Canadian National Parks

Existing in Canada for well over a century, Canada’s National Parks system represents natural diversity. There are currently 39 national parks and national park reserves in Canada, located in every province and territory, representing every natural region from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, throughout the interior mountains, plains, Shield Lakes, the Great Lakes, and as far north as the Arctic Circle. Including such well known names as Banff, Jasper and Fundy—but also little known names as Ivvavik, Vuntut and Aulavik—the Parks range in size from 8.7 to 44,802 square kilometers and encompass just over three percent of Canada’s land mass.

Generally, access and services for the National Parks will be provided within the parks themselves, such as hiking, camping and other recreational sports, while a broader range of needs will be met in the surrounding region.

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Yoho National Park
PO Box 99 Field, BC
(250) 343-6783
Fax: (250) 343-6012
E-mail: yoho_info@pch.gc.ca

Located along the western slopes of the Continental Divide and home of the internationally significant Burgess Shale Fossils, Yoho (a Cree expression of awe and wonder for the rock walls, spectacular waterfalls and soaring peaks) represents the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains region. The town of Field is located in the park and provides basic services such as a post office, restaurants, a general store and a lodge.

Hoodoo Creek Campground: A well-forested area with several hiking trails, Hoodoo Creek campground is located 22km west of Field and boasts 106 sites with services such as flush toilets, piped hot and cold water, kitchen shelters, fire rings and firewood, playground, campfire interpretive program, walking trails.

Kicking Horse Campground: Open from May 4 to October 8 and located 3km east of Field and handy to hiking trails and the Takakkaw Falls road. The 86 sites have similar amenities as Hoodoo Creek campground with the addition of hot showers, a wheelchair accessible washroom with shower and an outdoor theatre. In July and August plan to arrive early as the campground is usually full by early afternoon.

Kootenay National Park
PO Box 220
Radium Hot Springs, BC
(250) 347-9615; Fax: (250) 347-9980
E-mail: Kootenay_reception@pch.gc.ca

Protecting 1,406 square kilometers of Rocky Mountain wilderness in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, Kootenay National Park can be reached from the north at two access points on the Trans-Canada Highway: Castle Junction via Highway 93 South—the Kootenay Parkway or from Golden via Highway 95; or from the south via Highway 93/95. The closest full service towns are Radium Hot Springs, just outside the park’s West Gate and Banff, 33km east of the park’s north entrance.

From glacier-clad peaks in the north to dry, cactus-bearing slopes in the south, Kootenay offers a variety of landscapes and more of an off-the-beaten-track experience. There are a variety of camping options to choose from in Kootenay National Park. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and all campgrounds include wheelchair accessible washrooms.

Redstreak Campground: Open from May 11 to October 8 and located 2.5km above the Village of Radium Hot Springs, the campground offers 50 fully serviced sites, 38 sites with power only, and 154 unserviced sites. A walking trail connects the campground with the restaurants and services in the Village and another trail leads to the Hot Springs Pool. Campground services include flush toilets, piped hot and cold water, showers, kitchen shelters, fire rings and firewood, smoke-free areas, playgrounds, theatre, interpretive activities, walking trails, recycling bins, food storage, sanitation station, accessible campsites, public telephone.

McLeod Meadows Campground: Open from June 18 to September 9, this campground has 98 spacious sites located along the Kootenay River, featuring similar amenities as Redstreak Campground. Dog Lake, a good place to see moose feeding, is 2.6km from the campground on an easy walking trail.

ALBERTA
Banff National Park
PO Box 900 Banff
(403) 762-1550
Fax: (403) 762-1551
E-mail: banff_vrc@pch.gc.ca

In 1885, the first 26 square kilometers were set aside in Alberta for the education and enjoyment of the nation. This area was assigned the name Rocky Mountains Park but was enlarged in 1930 and renamed Banff National Park after a small CPR station operated by John MacTavish in 1883. Campgrounds in Banff National Park are on a first come, first serve basis. Check out time is 11:00 am, so stop by then and you will have a good chance at getting a site. There are 14 campgrounds and a total of over 2,000 campsites in Banff National Park, and they range from those that offer fully-serviced sites to those that are much smaller.

Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds: Situated within walking distance to Banff on Tunnel Mountain, there are 322 full service sites in the Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court (open from May 4 – October 1), 189 power-only sites in Village II (open all year), plus 622 non-serviced sites in Village I (open from May 4 – October 1). Situated on the scenic Minnewanka Lake loop drive, two Jack Main Campground is open from June 1 to September 4 and boasts 381 secluded campsites in the wilderness with lots of wildlife. While you’re there don’t forget to explore the ruins of Bankhead.

Castle Mountain Campground: Open from May 25 to September 4, Castle Mountain has 44 sites in a beautifully wooded area that is close to a small store and restaurant.

Protection Mountain Campground: Only 48km from Banff and open from June 29 to September 3, Protection Mountain has 89 sites in area with lots to see and good hiking trails.

Johnston’s Canyon Campground: Located 25 km from Banff and across from Johnston’s Canyon is a picturesque campground of 140 sites. A creek flows nearby and the scenery is beautiful, especially in Johnston Canyon with the view of the two waterfalls. Open from June 8 to September 17, there is a lot of wildlife in the area.

Lake Louise Campground: To get there, take the 58km scenic route from Banff past Johnston Canyon the Bow Valley Parkway. The campground is 1 km from the Village of Lake Louise and 4 km from the lake. The theater shows interpretive programs all summer. Open all year, the 189 drive-thru sites are near hiking and bicycling trails.

Mosquito Creek Campground: Open all year, Mosquito Creek is 24km north of Lake Louise on the scenic Icefield Parkway. The rugged cliffs of Mount Hector dominate the southeast skyline, and the 32 unserviced sites feature piped water, pump-out toilets, kitchen shelter with wood cook stove, fire rings and firewood.

Waterfowl Lake Campground: Open from June 15 to September 16, Waterfowl Lake campground is located where the Mistaya River enters Waterfowl Lake. A trail leads to Cirque and Chephren lakes for great hiking. There are 116 unserviced sites.

Elk Island National Park
Site 4, R.R. #1
Fort Saskatchewan
(780) 922-5790
Fax: (780) 992-2983 or (780) 992-2951
E-mail: elk_island@pch.gc.ca

It may come as a surprise to travelers on the Yellowhead Highway to find one of Canada’s 39 national parks bisected by a major highway and located just 45 kilometers from the provincial capital city of Edmonton.

Elk Island National Park is situated in the Beaver Hills – an area that was abundant in beaver at the turn of the 19th century. What made the Beaver Hills unique was the aspen thickets which surrounded the prairie and provided forage and home to herds of free roaming plains bison, wood bison, moose, deer and elk. Elk Island National Park is also boasting over 250 species of birds, the park is a bird watcher’s paradise.

Elk Island Park, as it was first called in 1908, is located less than an hour away from Edmonton, via Highway 16 East, and is open 365 days a year. It is an excellent location to see wildlife, play a round of golf, hike or walk a trail, or just relax. A valid National Parks pass is required to enter the park.

Sandy Beach Campground: Sandy Beach Campground is located in the Astotin Lake area of Elk Island. The campground is comprised of 80 semi-serviced sites (16 walk-in tenting, 23 recreational vehicle and 41 general purpose) as well as an unserviced overflow area. Flush toilets, showers, a pay telephone and picnic shelters are located in the main portion of the campground. Firewood provided is unsplit so bring an axe!

