A chance to travel in time to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada

Gatineau, Quebec, March 4, 2013 -- Parks Canada launches the public voting phase of Canada’s Coolest School Trip contest. This exciting contest offered through the My Parks Pass program, is a collaboration between Parks Canada, Canadian Geographic Education, Nature Canada and The Historica-Dominion Institute. The My Parks Pass program, geared towards grade 8 / secondary 2 students, helps foster lasting connections between young Canadians and Canada’s treasured places.

This year’s all-expenses-paid class trip will take students on an exciting journey back in time as they celebrate the 300^th anniversary of the Fortress of Louisbourg. During their stay in Nova Scotia, students will explore the beauty of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and immerse themselves in East Coast culture. Runner-ups will receive a special virtual presentation from Parks Canada, a lunch party and $500 will be given to the charity of their choice. The winning classroom will be announced in early April.

As part of the Coolest School Trip contest, students were asked to tune into their inner advertising executive and create an exciting and eye-catching ad for one of the trip’s destinations, the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site and/or Cape Breton Highlands National Park. To enter the contest, grade 8 / secondary 2 classes had the option to create a print, radio or video ad that draws people to learn about and want to visit some of Parks Canada’s special places on Cape Breton Island.

The public voting period runs from March 4^th to March 22^nd, 2013. The general public is invited to vote for their favourite advertisement through an online voting system at www.contest.myparkspass.ca. To cast a vote, voters are required to register their e-mail address on the website. Voting is limited to one vote per person per category per day.

The 15 entries that receive the most vote from the public (the top five in each category – video, audio or print) will then be judged by a panel who will select the grand prize winner and the three runners-up (the best of each category).The winning class will be announced in early April.

The My Parks Pass program grants grade 8 and secondary 2 students across Canada free access for one full year to any national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas administrated by Parks Canada, including free entry for class visits. The program also entitles families to receive an instant discount on daily family or group passes, on annual national park or national historic site passes, or on Parks Canada Discovery Pass.

The My Parks Pass program also includes an Activity Guide, a Facebook page, a Twitter feed and other contests such as the Ultimate Family Adventure contest. Visit the website at www.myparkspass.ca.

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Information:
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
www.twitter.com/parkscanada