Fun Fact that you may not have known: I AM A CANADIAN living in Australia! As such, I wanted to provide you with a list of National Parks that can make a great elopement destination in Canada from the West Coast to Atlantic Canada.
1. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
“Vancouver Island’s west coast is famously wild. On the churning Pacific coastline of British Columbia, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve features the sandy beaches of the national park’s Long Beach Unit, over 100 sheltered islets of the Broken Group Islands popular for kayaking expeditions, and the 75-kilometre multi-day West Coast Trail. Tofino and Ucluelet are popular destinations, particularly for surfing, whale watching, and beach explorations.” (Source)
2. Banff National Park, Alberta
“Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, a picture-perfect mountain town and village, abundant wildlife and scenic drives come together in Banff National Park – Canada’s first national park and the flagship of the nation’s park system. Over three million visitors a year make the pilgrimage to the park for a variety of activities including hiking, biking, skiing and camping in some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain scenery. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.” (Source)
3. Jasper National Park, Alberta
“With jagged snow-capped peaks, colossal glacial icefields, teal-streaked lakes and flowering alpine meadows, Jasper’s legendary scenery has to be seen to be believed. Explore rugged backcountry via the extensive hiking and biking trail network, taking time to observe abundant wildlife along the way, including bears, elk, caribou and bighorn sheep. The laidback town of Jasper is filled with all the urban amenities you could want and boasts easy access to countless adventure activities that will launch you headfirst into the park’s expansive and remarkably well-preserved wilderness.” (Source)
4. Mont-Tremblant National Park, Quebec
“This 1,510- kilometre-squared playground is celebrated for its six rivers, 400 streams and lakes, sprawling Laurentians peaks, sandy beaches, canoe routes, and 40 species of mammals. There’s also 18 different hiking trails that span over 82 kilometres, a series of fantastic river routes for canoeists (the Méandres de la Diable route from Lac Chat to Mont de la Vache Noire is great if you have a half-day to spare), and hundreds of camping spots. The park has two supervised and serviced beaches: Crémaillère beach in the La Diable sector, and Lac-Provost beach in La Pimbina sector.” (Source)
5. Gaspesie National Park, Quebec
“Within this national park there are 25 mountains that are over 3,300-feet-high, incredible arctic-alpine flora, and remarkable wildlife (white-tailed deer, moose, and the only caribou herd south of the St. Lawrence River), there’s a rugged beauty here unlike anywhere else. You’ll also find 87 miles of hiking trails – the best of which is the Mont Jacques-Cartier trail that takes around five hours and rewards with serene views of the alpine tundra.” (Source)
6. Thousand Islands National Park, Ontario
“One of Canada’s smallest national parks, this collection of 20 plus granite islands, hundreds of inlets and several mainland bases is home to a mix of marshland, pine forest and glittering waterways, as well as some of the richest wildlife populations in the country. Explore the lush terrain via a hiking trail, or take to the water in a kayak or powerboat to discover secluded bays, rugged coastal outcroppings and catch tantalising glimpses of rare turtle and bird species.” (Source)
7. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
“Experience the world’s highest tides – not to mention pristine forests, deluxe campgrounds and a taste of Atlantic Canada culture – at Fundy National Park. Paddle in a kayak as the waters rise up to 12 m or more. Walk the otherworldly ocean floor at low tide. Or venture inland where trails lead to waterfalls deep in Acadian forests. With unique camping options and even regular music performances, Fundy is a Maritime treasure.” (Source)
8. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
“As you hug the world-famous Cabot Trail coastline you’ll wind through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where lush, forested river canyons carve into the ancient plateau, edged by rust-coloured cliffs.
Keep your eyes open for moose and bald eagles. You might even catch a minke or pilot whale breaking waves in the Atlantic, or Gulf of St. Lawrence. And you’re never far from a steaming plate of local lobster fresh from the ocean around you.” (Source)
9. Prince Edward Island National Park
“Gentle surf strokes sandy beaches alongside red cliffs and wind-sculpted dunes. Cycle a seashore path, savour a picnic by a lighthouse and spot heron wading in coastal bays. Hike woodlands and overlook ponds watching for red fox, waterfowl and warblers, then head to one of many beaches to build spectacular sandcastles. At sunset, roast marshmallows over a campfire listening to tales and songs – Prince Edward Island National Park is a giant playground for kids of all ages.” (Source)
10. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador
“Soaring fjords and moody mountains tower above a diverse panorama of beaches and bogs, forests and barren cliffs. Shaped by colliding continents and grinding glaciers, Gros Morne’s ancient landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander coastal pathways and beachcomb among sea stacks. Cruise the dramatic, sheer-walled gorge of Western Brook Pond. Spot moose and caribou. Hike to alpine highlands where Arctic hare and ptarmigan thrive on tundra, and explore the colourful culture of nearby seaside communities.” (Source)
11. Kluane National Park & Reserve, Yukon
“Kluane – high in the mountains of southwest Yukon – is a land of extremes. The park is home to Canada’s highest peak (5,959-metre Mount Logan), its largest ice field and North America’s most genetically diverse grizzly population. Travellers from around the world come to traverse alpine passes on backcountry odysseys and raft past calving glaciers. With exceptional day hikes and highway-side scenery, Kluane awes from every angle.” (Source)
12. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
“Riding Mountain is home to a staggering diversity of living things. The windswept grasslands and deep, silent forests, of secretive wolf packs, of orchids and lilies, of lakes and wetlands singing with life. Riding Mountain National Park is in Treaty 2 Territory, where we work with Anishinabe, First Nations from treaties 2, 4, and 1. We honour, acknowledge, and recognize Indigenous contributions to the park, the province, and Canada.” (Source)
13. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
“Experience the solitude of the wide-open plain as the prairie wind ripples a sea of grasses beneath the clear blue sky. Ride a traditional wagon, sit before a crackling campfire or spend the night beneath a canopy of brilliant stars. Travel back in time as you gaze at dinosaur bones, wander past tipi rings and catch a glimpse of a prairie homestead on the distant horizon.” (Source)
I hope this blog post was helpful in giving you an idea of where you may want to elope in Canada but also it may help narrow down your options. If you need any advice, or someone who has been there to give you some guidance, get in touch! I’d love to help you make your dream day a reality.
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