1. Yellowstone National Park, USA
Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the world’s first national park and a treasure trove of natural wonders. Spanning across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it features geothermal phenomena like Old Faithful geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot bison, elk, bears, and wolves. The park also offers miles of hiking trails, scenic drives like the Grand Loop Road, and breathtaking views of Yellowstone Lake and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
2. Banff National Park, Canada
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Banff National Park is renowned for its turquoise glacial lakes, rugged mountain peaks, and dense forests. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are must-see spots, with their crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. The Icefields Parkway, connecting Banff to Jasper, is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Outdoor activities include hiking, kayaking, skiing, and wildlife spotting, with elk, grizzlies, and mountain goats commonly seen.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, USA
Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park is a natural wonder of immense scale and beauty. The canyon’s layered red rock formations reveal millions of years of geological history. The South Rim offers iconic viewpoints like Mather Point and Desert View, while the North Rim provides a quieter, more remote experience. Adventurous visitors can hike the Bright Angel Trail, explore the Colorado River by raft, or take a helicopter tour for unparalleled views.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA
Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited parks in the U.S. Its mist-covered mountains, lush forests, and abundant wildlife make it a haven for nature lovers. Highlights include Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, and the Appalachian Trail. Families can enjoy scenic drives, waterfalls, and historic cabins that showcase the region’s cultural heritage.
5. Jasper National Park, Canada
Located in Alberta, Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Highlights include Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, and the Columbia Icefield, where visitors can take a guided tour on the Athabasca Glacier. The park is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. Hiking, wildlife watching, and camping are popular activities, with frequent sightings of bears, elk, and bighorn sheep.
6. Zion National Park, USA
Utah’s Zion National Park is a land of dramatic red cliffs, narrow canyons, and stunning desert landscapes. Angels Landing, a challenging hike with thrilling heights, offers panoramic views of the park, while The Narrows provides a unique experience of wading through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls. Families can explore the Emerald Pools and enjoy scenic drives along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The park is a paradise for rock climbers, photographers, and adventurers.
7. Rocky Mountain National Park, USA
Located in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is celebrated for its soaring peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse ecosystems. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., provides breathtaking vistas. Hiking trails like Bear Lake and Emerald Lake offer stunning views, while Longs Peak challenges seasoned climbers. The park is home to elk, moose, and marmots, and its changing seasons bring beautiful wildflowers in summer and vibrant foliage in fall.
8. Yosemite National Park, USA
California’s Yosemite National Park is a masterpiece of towering granite cliffs, ancient sequoia trees, and cascading waterfalls. Iconic landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls attract climbers and photographers from around the world. Visitors can hike the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls or enjoy serene views in Yosemite Valley. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a must-visit for its massive, centuries-old trees.
9. Acadia National Park, USA
Acadia National Park, located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, combines rugged coastal beauty with lush forests and granite peaks. Cadillac Mountain, the tallest point on the U.S. East Coast, offers stunning sunrise views. The park’s carriage roads are perfect for biking, while trails like Jordan Pond Path provide scenic hikes. Visitors can explore tide pools, enjoy birdwatching, or relax on Sand Beach.
10. Glacier National Park, USA
Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park in Montana is a breathtaking destination filled with glacier-carved valleys, turquoise lakes, and rugged peaks. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-drive, offering spectacular views of the park’s diverse landscapes. Hiking trails like the Highline Trail and Grinnell Glacier Trail showcase the area’s beauty. Wildlife sightings include mountain goats, bears, and moose.
11. Denali National Park, USA
Denali National Park in Alaska is a vast wilderness dominated by North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). The park’s six million acres include tundra, forests, and glaciers. Visitors can take a bus tour along Denali Park Road for stunning views and wildlife sightings, including grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. Hiking, dog sledding, and flightseeing are popular ways to explore this remote and pristine destination.
12. Everglades National Park, USA
Located in southern Florida, Everglades National Park is a unique ecosystem of wetlands, mangroves, and sawgrass marshes. It is home to diverse wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and the elusive Florida panther. Visitors can explore the park by airboat, kayak, or walking trails like Anhinga Trail. The Everglades also provide opportunities for birdwatching and photography, with species like herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills frequently spotted.
13. Bryce Canyon National Park, USA
Bryce Canyon in Utah is famous for its otherworldly landscapes filled with vibrant red and orange hoodoos (rock spires). The park’s amphitheaters, such as Bryce Amphitheater, offer dramatic views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Popular trails like Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden take visitors among the towering hoodoos. Stargazing is exceptional here, thanks to its dark skies and high elevation.
14. Grand Teton National Park, USA
Located in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is characterized by its jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and pristine valleys. The Teton Range serves as a dramatic backdrop to the park’s stunning scenery. Popular activities include hiking, kayaking on Jenny Lake, and wildlife spotting, with moose, elk, and bears frequently seen. Scenic drives like Teton Park Road offer spectacular views, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike.
15. Torngat Mountains National Park, Canada
One of Canada’s most remote national parks, Torngat Mountains in Newfoundland and Labrador is an untouched wilderness of soaring peaks, fjords, and glacial valleys. It is a sacred area for Inuit communities and a haven for adventure seekers. Visitors can explore by boat, hike rugged trails, or join guided tours that highlight the region’s rich cultural history and unique landscapes. Polar bears, caribou, and whales are common sights in this extraordinary park.