National Parks of Canada

Introduction

Rain Forest on Lyell Island near Windy Bay, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve of Canada © Parks Canada / W. Lynch / 10.105.03.06(11), 1988

National parks are among Canada's - and the world's - natural jewels. They represent the power of Canada's natural environment -- a compelling force -- which has shaped not only the geography of this country, but also the course of its history and the experiences of the people who live and travel here.

National parks are established to protect and present outstanding representative examples of natural landscapes and natural phenomena that occur in Canada's 39 natural regions, as identified in the National Parks System Plan. These wild places, located in every province and territory, range from mountains and plains, to boreal forests and tundra, to lakes and glaciers, and much more. National parks protect the habitats, wildlife and ecosystem diversity representative of - and sometime unique to - the natural regions.

Sagebrush near the Badlands, Grasslands National Park of Canada © Parks Canada / A. Cornellier / 08.81.03.05 (26), 1988

National parks are located on the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic coasts, across the interior mountains and plains and Great Lakes, reaching as far north and south as Canada goes. They range in size from just under 9 km² (St Lawrence Islands National Park of Canada) to almost 45,000 km² (Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada). And they include world-renowned names such as Banff and Jasper, as well as more recently established Ivvavik and Vuntut.

Lake in the Northern Boreal Plains, Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada © Parks Canada / W. Lynch / 09.90.03.23(37), 1987

Parks Canada is responsible for both protecting the ecosystems of these magnificent natural areas and managing them for visitors to understand, appreciate, and enjoy in a way that doesn't compromise their integrity.

Understanding and Appreciating

The breathtaking scenery and inspiring natural surroundings in national parks provide the perfect setting for tuning into nature, learning about it, appreciating it, respecting it and pledging to protect it. Each national park is a haven for the human spirit.

Sandy Pond Interpretation Walk, Terra Nova National Park of Canada © Parks Canada / W. Lynch / 01.10.04.09(148), 1992

National parks tell the stories of Canada's natural beginnings - mountains forming, lakes emerging, rivers running, forests growing, glaciers moving, grasslands evolving - to anyone who takes the time to listen, to look and to understand. They tell tales of human history too, from traditional Aboriginal activities, to early exploration, to European settlement, to modern use. And they reveal ongoing natural processes - floods enriching, fires renewing, species migrating. They provide opportunities to connect with nature, people and events that define Canada.

Kayaking near St. Charles Island, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada © Parks Canada / P. St-Jacques / 05.52.09.07(43), 1989

Understanding the importance of Canada's natural heritage to the nation and the world, and developing support for its protection are critical to the long-term health of the system of national parks.

Visitors can paddle down rivers flowing through canyons carved over thousands of years, observe birds as they rest in their travels along traditional migration routes, walk through vibrant young forests transformed by fire. These are unforgettable experiences, made all the more memorable by the learning opportunities Parks Canada offers through interpretative walks, exhibits and activities or in co-operation with the heritage tourism industry.

Protecting

Parks Canada is working to maintain or restore the ecological integrity of national parks. This means keeping ecosystems healthy and whole -- a state where ecosystem biodiversity, structures and functions are unimpaired and likely to persist.

Greenwich Dunes, Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada © Parks Canada / J. Pleau / 02.20.03.30(17), 2001

Maintaining or restoring ecological integrity is a challenging task that involves a good understanding of the dynamic nature of ecosystems and the stresses they face. It also requires collaboration among people whose actions influence the ecosystems and their sustainability - from neighbouring landowners and businesses, to local residents, visitors and governments. The above reflect the principles of ecosystem management.

The national parks of Canada are a source of pride for Canadians and an integral part of our identity, they celebrate the beauty and infinite variety of our land.