10 Epic Canadian National Parks Camping Adventures Your Family Will Love

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves lapping against a beach, the sun rising over a misty forest, or the call of a loon echoing across a still lake. Across Canada, our National Parks offer families the chance to trade busy schedules for simple outdoor magic — and the best part is, you don’t need to be an expert adventurer to enjoy them.

Whether you’re pitching your first tent or planning your next big camping tradition, these ten parks offer unforgettable experiences that are as welcoming as they are breathtaking. From sandy beaches to ancient forests to gentle paddling routes, here are ten epic Canadian National Parks where your family’s next adventure can begin.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

On the edge of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim delivers wild coastal beauty that families will never forget. Imagine exploring tide pools, hiking through lush rainforests, and ending your day by a roaring ocean sunset.

• Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
• What You’ll See: Rugged beaches, rainforests, endless ocean views
• Why Families Love It: Tide pool exploring at low tide; easy family hikes through ancient forests
• Insider Tips: Stay at Green Point Campground for frontcountry camping near Long Beach — book early as sites fill quickly in summer!

Banff National Park

Banff isn’t just for experienced adventurers — it’s full of gentle trails, sparkling lakes, and cozy campsites that are perfect for family-friendly outdoor fun. Plus, town amenities are just minutes away if you need a backup plan!

• Location: Alberta (near Calgary)
• What You’ll See: Turquoise lakes, mountain views, forested trails
• Why Families Love It: Beginner hikes like Fenland Trail; family paddling at Johnson Lake
• Insider Tips: Tunnel Mountain Village II Campground offers easy access to town and great base camp comfort for families.

Prince Albert National Park

Hidden away in Saskatchewan’s boreal forests, Prince Albert offers calm lakes, sandy beaches, and endless opportunities to unplug and explore with your kids.

• Location: Saskatchewan (north of Saskatoon)
• What You’ll See: Quiet lakes, forest trails, sand dunes
• Why Families Love It: Kid-friendly hiking loops; gentle paddling on Waskesiu Lake
• Insider Tips: Beaver Glen Campground is perfect for families — with short trails and playgrounds close by.

Riding Mountain National Park

From wildlife encounters to crystal-clear lakes, Riding Mountain is a prairie-meets-forest paradise designed for family adventures of all sizes.

• Location: Manitoba (near Dauphin)
• What You’ll See: Lakes, forests, grasslands, wildlife
• Why Families Love It: Beaches at Clear Lake; wildlife sightings including bison
• Insider Tips: Wasagaming Campground is walking distance to the beach and the town’s shops — perfect for families who like options.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Towering cliffs, hidden grottos, and Caribbean-blue waters make Bruce Peninsula feel like another world — and it’s all within reach for families looking for epic camping memories.

• Location: Ontario (near Tobermory)
• What You’ll See: Limestone cliffs, turquoise lakes, coastal forests
• Why Families Love It: Swimming at the Grotto; short hikes with jaw-dropping views
• Insider Tips: Stay at Cyprus Lake Campground and book ahead — summer fills up fast!

La Mauricie National Park

In the heart of Quebec, La Mauricie offers a dreamy world of sparkling lakes, rivers, and easy hiking trails — perfect for paddling, picnicking, and finding your own quiet corner of nature.

• Location: Quebec (between Montreal and Quebec City)
• What You’ll See: Forests, lakes, scenic overlooks
• Why Families Love It: Gentle canoe routes; short waterfall hikes
• Insider Tips: Rivière à la Pêche Campground offers family-friendly sites near lakes and beginner trails.

Kouchibouguac National Park

Warm lagoons, endless sandy beaches, and beginner-friendly biking trails make Kouchibouguac a top choice for families craving a relaxed beachside camping trip.

• Location: New Brunswick (north of Moncton)
• What You’ll See: Barrier islands, salt marshes, tidal rivers
• Why Families Love It: Warm, shallow waters for swimming; smooth biking trails through beautiful scenery
• Insider Tips: Book into South Kouchibouguac Campground for easy access to beaches and family bike rentals.

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

Kejimkujik (or “Keji” to locals) blends inland lakes, ancient forests, and Mi’kmaq history into a one-of-a-kind family camping experience. Paddle, hike, and stargaze your way through this gentle wilderness.

• Location: Nova Scotia (southwest interior)
• What You’ll See: Lakes, old-growth forests, ancient petroglyphs
• Why Families Love It: Calm canoeing routes; cultural discovery programs for kids
• Insider Tips: Jeremy’s Bay Campground offers lakeside camping with tons of easy day-use paddling options.

Prince Edward Island National Park

Red sand beaches, rolling dunes, and quiet biking paths make PEI National Park the perfect place to introduce your family to camping — and the sunsets here are unforgettable.

• Location: Prince Edward Island (north shore)
• What You’ll See: Red cliffs, sandy beaches, coastal boardwalks
• Why Families Love It: Safe, shallow beaches for kids; family biking along Gulf Shore Parkway
• Insider Tips: Stay at Cavendish Campground for easy beach access and quick trips to kid-friendly attractions nearby.

Terra Nova National Park

Ocean adventures meet peaceful forest trails at Terra Nova, where your family can kayak gentle bays, watch for whales, and camp under some of the clearest skies on the east coast.

• Location: Newfoundland and Labrador (east coast)
• What You’ll See: Coastal fjords, boreal forests, sheltered bays
• Why Families Love It: Calm waters for kayaking; easy hiking and lots of kid-centered programs
• Insider Tips: Book Newman Sound Campground early and plan a stop at the Discovery Centre for hands-on kids’ activities.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s National Parks aren’t just places to camp — they’re places where families can reconnect with each other and the wild beauty around them. Whether you’re building sandcastles by the ocean, paddling across a glassy lake, or stargazing by the campfire, these parks offer experiences your family will never forget.

You don’t need to travel far or be an expert camper to start making those memories. Choose a park, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for a summer filled with stories your family will tell for years to come.

Looking for more outdoor inspiration?
Explore our full Family Camping Series — including easy meal ideas, gear guides, and beginner trip tips designed to make your next adventure a success.

You only get one chance to live this life with your kids.

Let’s make it count — outside.
Join the Paddles and Packs newsletter and unlock our members-only collection of free planning tools, guides, and resources.
They’re designed to help your family get outside more often — and with less stress.

Join & Get the Collection →

Related Posts You’ll Love

Want to save this for later? We’ve made it easy for you to Pin it to your Camping board on Pinterest.