With the region’s most beautiful coastlines, beaches, remote islands, rainforests, waterfalls and mountain peaks, British Columbia is western Canadian province popular for its breath-taking natural sceneries. Among them, National Parks British Columbia hold great significance because they are one of the major reason why tourists visit British Columbia.
Here’s what you need to know about the top 5 national parks in British Columbia.
1. Kootenay National Park.
In the southeast region of British Columbia, Kootenay National Park offers natural contrast. Also a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, Kootenay National Park’s highlights include the famous; Marble Canyon, Radium Hot Springs, Western North America’s spine, and The Continental Divide.
When you enter Kootenay National Park, get ready to reach the narrow 200-foot-deep crater with a short trail that cuts through the limestone. The famous ‘Paint Pots’ of Kootenay National Park are also here. The unique thing about the Paint pots is that cold spring water here bubbles up among the yellow and red clay, thus, creates unique and brilliant coloured pools of water.
You can take a hike to discover rushing waterfalls, and then soothe your body after this long hike in the mineral-rich waters of Sinclair Canyon’s springs at a temperature of 37 to 40 degrees Celsius; perfect to relax your muscles.
The cool pool here offers fun slides for the kids, while adults rejuvenate at the ‘Pleiades Spa; with options of massages like Hot Stone, Swedish, Thai-Yoga, Lomi, Cranial Sacral, Deep Tissue, and Chakra Aromatherapy.
2. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Off the British Columbia’s southern coast, you can visit Gulf Islands National Park. This natural reserve is a collection of islands and islets that are famous for their warm and dry summers as well as mild and wet winters; the typical Mediterranean climate in Canada.
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve houses nearly 15 of the islands and over 30 smaller islets, that have a very rich biodiversity i.e. plant, bird and marine life. Major portion of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve spreads over 270 square miles of sea i.e. separating mainland Vancouver and Victoria on Vancouver Island.
You can visit the larger islands of Mayne, Saturna, North and South Pender via BC Ferries. On the other hand, kayak, water taxi or private boat is the best medium for reaching the smaller islands.
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve brings a number of fun activities for the tourists. Such as fishing, kayaking, boating, diving and even camping. However, kayaking here is the most famous among locals and tourists alike. Paddling through the waterways; watch for the gray, humpback, minke and orca whales living underwater.
Hiking is another great way that you can choose for exploring the land. Take an uphill climb to Mount Norma and enjoy the 360-degree view of the park and beyond on the top.
3. Mount Revelstoke National Park.
Mount Revelstoke national park only covers 100 square miles present in Selkirk Mountain. Despite its small size for a national park, it is no short of options when it comes to natural scenery and diversity. From old rainforests housing 1,000-year-old red cedars and pine trees to steep and rugged mountains; you’ll find everything here. Therefore, also speaking for its wide array of animal and plant life here as well.
Mount Revelstoke National Park is among the few places in the British Columbia where one can drive into a subalpine meadow, via the Meadows in the Sky Parkway i.e. from an elevation of over 1,540 feet on the Trans-Canada Highway to nearly 6,020 feet at Balsam Lake.
Mount Revelstoke National Park winds 16 miles uphill through cedar, hemlock, fir and spruce forests to reach the famous wildflower-filled subalpine meadows. While hiking here, witness the birds like hawk owl, boreal chickadee and blue grouse along with dramatic mountain peaks and active glaciers.
Mount Revelstoke National Park’s top destination is an ideal spot for bird watching. Spot fifty bird species and mammals i.e. moose, mountain caribou, grizzly bear, mountain goat, etc.
4. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island.
If you are a nature and wildlife lover, then Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island is your ideal spot in British Columbia. Take a scenic 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver and reach the park to witness natural beauty at its peak. You will also find wildlife such as whales, bears and bald eagles here.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has three units; the Broken Group Islands, Long Beach and the West Coast Trail.
The broken group islands are south of the town of Ucluelet. This region offers you a variety of eateries specializing in local meals like the famous ‘salmon pie’ or ‘fish ‘n’ chips; independent shops selling First Nations carvings, Murano glass and unique amber jewellery. The broken group Islands consist of 100 small islands in the centre of Barkley Sound that you can only access by cruising through water.
Long beach is a ten-mile stretch that portrays an undeveloped coastline sitting in the background setting of lush rainforest and mountains. Long Beach on the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is the perfect place to go if you like surfing, beach combing, kayaking or want to build sand castles and just enjoy the moment in its calm and quiet atmosphere. Spend a day here enjoying the crashing waves of the Pacific, with the colours of sunset splashed across the ocean!
The West Coast Trail of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is on the southernmost section. It is a 47-mile stretch, that expands between Port Renfrew and Bamfield. Originally, The West Coast Trail helped the rescue mariners with its famous “Shipwreck Path,”. Today, adventure seekers can take a hike on this famous trail that is also challenging to cover with a time of about six days.
5. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.
Preciously known as Queen Charlotte Islands, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve (or Gwaii Haanas) possess a remote collection of 138 islands. In addition, Gwaii Haanas is also a house to dense forests and rare Haidi Gwaii black bear. You can either take a trek or head into the sky with a heliport tour for witnessing the unique beauty of Gwaii Haanas.
Gwaii Haanas’ water has marine life that prominently includes the whales like orca, minke, fin, sein, etc. you can also spot Steller sea lions, harbour seals, dolphins and porpoises here. If you are lucky enough, you will get a chance and see the giant Pacific octopus. During low tide, go to the tide pools and find periwinkle snails, starfish as well as shore crabs.
The best way to have a close encounter with the marine life is taking a kayaking tour here. While you paddle though the ocean waters, discover the hidden coves, sea caves and the tiny islands that occupy Gwaii Haanas.
Bird watching is also a fun activity to do here with common sightings of funtufted puffins, bald eagles and peregrine falcons in the skies.
Other parks that you can visit.
Glacier National Park.
Present on the east side of Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park is bringing dramatic mountain ranges, multiple ice fields, glaciers and waterfalls – making it region’s one of the most wet areas.
Trek on the Rockgarden Trail here which possesses moss-covered boulders surviving the erosive effects of the vast glaciers.
Glacier National Park also has a rich history because Major A.B. Rogers arrived here in 1881 while finding a route for the Canadian Pacific Railway. That’s why The Rogers Pass National Historic Site remains the cultural and historical heart of the park.
While you stay in the Glacier National Park, keep an eye out for the mountain goats and black bears that wander in this wild landscape.
If you are an adventure lover, take the three-hour trek up Glacier Crest Trail that will give you the best view of the glittering glaciers under the summer sun.
Yoho National Park.
Yoho National Park is the ultimate playground, especially for hikers. The vast mountain peaks, countless waterfalls, glaciers and high rock walls it houses make it an ideal place for people seeking an adventurous getaway. It also possesses the Burgess Shale fossil beds that are nearly half-billion-year-old for the prehistoric marine life.
So, on your next trip to British Columbia, these national parks are a must visit.
