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Best Ecological parks in Canada

Top Rated Ecological parks

Top Reviewed Ecological parks

Reviews

Great park. Very clean with clear trails to know where you are going. The views are 100% worth it.

Would like it if there was a map along the trail or some markers of different routes available.
We have a lot left to explore here. I'm not sure what it's like on a weekend, but during the week , the trails were near empty.

It's an amazing destress in nature. The trails are very well maintained from what we have seen so far perfect for family walking, but be warned ⚠️ some areas are a bit steep and could prove a challenge for the elderly or those with some mobility challenges.

Walking, biking, and horseback riding are all welcome here with plenty of room for everyone.

Your furry friends will love it. They have to be leashed in the majority of the park, but there is an off leash area for them to run around and make friends.

Trails are well marked, with frequent map way points 👉 so you will know where you are inside the park. In addition, they have washroom facilities (outhouses the wife's favorite..
😆) and plenty of space for picnics and disposal for hot BBQ coals.

Tons and tons of blackberry bushes all over the park, and the Big Rock trail promises a "Big Rock" we can confirm 👍 it is indeed a big rock.

All in all, so far, one of my favorite area parks, we will be back here often.
Great trail with lots of elevations, beautiful lookout points, river, caves.
Parking is free.
WSU Women Rowing Team had a great experience. Found a nice spot to park the bus.
What a great prace for a safe and challenging hike. The park is full of trails that go through rain forests to marsh land. You will be challenged and in wonder at the same time. Well worth a trip.
Wasaga Beach brings back amazing memories from my childhood. My family and I use to visit this beach each summer. We rented a near by cottage and spent days relaxing and having fun on the beach. I must share that returning to the beach as an adult recently really was nostalgic. I was amazed to see how well kept the beach was. No garbage in site, in fact the garbage truck was rolling by to collect the garbage from the bins. The water was clear just as I remembered it and the view of Blue Mountain in the horizon still stunning and gave me that island vibe.
Very nice, a few side trails including the famous Kolapore wilderness trail considered a side trail to Bruce trail, parking is okayish, the trail is well maintained, blazes are well painted and always visible . The crevices aren’t so scary and there’s a few uphills and DOWNHILLS so be very careful… pretty rivers, creeks and springs as well. Let’s GO!!
Trails are clean and taken care of. Lots of trails to go in and out of. Beautiful views of Mount baker and good sunset areas. Cool wild life if you look
This place is a nice place to camp. Specially if you are a beginner. They have electricity (you do need a long cord though). They have shower and washrooms available. The camp sites are very close to each other though, so privacy is minimal. It is a nice place where you can relax, cook, and swim (not a good place to catch fish really). The days I was there, it seemed to be a very good place for paddle boarding and kayaking as well since the waters were very calm. They also seem to have a lots of nice places around to visit and explore. Either if you are by yourself, with a group of friends and/or family I recommend the place.
Location: Burnaby Lake Regional Park is situated in the heart of Metro Vancouver, making it easily accessible to both residents and visitors.

Scenic Beauty: The park is known for its picturesque landscapes, featuring a serene lake surrounded by lush forests and wetlands. It offers a peaceful escape from the urban environment.

Wildlife: The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Birdwatchers can spot over 200 species of birds, including great blue herons, bald eagles, and waterfowl. It's also home to beavers, otters, and various fish species.
Recreational Activities: Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, such as hiking, jogging, cycling, and horseback riding on the extensive network of trails. There are also designated areas for picnicking and fishing.

Boating: Non-motorized boating is allowed on Burnaby Lake, making it a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing.

Environmental Education: The park has an environmental interpretation center that offers educational programs and displays to help visitors learn about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.

Seasons: The park's beauty changes with the seasons, offering something unique throughout the year, from vibrant foliage in the fall to frozen landscapes in the winter.

