Skip the Crowds: Discover the Beauty of Lesser-Known Parks This Summer!

Land and Freshwater | Parks and Protected Areas

Tatyana Feiner and Qingyang Li | July 30, 2025

With free admission and discounted camping at national parks this summer through the Canada Strong Pass, beloved destinations like Banff, Gros Morne, and the Bruce Peninsula are gearing up for a surge in visitors. At CPAWS, we’re thrilled to see more Canadians connecting with nature, but we also know that without responsible and sustainable visitation, there’s a risk of “loving our parks to death.”  

What if we told you there’s a way to experience the same breathtaking beauty, peaceful moments, and amazing wildlife without the crowds? The solution lies in exploring Canada’s lesser-known parks. These hidden gems offer equally stunning landscapes, one-of-a-kind adventures, and a chance to soak in nature’s serenity without the hustle and bustle. And the best part? At CPAWS, we’ve got the inside scoop, with recommendations handpicked by our regional chapters. Here’s how you can maximize your summer travels while helping to protect the places that make Canada wild and wonderful.

What is a “Lesser-Known” Park?

Lesser-known parks and protected areas are natural spaces that don’t see as many visitors as Canada’s most famous destinations. They may be smaller, more remote, or less advertised – but that doesn’t mean we love them any less!  

Here’s Why They’re Worth Discovering

These “hidden gems” can be just as breathtaking and offer a more peaceful and less crowded experience, with better chances of spotting wildlife or immersing ourselves in nature’s beauty. By dispersing our visits, we help protect the places we love by reducing human pressures on wildlife, natural ecosystems, and park infrastructure. 

What to Know Before You Go

Due to decreased visitation, lesser-known parks may come with fewer amenities. That might mean limited parking, no garbage bins, or minimal signage. To make sure you have a good time, plan ahead, pack sensibly for the trip, and leave no trace. Generally, Canadian’s take pride in respecting park rules and often strive to leave these spaces cleaner than they found them. Let’s keep that momentum going this summer!

How to Find These Hidden Gems? 

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… We’ve curated a list of hidden-gem parks across Canada’s provinces and territories to spark your next great escape. Whether it’s a misty coastal forest, a blooming mountain meadow, or a quiet prairie wetland, your new favourite park might just be one you’ve never heard of — until now. 

How to access parks and plan your adventures  

Each province has resources to explore the different parks online and find the one that’s perfect for you, your friends and family’s next adventure.  

British Columbia :

• British Columbia’s Provincial Parks
• Reserve local campgrounds and recreation sites

Alberta :

• Alberta’s Provincial Parks
• Reserve local campgrounds and recreation sites

Saskatchewan :

• Saskatchewan’s Provincial Parks
• Saskatchewan’s Regional Parks
• Reserve local campgrounds and recreation sites

Manitoba :

• Manitoba’s Provincial Parks
• Reserve local campgrounds and recreation sites

Ontario :

• Ontario’s Provincial Parks
• Ontario’s Conservation Areas
• Ontario’s Nature Reserves
• Reserve Ontario Parks campgrounds and recreation sites

Quebec :

• Quebec’s National Parks
• Quebec’s Wildlife Reserves
• Reserve local campgrounds and recreation sites

PEI :

• PEI’s Provincial Parks and Beaches
• Reserve local campgrounds and recreation sites

New Brunswick :

• New Brunswick’s Provincial Parks
• Reserve local campgrounds and recreation sites

Nova Scotia :

• Nova Scotia’s Provincial Parks
• Reserve local campgrounds and recreation sites

Newfoundland and Labrador :

• Newfoundland and Labrador’s Provincial Parks
• Reserve local campgrounds and recreation sites

Yukon :

• Yukon’s Territorial Parks
• Reserve local campgrounds and recreation sites

Northwest Territories :

• Northwest Territories Territorial Parks
• Reserve local campgrounds and recreation sites

Nunavut :

• Nunavut’s Territorial Parks

Article written by :

Tatyana Feiner
National Coordinator, Land and Freshwater
CPAWS

Qingyang Li
Conservation Program Assistant, Land and Freshwater
CPAWS