These parks are among Canada's most protected natural landscapes.
Banff National Park (Established 1887): Canada's first national park, featuring iconic spots like Lake Louise and Banff townsite.
**Jasper National Park:** The largest Rocky Mountain park, connected to Banff via the scenic Icefields Parkway.
**Waterton Lakes National Park:** Located on the Montana border where prairie meets mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
**Elk Island National Park:** A protected park known for bison conservation, located near Edmonton.
**Wood Buffalo National Park:** Canada’s largest national park, protecting vast herds of wood bison and the Peace-Athabasca Delta.

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada (Shutterstock)
These parks are managed by the province and offer a variety of recreational activities.

Bow Valley Provincial Park