National Parks

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Abstract

National Parks and National Marine Conservation Areas form a countrywide network of areas set aside by Canada for their great natural interest. They are protected for public understanding, enjoyment and appreciation.

National Parks are natural areas that are chosen to preserve outstanding examples of our country’s natural beauty and ecological diversity. They are protected for public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment, and are maintained in an unimpaired state for future generations. National Parks have existed in Canada for well over a century. Public appreciation and enjoyment through education and tourism are encouraged, as long as they do not affect the ecological integrity of the park.

Banff, created in 1885, was the first National Park; it was founded to preserve hot springs and the exceptional scenery of this part of the Rocky Mountains. Swimming in the hot and cold pools, hiking, cross-country and alpine skiing are some of the activities that can be enjoyed in this park, one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. Most National Parks in Canada offer nature trails, interpretation centres, camping and other outdoor activities.

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Upper Hot Springs, Banff National Park, Alberta

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Kluane National Park, Yukon

National Marine Conservation Areas are marine areas managed for sustainable use and containing smaller zones of high protection. They include the seabed, the water above it and any species that live there. They may also include wetlands, estuaries, islands and other coastal lands.

Certain National Marine Conservation Areas are open to the public. For example, the Saguenay - St. Lawrence Marine Park has interpretation and observation centres to help the visitor discover its marine life and paleohistory.

Each National Park and National Marine Conservation Area on the map links you to the Parks Canada Web site, which outlines what you can see and do, where you can stay and just about anything else you would like to know to plan your visit.