A set of islands off the south coast of Vancouver Island have been recognized as one of the best national parks in Canada, according to National Geographic.
On Tuesday, National Geographic released its list of the “10 national parks in Canada you need to visit,” made in partnership with Destination Canada.
Of the top 10 national parks, two were located in B.C., including the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, which is a collection of 15 islands just off the coast of Vancouver Island.
Some of those islands include Mayne Island, Sidney Island, Pender Island, Saturna Island, and more.
“Originally home to the Coast Salish people, the 15 islands (and numerous islets) off the coast of Vancouver Island, were eventually settled by Europeans in the 1870s,” reads that National Geographic list.
“Protected by two mountain chains, the Reserve has a mild, Mediterranean microclimate, enjoyed by artisans and visitors who relish the opportunity to spot orcas feet from the shore May through October,” said the magazine.
The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve was ranked eighth out of the top 10 national parks in Canada.
In ninth place was the only other B.C. destination to make the list – Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site – which is located in the southern region of Haida Gwaii.
National Geographic called this area one of the most “pristine landscapes” in all of Canada.
The magazine called the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia the number one park to visit this year, calling it a perfect spot for camping, hiking or a scenic drive.
“With a mix of boreal and temperate forest species that can’t be found anywhere else in the country, the park’s 235,000 acres includes the Cabot Trail—a winding, scenic driving route famous for its cliffs and coasts,” reads that Nat Geo list.
The full list can be found on the National Geographic website.
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