SPRING: Point Pelee National Park, Ontario, for the spring songbird migration Every year, birdwatchers flock to the park, considered one of the best locations in North America to observe the spring migration of songbirds. Point Pelee’s diversity of warblers in particular has earned it the title of Warbler Capital of North America, with as many as 39 warbler species seen during a single migration. (Image : Parks Canada)

SPRING: Ivvavik National Park, Yukon, for wildflowers and caribou migration Here in the land of the midnight sun, conditions are ideal for Arctic hiking. But the park is also known for wildlife viewing, photography and birdwatching. With a changing landscape of rolling mountains and coastal plains, it offers a diverse range of wildlife such as caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, foxes, muskoxen, gyrfalcons and golden eagles. Hiking season starts mid-June, when the tundra is carpeted with wildflowers and the caribou begin to migrate through the park. (Image : Parks Canada)

SUMMER: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, for exploring Cabot Trail The place “where the mountains meet the sea,” river canyons carve an ancient forested plateau, and rust-coloured cliffs drop down to the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Breton is a haven for hikers and cyclists, but it’s also home to one-third of the Cabot Trail, a world-famous scenic highway that hugs the dramatic coastline. You might even spot a minke or pilot whale in the breaking waves. (Image : Parks Canada)

SUMMER: Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, for the prairies Visitors can experience the wide-open plains in a sea of prairie grasses with family-friendly interpretive walks or more adventurous backcountry treks. The summer is packed with activities in the park, such as guided wagon rides, authentic hoedowns, a chance to explore dinosaur bones and camp out under a canopy of stars in the prairie skies. (Image : Parks Canada)

FALL: Forillon National Park, Quebec, for fall foliage and whale watching This seaside park with pebble beaches is also heavily forested, with 97 per cent of its land mass covered in trees, offering views of the best fall foliage in the country. See the fall colours in late September, take a cruise or rent a kayak to explore the waters of Gaspé Bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. (Image : Parks Canada)

FALL: Prince Edward Island National Park, P.E.I. – hiking, cycling and kayaking This coastal park stretches 40 kilometres along the north shore of P.E.I., featuring red-sand beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and sandstone cliffs — a land that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. It’s a beautiful spot any time of year, but autumn is particularly inspiring, set against a backdrop of fall foliage. It’s also less busy, and with warm temperatures until mid-October it’s ideal for hiking, kayaking and cycling (a popular option is cycling the Gulf Shore Way). (Image : Parcs Canada)

WINTER: Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, for cross-country skiing A popular hiking spot in summer, this park shouldn’t be dismissed when cold weather hits. With landscapes of mountains and fjords, Gros Morne is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers plenty of winter hiking options. One of its biggest winter draws is cross-country skiing, with more than 50 kilometres of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. (Image : Parks Canada)

WINTER: Pacific Rim National Park, B.C., for winter surfing Winter isn’t only for hitting the slopes — it’s also about hitting the waves. Pacific Rim is a popular spot for year-round surfing, with a 35-kilometre-stretch of surfable beach break. While summer months offer more moderate surf conditions, winter brings a stronger surf for the more adventurous type. (Image : Parks Canada)