Majestic waterfalls, mysterious lakes, endless forests, steep cliffs and even glaciers as well as fjords… treasures hidden in the natural parks of Eastern Canada. Do you want to visit them one after the other, during an unforgettable road trip? Here are five stupendous parks to include in your travel plan.
The natural parks of Eastern Canada do not at all resemble those of the West of the country. They are much more hilly. Also, every park is different. It is best to go there in the spring, summer or fall.
1. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
Although Quebec is the largest province in Canada (more than fifty times the area of Belgium), it is largely uninhabited. This remote territory is home to the most extraordinary natural park in Eastern Canada: the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. This park has about 1,000 small islands. Along their coasts you will admire countless giant monoliths. The nature reserve also attracts a multitude of seabirds. The most adorable is, without a doubt, the picturesque Atlantic Puffin. Be sure to keep an eye on the water as well, as you will see plenty of gray seals and minke whales swimming there. Sometimes killer whales, humpback whales and blue whales can also emerge from the waves.
2. Fundy National Park
East of Quebec City, you will enjoy kayaking on the waters of the Bay of Fundy. This bay is nestled between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is best known for the extremely high amplitude of its tides. Between the ebb and flow, the water level can vary by 16 meters. There is no such wide variation elsewhere in the world. Inland, superb hiking trails will lead you into the impressive forests. There you will wander, going from one enchanting waterfall to another.
3. Algonquin Provincial Park
Between Toronto and Ottawa, you will travel through the oldest and most famous natural park in the province of Ontario. Algonquin Park is easily accessible. It is located along the popular route 60. In the early morning, you will have a good chance of seeing a moose, on the side of the road. Indeed, the moose show themselves especially at sunrise and sunset. During the day, a professional guide will help you spot them. He may also show you a black bear, otter, raccoon or beaver. Algonquin Park looks its best in the fall, with dark red, bright yellow and light orange leaves. You will visit this park, on foot, by kayak, by canoe or by climbing the rocks.
4. Bruce Peninsula National Park
Driving from Toronto towards Lake Huron, you will come to the remarkable Bruce Peninsula. At the end of it, you will explore the natural park of the same name, which is surrounded by water. This park has an impressive coastline, where you will walk along gigantic cliffs. As you head towards the interior of the nature reserve, you will discover several lakes. Be sure to combine this tour with those to the fishing village of Tobermory and Fathom Five National Marine Park. From the shores of the lakes, you will see mysterious old shipwrecks, which lie just below the surface of the clear water.
5.Jacques-Cartier National Park
You will be impressed by the beauty of the immense Jacques-Cartier National Park. This densely forested park covers approximately 670 square kilometers and resembles a huge valley. Indeed, the nature reserve is crisscrossed by a magnificent river, thanks to which you can easily explore the region, on the water. What’s more, other modes of travel are available to you to discover the park, such as the many hiking and mountain biking trails, or even the ski slopes, in winter.
Jacques-Cartier National Park is half an hour from Quebec City. It is therefore very easy to access. If you want to stay there for several days, comfortable cabins will allow you to spend the night in the middle of the forest and be surrounded by many wild animals. Indeed, moose, beavers, foxes, deer and even porcupines live there.