Accessibility: Burnaby Lake Regional Park is accessible by public transit, and it's close to major highways, making it convenient to reach.
Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat in nature, Burnaby Lake Regional Park has something to offer for everyone.
A site with a historical past and its own geographic history.
Nice beach with chattering seagulls.
They say it's also a good place to watch the sunset.
We had afternoon tea at a terrace restaurant with a view of the lake.
The closer you get to the beach, the more expensive the parking lot is. The parking lot by the beach was 25 dollars when you entered and 20 dollars when you came out. And, no matter how long you park, the price is the same. I'm not sure about the price of the public parking lot, but it's 15 dollars a day just a block away.
Top class beach… largest freshwater beach in the world. Worth the visait. Go deep in the water for fresh water… coast can be muddy due to crazy number of tourists but all in all a must visit to this place! Worth every penny going from Barrie.
Longest fresh water beach in the world, I went on Labour Day weekend and stayed in Collingwood, the beach was 25 mins from my hotel, the route to the beach was scenic, parking was a mess as there were seas of people visiting the beach, every nook and corner of the beach was occupied. The beach was superb, you can go quite far in the water to enjoy. There were ample washrooms around, shops, food stalls etc.
It's a great sport complex with great quality Turf fields. But it needs multiple covered area for spectators and parents to protect them from rain and sun.
Nature at its best. It is shallow for quite a distance into the water. Water seems to be dirty at the start but as you walk further it gets better. Waves are awesome with a forgiving force. Be ready for the winds. Winds can make you feel cooler than expected.
On the whole, it’s an amazing experience to be on the world’s largest freshwater lake beach.
Parking was so easy during the week day. Weekends could be crowded.
Town is not too far from the beach and there are food options enough to keep you full.
Wasaga Beach is a busy place. Lots of people , traffic, and urban living set the atmosphere of these series of provincial parks. Absolutely the longest, Sandy beaches... but the most populated as well. There was a lot of debris in the shoreline water, and I couldn't see the bottom or what I was stepping on. The gate staff was helpful and courteous. The washrooms were well maintained and well supplied with tissue, soap, etc. There are picnic tables, but try to get as far away from the garbage bins as possible... there were many wasps around our picnic... we had to relocate to a better area for lunch. Rant on visitors and their trash: Be sure to use the pack in / pack out rule. Whatever you pack into the park, also pack out of the park. There is absolutely no excuse for littering in 2023... you've been educated on the environmental impacts of littering... do your part! We were able to collect a grocery sized bag amount of trash to dispose of from the ground, and that is unacceptable behaviour from park visitors. It's not on the staff. They do their best for the park, visitors must do their best too. End of rant... for now...
My daughter, grandkids and I went here to relax, have a picnic, kids played in the play ground and I enjoyed sitting looking at the water. We enjoyed our selves.
Beautiful scenery, a little close to the highway. A cozy camping spot next to a rocky shale shoreline. Convenient campsites, a little rocky and gravelly for tenting. The washrooms could use a.little more dedicated cleaning staff. The floors were quite dirty and there seemed to be constant water leaking from somewhere.
Wasaga Beach 5 is good.
Not feel in starting, you can walk quiet long.
Kids can enjoy lot.
Only negative is muddy beach.
A wonderful place to hike the trail. Less than a kilometre hike, but a steep hike. Really enjoyed the views and sunset.
Lovely park with a variety of trails.
There is a nice pier within easy walking distance to the parking area.
Washrooms; running water; and picnic tables available.
Lots of ducks, birds and geese to be seen at the pier.
This park is VERY busy during the summer on weekends and evenings.
World longest fresh water beach . We been this long weekend, and we were around 9 am to get the good spot , you can park for $21 close to the beach Wasaga Beach . We really enjoyed water is clean. It is very busy today, lots of stores, restaurants and bars around the area for entertaining.
Was such a blast! The kids loved the beach- swimming and fossil hunting. The trailways through the campground were paved and great for walking. The playground is in desperate need of upgrade but we still played and had fun. Fell asleep to the sound of the shore - so dreamy 😴 ☁️ camp sites are abit close together compared to other parks but it didn't bother us.
what a beautiful camping ground, breathtaking rocky shore and the strong waves are certainly amazing on windy days.
The only drawback is that the main road is too close and too noisy.
Had our first camping experience in Canada here and it’s one for the books. We stayed at campsite 51 — conveniently located few meters away from the public washroom and even fewer steps away from the bay where you can indulge in the warmth of the sunset, and the serenity of the sunrise.

