All Beautiful British Columbia’s National Parks and what to do there

It won’t come as a surprise when I tell you that BC has some beautiful National Parks. There’s a reason BC’s slogan is “Beautiful British Columbia!” A lot of British Columbia’s National Parks are a fair distance from Vancouver (but that’s okay as there’s still a tonne of hiking to be done in the Provincial Parks!). However, these parks are definitely worth the travel time if you’re planning a longer trip out of the city, or visiting British Columbia on holiday.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit most of these National Parks and they’re all stunning in their own right. While there aren’t any Vancouver national parks (though the area has a lot of Provincial Parks including Garibaldi, Cypress and Seymour), you’ll probably want to travel a bit when you’re visiting Vancouver anyway.

Take a look at this list of National Parks in BC and what to see and do when you’re there.

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

The Gulf Islands National Park is in the southern Strait of Georgia, about 100km away from Vancouver. The National Park is made up of a few small islands between Vancouver and Vancouver Island such as Saturna and Pender Islands.

I loved exploring some of this park on our trips out to the Gulf Islands. It’s a beautiful park where you may see eagles and seabirds fly high above the Salish Sea. The waters are full of seals, otters, orcas and pods of porpoises so don’t forget to hit the water by kayak or perhaps swim to catch a glimpse of this wildlife!

When you’re not looking up for birds, or below water for sea creatures, then hit the trails and gaze out from mountaintop viewpoints and check out the lighthouses and reminders of the First Nations who owned this land.

What to do in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

There’s plenty of outdoor adventure in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Some of the best views are from Mount Norman, Mt. Warburton Pike, and around Narvaez Bay.

You can also go whale watching at East Point on Saturna Island or take a tent and camp at one of the many campgrounds in the National Park.

Distance from Vancouver

• Around 100 km, about 3 hours by ferry

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Over on the west coast of Vancouver Island near Tofino is BC’s Pacific Rim National Park. This National Park has three separate areas to it; the West Coast Trail, Long Beach (perfect for sunset watches and surfers) and the Broken Group Islands area (an archipelago of rocks and islands that you can only get to by boat).

This is one of the nearest National Parks to Vancouver (as well as the Gulf Islands National Park), and is popular with Vancouverites when they visit Tofino.

Whichever part of the Pacific Rim National Park you explore you’ll find yourself in a beautiful rainforest with waterfalls, sandstone cliffs and beaches. The coastline here is truly beautiful.

What to do in the Pacific Rim National Park

If you’re looking for a real adventure then pack your tent and camping gear and hit the West Coast Trail.

This trail is 75km in total and takes you along the coastline where you’ll pass waterfalls, navigate trail ladders and be in awe at your surrounding scenery. If you don’t have time for the full trail you can also hike small sections for a few hours at a time.

If you’re a surfer don’t miss out on the waves by Long Beach which is a spot popular with surfers the world over. Or, check out these amazing hikes near Tofino.

Distance from Vancouver

• 255 km, about 2 hours by ferry to Nanaimo then 2-3 hours by car

Mount Revelstoke National Park

Mount Revelstoke National Park is on a different mountain to Revelstoke Mountain Resort where we went skiing over Christmas but they’re very close. This park is home to the only mountain in the national park system that you can summit just a short walk from your car.

So, if you’re not up for a big hike but want to summit a mountain, then this is the National Park for you!

Things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park

Come summer the meadows are teeming with wildflowers that are super pretty. You can drive up to them on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. There are a series of hikes in Mount Revelstoke National Park from the parking area which vary in difficulty and duration.

It’s also a great place if you’re visiting Revelstoke with less active friends or family since you can drive up to the summit and still enjoy the views with minimal effort.

You can also check out the forests in the park. This National Park is home to the world’s only inland cedar rainforest. The Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail is a good place to start your introduction to Mount Revelstoke National Park’s forest.

Distance from Vancouver

• 564 km, about 5-6 hours by car.

Glacier National Park

Not to be confused with America’s Glacier National Park, the BC version is in the east of the province and is one of the most well-known National Parks in BC.

Near Revelstoke, this is a year-round paradise thanks to its alpine scenery, valleys and ancient forests. Hit the trails or stay low as you stroll through the moss-covered forest. And don’t forget to take a look at the park’s namesakes: the 400+ glaciers!

