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100 Years of Parks Canada
This year, Canada is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Parks Canada, the first national parks service in the world.
Today, Parks Canada protects 167 national historic sites, 42 national parks and four national marine conservation areas, one of the most extensive networks of protected national heritage places on the planet.
In honour of the anniversary, each National Park will be holding special events and activities, so make 2011 your year to experience these extraordinary sites and come join in the celebration!
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Gwaii Haanas National Park Preserve & Haida Heritage Site, British Columbia
Visit an old growth forest at Hlk’yah GaawGa (Windy Bay), Lyell island
Photo: Parks Canada/Chris Cheadle |
NATIONAL PARK
Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area Reserve & Haida Heritage Site
Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Islands), British Columbia
Established 1988
1,470 sq km (570 sq mi)
138 islands
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/gwaiihaanas
SUMMARY
Protects unique flora and fauna, marine life and more than ten thousand years of Haida culture.
Gwaii Haanas is located 130 km off the mainland of B.C. BC Ferries or commercial airline flights readily available to Haida Gwaii. Gwaii Haanas is accessible by sea only; licensed tour guide recommended.
DISTINCTION
The only place on earth to be protected from mountain top to deep sea—nearly 5000 sq km of land and ocean
WILDLIFE
Twenty species of whales, dolphins, sea lions, bald eagles, unique species of black bear, tufted puffin, Sitka deer
ACTIVITIES
Hiking, scuba diving, sea kayaking, birdwatching, sailing
RECOMMEND
Photograph authentic totem poles at SGang Gwaay Llnagaay
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Elk Island National Park, Alberta
Astotin Lake,the largest lake in Elk island. Summer programs include guided stargazing at three locations within Astotin Lake area
Photo: Travel Alberta |
NATIONAL PARK
Elk Island National Park
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
Established 1913
194 sq km (75 sq mi)
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/elkisland
SUMMARY
Canada’s first wildlife sanctuary; protects aspen parkland, one of the most endangered habitats in Canada; famed for their bison conservation efforts. Located 45 minutes east of Edmonton via Yellowhead Highway.
DISTINCTION
Part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve. Largest fully-enclosed national park and first choice wildlife viewing area.
WILDLIFE
Wapiti (elk), Plains and Wood Bison, Deer, Moose, Beaver, over 250 species of birds
ACTIVITIES
Hiking, cross country skiing, camping, picnicking, canoeing, star viewing, bird watching, interpretive programs, guided hikes, photography, kayaking
RECOMMEND
Photograph the sunset from The Living Waters Boardwalk off the shore of Astotin Lake
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Jasper National Park, Alberta
Athabasca Glacier, Columbia Icefield is located 100 km south of Jasper via Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) and is easily accessible by vehicle
Photo: Parks Canada, L. Simmons |
NATIONAL PARK
Jasper, Alberta
Established 1907
11,228 sq km (4335 sq mi)
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/jasper
SUMMARY
The largest of Canada’s Rocky Mountain Parks and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located 370 km west of Edmonton via the Yellowhead Highway.
DISTINCTION
Glaciers, Dark Sky Preserve; two distinct woodland caribou herds
WILDLIFE
Grizzly and black bear, Bighorn sheep, mountain goats, hoary marmots, wolves, Wapiti (elk), pika, moose, cougar
ACTIVITIES
Winter ice climbing, backpacking, golf, horseback riding, hiking, mountaineering
RECOMMEND
Walk to Jasper House lookout for night photography in the Dark Sky Preserve
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Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
Hikers approaching “Beaver Lodge” – conservationist Grey Owl’s cabin situated on the shore of Lake Ajawaan. Grey Owl was Canada’s first naturalist.
Photo: Parks Canada |
NATIONAL PARK
Prince Albert National Park
Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan
Established 1927
3,874 sq km (1496 sq mi)
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/princealbert
SUMMARY
Protects part of the southern edge of the boreal forest and lakes ecosystem. Located an hour north of Prince Albert
via Highway 2.
DISTINCTION
Contains the only population of free-ranging Plains bison found on their historic range in Canada
WILDLIFE
White pelicans, Plains bison, moose, deer, Wapiti (elk), beaver, grey wolf, lynx, river otter, black bear, bald eagle
ACTIVITIES
Cycling, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, sailing, cross country skiing, camping, snowshoeing
RECOMMEND
Hike to Grey Owl’s cabin; visit the West Side for a chance to view wild Plains bison
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Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
Aerial photograph of Clear Lake’s Deep Bay, Wasagaming. The vibrant park community edges the popular lake.
Photo: Parks Canada |
NATIONAL PARK
Riding Mountain National Park
Wasagaming, Manitoba
Established 1933
3,000 sq km (1158 sq mi)
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/ridingmountain
SUMMARY
Protects boreal forest, aspen parkland and mixed grass prairie high on the Manitoba Escarpment. Located less than an hour north of Minnedosa via Highway 10.
DISTINCTION
Area’s uniqueness led to the designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1986
WILDLIFE
Wolves, moose, Wapiti (elk), black bear, hundreds of bird species, Plains bison herd, beaver
ACTIVITIES
Hiking, photography, horsedrawn wagon or horseback tours, sailing
RECOMMEND
Take the horsedrawn wagon tour to the Prisoner of War Camp
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