Untamed beauty, unforgettable adventure
7 stunning national parks
There’s something soul stirring about stepping into the wild heart of the world’s most stunning national parks. Whether it’s the hush of dawn over windswept ridges or the thundering rush of waterfalls carving through ancient canyons, these landscapes invite us to connect—both with nature and with those we hold dear.
Explore misty valleys, watch golden light spill across the meadows and admire a starlit sky unspoiled by city lights. These are more than just destinations—they’re portals into new passions and new possibilities. For families seeking meaningful moments or friends chasing the thrill of the unknown, journeys into the world’s protected natural wonders can awaken new sides of you. Before setting off, it’s important to check official park websites and take note of their individual rules and guidelines. Then, ready your senses—the adventure begins long before your boots hit the trail.
Where mountains meet magic
Banff National Park–Canada
Tucked into the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a breathtaking tapestry of jagged peaks, shimmering glacial lakes and rustling spruce forests. It’s one of the world’s most stunning landscapes—and the experience matches the view. Paddle across turquoise waters at dawn, hike to hidden waterfalls and meadows bursting with wildflowers or ski powder-soft drifts in Sunshine Village before warming up with mulled cider in a cozy lodge.
We recommend arriving at sunrise: the mountains glow blush-pink in the morning light, and the silence is sublime. For a quieter escape, explore the Ink Pots—vibrant mineral springs secreted behind Johnston Canyon.
Banff is more than scenery; it’s a soulful calling. Whether with family or on your own, you’ll leave with a sense of awe and a longing to return.
An otherworldly playground of desert dreams and starry skies
Joshua Tree National Park-California, USA
Joshua Tree National Park is a dreamlike escape in California’s Mojave Desert, where surreal Joshua trees twist skyward and sun-bleached boulders form nature’s own climbing frame. Hike winding trails, scramble Skull Rock’s granite domes and watch the desert turn gold from Keys View. Young explorers can become Junior Rangers, spotting lizards and tracing petroglyphs along the Barker Dam Trail.
Dawn lights up the Cholla Cactus Garden while night unveils dazzling stars at Hidden Valley, thanks to the park’s Dark Sky designation. In the morning, for something truly memorable, try a guided rock-climbing session. The park’s iconic formations are as easy to traverse as they are photogenic.
Joshua Tree National Park invites wonder, connection and adventure. It’s not just about visiting the sights—it’s about creating memories that your family will treasure for years.
A spellbinding mosaic of sacred peaks and steamy valleys
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park–Japan
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, just west of Tokyo, blends Japan’s natural beauty and rich heritage into one unforgettable experience. Towering Mount Fuji rises over volcanic valleys, mossy forests and serene coastlines. Fill your days with hidden onsens, mystical cedar groves and watching clouds swirl around Mount Fuji like a woodblock print come to life.
Hike the ancient Tōkaidō Road through Hakone, cruise across Lake Ashi, explore Owakudani’s steaming vents and sample the famous black eggs. On the Izu Peninsula, coastal trails lead to picnic-perfect coves. Marvel at spring’s cherry blossoms or fall’s fiery foliage, and don’t miss the playful blend of art and nature at Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Long after you’ve left Fuji-Hakone-Izu, the scent of cedar and the mountain silhouette will linger in your memory like a favorite story, waiting to be retold.
A wildly elegant blend of cliffs, coves and crystal waters
Parc National des Calanques–France
Stretching between Marseille and Cassis, Parc National des Calanques is a Mediterranean gem of plunging cliffs, sapphire seas and pine-scented trails. Families can swap screens for snorkels, hike rugged paths and kayak into secret coves. Pebbled beaches and the sound of cicadas set the scene for sun-lit picnics.
Little adventurers can explore tide pools while teens and adults dive into snorkelling or paddleboarding at Calanque de Port-Pin. For a gentler pace, take a boat tour from Cassis: each trip reveals postcard-perfect vistas. Hike early from Luminy to Sugiton for panoramic views and a peaceful descent to one of the park’s most spectacular coves.
Parc des Calanques is a coastal escape where you can connect, recharge and savour the salty air.
A wilderness brimming with mists, myths and majestic views
Blue Mountains National Park–Sydney, Australia
Just outside Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park is a mist-shrouded patchwork of fern-filled valleys, striking waterfalls and epic rock formations steeped in Aboriginal legend. This UNESCO World Heritage site invites adventurers of all ages to explore its sensational terrain.
Ride the world’s steepest passenger railway at Scenic World or float above the Jamison Valley by cable car. Junior Rangers can learn bushcraft and spot wildlife, while older kids enjoy torch-lit cave tours in Katoomba and clifftop walks. Visit the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre for hands-on exhibits, Aboriginal culture displays and exciting virtual reality experiences, then picnic at Govetts Leap Lookout for magnificent views away from the crowds.
Whether you’re discovering Dreamtime tales, chasing waterfalls or stargazing, the Blue Mountains is where imaginations soar.
A living sanctuary where adventure awaits
Kruger National Park–South Africa
In South Africa’s north-eastern savannah, Kruger National Park is nature at its most alive—in lion roars, elephant footprints and sunrise safaris. Spot the Big Five on guided drives, snack on biltong and vetkoek at shaded stops, and explore Skukuza‘s family-friendly exhibits about conservation and animal tracking.
Stay at rest camps like Lower Sabie for riverside views, sip rooibos tea as giraffes wander by and join a ranger-led bushwalk to discover tiny marvels like dung beetles and medicinal plants. The Skukuza Indigenous Nursery and the Wetlands Board Walk Activities at this park offer close encounters with native flora and birds.
After the safari ends, the rhythm of Kruger—found in its rustling savannah grass and the glow of an African sunset—will be one that you’ll be humming for years to come.
The roar of thundering falls and the allure of jungle trails
Iguazú National Park–Argentina/Brazil
Straddling Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú National Park is a symphony of roaring water, misty trails and verdant rainforest. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to one of the world’s largest waterfall systems, including the iconic Devil’s Throat.
Hop aboard the Rainforest Ecological Train or take a boat ride near the cascades: prepare to get both soaked and exhilarated. Kids will love spotting coatis and butterflies, while parents can marvel at the park’s rich biodiversity. Explore quieter paths like the Upper and Lower Circuits or hike to Arrechea Falls on the Macuco Trail. Around the full moon, guided night walks offer magical views as the falls shimmer under starlight.
Once you’ve chased rainbows in the mist and shared empanadas under the cascades of Iguazú Falls, no other waterfall will feel quite the same.