Hidden gems to discover

Avoid the crowds by visiting one of these lesser-known and less crowded hotspots and treat yourself to a unique experience today.

Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site

Yukon
An interpreter, dressed in Gold Rush era fashion, takes a bike ride down Second Avenue, Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site.

Embrace the independent spirit of 1898. Explore some of the restored wooden buildings that line the boardwalks of Dawson City. Visit the iconic Palace Grand Theatre and the Red Feather Saloon or stride out to the goldfields. Feel the past come to life by taking a tour with a Parks Canada guide. You'll discover the secrets of this historic frontier town and tales of the 50,000 gold seekers. Pick up a free Parks Canada Xplorers activity booklet and challenge your kids to complete it as you tour the Dawson Historic Complex and the S.S. Keno National Historic Sites.


Where is it
Along the Yukon River, 525 km northwest of Whitehorse, and 828 km from Anchorage, Alaska.

When to go
The Front Street Visitor Information Centre is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm from mid-May to mid-September. Drop by to learn more about tours, interpretive programs and everything else on offer at the complex.

Kluane National Park and Reserve

Yukon
Canoeists on Lake Kathleen.  

Look up, up, up and feel awe-struck by so many high peaks and amazing views! Make a multi-day adventure into the backcountry through high mountain passes under the midnight sun. Enjoy accessible-for-all trails along the shores of Kathleen Lake. Catch your breath as you paddle past glaciers on the Alsek River. Visit the Da Kų Cultural Centre to hear recordings of traditional stories told by the Champagne and Aishihik, and Kluane First Nations’ Elders. Learn about the unique plants, animals, and seasons of life in the park.


Where is it
Covering more than 20,000 square kilometres of wilderness high in the mountains of the Southwest Yukon, 160 km west of Whitehorse.

When to go
Our main Visitor Centre which runs from mid-May to mid-September is in Haines Junction. Enjoy the award-winning digital exhibits and the hands-on activities.

Mount Revelstoke National Park

British Columbia
Three children hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Stroll through part of the world’s only inland temperate rainforest on the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail and try to wrap your arms around soaring old cedar and hemlock trees, some more than 500 years old. Hike through alpine meadows of swaying red paintbrush and a rainbow of other wildflowers. Learn about the traditions of the Secwepemc, Ktunaxa and Okanagan First Nations through art and sculpture on the First Footsteps trail. Immerse yourself in Canada’s ski jumping history as you step into a sculpted pair of skis and lean out over the precipitous drop where world records were once set. Hone up the kids’ bike skills and discover cool nature facts at the all-new Beaver Lodge Bike Park. Kids can bike, play and learn in this creative play area —don’t miss the dragonfly teeter totter! Mount Revelstoke is an interesting alternative to the most famous national parks in the Rockies.


Where is it
High in the glacial lake and mountain beauty of southeastern British Columbia, a 6-hour drive from Vancouver, or 4.5-hour road trip from Calgary.

When to go
The Meadows in the Sky Parkway is open to vehicles from mid-May to mid-October. Depending on snow levels, you may not be able to drive all the way to the summit, however, until early July.

Batoche National Historic Site

Saskatchewan
A shuttle picks up a family by the church. Batoche National Historic Site.

Wheelchair and stroller-friendly, ride the open-sided Batoche Shuttle and access all the important places of this historic Métis settlement. Visit the East Village where Louis Riel headquartered his provisional government of Saskatchewan. Explore the Church and Rectory as well as the Caron house. Make a reservation to spend some time kayaking or canoeing the South Saskatchewan River. Shaded by the banks of the lush green river valley, you’ll follow the trail of fur trappers and traders. Immerse yourself in a brief period of history that changed the face of Canada; go on a Journey Through Time tour and learn the tragic story of the 1885 Northwest Resistance and the people who once called this place home.


Where is it
Off the curving South Saskatoon River, an hour’s drive north from Saskatoon, and an hour south of Prince Albert.

When to go
Enjoy the place, trails and special events from mid-May to early October.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Ontario
Family hiking to explore nature near Cedar Spring on Beausoleil Island in Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

Visit Beausoleil Island and pedal the Huron trail through a beech-maple forest. Learn the story of Fairy Lake on a 2.5-km loop hike which takes in views over tranquil waters, Canadian Shield and shady white pines. Wander the fringed granite shoreline, a dense vivid green woodland and the sparkling waters of the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. Bring your camera and capture the sweeping views which inspired the art of the Group of Seven and share it with us on Facebook! Georgian Bay is an interesting, less crowded, alternative to other renowned national parks in the region.


Where is it
Accessible only by boat, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is 166 km north of Toronto. To get there, hop on board the DayTripper ferry (reservations required) or take a private craft from Honey Harbour to access the north and south of Beausoleil Island.

When to go
The park DayTripper boat service (reservations required) operates between mid-May and Thanksgiving.

Mingan Archipelago National Park

Quebec
A Parks Canada Heritage Presenter leading an interpretation activity with the Lady of Niapiskau limestone monolith in the background.

