As part of its sesquicentennial celebrations in 2017, Parks Canada is offering free admission to all of the country’s national parks. We can think of no better way to get to know our neighbors to the North than by visiting these national treasures, which celebrate Canada’s magnificent scenery, diverse history, optimistic expansion, and the country’s modern-day commitment to preserving and protecting Canada’s heritage.
The history of Canada’s parks system is closely aligned with the late nineteenth century expansion of the Canadian Pacific Railway west over the Canadian Rockies. Railway surveyors studying the land were the first to understand the commercial possibilities of the dramatic scenery and natural wonders such as Lake Louise and the Banff Hot Springs, where the first National Park was established in 1885.
Today Parks Canada covers a total area of 222,700.9 square kilometers with a National Park situation in each of the country’s 39 national regions. These range in size from the compact Georgian Bay Islands National Park to the sprawling 45,000 square meters Wood Buffalo National Park. Whatever the size, the aim of the National Parks system is the same: to preserve and protect Canada’s unique natural resources and ecosystems, and celebrate its extraordinary geological history. Many of the parks offer interactive experiences that allow visitors to travel back in time to experience aspects of Canadian history such as fur trapping, logging and mining settlements, and exploration of the uncharted lands by kayak. Sports enthusiasts revel in the biking, horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, and winter sports offerings that the National Parks boast.
Whether you’re on the hunt for Anne of Green Gables on Prince Edward Island or in search of adventure in the pristine lakes and mountains of the unspoiled Pacific Northwest, Parks Canada offers a wealth of natural wonders and unique history.
Join Alexander + Roberts on an epic voyage of discovery on our 9-day
Canada by Land, Water + Rail, through Western Canada and across the Continental Divide. Our Small Group Journey is always capped at 16 guests for your enjoyment.
Photo: Emerald Lake Lodge © Christopher Martin