National parks in Canada are gradually starting to reopen after the COVID-19 global pandemic. Though many national parks have increased restrictions and guidelines to promote safety, they are a beautiful place to visit this summer where you can enjoy nature while social distancing.
House swapping provides safe, private, inexpensive accommodations for travelers looking for a trusted place to stay during their exploration of the natural beauty Canada offers. So if you're hoping to road trip to a national park, here are a few that are beginning to reopen, all with nearby home exchanges you can stay in during your journey.
Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Located in eastern British Columbia, Yoho National Park has stunning waterfalls, trails, a lake, and wooded paths. The park offers something for everyone, whether you adore fishing, cycling, or just enjoying wildlife.
When you visit the park, stay in a home exchange like Frank's luxurious private cabin, complete with a hot tub to relax in after a long day of hiking.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Though Banff National Park is popular for its skiing, there's plenty more that brings three million visitors to the park every year. To take in the gorgeous scenery, walk, cycle or drive past lakes and glaciers, bighorn sheep and bears. If you love camping out, try one of Banff's 14 diverse campgrounds!
If tenting isn't for you, try a home swap like Noel's, set in the heart of the national park and centrally located for your exploration.
Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, Alberta
Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site provides historical insight with archaeological remains of forts, period costumes, and exhibits informing about the fur trade that helped shape Canada. Whether you're hiking, watching bison herd, or sitting around the fire with an Indigenous drummer, this vacation is one you won't forget.
Stay in a house exchange close to the historic site, like Annette's home that boasts a wood-fired pizza oven and steam sauna!
Thousand Islands National Park, Ontario
Escape the crowded cities of Toronto and Montreal— just a few hours away, these islands and pine trees are waiting to welcome you for a relaxing summer vacation. You could spend your whole trip discovering peaceful bays via kayak, picnicking by the river, and spotting turtles.
During your trip, stay in Niko and Anja's home exchange— a cottage on Whitefish Lake— for a rustic oasis.
Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
Explorers of all ages will be delighted by the magic Bruce Peninsula National Park offers to visitors. Ancient cedar trees, vibrant orchids, turquoise waters and rare reptiles greet you in the lakeshores and woodlands of the park. Splashing in the warm water of the rocky coastline is the ideal way to spend a relaxing summer day.
Find a home swap nearby, such as Brenna's cottage a short drive from the park, which sleeps 10 people so the whole family will be comfortable.
Forillon National Park, Quebec
Forillon National Park was the first national park in Quebec, and has plenty of diversity to ensure you won't be bored for a second of your vacation. From pebble beaches to historical sites to seal-spotting, the park has enough to thrill any traveler. You can even snorkel in the sea and check out the colorful life beneath the surface of the waves.
Consider staying in Catherine's home, a house swap that provides beautiful views from the deck near the cliff's edge.
Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Fundy National Park boasts more than 25 waterfalls to discover, plus the highest tides in the world along the coastline. Experiencing Atlantic Canada culture is a treat, walk the ocean floor at low tide, kayak and hike, all at this stunning national park.
For affordable accommodations, stay in a home exchange. Paula's house is perched on a hillside and close to fresh seafood restaurants not to be missed.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, let yourself be amazed by the natural beauty of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. You may see moose, bald eagles, and minke whales, you can feast on local lobster and hike one of 26 scenic trails at sunset. There's all the ocean and freshwater swimming you could ask for and opportunities to cycle, ocean kayak, golf and fish.
Stay in a home swap on your vacation, like Wade's house on the ocean with high ceilings, a hot tub, and a deck that overlooks the ocean.
