15 Best National Parks in Canada

Hamna Asim
10 min read

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In this article, we discuss 15 best national parks in Canada. If you want to see the top 5 Canadian national parks, check out 5 Best National Parks in Canada.

Parks remain a preferred outdoor setting for recreational activities and relaxation, for kids and adults alike. Canada has a total of 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves that cover approximately 336,343 square kilometers of land and represent 31 of Canada's 39 terrestrial natural regions. These protected areas are situated across all provinces and territories and feature diverse landscapes, including mountains, plains, boreal forests, tundra, lakes, glaciers, and more. Parks Canada is responsible for preserving these natural wonders and managing them in a way that allows visitors to appreciate and enjoy them without causing harm to their ecological integrity. As part of the National Parks System Plan, the government is striving to create a system that includes every distinct natural region in Canada.

According to statistics, 2020 saw a decline of 28% in park goers as compared to 2019, with the number of visitors amounting to 11.8 million. Similarly, historic sites had only 5.3 million visitors in 2020, down by 39% when compared to the previous year. This situation was not only observed in Canada but the United States as well, where the national parks had 237 million visitors, down by 28% as compared to 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic hit all industries and sectors, including tourism at national parks. Since the governments imposed a lockdown and strict travel restrictions, national parks in Canada received almost no international visitors. However, outdoor spaces were open to the public for meditation, relaxation, exercise, and recreational activities during the lockdowns.

Bilingual surveys were conducted by Park People in June 2020 to gain insights into the experiences of Canadians and municipalities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Park People conducted a public survey which gathered responses from over 1600 Canadian city residents regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their use and perceptions of parks. The survey results revealed that around 70% of Canadians reported a heightened appreciation for parks and green spaces during the pandemic. Additionally, 82% of Canadians agreed that parks have become more crucial for their mental well-being during COVID-19. The study also found that parks have had a significant impact on Canadians' social well-being, especially for those living alone. While 38% of those living with others believed that parks have become more important to their sense of social connection, the number rose to 47% for individuals living alone. These findings indicate that parks play a crucial role in promoting social connectedness and mental well-being among Canadians during the pandemic.

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