Things to do in Glacier National Park

Make your way to Roger’s Pass summit for incredible alpine views. If you just drive through the park you’ll miss out on some of its beauty. This is one park best explored on foot.

The hikes can be very challenging but there are easier ones too.

Check out this page for more information on hiking in BC’s Glacier National Park.

Distance from Vancouver

• 610 km, about 6 hours, 15 minutes by car

Yoho National Park

I honestly think Yoho National Park is one of the most underrated parks in the whole of Canada. It’s often overlooked since its neighbours, Banff and Jasper National Parks are far more well-known across the world thanks, in part, to the beautiful lakes surrounding Banff.

However, Yoho National Park has the stunning Emerald Lake which I loved going paddleboarding on. It’s got the stunning Lake O’Hara trail which I ran up, and impressive waterfalls too. Basically, I think Yoho has everything with (slightly) fewer crowds.

Yoho National Park is very close to the provincial border between British Columbia and Alberta and lies to the east of Banff and Jasper. The name “Yoho” comes from a Cree expression of awe and wonder. As you explore this park in the Rocky Mountains with its waterfalls, dizzying peaks and incredible rock walls you’ll see exactly why!

The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and whilst it doesn’t have the recognition of Banff & Jasper, it’s worth extending your visit to include Yoho.

Best things to do in Yoho National Park

Discover Takakkaw Falls via the Yoho Valley, go on a guided hike to the Burgess Shale fossils (book as these tours get full early!).

Visit the insta-famous Emerald Lake and take a look at the impressive Wapta Falls. That’s just a few ideas to get you started!

Distance from Vancouver

• 735 km, about 7 hours, 35 minutes by car

Kootenay National Park

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of British Columbia’s National Parks, Kootenay National Park is home to the famous Radium Hot Springs that make the perfect place to relax after a day of outdoor adventure.

It took me a while to get around to exploring Kootenay National Park properly. It didn’t really start until I planned a solo backcountry camping trip out to Floe Lake. I follow this up with a trip through the park to the Paint Pots and the Continental Divide Line while on our final road trip in BC before leaving Canada.

Kootenay gets far fewer visitors than Banff and Jasper, and even Yoho. It’s got a more remote feeling and there aren’t any big hubs close to the park (besides Radium that’s more famous for the hot springs and white water rafting), however, if you’re in the area it’s well worth a visit.

I highly recommend checking out my Kootenay Hot Springs road trip too.

Things to do in Kootenay National Park

Despite not being as populated as other parks, there are still plenty of things to do in Kootenay National Park. For example, you can spend a night glamping in an oTENTik; a fancy tent that comes with mattresses and room for 6 people. You could take a 90-minute scenic drive through the mountains or hit the trails (as with all the other national parks!). If you opt for a long hike then there’s a soak in Radium hot springs waiting for you!

Distance from Vancouver

• 816 km, about 8 hours, and 30 minutes by car

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site

The Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is probably one of the most magical National Parks in British Columbia. The park, made up of the Gwaii Haanas island, is in the midst of a lush rainforest.

The skies are filled with bald eagles, whilst you’re sure to spot a bear, whales, porpoises and sea lions on land and sea. You’ll be blown away by the beauty and remoteness of this part of BC.

Visiting also gives you a chance to learn about the Haïda culture.

Things to do in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve

Take things slow and immerse yourself in the natural beauty with some hikes and a few nights camping. Spend another day with the Haida Gwaii Watchmen who will give you a first-hand introduction to Haida culture by sharing their knowledge of the land and sea, their stories, songs, dances and traditional foods.

Distance from Vancouver

• About 1,500 km, either 2 hours flying or 16 hours driving to Prince Rupert, then 7 hours by ferry

Have you got travel insurance? I’ve been using SafetyWing for a while and it’s incredibly easy, affordable and overall hassle-free! Make sure you check them out before your trip (or after, you can subscribe even if the trip has already started!). They offer subscription-based travel insurance which is great for digital nomads. It allows you to claim medical expenses, and you can add travel coverage to cover your for lost or stolen belongings or additional expenses due to delayed travel.

Last Updated on August 8, 2024 by Hannah