Canada National Parks

Trail Guides, Camping & Park Regulations

Detailed information on hiking routes, campsite booking systems, backcountry permit requirements, and current regulations for Canada's national park network.

Updated June 2026 Parks Canada Sources Informational Guide
Peyto Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Parks Covered
National & Provincial Parks
Reservation System
Parks Canada & Recreation.ca
Permit Seasons
March – October Openings
Regulations Source
Parks Canada Official

Popular Routes in Canadian National Parks

A selection of well-documented trails across Canada's national parks, ranging from day hikes to multi-day backcountry routes.

Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Banff National Park
Banff National Park

Plain of Six Glaciers Trail

Beginning at Lake Louise, this trail climbs above the treeline to a historic teahouse with direct views of Victoria Glacier and the Continental Divide.

14 km return Moderate – Strenuous Permit not required
Johnston Canyon waterfall trail in Banff National Park
Banff National Park

Johnston Canyon to the Inkpots

The canyon's catwalks lead past two waterfalls before climbing to a series of cold-spring pools known as the Inkpots, set in an open meadow above the gorge.

11.6 km return Easy – Moderate Permit not required
Coastal rainforest trail in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, BC
Pacific Rim NP Reserve

West Coast Trail

A 75-kilometre multi-day coastal route along Vancouver Island's southwest shore. Access is limited and a quota permit is required for all hikers between May and September.

75 km one-way Strenuous Quota permit required

National Parks with Trail Infrastructure

Canada maintains a network of national parks managed by Parks Canada, each with distinct terrain, access rules, and permit requirements.

Peyto Lake, Banff National Park
Banff NP — Alberta
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Waterton Lakes NP — Alberta
Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Highlands — Nova Scotia
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Gros Morne NP — Newfoundland