6 Best National Parks Near Vancouver, Canada - Updated 2024

1. North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is a 200,000-hectare (500,000 acres) American national park located in Washington State’s northern side of North America. It is the biggest unit of the National Park Service that encompasses the North Cascades National Park Complex.

The North Cascades stretch between the borders of Washington State and the British Columbia province of Canada. The portion facing Canada is called the Canadian Cascades and it spans from Lytton town up to the Frazer Canyon eastern mountains where Frazer and Thompson Rivers unite. This vast preserve is considered one of the biggest national parks near Vancouver.

Featuring expansive forests, the scenic park is home to lakes filled with boats, mountains covered with evergreen cone-shaped trees, and over 300 types of glaciers. It hosts various wildlife that includes over 200 bird species, gray wolves, grizzly bears, and the Stehekin community that lives in the remote northern part of Lake Chelan. It also has several viewpoints and challenging trails.

University of Washington and North Cascades National Park Day Tour from Seattle - Klook Philippines

Duration: 9hrs15 Min Duration

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2. Matthews Point Regional Park

Matthews Point Regional Park is a sprawling 25-hectare (61.77 acres) national park in British Columbia, located on Galiano Island’s southern tip at Active Pass. Since it was established in 1999, the park has been the home of diverse bird species and complex ecosystems. It also serves as a popular landmark for its residents and travelers traversing the Active Pass yearly. The park features vertical bluffs with gorgeous views of the Active Pass surrounded by vibrant wildflowers and trees like Garry Oak and Douglas Fir. Enjoy the scenic views of the Gulf Islands and Vancouver as you explore the park and hike through its many trails. The Ridge Trail, a 1-kilometer long (0.62 miles) semi-circular trail that starts and ends at various areas of Bluff Road, is among the official trails of the park.

Matthews Point Regional Park

Address: 350 Mary Anne Point Rd, Galiano Island, BC V0N 1P0, Canada

Website: Matthews Point Regional Park

3. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a diverse nature park in British Columbia that was established in 2003. It measures 15,321 acres (6,200.19 hectares) which is a combination of 8,896 acres (3,600.09 hectares) of land and water plus its adjacent marine life of 6,425 acres (2,600.11 hectares). The huge park hosts a magnificent variety of marine life, birds, and plants spread over 15 islands and various reefs and islets north of the Salish Sea. The Mediterranean-like weather that surrounds the islands makes it ideal for hiking, cycling, and kayaking. The lush paradise is where these unique ecosystems flourish and where birdlife thrives on its shores and lagoons. The islands are lined with trails that lead to viewpoints and lighthouses on the mountaintops and the relics of their pioneering history and of the First Nations. It is best to visit during the months of June to October when the season is warm and dry great for outdoor activities. During winter, some park access and services may be limited.

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Address:195-203 Narvaez Bay Rd, Saturna, BC V0N 2Y0, Canada

Website: Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 8am – 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

4. Pacific Rim National Park

Pacific Rim National Park, the most gorgeous and most famous among the parks, measures 317.52 miles (511 kilometers) and is made up of British Columbia’s three regions – the West Coast Trail, the Broken Group Islands, and Long Beach. Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, this national park is an hour away by plane from Vancouver and three hours by car from the Nanaimo ferry terminal. Long Beach is situated between the Tofino and Ucluelet Villages of western Vancouver Island. The Broken Group Islands, accessed only by boat, are found in Barkley Sound.

Hikers have access to the West Coast trail by obtaining a listing of services from the park management. It is close to Long Beach where the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet have access to services, shopping, and lodgings.

Rocky coasts and clement rainforests represent the mountainous landscape. The lovely combination of mist and snow on its terrain is the epitome of the Pacific Coast’s untouched beauty. Visit during the months of June to September and enjoy hiking the West Coast Trail or surfing and camping on Long Beach.

Pacific Rim National Park

Address: British Columbia V0R 3A0, Canada

Website: Pacific Rim National Park

Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)

Price: 7 USD

Urban parks in Vancouver

5. Harbour Green Park

Harbour Green Park, situated along Vancouver’s picturesque waterfront, is a serene and vibrant urban oasis offering a range of recreational activities and leisurely pursuits. This beautiful green space boasts meticulously manicured lawns, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Burrard Inlet. Visitors to Harbour Green Park can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a bike ride along its scenic seawall, taking in the refreshing sea breeze and the city skyline.

This park also features a playground for children, making it a family-friendly destination. Picnic areas and benches invite relaxation, while the adjacent Coal Harbour Marina provides opportunities for sailing and boating.

Harbour Green Park

Address: 1199 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6C 3P9, Canada

Website: Harbour Green Park

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)

6. Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park, nestled in the heart of Vancouver, is a beloved destination for both locals and tourists. Spanning 130 acres (52.61 hectares), it’s renowned for its stunningly landscaped gardens, making it a botanical paradise in the city. The park features a wide array of attractions, including the Quarry Garden, a former rock quarry transformed into a lush garden with vibrant blooms. The Bloedel Conservatory houses a remarkable collection of plants and birds within its climate-controlled dome. Moreover, the spectacular views of the North Shore Mountains and the city from the park are bound to captivate you.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Queen Elizabeth Park offers tennis courts, lawn bowling, and a pitch and putt golf course. You can even bring your canine friends along and enjoy some dog-friendly activities in one of Vancouver’s easily accessible sanctuaries.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1, Canada

Website: Queen Elizabeth Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

A treat for the outdoorsy

If exploring the wild outdoors is your thing, you will truly love the nature parks in and around Vancouver. It’s your opportunity to relax and be one with nature, something you can’t do in the concrete jungle. Include these parks in your travel plans when visiting Canada.