After reviewing State and National Parks that will experience totality during the 2044 total solar eclipse in the US and Canada, lets take a look at 5 beautiful parks to view totality in during the 2044 total solar eclipse.

Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park, established in 1885, is Canada’s oldest national park and one of its most renowned. Located in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, the park spans over 6,600 square kilometers of unparalleled natural beauty. Its landscape is characterized by rugged mountains, dense forests, and strikingly clear glacial lakes, such as the iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The Trans-Canada Highway cuts through the park, providing easy access to some of its most famous sights and recreational activities, including hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing. Banff, the park’s main town, offers a blend of outdoor adventure and upscale amenities, making it a year-round destination.

The park’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, elk, caribou, and wolves. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and geological significance. Besides its natural wonders, the park is rich in cultural history, with archaeological sites that speak to the presence of indigenous peoples long before European settlers arrived. The Banff Springs Hotel, a historic landmark built in 1888, adds a touch of historical grandeur, illustrating the park’s long-standing appeal as a travel destination. Whether seeking adventure or tranquility, visitors to Banff National Park are sure to find an experience that resonates with the awe-inspiring wilderness of the Canadian Rockies.

Jasper National Park, Canada

Jasper National Park, established in 1907, is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, encompassing over 11,000 square kilometers of stunning mountainous terrain in Alberta. Renowned for its vast wilderness and diverse ecosystems, Jasper offers a less crowded, more tranquil alternative to its southern neighbor, Banff. The park features dramatic landscapes including glaciers, hot springs, lakes, waterfalls, and the famous Columbia Icefield, one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Jasper’s extensive trail network and scenic drives, such as the Icefields Parkway, provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural splendor, Jasper National Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding beauty and geological importance. The park supports a rich variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and mountain goats. Jasper is also known for its dark skies, and it hosts an annual Dark Sky Festival, attracting stargazers from around the globe. The town of Jasper serves as a charming base for visitors, offering a range of accommodations, dining, and cultural experiences. With its serene environment and awe-inspiring scenery, Jasper National Park provides a unique and immersive experience in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Glacier National Park, USA

Glacier National Park, located in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, USA, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Established in 1910, the park covers over one million acres and features rugged mountains, pristine forests, alpine meadows, and more than 130 named lakes. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park is home to the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile engineering marvel that offers stunning views and access to many of the park’s key attractions. Visitors can explore a variety of activities such as hiking, with over 700 miles of trails, wildlife viewing, boating, and camping. Iconic sights like Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, and Many Glacier highlight the park’s diverse beauty and geological features.

The park is part of the larger Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s first International Peace Park, symbolizing the friendship between Canada and the United States. Glacier National Park is named for the remnants of glaciers from the last ice age, although due to climate change, the number of active glaciers has significantly diminished. The park’s rich biodiversity includes species such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, and gray wolves, along with hundreds of plant species. With its stunning natural beauty and significant conservation efforts, Glacier National Park offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse into the rugged splendor of the American wilderness.

Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada

Waterton Lakes National Park, established in 1895, is located in the southwest corner of Alberta, Canada, and forms part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park along with Glacier National Park in the United States. This partnership, established in 1932, highlights the commitment to cross-border collaboration in preserving the natural environment. Waterton Lakes National Park spans over 500 square kilometers and is characterized by its stunning blend of prairies, forests, and rugged mountains. The park’s centerpiece, Upper Waterton Lake, is the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies and offers strikingly clear waters set against a backdrop of towering peaks. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, boating, wildlife watching, and scenic drives, with popular trails including the Crypt Lake Trail and the Bear’s Hump.

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its significant natural beauty and biodiversity. Waterton Lakes National Park supports a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, grizzly bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species. Its unique ecological setting, where the prairies meet the mountains, allows for diverse habitats and a rich variety of plant life. The historic Prince of Wales Hotel, built in 1927, offers visitors a glimpse into the park’s storied past and provides panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. With its dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and historic charm, Waterton Lakes National Park offers a serene and captivating escape into nature.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, USA

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in the rugged Badlands of western North Dakota, commemorates the legacy of the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who was a strong advocate for conservation. Established in 1947, the park covers over 70,000 acres and is divided into three units: the North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit, which contains the site of Roosevelt’s historic cattle ranch. The park’s dramatic landscapes feature striking geologic formations, expansive prairies, and scenic river valleys, particularly along the Little Missouri River. Visitors can explore numerous trails, including the popular Wind Canyon Trail and the Petrified Forest Loop, which offer breathtaking views and a chance to experience the park’s natural beauty up close.

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, wild horses, elk, prairie dogs, and numerous bird species, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Theodore Roosevelt National Park also preserves a rich cultural history, reflecting Roosevelt’s time in the region, which profoundly influenced his conservation policies as president. The park’s scenic drives, like the 36-mile loop road in the South Unit, allow visitors to witness the stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. With its unique combination of historical significance and natural splendor, Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a fascinating and immersive experience into the American West’s rugged terrain and the conservation legacy of one of its most influential leaders.

For specific viewing information, check the following original table.

Site	Totality Length	Eclipse Start	Totality Start	Totality End
Banff National Park	102.5 seconds	6:41:55.0 pm	7:38:18.9 pm	7:40:01.4 pm
Jasper National Park	100 seconds	6:38:56.0 pm	7:35:58.8 pm	7:37:38.8 pm
Waterton Lakes National Park	62.3 seconds	6:46:42.4 pm	7:42:39.8 pm	7:43:42.1 pm
Theodore Roosevelt National Park	96 seconds	6:50:35.5 pm	7:43:31 pm	7:45:07 pm
Glacier National Park	48.8 seconds	6:47:19.6 pm	7:43:22.2 pm	7:44:04.7 pm

Here’s a map with each location, so you can plan accordingly.

Canada has a lot of beautiful National Parks to view the 2044 eclipse in! If you want to know more about the 2044 solar eclipse, other parks in totality, and other awesome space information, make sure to follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/cosmospnw, on Instagram at instagram.com/cosmospnw, and visit cosmospnw.com as we be posting more information shortly.