lakeside camping along tranquil waters. Campers can enjoy boating, fishing, and exploration of scenic hiking trails. Furthermore, the park is home to red squirrels, playful otters, and occasional black bear sightings.

Gros Morne National Park

Next on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is Gros Morne National Park. Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Newfoundland and Labrador, is known for its otherworldly landscapes. This park extends across 1,805 square kilometers. It has five front-country campgrounds as well as primitive backcountry camping amid fjords and towering cliffs. Moreover, campers can challenge themselves with the demanding Gros Morne Mountain Trail. They can also explore coastal ecosystems and encounter unique wildlife. Such wildlife can include moose, Arctic hares, and captivating puffins, whose presence provides an unforgettable camping experience.

La Mauricie National Park

Next on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is La Mauricie National Park. La Mauricie National Park is nestled in the heart of Quebec. It offers three captivating front-country campgrounds and various backcountry campsites amidst a lush forested paradise. Spanning 536 square kilometers, it beckons campers with serene lakeside camping options. Here, you can paddle on pristine lakes, embark on hiking adventures through dense woodlands, and be enchanted by the park’s enchanting waterfalls, such as Waber Falls. Furthermore, wildlife enthusiasts will have the opportunity to spot beavers, moose, and a multitude of bird species.

Forillon National Park

Forillon National Park is also in Quebec. It stands as a testament to Canada’s rugged coastal beauty and maritime heritage. Moreover, it has excellent hunting and fishing opportunities. Encompassing 244 square kilometers, it boasts stunning vistas overlooking the majestic Gulf of St. Lawrence and Gaspé Bay. There are three main front-country campgrounds and two trails with backcountry campsites. Campers can traverse hiking trails along dramatic coastal cliffs and immerse themselves in the history of remnant fishing villages. Moreover, visitors can keep their eyes peeled for thrilling sightings of whales and other sea creatures. Furthermore, the park’s vibrant marine life includes seals, whales, and an array of seabirds.

Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

Next on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve in Quebec delivers an extraordinary coastal camping adventure. Encompassing 151 square kilometers, it comprises a collection of picturesque islands adorned with ancient limestone formations. Furthermore, there are six frontcountry campgrounds with about 32 campsites in total. Campers can explore these natural wonders, hike along rugged coastal trails, and marvel at the mesmerizing seabird colonies that dot the landscape. Wildlife encounters are abundant, with opportunities to spot seals, various species of whales, gulls, and more.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Last on our list of the best camping spots in Canada is Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Georgian Bay Islands National Park, located in Ontario, provides a tranquil camping experience amid the captivating beauty of Georgian Bay. It spans 59 square kilometers across 63 small islands. Moreover, it showcases lush forests and crystal-clear waters that beckon campers to its nine campgrounds. Here, you can revel in hiking adventures on scenic trails and paddle along the picturesque shorelines. In addition, you can explore landscapes that whisper memories within remaining man-made remnants. Furthermore, the park’s wildlife includes graceful white-tailed deer, the gentle presence of sandpipers, and a rich tapestry of other birdlife. Every species contributes to the park’s allure as a camping paradise.

List of the 28 Best Camping Spots in Canada

The photo featured at the top of this post is © ricardo santoyo/Shutterstock.com

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