The only regret we had here is that we only stayed overnight. Would have been nicer if we stayed longer — away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This beautiful little summit is located just outside of the core of Victoria. Complimenting the trails found at nearby Thetis Lake, this short hike offers amazing panoramic 360 degree views from the summit. Rarely busy, this Mill HIll Regional Park offers a fantastic way to get some vertical steps in and exercise your dog without having to drive too far. Plan your trip to watch the sunset above Bear Mountain and watch the cruise ships arrive at Ogden point at the same time.
Doesn’t seem to be any topless sun bathing 👙allowed. 😅

There are some HUUGe seagulls 🐦 here!

It was windy 💨 today!

So nice to see the waves 🌊 today!

I like that they started grooming the beach 🏖️
Sun ☀️reflecting on the water is beautiful.

Pretty busy for mid week!
I don’t love that we had to make a reservation online before coming last Sunday and could not get a parking spot.
It was lined up down the street.
So you’ll have to plan ahead if you’re coming on the weekend.
I love this park so much. The spit is one of my favorite places to go here and just sit and watch the birds. The paths are nice to walk too and the park is full of native plants and beautiful views.
This is a very sweet beach.
Full of tourists from all parts of the world.
This beach is different from other beaches around Toronto area.
There are bars opposite the beach, my favorite is the beach bar.
Parking could be difficult on very busy days but paid parking is available.
There are alot of resort around the beach for those looking to stay.

Many visitors are able to swim in this beach.

Some nearby local shops sell beach items and clothing.

The beach has different areas for different purposes including sports zone, and pets zone.

Don't be discouraged with the long drive from town to this place. You'll definitely love it here.
Rii Nii
at 2023 Jul 08
Rii Nii
at 2023 Jul 08
Gorgeous park full of trails, swamp, and even small waterfalls, all full of animal life. Surprisingly quiet people wise. There's plenty of parking available.

Edit: the park is so big! Found more trails and more things to see. Definitely a great place to return. Always something new to see.
Nice hike to the top of Mill Hill for a fantastic view of View Royal off the front and Langford/Mill Creek off the back. Not too steep, but steady incline to the top. Not treacherous but a great little workout. The whole thing took about 45 minutes. Lots of parking
Grungy green slime all along the after edge. (See my photos and videos)

And then lumps of brown sludge that stinks.
(Photos show this too)

Not sure what happened to the water up here but it’s pretty foul smelling not sure if it’s safe.

Parking is a whooping $21 a day no matter how long you’re staying.
The guards at the gate will run you down to get it.

Also new is these parks guys on atv’s (all terrain vehicles) driving up and down the beach all day. Super noisy and annoying.

Not as nice as it used to be.

*** Also lots of rocks 🪨 🪨 🪨 in the water watch your toes!

And parking lot is sand - not good for elderly or people with balance issues.

Overall this beach is degrading. Going to check out Wasaga beach 1, 2,3,4,5 next time if we even go back to the area.

If you have other recommendations I would love to hear it!
It was a great atmosphere, my site was 17 and I was right infront on the Bay. The bathroom was close by so easily accessible. The bathroom could use some work as it was filled with cobwebs and looked dirty but the toilet itself was clean. Close by you could drive to spots to hike and the town was also close by where you could get supplies. Overall I could hear the traffic but I wasn't paying attention. The views were spectacular as I would Definitely visit again.
I like Wasaga Beach Area 5 park. It has perfect selection of shady spots in the park area with picnic tables, or you can seat on the sand. The water is very shallow, warms up very fast, and perfect for families with small children. However, the water edge is disgusting this year (as of June 25, 2023). It's very muddy and smells of sewer. The mud is about 3 meters long. The water is perfectly fine beyond the mud but as you coming out of the water you feet will be all dirty.
Lots of highway noise, but a very pleasant provincial park. The shore is shale, so no sand beach. Nice playground, and showers, washrooms are quite clean. Park is regularly patrolled by staff. One of the campgrounds has water as well as electricity hookups.
Great quick hike with a bench to sit and relax at the top for a great view. Pretty quiet between 6:00am and 7:00am when I typically hike it. Only a few other hikers with dogs. Bathrooms, picnic tables, and bike racks at the parking lot are the only amenities.
It has a nice quiet atmosphere the beach are bumpy. So watch out when you play sports on it. The neighborhood is really peaceful. There are big shops around. The prices in them pretty standard. I was expecting higher, but no.
We enjoy the place very much.
The only thing is we can not have our tiny dog in area 5. There is an area 3 that is for dogs. But we didn't want to go there as our puppets anxious with other dogs.
It's a nice beach for a day out. We visited with a group for friends and enjoyed a lot. It has shallow water for really long stretch. So it gives a pool type feeling and really good for bath and playing in the water during summer.

