North America is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world and each is as diverse as the regions they represent. Everything from rugged mountains to pristine beaches can be found across this continent, and the national parks offer visitors the chance to these natural features in the optimal setting.
Here, we explore eight of the most stunning national parks around North America and hope that it inspires you to step outside for some fresh air, in the best way possible.
Banff National Park, Canada
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a haven of majestic peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and vast, nearly untouched wilderness. Established in 1885, Banff is Canada’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The jewel of the park is Lake Louise, with its almost impossibly emerald waters reflecting the area’s towering mountains, a scene that will certainly provide some of the best Instagram posts you’ve ever made. So if you want to hike amidst the extraordinary scenery, ski on some of North America’s best slopes, or simply just soak in natural hot springs, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Banff.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone has been a beacon for nature lovers since 1872 and also holds the distinction of being the world’s first national park. Straddling the borders of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is a natural marvel characterized by geysers, hot springs, and an abundance of wildlife.
One of the park’s most famous features is Old Faithful, which has been erupting every 44 minutes to two hours for almost 25 years. Another of the park’s gems is the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest natural hot spring in the United States that dazzles visitors with its vivid colors. Yellowstone also provides a protected sanctuary for many animal species, including bison, wolves, and bears, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
Olympic National Park, USA
Along the Pacific coastline of Washington State is Olympic National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that features one of the continent’s most diverse ecosystems. Within Olympic National Park are vast temperate rainforests, draped in mosses and ferns, and covered in a sea of coniferous trees. The park is also home to a diverse variety of wildlife, including cougars, black bears, and the elusive Roosevelt elk.
Yosemite National Park, USA
California’s Yosemite National Park is a masterpiece of nature’s artistry, known for its imposing granite cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, and giant sequoias. The iconic rock formations known as Half Dome and El Capitan both invite climbers from around the world, while the tranquil meadows and serene valleys do the same for those looking for more relaxed retreats. Yosemite’s beauty has been immortalized by the famous photographs of Ansel Adams, and its landscapes continue to inspire awe and wonder in all who visit.
Grand Canyon National Park, USA
No list of natural beauty can be completed without mentioning The Grand Canyon, one of the planet’s most famous geological features that has been intricately carved by the Colorado River over the course of millions of years. The canyon’s immense size and incredible landscapes leave no question as to why it is one of the most visited natural landmarks in the United States.
The park offers a myriad of viewpoints, hiking trails, and river expeditions, that all allow visitors to experience the canyon’s greatness from different perspectives. The opportunity to watch the sunset paint the canyon’s walls in hues of orange and red is an experience that embodies the beauty of the American Southwest.
Jasper National Park, Canada
Alberta, Canada’s Jasper National Park is a wilderness paradise of glaciers, lakes, and mountains. As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, it is well known for its Dark Sky Preserve which attracts visitors seeking some of the best stargazing in the world. The park’s diverse ecosystems include a variety of fauna such as elk, caribou, and grizzly bears. The Icefields Parkway, stretching between Jasper and Banff National Park, is also one of the most scenic drives on the planet.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA
Located in the US states of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its biodiversity and seemingly endless expanse of ancient mountains. As the most visited park in the United States, it provides a year-round destination, to travelers who flock to see such sights as the wildflower blooms during Spring and Summer, and the color gradients that accompany the changing of the autumn leaves.
The park’s history is as rich as its landscapes, with preserved pioneer homesteads and historic buildings dotted throughout the area, that offer a glimpse into the past.
Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel, Mexico
The final park on our list is, Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel in Mexico, which diverges from the mountainous landscapes of the other parks and provides a marine paradise off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
The park protects part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, and its crystal-clear waters are home to vibrant coral gardens, diverse sea life, and the occasional sunken shipwreck. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular in Cozumel and provide an excellent opportunity to explore the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
North America’s national parks all provide gateways to some of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes on Earth. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged mountains of the Canadian Rockies, the Grand Canyon of the American Southwest, or the underwater marvels of the Caribbean, these eight parks provide endless opportunities for adventure and the chance to create unforgettable memories.
If you are planning a visit to any national park or other natural area, please consider the impact of your ecological footprint and the importance of preserving these treasures for future generations. Responsible travel practices ensure that these parks remain safe havens for the plants and animals that call them home.
