10 Best National Parks in Ontario

Point Pelee may be one of Canada’s smallest national parks, but it's also one of the most biodiverse. Located about 50 km from Windsor, the park encompasses a variety of landscapes, from lush marshlands and ancient deciduous forests to pristine beaches.  

Explore Point Pelee’s beautiful trails on foot or hop on a bicycle, keeping your eyes peeled for monarch butterflies in late summer and an array of birds such as the blue jay and tundra swan. Popular hikes include the Woodland Nature Trail and the Marsh Boardwalk. Designated a dark sky preserve, the park is also perfect for hours and hours of stargazing. So, remember to pack your binoculars or telescope.

Wedged between Lake Huron and the Georgian Bay, this national park features some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes. Admire rugged limestone cliffs that jut out of turquoise waters and wander dense forests dotted with delicate orchids. 

Highlights include the Grotto, a cave with a natural pool of crystalline waters, and Driftwood Cove with its stunning coastal forests. Head to Singing Sands Beach to soak in some sun and take a refreshing dip in Lake Huron. To stay overnight, book a yurt and then do some serious stargazing before falling asleep.

Located about a 12-hour drive from Toronto, Pukaskwa is one of the more remote national parks in Ontario. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a wilderness-filled escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Expect spectacular views of Lake Superior, serene trails that wind through thick boreal forests, and secluded beaches. There are plenty of opportunities to get active. Soak in lake views from a kayak or canoe, or if you’re up for a challenge, hike the 18-kilometre White River Suspension Bridge Trail. At Pukaskwa, you can also take some time to learn more about the indigenous culture of the local Anishinaabek people. 

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park gets its name from a series of cliffs on the Sibley Peninsula that resemble a sleeping human figure. With over 100 kilometres of pristine trails, this area is a real treat for nature lovers. Avid hikers can choose to complete the 6 to 8-hour trek to the ‘knees’ of the sleeping giant for some breathtaking coastal views. 

Other fun activities to do here include biking, paddling and backcountry camping. As you explore the park, look out for deer, foxes, lynx and other local inhabitants. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is located an hour’s drive from Thunder Bay. 

Thousand Islands National Park is an archipelago sandwiched between the cities of Kingston and Brockville. Although the region has over 1000 islands, as the name suggests, there are only around 20 within the boundaries of the national park. 

The best way to explore the area is by boat, giving you a chance to admire the emerald islands and crystalline water up-close. If you want to stay overnight, book a TENTik, a cross between a tent and a cabin, found in several spots around the park. 

Located just a 2-hours’ drive from Toronto, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is part of the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. The landscape brims with thick pine and beech forests, striking granite formations and plenty of wildlife. 

Overnight visitors should make their way to the park’s largest island, Beausoleil, which has several campsites and cabins. It offers plenty of scenic walks, such as the Fairy Trail and Rockview Trail. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a bobcat or beaver. Visit in the autumn season from late September to early October to see vibrant autumn colours. 

Sitting within the Greater Toronto Area, Rouge National Urban Park is Canada’s first and only urban park. It stretches from Oak Ridges Moraine to Lake Ontario and is made up of a series of diverse landscapes, from lush forests and marshes to idyllic meadows and farmlands.  

The hiking trails here cater to a variety of fitness levels, from the 10-minute Celebration Forest Trail to the 2-hour Mast Trail that takes you through an old logging route. Despite being so close to the city, you can spot plenty of wildlife such as river otters and woodchucks. If you want to stay overnight and experience some truly unique forms of accommodation, book a tipi or yurt. 

Killarney Provincial Park is a scenic blend of pink granite coastlines, white quartzite mountain ridges and dozens of sapphire blue lakes. Hiking Silver Peak on the La Cloche Mountain Range is a great way to experience the park. The summit rewards with beautiful panoramic views of the surroundings. 

Visitors can also walk the 3-hour lighthouse trail. It runs along the Georgian Bay, through a thick pine and maple forest to the East Lighthouse which was built in 1866. Its red and white facade makes it a whimsical photo backdrop. As you roam the park, keep your eyes peeled for deer, moose, lynx and other forest inhabitants.