The 10 Quietest Places in the World

Quiet Parks International have determined the 10 parks around the world where you can go for an escape from noise pollution and truly revel in the solitude of nature.

March 31, 2022

By: Felicia Feaster

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Find Solace in Quiet Spaces

Quiet Parks International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving quiet for the benefit of all life and respecting the quiet of nature. For Quiet Parks International to rank a place as a Quiet Park it must be free of human-made sounds for extended periods of time.

According to the Quiet Parks International website and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 97% of the US population is exposed to noise from aviation and highways. In addition, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control agree that noise pollution takes a negative toll on quality of life, wellbeing and mental health. Want to find out how you can experience the myriad benefits of quiet outdoors? Quiet Parks International has identified 10 places you can go in pursuit of peace and has even curated experiences that allow you to visit and experience these quiet places.

Learn More: The 10 Most Drivable National Parks in the US

Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northeastern Minnesota is one of the quiet parks identified by Quiet Parks International. This 1-million acre park has outlawed noisy boats and cars and maintained its pristine sense of solitude by also keeping electricity and telephone lines out of this tranquil wild escape.

NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

Located in Namibia, Africa, the NamibRand Nature Reserve is a private reserve. Located in southern Namibia, the reserve was created to help protect and conserve the ecology and wildlife of the Namib Desert. Testifying to the solitude and sense of distance from human presence, in addition, the NamibRand Nature Reserve has also been deemed a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Darks Sky Association.

Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

This park is situated on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The Haleakalā Crater sits at 10,000 feet above sea level. Translated to mean "House of the Sun," Haleakalā Crater at Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii has great spiritual significance to native Hawaiians. A popular spot for watching the sun rise above the clouds from the rim — so popular you now need to make a reservation up to two months in advance at Recreation.gov — many Hawaiians worship the rising sun here to give thanks for the revitalizing power of the sun.

Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas

Designated a Wilderness Quiet Park by Quiet Parks International, Big Bend Ranch State Park in Texas lies on the Rio Grande in Brewster and Presidio counties. At 311,000-acres, this park is also the largest in the state.

Bialowieza Forest National Park, Poland

The Bialowieza Forest National Park in the Podlasie region of Poland is one of the Quiet Places whose designation the organization hopes will help fuel ecotourism to this region. The forest contains the remnants of primeval forests and the symbol of the park is the majestic European bison which have been brought back from near extinction after over-hunting and poaching before World War I.

Grasslands National Park, Canada

Seen here is a view of the summer Milky Way at Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan. Quiet Parks International uses a measure of noise-free intervals in which no human-made sounds can be heard to determine whether a location like Grasslands National Park will achieve Quiet Parks status.

Kvarken Archipelago, Finland

Pictured is the icy main channel between the UNESCO protected islands of the Merenkurkku Kvarken Archipelago, near Vaasa in western Finland. The Kvarken Archipelago is the country's only Natural World Heritage Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, Canada

You’ve no doubt heard of Banff, perhaps Canada’s most famous national park even though it’s far from the only one. Just across the border from Glacier National Park in Montana, you’ll find Alberta's equally stunning Waterton Lakes National Park. Together, the two parks formed Waterton Glacier International Peace Park in 1932, the first such park in the world. Keep an eye out for wildlife: Here, you’ll spot black bears, bison, bighorn sheep, elk and deer.

Glacier National Park, Montana

The rugged mountains in Glacier National Park, Montana are only part of this national park's appeal. There are 700 miles of trails for hikers who enjoy solitude as well as gorgeous alpine meadows, lakes and forests to explore.

Zabalo River, Ecuador

The Zabalo River in the Ecuadorian Amazon met Quiet Parks International’s gold standard for Wilderness Quiet Parks by "demonstrating a healthy balance of bioacoustic activity with an average noise-free intervals lasting several hours." Part of the mission of QPI is to recognize and preserve areas like the Zabalo River that are threatened by development and destruction of their natural beauty.

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The 10 Quietest Places in the World

Related To:

Find Solace in Quiet Spaces

Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota

NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas

Bialowieza Forest National Park, Poland

Grasslands National Park, Canada

Kvarken Archipelago, Finland

Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, Canada

Glacier National Park, Montana

Zabalo River, Ecuador

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