Beach is also very long. It's on Huron and west facing so we can see great sunsets if we can stay really late or stay in wasaga itself for the night.

Only cons is it's too crowded. If you like people you will enjoy this beach. If you want to spent some we time or alsone time , there are better options for that.

This is the closest beach from GTA where people can really enjoy beach time during summer. For anybody and everybody.
Peter H
at 2023 May 31
Peter H
at 2023 May 31
The main trails are very functional for people with problems with knees or back they're centered their calm there's lots of sitting areas and there's lots to look at and take in. I found it invigorating to do the $9,477 steps of the trails in this area and thoroughly enjoyed the workout. Dogs are welcome but they must be on leash. Poop bags are provided if you need them. There's lots of areas for picnicking and I've even seen spots where horses can be tied up so it's definitely an outdoor area that you will sincerely enjoy.
Nice place for a walk or run with relatively flat land.

A lot of different types of birds and bird sounds. A lot of geese too, so be careful.

I only walked on the north side.
Short but steep climb to a summit in the Garry Oak ecosystem with a 360 degree view of Victoria and the water. Under control off-leash dogs are allowed, and in general dog owners here are responsible and manage their dogs well. There's a bench at the lookout at the top and picnic tables and washrooms at the bottom.
Great camping sites near the waterfront, unfortunately the road is a bit noisy. We enjoyed the camping trip and the beach. There is a dog beach area which was great! The sunsets are priceless and worth the trip alone. We went to the nearby hiking/bike trails and had a nice stroll to a near by convenient store. Recommend staying here, only if you’re not bothered by a bit of traffic noise at times. The location is convenient and it was an easy drive from the GTA.
Manuel we have become best friends in this quarantine. And to think two months ago I wanted to kill you
Love that there is Millstream, right beside the park. The loop is great, I am a fan of being able to go around the whole thing without crossing the same path twice, and it's beautiful. Picnic bench at the parking lot is very convenient, and washrooms are accessible there as well.
I parked at the Lake Glencarin Trail Entrance, near the wildlife rehab center, and walked onto the boardwalk / trail on a Saturday, mid-morning. I was there for about 20 minutes. In that time, dozens of runners passed me, alone or in groups, talking to each other or talking on the phone. Some had to engage in standoffs on the trail with seemingly inconvenienced Canada Geese. Consistent and not-insignificant car noise from the highway a few hundred feet away from the lake's edge (I imagine this isn't the case on the north side entrances?). Wasn't ideal for birding / birding by ear but seemed like a lovely place for a run or a social stroll, despite the geese.
Peaceful place for trail walks, running, picking, and much more. It is not too far from the city, but it gives a wilderness vibe. There is some wildlife, so avoid going alone when it's getting darker.
The trail is shared with horseback riders, runners/walkers, and pets. It is right next to the US border, so make sure the roaming on your phone is turned off, I was billed twice for roaming.
Flat gravel trail 10.3km lake loop. Great for easy walks & jogs (no biking). Various viewpoints & numerous parking spots along the trail loop. The Southside trail can be a bit noisy coming from the #1 highway. Lots of Donald Duck's relatives here for a reason.
It's just a beautiful day for a walk. The beach was stunning with all the formed ice. Great to visit if you love the outdoors. I absolutely love coming to the beach so much that I moved here. You've got the casino and so many amazing little restaurants and shops. You'll have an amazing time.
Connor McIntyre
at 2022 Dec 07
Connor McIntyre
at 2022 Dec 07
Magical forest straight out of a fairy tale, lots of tall trees, ferns and a little stream.