SASKATCHEWAN
Grasslands National Park
PO Box 150
Val Marie (306) 298-2257
Fax: (306) 298-2042
E-mail: Grasslands_Info@pch.gc.ca

Grasslands is the first national park of Canada to preserve a portion of the mixed prairie grasslands. Listen to chattering prairie dogs or learn about how Sitting Bull took refuge here after the battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. Guided hikes, interpretive trails, bird watching, and nature photography are popular activities in Grasslands. There is much evidence of human adaptation to this wild open land. Remnant teepee rings, projectile points and other artifacts indicate that the Plains Indians lived here. Throughout history, the Grasslands National Park area was considered the last frontier of the Canadian prairie west. The lure of grass and open range enticed ranchers and large cattle operations developed. The weathered remains of long abandoned homesteads stand testament to those early attempts to adapt to a demanding environment.

The park is organized into two separate blocks. The West Block centers on the Frenchman River Valley and the East Block centers on the Killdeer Badlands. There is limited room available for RV units that are self-contained at two former ranch sites, one in each block of the park. For full service camping, use the campgrounds at the surrounding communities listed above.

West Block: from the Visitor Reception Center, travel east on Hwy 18 for approximately 14.5 km, turn south and follow this road for about 4 km (2.5 miles).

East Block: Access to the east block remains limited with only a small portion accessible in dry weather. Visitors are urged to check with Grasslands National Park staff or the Rodeo Ranch Museum staff (summer only) in the Wood Mountain Regional Park to obtain information on the access routes and road conditions.

There is a municipal campground equipped with picnic tables, electrical sites, washroom and shower house, and barbeque pits located in the town of Val Marie. This is a well treed campground that plays host to variety of local and migratory birds. A municipal campground also exists in the Village Park of Mankota. This campground includes electric service, washroom and shower house, sewer disposal, barbeque pits and picnic tables.

The Wood Mountain Regional Park includes electrical site, laundry and shower, washrooms, picnic facilities, concession booth, the Rodeo Ranch Museum, outdoor swimming pool and playground. It is also close to Wood Mountain Historical Post, a Saskatchewan Provincial Historic Park. There are no developed campgrounds within the park boundaries. Registration for camping is required and can be done at either location (summer only for the Rodeo Ranch Museum). Always contact the park office for any safety, weather, access and camping information prior to your visit.

MANITOBA
Riding Mountain National Park
Wasagaming, Manitoba
(800) 707-8480
Fax: (204) 848-2596
E-Mail: RMNP_info@pch.gc.ca

Situated amidst a sea of agricultural land, Riding Mountain rises dramatically from the prairie landscape. Forming part of the Manitoba Escarpment, this preserve protects a wide variety of wildlife and vegetation areas. The park has numerous hiking trails, and the Agassiz Tower overlooks a panoramic view of prairies stretching out to the north. The town of Wasagaming offers a full range of visitor services, including accommodation, restaurants and shopping. When the last glacier retreated northward from southern Manitoba about 10,000 years ago, early hunters and gatherers began moving into the area in search of game. Recent archaeological evidence suggests that Aboriginal peoples have inhabited the area of what is now the park for 6,000 years.

Birds singing, the soft sound of wind blowing in the trees and the chirping of chipmunks are just some of the “perks” that come with your campsite in the park. Whenever you’re thinking of camping in the park, please call for reservations and information. Group camping sites are also available for reservation.

Wasagaming Campground: Within walking distance of Wasagaming and the beach. All sites have ready access to kitchen shelters and washrooms with flush toilets and hot-water showers. Special sites are also available for mobility-impaired visitors. Interpretive programs are conducted throughout the summer at the fire circle located in the vicinity of the 300 section. Wasagaming campground offers wide variety of serviced sites from full to partial.

Moon Lake Campground: On Highway 10, 35 km north of Wasagaming, this is a smaller campground of unserviced sites, with self registration from mid-May to mid-October. There are special sites for mobility-impaired visitors and the washroom building is wheelchair accessible. Other facilities include a kitchen shelter, picnic area and small beach adjacent to the campground. The beach has no vehicle access as boats and motors have to be carried the 100 meters from the nearest parking lot. Don’t miss the 9.2 km hiking trail around the lake.
Deep Lake Campground: On Highway 45, 110 km west of Wasagaming, this remote campground has self-registration from mid-May to mid-October. It offers well water, canoeing, swimming and fishing.

