BEST FOR SOFT ADVENTURE: THOUSAND ISLANDS One of Canada’s smallest national parks, Ontario’s Thousand Islands is located in a region of the same name, and made up of 21 isles and numerous smaller islets in the St Lawrence River, between Brockville and Kingston. Formed from the worn-down peaks of ancient mountains, much of it is open for camping — tent-cabin hybrids are a popular, family-friendly option here. Mallorytown, with its aquarium, forms the main hub. Most people get around by boat or kayak, and, come spring, the smell of maple sweet treats emanating from seasonal ‘sugar shack’ restaurants fills the air. visit1000islands.com


BEST FOR A NATIONAL PARK PILGRIMAGE: BANFF Canada’s first national park, Banff sits in the palm of the snow-dusted Rocky Mountains and has drawn travellers to its natural hot springs since it first opened in 1885. Those mineral baths inspired the construction of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a 135-year-old, Scottish baronial-style castle on the shores of mint-blue Lake Louise. The action here centres around the skiing town of Banff, but the mountains are home to wildlife such as moose and grizzly bears. For the best chance of seeing them, head out at dawn or dusk and keep your eyes peeled. banffnationalpark.com


BEST FOR WILDLIFE: JASPER Banff’s northern, lesser-visited neighbour, Jasper, is double its size and the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. A hiker’s region of wild peaks, it’s hard not to bump into wildlife here. Elk graze by the roadside, big horn sheep haunt the hillsides and the calls of wolves echo between the valleys. Time your visit for spring or autumn when wildlife-watching is at its zenith. Non- hikers can ride gondolas up the mountainside for superlative valley views and, come night, stay out to ogle the stars (Jasper is the second- largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world). jasper.travel


BEST FOR HIKERS: NAHANNI A poster child for raw adventure, UNESCO- listed Nahanni National Park was named by the First Nation Dehcho people. Located in the Northwest Territories, it’s a jostle of vertiginous mountains cut through by the raging South Nahanni River. When winter’s grip has loosened, you can try whitewater rafting or board a scenic flight to see Virginia Falls (twice the height of Niagara). Most visitors come to attempt the Cirque of the Unclimables, a cluster of steep, granite peaks, including the 2,570-metre Lotus Flower Tower, considered a rite of passage for climbers in North America. parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nt/nahanni ET


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