Probably takes about 20 minutes to complete, so decent walk.

Fairly quiet with only a few people per walk. Love coming here with my dog so we can both let go and enjoy nature!
Mat Bienczyk
at 2022 Dec 06
Mat Bienczyk
at 2022 Dec 06
Very interesting place for a hike, some nice well maintained paths with many areas to go off path. Very tall trees and small shrubs along the way. Some elevation in the areas, but generally pretty flat - some large roots to be aware of.
These dorks need to learn where to graffiti for best effect. This just comes across as drunken tagging uglifying our park, despite the obvious talent behind them.
Jeff S
at 2022 Nov 12
Jeff S
at 2022 Nov 12
Nice walking trails through the forests around the University of Victoria. It is an easy walk for most people but is not really suitable for those with mobility aids.
An easy hike to Pinnacle Rock with nice views, but if you can make the hike to Kolapore it's worth it. See the picture to see the section of trail that's closed between Nov 7-12, and Apr 24-29. Be warned that the Town Line Access Road is gravel and south of 9th line is a long way until you get to paved road again. The 9th line parking lot is small and parking is messy.
Visited on September especially to see the fissure caves and liverworts and ferns on the cave walls. Trail was good. Accessed from 9th concession road. Small parking lot. Only met 3 other people on the trail. Well worth the visit especially if you explore the caves. Be careful not to crush delicate plants.
Overall, a really lovely set of hiking trails that connect to part of the Bruce Trail. I did a loop from the small parking lot on the north side (which only fits about eight cars so be prepared to park on the side of the road if it's busy) to Metcalf rock and back which was just under 14.5k, but if you don't want to walk that far there are a few other trails that will cut the distance down. Just make sure you have a map or an app like Strava if you're unsure. All the trails are well-marked with signs but it's hard to gauge the total distance if you're not already familiar with the area.

This trail cuts through several different types of forest, over and along several creeks, and up and down the escarpment with a few nice lookouts along the way, making it super interesting but only moderately challenging. If you're going after it's been raining a lot, know that there will be parts of the trail that are fairly muddy (hard packed clay kind of muddy). I went on a cool, breezy day so no issues with that or with bugs but definitely carry spray just in case.