Southquill Camp—formerly Lake Katherine: On Highway 19, 9.3 km from Wasagaming, there are camping sites available for tents and RVs, plus 40 teepees available for rent. Phone (204) 947-3147 or locally at 848-2815 for details.

ONTARIO
Bruce Peninsula National Park
PO Box 189
Tobermory, Ontario
Canada N0H 2R0
(519) 596-2233
Fax: (519) 596-2298
E-mail: bruce_fathomfive@pch.gc.ca

Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada and Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada protect the on- and off-shore landscapes produced by the spectacular Niagara Escarpment as it meets and dives below the waters of Georgian Bay. Fathom Five is composed of green islands, lake bottoms and clear cold water; Bruce Peninsula is its mainland counterpart of limestone cliffs, mixed forests, wetlands and tranquil beaches.

Cyprus Lake Campground: Cyprus Lake offers 242 campsites in three campgrounds: Birches, Poplars and Tamarack. Each site provides a fireplace and table, and there are water taps and toilets near all sites. There is no electricity. Reservations for camping at Cyprus Lake may be made by telephone or e-mail seven days a week, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from the first of May through to Thanksgiving in October. The camping fee is $18.00 per night and the reservation fee is $8.50 per site.

NEW BRUNSWICK
Fundy National Park
PO Box 1001 Alma,
(800) 414-6765
Fax: (506) 887-6008
E-mail: Fundy_info@pch.gc.ca

Fundy National Park, on the north shore of the Bay of Fundy, is one of New Brunswick’s two national parks, and it features some of the world’s highest tides, attracting visitors to discover the hidden world of the tidal pools.

Fundy National Park lies between the Saint John River system and the Petitcodiac River system. In 1948, this area was chosen as New Brunswick’s first national park, both to stimulate the economy and to preserve the area's natural beauty.

Fundy offers four family campgrounds and 13 backcountry campsites, each with its own special characteristics. For a small additional charge, you can make reservations at Chignecto, Headquarters and Point Wolfe campgrounds. However, campsites are also still available on a first-come, first-served basis. Choose Chignecto for heat and sun; Headquarters and Point Wolfe for cooler temperatures and sea breezes. All family campgrounds have telephones nearby and kitchen shelters with picnic tables, wood-burning stoves and firewood.

Chignecto: Open May 19 to October 9, Chignecto is a large, wooded campground with both serviced and unserviced campsites. It features serviced sites with fire pits, flush toilets, playground, dumping station, bike trails, wheelchair accessible facilities, telephone, washers and dryers. Firewood may be purchased at the campground parking lot.

Point Wolfe: Open June 23 to September 4, Point Wolfe is a quiet, open area with excellent scenery and hiking trails nearby. Many sites have fire pits. Facilities include flush toilets and telephone. Firewood may be purchased at the service building.

Headquarters Campground has sites for tents, trailers and RVs and is located near the amphitheater, baseball diamond, tennis courts, swimming pool and golf course. It’s also within easy walking distance of the Village of Alma. Facilities include dumping station, flush toilets, telephone, washer and dryer. Open May 19 to May 22 and June 16 to September 4.

Opportunities for Canadian and American travelers to experience unspoiled natural areas have become more limited and thus the need for national parks is more urgent. Representing each of Canada’s 39 terrestrial natural regions in the national parks system is not easy. Most lands hold some kind of interest to oil and gas development, mining, hydro-electricity, forestry, agriculture and private recreation. In spite of these challenges, Parks Canada remains committed to offering the world a place to view and experience the beauty of its most natural of resources.

Ryan Lee Price is currently a professional editor and freelance writer based in Glendon, CA. He is a regular contributor to Safari Adventures.