From hidden gems to family favourites, here's a guide to some of Canada's national parks
CTV
This past week, Parks Canada opened up its reservation system for the 2023 season, offering places to stay, hikes to take and national historic sites to visit across the country. According to three experts, here's where to travel this summer.
This past week, Parks Canada opened its new reservation system, marking the beginning of camping, hiking and outdoor adventures season across the country.
The federal agency operates 37 national parks where outdoor enthusiasts — or regular visitors — can book a campsite, chalet or cabin during the 2023 season. It also offers a number of historical sites, hiking trails, and beaches for swimming or boat access.
The opening of reservations each year sees thousands log on early in the morning to try and snag a spot at one of the parks. Since the COVID-19 slowdown, Parks Canada has steadily seen an increase in visitors, setting a new record of 516,000 camping nights last year.
With the number of options across the country, it can be hard to know which parks to visit and what each offers.
CTVNews.ca spoke to two travel experts who have spent most of their lives exploring the great Canadian landscapes, as well as a Parks Canada spokesperson, asking for their opinions on which national parks Canadians should visit this summer.
Canada's national parks are a great way to explore the country, Marlis Butcher told CTVNews.ca in an interview. She is the author of "Park Bagger: Adventures in the Canadian National Parks," which details her time staying in all of the national parks.
Butcher, who lives in Burlington, Ont., said she attended the newest park, Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve in N.W.T, in 2022 to keep her streak up.