Explore 1,000 islands and islets covering 100 km2 in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Here, whales flip their tails and seals swim around the islands. Discover the limestone sculptures, carved by the waves, a must-see at Mingan Achipelago. Hop on a boat and meet a Parks Canada Heritage Presenter to uncover the cultural and natural richness that awaits in this special place. See Atlantic Puffins and Razorbills nesting high in the cliffs. Join members of the Ekuanitshit community to learn more about the rich culture of the Innu and the wonders of the natural world in their traditional territory.


Where is it
The archipelago is tucked away in between Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan and Aguanish. Havre-Saint-Pierre, the most popular departing point to visit the Archipelago, is a 10-hour road trip from Quebec City.

When to go
Our two reception and interpretation centres at Havre-Saint-Pierre and Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan are open daily from mid-June until the end of September.

Forillon National Park

Quebec
A family enjoys a picnic on the beach at Cap-Bon-Ami. 

Come celebrate Forillon’s 50th anniversary in 2020! Enjoy a front row seat to the incredible sights of the sea where seals, seabirds and whales are the main attraction! Drop by the brand new Visitor Centre when you first enter the park to get tips and insight to start your trip off right. Visit Cap-Bon-Ami and climb to the top of the Mont-Saint-Alban lookout tower to admire sea, cliffs and forest as far as the eye can see. Have a picnic at the enchanting Grande-Grave, testament to the golden era of the codfish industry and the peninsula’s cultural diversity. Follow the bay, on foot or by bike, along Les Graves trail. Keep an eye on the ocean and you might spot whales and seals. Explore Gaspé Bay by kayak. Enjoy the sunset or sail to the mouth of the bay by the foot of the cliffs. Relax on the sandy beach, explore the salt marsh or stroll through the taiga.


Where is it
Forillon National Park is accessible by Highway 132 East. Forillon is 400 km from Rimouski, 700 km from Québec, and 350 km from the New Brunswick border.

When to go
The park is open every day from the end of May to mid-October. The park is accessible all year round. However, off-season, trails and infrastructures are not maintained.

Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site

Quebec
Canoeists on Lake Kathleen.

Walk in the footsteps of the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who came through this quarantine station between 1832 and 1937. Once on the island, you’ll be directed to a mandatory medical examination, just like immigrants from the 1800s. Meet Nurse Sarah Wade! Hear moving stories of tragedy and life-affirming tales of hope on a tour with a knowledgeable Parks Canada guide. During summertime, enhance your experience by adding to your visit one of the four thematic circuits to your visit! Take a hike around the island for panoramic views over the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago. Keep an eye out for heron soaring above and deer nibbling grass in the meadows.


Where is it
In the heart of the St. Lawrence River, a 45-minute boat ride from Berthier-sur-Mer. Berthier-sur-Mer is around 35 minutes east of Quebec City, or a 3-hour drive from Montreal.

When to go
Open from early May to mid-October. If you’re a birdwatcher, come early to watch the return of the snow geese and other birds, or leave your visit until later in the season to enjoy dazzling fall colours (and fewer visitors!)

Grand-Pré National Historic Site

Nova Scotia
A child at the exhibition in the visitor center.

Join us on a guided tour to discover the tale of the Acadian Deportation and learn about the heartbreaking story of Longfellow’s Evangeline. Located at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grand-Pré National Historic Site, once the centre of Acadian culture, is now a significant memorial to the tragic upheaval of the Acadian Deportation (1755-1764). Tap into your creative side and join a guided Pop Art postcard workshop to create your very own artistic tribute to the “Acadian Queen.” Make a reservation and try your hand at making historic Fring Frang, a crunchy potato dish that became an Acadian tradition.


Where is it
Close to Wolfville, just a 1-hour drive northwest of Halifax, a 90-minute drive from the Digby ferry, and a 2.5-hour drive from the Yarmouth ferry.

When to go
Our visitor centre is open daily from mid-May to early October. Programs and activities are offered in July and August.

Fundy National Park

New Brunswick
Two cyclists are mountain biking on a forest trail.

Experience the wonder of the world’s highest tides! At low tide explore the mudflats teaming with marine life on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. At high tide paddle a kayak as the waters rise 12 meters over the very spot you were a few hours earlier. Reserve your spot at an authentic Atlantic Canada kitchen party in the historic childhood home of Molly Kool. Molly was the first woman in North America to become a sea captain. It wouldn’t be a kitchen party without stories, singing, dancing and plenty of foot-tapping fun! Develop your skills by riding around a network of mounds, banks and turns on the Pumptrack, one of the bike trails in the Chignecto Recreation Area. Experience winter in all its wonder and enjoy these stunning trails with your Fat Bike, snowshoes, or skis!


Where is it
Located on New Brunswick’s southeast coast, along the 250-kilometre-long Bay of Fundy, it’s easily reached by car from Fredericton (2-hour drive), Saint John (1.5-hour drive) and Moncton (1-hour drive).

When to go
The Wolf Lake Information Centre is open daily from mid-May to October. The Visitor Reception Centre is open daily with a break in November and December during Fundy’s off-season.

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