Explore Canada's protected wilderness areas, world-class museums, and cultural institutions that showcase the nation's natural beauty and rich heritage.
Canada's national park system protects 47 national parks and park reserves covering over 328,000 square kilometers of diverse landscapes. From Rocky Mountain peaks to coastal rainforests, Arctic tundra to prairie grasslands, these protected areas preserve Canada's natural heritage for future generations.
Annual Pass: $142.50 CAD per adult (valid for 12 months from purchase date)
Family/Group Pass: $284.00 CAD (up to 7 people in one vehicle)
Senior Pass (65+): $119.00 CAD
Day Pass: $10.50 CAD per adult per day
The Discovery Pass grants access to all national parks, national marine conservation areas, and national historic sites. Purchase online at pc.gc.ca or at park entrances. Pass is vehicle-specific and must be displayed on windshield.
Location: Alberta, 130km west of Calgary
Established: 1885 (Canada's first national park)
Size: 6,641 km²
Best Time: June-September for hiking, December-March for skiing
Must-See:
Visitor Tips: Arrive at Lake Louise before 8 AM in summer to avoid crowds and secure parking. Book accommodations 6+ months ahead for peak season. Consider staying in Canmore for lower prices.
Location: Alberta, 370km west of Edmonton
Size: 11,000 km² (largest Rocky Mountain park)
Best Time: June-September for accessibility
Highlights:
Wildlife: Excellent viewing opportunities for elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, and occasionally grizzlies. Maintain 100m distance from bears and wolves, 30m from other animals.
Location: British Columbia, near Lake Louise
Size: 1,313 km²
Highlights:
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Regions: Long Beach, Broken Group Islands, West Coast Trail
Best For: Surfing, storm watching, coastal hiking, whale watching
Activities:
Weather: Coastal rainforest climate; bring rain gear year-round. Storm watching season November-March attracts visitors for dramatic ocean displays.
Location: Nova Scotia
Famous For: Cabot Trail - One of world's most scenic drives
Highlights:
Best Time: Late September-early October for fall foliage. Summer offers whale watching opportunities.
Location: Newfoundland and Labrador
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Geology: Exposed Earth's mantle (rare worldwide)
Attractions:
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Collection: 6 million items spanning art, culture, and natural history
Highlights:
Admission: $23 CAD adults, $18 seniors/students, children under 4 free
Hours: 10 AM-5:30 PM daily
Location: Gatineau, Quebec (across from Ottawa)
Canada's Most Visited Museum
Features:
Architecture: Designed by Douglas Cardinal, building represents Canada's landscape
Admission: $23 CAD adults
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Focus: Natural sciences and Earth's biodiversity
Galleries:
Admission: $19.50 CAD adults
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Collection: 95,000+ works spanning 1st century to present
Strengths:
Free Admission: Wednesdays 6-9 PM
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Oldest Art Museum in Canada (1860)
Collections:
Free for visitors under 31
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Focus: Contemporary and historical art
Notable: World's largest Emily Carr collection
By Donation Tuesdays: 5-8 PM
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Military history from First Nations warfare through modern peacekeeping. Extensive WWI and WWII exhibits. Memorial Hall honors fallen Canadians.
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
British Columbia's natural and human history. Outstanding First Nations collections, old-town street recreations, IMAX theatre.
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
World's first museum dedicated to human rights evolution. Stunning architecture. Interactive exhibits on rights struggles worldwide.
Many cities offer museum passes covering multiple attractions. Toronto CityPASS includes ROM, CN Tower, Casa Loma, and more at 40% savings.
Most museums offer student discounts (15-30% off) with valid ID. International student cards accepted.
Many institutions offer free admission evenings or special days. Check individual museum websites for schedules.