Go EVerywhere & explore the great North American outdoors 

By Emie-Claude Lamoureux

What is one of the best ways to explore national parks in Canada and the United States? Discovering their dazzling landscapes using a zero-emission vehicle! Whether you kickstart your electric car road trip in the West in the Great Canadian Rockies, or the East in the Great Smoky Mountains, rest assured that you will find charging stations along your routes in each of the national parks mentioned here. If you are seeking to connect with nature, witness amazing wildlife, hike mountain trails, or refresh yourself in crystal clear lakes, here is a selection of North America’s most breathtaking national parks from West to East.

The name of Yoho National Park comes from a Cree expression signifying wonder. Getting to this masterpiece of a park in your electric car should be a trip on your bucket list, no matter the season. The protected fauna of the park spreads through its marine rivers, its waterfalls and its gargantuan mountains. There, it’s common practice to rent a canoe and camp out to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful and powerful Yoho Park.

Yoho Park is located just twenty minutes from the charming and picturesque town of Golden, a region known to skier enthusiasts and its unique custom of dog sledding during winters. When summer transitions, hikers head to Mount Sulfur where it’s possible to bathe in its natural hot springs. If you’re looking for a longer stay, consider visiting Banff National Park in British Columbia’s neighbouring province—Alberta. A highly recommended route that is also accessible by electric car!

Photographer: Andy Holmes

A fast charging station of the BC Hydro network can be found in the parking lot of the Yoho National Park Visitor Center, in the town of Field. A few steps (about 10 minutes) from the Siding Café and the Truffle Pigs Bistro.

Yosemite National Park in California is sure to captivate visitors with its dizzying waterfalls, giant sequoias, sheer granite cliffs and so many more breathtaking landscapes. For each season of the year, a wide range of activities is offered.

Of course, one cannot mention Yosemite Park without highlighting the 360-degree panorama view of Clouds Rest, at 3025 meters above sea level. It offers spectacular views; always in the heart of the legendary Sierra Nevada. There’s something about this breathtaking view that leaves you feeling like you’re on top of the world!

Photographer: Shownen

Today, it’s much easier to get around by electric car through the park. However, another option to consider would be to connect your EV to one of the level 2 charging stations available on-site while you travel the park using the free and public transportation system, the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System.

Jasper National Park is a national landmark in Canada and for good reason; the mountainous beauty and its vast lush green forests charm all who visit. Few places offer such impressive panoramas as those of Jasper National Park. A boat trip on the Athabasca River —designated a Canadian Heritage River — is one of the best ways to witness them!

Not scared of heights? A unique way to experience the breadth of the Canadian Rockies is to take the Jasper SkyTram three kilometers to the top of Mount Whistler. It’s a lift that allows you to admire six mountain ranges in one trip. Last, for those who wish to extend their camping season, Jasper Park offers many possibilities until the fall.

Photographer: Bantersnaps

Several level 2 charging stations serve Jasper Park. Among the charging networks available are Tesla, Sun Country Highway, ChargePoint, the FLO network and more.

Zion National Park is a nature reserve in southwestern Utah and takes its name from an ancient Hebrew word meaning sanctuary. Due to its desert waterfalls, emerald pools, incredible hiking trails and impressive red cliff formations, it is one of the most popular parks in the region.

Many visit this great desertic outdoor space to hike its trails and enjoy spectacular panoramas of the park. One of the most popular trails is the one leading to Angel’s Landing because of the view — a view overlooking Zion Canyon at sunset. Truly an environment from another world, Zion Park gives you the chance to see unique animals, such as lizards, mule deer or bighorn sheep.

Photographer: Mark Fuller

Once in Zion National Park, you will find a 24-hour level 2 charging station accessible at Zion Lodge and Zion National Park Lodge.

Bruce Peninsula National Park is located in southern Ontario on the peninsula of the same name between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, which protects part of the Niagara Escarpment. Singing Sands Beach in Dorcas Bay is the most popular swimming area for families with young children throughout the summer, as the calm, shallow waters are often warm and fairly safe.

The spectacular cliffs that cut the relief of the peninsula attract rock-climbing enthusiasts. Then, for those who prefer a more relaxing activity, consider strolling along the famous Bruce Trail, the oldest and longest walking trail in all of Canada.

Photographer: Jonny Caspari

A Tesla network level 2 charging station is available 24 hours a day to the public in the parking lot of The Blue Heron Company. It should be noted that the Bruce Peninsula Park is located near the Fathom Five National Marine Park, which can be a great opportunity to visit the two in tandem.

Grand Teton National Park, whose name essentially means “large breast” in French was given its mischievous name by French explorers in the 18th century. True to its history, this great outdoor space is ideal for pioneers. When summer makes way for winter, snowshoeing takes precedence over hiking. This Wyoming National Park, with its rugged peaks, gives you plenty of opportunities to stroll on a trail in the wilderness or go straight to climbing a mountain.

Love the sport of fishing? Make your way to Jackson Lake, fed by the water of the Snake River which crosses the valley and stretches out at the foot of the park’s mountain range.

Photographer: Olga Subach

During your outdoor day, stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center to plug in your electric car at a level 2 charging station.

Covering just over 333 square km of the Canadian Shield, La Mauricie National Park is known for its coniferous and deciduous forests. It’s an ideal place to escape the crowds of urban areas by taking refuge in quieter and fresher places, as do the locals in the region.

The park has more than 150 lakes of various sizes that delight fishermen and all canoe fanatics. A picturesque place to camp, swim, hike, your outdoor days will be accompanied by the enchanting cries of the Common Loon. And when night falls, it is the hoots of the barred owl or the eagle owl that sway you to sleep this large natural playground.

Photographer: n0m1s

Two hours from Montreal, La Mauricie National Park borders the edge of the St. Lawrence lowlands serving several charging stations. In addition, there is a level 2 charging station at the Rivière-à-la-Pêche Service Pavilion.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is exceptionally beautiful and home to over 3,500 plant species. Being one of the most popular parks in the United States, it is designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many endangered animal species are also found there, including what is probably the largest variety of salamanders in the world.

It has long been said that hikers from the Great Smoky Mountains Park can start in the climate of southern North Carolina and end in a northeast climate like Maine, with similar changes in flora. This 25-28 km round trip, which crosses these climatic zones, is what gives the park a great reputation, with an altitude change of 4000 feet. Fabulous views of the old Smokies are especially common at the upper levels.

Photographer: Byron Johnson

At the Cherokee Welcome Center EV drivers can find a level 2 charging station available 24 hours a day.