Bigger than Switzerland, this is Canada’s largest park – and maybe its most intriguing. Founded to protect the Western Hemisphere’s most hefty land animal, the rare Wood Bison, the 44,807 square kilometre park comprises sweeping boreal forests, the massive Peace-Athabasca freshwater delta and the other worldly Salt Plains. Wood Buffalo offers excellent backcountry camping as well as cozy cabin options. There’s no shortage of hikes ranging from easy loops under a kilometre to more difficult 14 km hikes through field and forest trails. Wildlife in the park include wolves, black bears, the world’s last surviving whooping cranes, and of course bison. Best of all, the park is road-accessible year round from friendly Fort Smith.

Here’s why Wood Buffalo is the park that lives large.