With its out-of-this-world scenery and a favorable exchange rate for U.S. travelers, now is the time to plan a trip to the National Parks of Canada. This is the summer to camp at the top of North America. Before recoiling into a flashback of leaky tents and musty cots from a scout camp, Parks Canada has it figured out, especially for car campers. It offers comfortable and convenient alternatives to setting up a tent in the great outdoors. Here are the best campgrounds in Canada.
11 of the Best Campgrounds in Canada
Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta
La Mauricie National Park in Quebec
Banff National Park in Alberta
Jasper National Park in Alberta
Mount Revelstoke National Park in British Columbia
Forillon National Park in Quebec
Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland
Prince Edward Island National Park
Bay of Fundy National Park in New Brunswick
Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario
Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site Campground in Alberta
Why Camping in Canada
After camping across Parks Canada National Park sites, I think it is easier than camping in the parks down in the States. Its reservation system for summer camping is open in the spring for most park stays. This differs from the NPS reservation system that reserves 13 months in advance.
I have road-tripped for years, and I rarely pack a tent. It’s just not fun for me anymore. Parks Canada offers a myriad of camping concepts across its parks. I think they are ingenious, and my kids loved the novelty of camping in Canada. Here are the best campgrounds that don’t require an RV or an SUV packed with gear.
Historic Stays in Waterton Lakes and La Mauricie National Parks
The best campgrounds in Canada are also some of the most developed campgrounds.If the Prince of Wales Hotel is on your bucket list, then pack your bags. It’s in a national park and run by one of the national park concessionaires. Its iconic setting on the top of a bluff overlooking the town of Waterton is idyllic. It is one of the best campgrounds in Canada.
From its plaid-donned attendants to its afternoon tea, this is one of the highlights of Canada.
Parks Canada also offers more historic lodges and chalets for overnight stays, like the Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew in La Mauricie National Park in Quebec.
Where: Prince of Wales Hotel in Alberta and La Mauricie National Park in Quebec.
Best: Couples
oTENTiks in Jasper National Park and Banff National Parks
It is a Parks Canada exclusive that melds traditional tent camping paired with the nostalgia of an A-frame. The oTENTiks boast all the fun of tent camping with the security of a locked door and the comfort of heating, and some provide electricity. Each unit is above the ground on a platform and feels solid, with platform mattresses a part of the oTentik.
Where: Jasper National Park and Banff National Parks in Alberta along with several sites across Canada.
Best: Everyone, especially family groups.
MicrOcube in Mount Revelstoke National Park in British Columbia
With its large windows overlooking the natural world, the MicrOcube offers a taste of sleeping outdoors with a roof and a door. Cozy by nature, it sports a double bed in 30 square feet.
Cooking is done outdoors with a barbeque, grill or over the firepit. Picnic tables are located outside each MicrOcube as well.
Where: Mount Revelstoke National Park in British Columbia
Best: Couples or traveling friends since you will be sharing It offers lighting though no heat.
Ôasis in Forillon National Park in Quebec
With its distinctive teardrop shape, the oasis is perched at the treeline on stilts. Inside, campers will find a bed that converts to a table along with a suspended sleeping loft above (weight limit).
Where: Forillon National Park in Quebec
Best: Couples or Families with small kids
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Bunkie in Prince Edward Island National Park
With a catchy name, it’s a small cabin for two to four, with lots of light and two sleeping areas. Bunkies are cozy so eating and cooking is done outdoors with an included propane camp stove and a picnic table. There’s even a lantern to use on trips to the bathhouse.
Where: Prince Edward Island National Park
Best: Couples
Rustic Cabins in Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland
The name describes it: campers get bunk beds with a table and chairs, all made of wood. Most of the rustic cabins feature wood-burning stoves for that authentic experience.
Where: Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland
Best: Active adults and those traveling with kids.
Yurts in Bay of Fundy National Park and the Bruce Peninsula National Park
Originally from Central Asia, yurts’ round shape resembles woodland mushrooms. They offer most of the comforts of home.
Campers find bunk beds, along with furniture like a settee and a dining set. Great for evening games or meals indoors when the weather goes astray.
Parks Canada offers heat (nights can get chilly), and most feature picnic tables outside.
Where: Bay of Fundy National Park in New Brunswick and the Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario
Best: Most are comfortable its ample space, bedding and heat.
Tipis in Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site Campground
My kids adored spending the night in an authentic canvas teepee. My air mattress died in that teepee, but my coffee was saved the following day. Though it was a memorable experience, definitely gauge interest before reserving and pack a good sleeping pad.
Where: Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site Campground in Alberta
Best: Kids and the young-at-heart
Equipped Campsites at Prince Edward Island National Park
For road trippers, this is a great option for a night in a national park on an extended trip.
Where: Prince Edward Island National Park
Best: Families or Groups who want the tent camping experience without hauling the gear.
