The most difficult part of camping in Canada is choosing one of the many beautiful parks available. Your choice could include, a spot near where the buffalo roam on open Prairie plains, or a site where you watch the sun set, as you fire up the barbecue, near a rocky mountain stream. You may choose to swim, fish, hike and kayak while immersing yourself in the natural wonders of Canada's National Parks. There are many best places to go camping in Western Canada but for the purpose of this article, the focus will be on camping in the National Parks of Canada, located in Western Canada.

The campgrounds listed here all include central washrooms, running water, kitchen shelters and disposal units for trailers throughout the park. Many campsites have electric, and/or water hook ups. If you require all the amenities in a campsite, you are well advised to book early. The campsites listed here are some of the most popular ones in Western Canada and as such they are booked up very early. Common to all these campgrounds are interpretive programs, fishing, swimming, backpacking, hiking golf, boating and kayaking.

Jasper National Park

Box 10

Jasper, Alberta, T0E 1E0

Telephone: 403-852-6161

The Jasper National park is massive, covering 4,170 square miles with three mountain ranges that are up to 11,000 feet high. The area is characterized by a variety of habitat and terrain as a result of its three ecological zones; the montane, the sub-alpine forest and the Alpine tundra. One of the largest campgrounds located in the park is the Whistlers campground, close to the town site with almost 800 campsites. It you would rather rough it, there are some 600 miles of back country trails with campsites along the way. This type of camping is very popular, so while you can reserve some sites in this area, the majority are available on a first come first served basis.

Riding Mountain National Park

Wasagaming, Manitoba R0J 2H0

204-848-7275 or 1-800-707-8480

Located in South Central Manitoba, this national park lies close to the geograpjhic center of Canada. The 1,150 square mile park is home to three ecological zones; the Eastern decidious forest, Aspen Parklands and the Boreas forest. The park sits on a shelf of siliceous shale and is the 3rd highest point in Manitoba, 2,480 feet. You can take your pick of five drive-in campgrounds, and 1 walk-in. Horseback riding is also available at this campground.

Banff National Park

Box 900

Banff, AB T0l 0C0

403-762-1550

This park is famous for its awe inspiring natural beauty, and has two of the three parallel mountain systems that are part of the Rocky Mountains. There are three life zones within the park; Montane Forest, Sub-alpine forest and Alpine tundra. Each of the zones are capped with Snow and ice at the peaks of the highest mountain ranges. You will have 12 campgrounds and over 2,000 campsites to choose from. In addition to the common activities, Banff also offers sightseeing tours, chair lifts, gondolas, horseback riding and hot springs.

Camping in one of Canada's national parks in Western Canada is truly an amazing experience. Campground usually start taking bookings in May and you must be be ready to call in or get on the website early on the day booking starts. For more information visit the Parks Canada Website

Learn more about this author, Joan Schroeder.
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