I will definitely be going back. 👍🏼
I came tonight with a group of friends for the meteor shower. This park has two entrances we came to the one with the huge field and the large hill behind it. Beautiful park awsome view! Alot of people had there tents and telescopes set up there was food trucks. The main entrance goes down a large winding hill and over a bridge with a creek to a parking lot. Lots of picnic benches a large picnic area with a roof, there are bathrooms and lots of trails one leading to a pond, there is some nice landscaping in the middle of the park with a large sandy area. Definitely a nice place to bring the family.💯💯💚
Tim L
at 2022 Aug 08
Tim L
at 2022 Aug 08
Great spot for a quite walk. Not busy at all on a weekend afternoon in the summer.
Pretty good place to walk with a good atmosphere. You can also use a bike here too. There are many trees along the way with a small river on the side. If you are coming here just be a bit prepared since it does take a while to get to the other side of the pathway. 10-15 minute bike ride.
Jannette Lock
at 2022 Jun 09
Jannette Lock
at 2022 Jun 09
Great little trail through the woods alongside a creek behind Uvic!
Jannette Lock
at 2022 Jun 05
Jannette Lock
at 2022 Jun 05
A nice trail tucked away behind Uvic!
Ajit Thakkar
at 2022 Mar 14
Ajit Thakkar
at 2022 Mar 14
A delightful trail. Be prepared for some stairs.
Love these trails!
Amazing walk. Beatiful spot.
Metcalfe Rock to Chuck Grant Side trail to Duncan Escarpment Provincial Park. This has a little bit of everything, caves, waterfalls, forest and great hiking trails! This is my favorite hike so far! What a way to end the year!
I enjoyed the exercise as it was a beautiful day for a walk and some fresh air. The incline isn't too bad but there are so many loose rocks along the pathway. Stick to the sides, it's a bit easier that way. There are places to stop and enjoy the view along the journey to the summit. Beautiful views from many different angles, there is also a bench to sit on so you can catch your breath, from the walk and the view 😉😁. Highly recommended, I can see myself coming back and trying different trails on the way up. Definitely good exercise going up and down, walking poles helped me out too. I have horrible knees and wasn't too bad afterwards. Enjoy..
Nice park situated very close to border. Multiple trails for walking, cycling and horse riding with view points. View point on Horse n rock trail gives a magnificent view of mount baker. This trail also has an ice age rock named Big rock. It has multiple parking slots.
Mackenzie Shopland
at 2021 Jun 05
Mackenzie Shopland
at 2021 Jun 05
Very pretty small ecological park along Big Bend. Nice mix of forested marsh and meadow with some short gravel trails. Neat old CNR tressel bridge going across the Fraser. Hopefully the city will keep expanding the trails along the river up to Trapp Avenue to connect with other trail segments.
Great place to go for a walk. Very quiet and well kept. People pick up after their dogs!
Great for a walk with the entire family.
It is very easy walk along the river. It's not too busy on weekdays but on a sunny weekend might be busier with bike and pedestrians
The Manual river trails have something for everyone.
Nature trails for Beginners and Seasoned Hikers alike.
Shared a nice wide path with a few other walkers and bike riders. View and access to the river along the way.
Andrew Young
at 2021 Mar 18
Andrew Young
at 2021 Mar 18
Great place for a walk by the River. There's also a bathroom beside the parking lot.
Technically a park, but really just a trail alongside Fraser River. Nice 15 to 20 minute walk, then turn around and repeat your steps. Decent view of the river at the end point, fairly heavily wooded elsewhere.
Barbara Beam
at 2021 Jan 11
Barbara Beam
at 2021 Jan 11
Very pretty very spacious lots of people on the weekend but a nice short walk with some Instagram worthy spots
The trails were well maintained
Beautiful lookouts and fall changing colors.
Moderate to easy in some points..
Beautiful falls and streams...
Some parts of the bruce trail connected into the trail where it at huge steep inclines along a narrow path.
Some areas were extremely muddy...
But loved the beautiful scenery, birds, flowers, falls, and streams...
So enjoyed this hiking area! The weather was great, the trail clearly marked, most people were respectful of keeping physically distanced. There are some steep inclines to be ready for! The outcropping for the view were lovely. The fall colours are brilliant right now. First time on this trail, won't be our last that is for sure.
Great place to take a walk. Amazing to have such a nice greenspace in the city limits.
Very flat. Good for biking and hiking. Salmon run in late October
Donny de Sousa
at 2019 Oct 06
Donny de Sousa
at 2019 Oct 06
Great scenic view with plenty of trails to explore. Lots of fun for family, dog, or solo walks
Melvyn Ing
at 2018 Oct 22
Melvyn Ing
at 2018 Oct 22
Great urban trail
Michael Rae
at 2018 Sep 12
Michael Rae
at 2018 Sep 12
It's an easy walk along the river and around the park
Arguably the most scenic section of the Central Valley Greenway. Great place to cycle under the canopy of trees. The one place that can be improved is the hundred odd meters section on North Road at Hume Park where cyclist and pedestrians share a narrow sidewalk.
Meaghan Brown
at 2018 Jun 11
Meaghan Brown
at 2018 Jun 11
Gorgeous, easy hiking path. Great breath of fresh air on the UVIC campus
Informative, child friendly, trail access, beautiful scenery.
I was here at the end of October for my best friends wedding. The location was absolutely beautiful. It was one of the best weddings I've ever been too and I heard from multiple guests how lovely the location was for a venue.
Adam Matheny
at 2017 Jul 15
Adam Matheny
at 2017 Jul 15
My dog loves it here and it's connected to some great walking trails