You can now explore 37 of Canada’s most breathtaking National Parks for free this summer, but which ones deserve a spot on your bucket list? New research has revealed the most worthwhile National Parks to visit across Canada in 2026, with Alberta dominating the rankings.
Canada’s 10 best national parks are free for a limited time this summer
By Grace Tranter
Parks Canada has waived entrance fees* between 19th June and 7th September, sparking huge interest from travellers looking to make the most of the summer outdoors. Searches for the “Canada Strong Pass” have surged by 110%** in the past week alone as Canadians plan scenic road trips, wildlife adventures and once-in-a-lifetime national park escapes.
The travel experts at Canada tour holiday operator Journeyscape refreshed their 2026 rankings to reveal the National Parks and reserves most worth visiting this summer by analyzing wildlife diversity, Instagram popularity, visitor reviews, accessibility and park size.
Canada’s 10 best National Parks to visit for free this summer:
Rank National parkProvince/territoryArea (km²)Visitor AttendanceSpecies considered presentInstagram postsGoogle review score /5Overall score /10
| 1 | Jasper | Alberta | 11,228 | 1,142,080 | 2,034 | 3,500,000 | 4.8 | 8.7 |
| 2 | Banff | Alberta | 6,641 | 4,230,156 | 2,009 | 3,500,000 | 4.8 | 8.6 |
| 3 | Waterton Lakes | Alberta | 505 | 544,602 | 1,886 | 109,000 | 4.8 | 7.9 |
| 4 | Gros Morne | Newfoundland and Labrador | 1,805 | – | 1,058 | 65,300 | 4.9 | 7.7 |
| 5 | Yoho | British Columbia | 1,313 | 682,659 | 1,186 | 230,000 | 4.8 | 7.5 |
| 6 | Kootenay | British Columbia | 1,406 | 544,770 | 1,228 | 72,500 | 4.8 | 7.4 |
| 7 | Bruce Peninsula | Ontario | 125 | 492,024 | 1,391 | 33,900 | 4.8 | 7.1 |
| 8 | Fundy | New Brunswick | 206 | 287,420 | 1,508 | 41,800 | 4.8 | 6.9 |
| 9 | Cape Breton Highlands | Nova Scotia | 948 | 275,461 | 1,169 | 30,200 | 4.9 | 6.9 |
| 10 | Prince Edward Island | Prince Edward Island | 27 | 689,386 | 1,187 | 5,000+ | 4.8 | 6.3 |
Jasper National Park has officially been named the best National Park to visit in Canada this summer, scoring 8.7 out of 10 overall. Home to dramatic mountain landscapes, glacier-fed lakes and unforgettable wildlife encounters, the Alberta hotspot welcomed more than 1.14 million visitors last year alone.
With over 11,000 km² to explore, more than 2,000 species recorded, and a staggering 3.5 million Instagram posts showcasing its beauty, Jasper continues to cement itself as one of Canada’s ultimate bucket-list destinations. Visitors would usually pay around $12.25 for a day pass, but can explore it completely free this summer.
Image from Unsplash
Banff National Park ranks second overall and remains one of the most iconic and photographed destinations in the world. The park has generated more than 3.5 million Instagram posts and welcomed an incredible 4.23 million visitors, proving its enduring appeal for travellers chasing turquoise lakes, alpine scenery and unforgettable hiking trails.
With more than 2,000 species present and endless scenic viewpoints, Banff is one of Canada’s biggest wanderlust hotspots, and visitors can save the usual $15 entrance fee throughout the summer.
Ranking third is Waterton Lakes National Park, offering a more peaceful alternative to Canada’s busier park destinations. Despite attracting fewer crowds than Jasper or Banff, the park still welcomed more than 500,000 visitors and boasts incredible mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes and abundant wildlife.
Visitors can enjoy the park free of charge this summer, saving the standard $12.25 entrance fee while discovering one of Alberta’s most underrated natural gems.
*https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/conseils-tips/choisis-canada-choose/admission-camping
**Google searches in Canada for ‘Canada Strong Pass’ are up 110% in the past week, data pulled 19th May 2026
Entrance fees:
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/tarifs-fees
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/tarifs-fees
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/visit/tarifs-fees
Images from Unsplash
See Journeyscape’s 2025 study here: https://www.journeyscape.com/inspiration/canadian-national-parks-to-visit-on-your-next-trip/
Visitor attendance = 2024 – 2025
