The Coolest Facts about National Parks of Canada
Hello and welcome, dear readers, to this very cool and informative blog post about the National Parks of Canada. Now, I know what you're thinking - "National Parks? Booooring." But hold onto your toques, because these parks are actually full of fascinating and downright wacky facts. So, put on your moose antlers and let's dive in!
1. Banff National Park is home to a giant hot tub
That's right, folks. Banff National Park, one of Canada's most famous national parks, is home to a giant hot tub. Well, sort of. The Banff Upper Hot Springs is a popular tourist destination, where visitors can soak in mineral-rich waters surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains. So, if you're looking to relax after a long day of hiking, skiing, or moose-watching in Banff National Park, be sure to check it out.
2. Wood Buffalo National Park is larger than Switzerland
Located in the heart of the Canadian wilderness, Wood Buffalo National Park is a truly massive park. In fact, it's larger than Switzerland - yep, you read that right. At over 44,800 square kilometres, it's the second-largest national park in the world. So, if you're looking for some serious elbow room, Wood Buffalo is the place to be.
3. Jasper National Park is the dark sky capital of the world
If you're a stargazer, you'll want to add Jasper National Park to your bucket list. This park is home to some of the darkest skies in the world, making it the perfect spot for stargazing. In fact, the park was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve in 2011, making it the largest dark sky preserve in the world. So, grab your telescope and head on over to Jasper - the stars are waiting.
4. Pacific Rim National Park is home to Canada's "surfing capital"
Surf's up, dude! Pacific Rim National Park reserves, located on the west coast trail of Vancouver Island (western Canada), is home to some of Canada's best surfing spots. Tofino, a small town within the national park reserves, is often referred to as the "surfing capital of Canada". So, grab your board and catch some waves - just watch out for those pesky sea lions.
5. Gros Morne National Park is a geological wonderland
If you're a rock nerd, then Gros Morne National Park is the place to be! Tucked away on the wild west coast of Newfoundland, this park will have you jumping with geological joy. You'll find some of the oldest rocks in the world here, which are like the great-grandparents of all the pebbles you've ever met. And don't even get me started on the park's Tablelands - those bad boys are so impressive that UNESCO had to give them their own fancy World Heritage Site designation. So, grab your rock hammer and let's go on a geology adventure!
6. Riding Mountain National Park is home to bison and...elk?
When you think of bison, you might think of the Great Plains of the United States. But did you know that Riding Mountain National Park, located in Manitoba, is also home to a herd of these massive beasts? And if bison aren't your thing, don't worry - the park is also home to a population of elk. So, grab your binoculars and get ready to spot some wildlife.
7. Prince Edward Island National Park is home to a giant potato
Okay, okay, so it's not a real potato. But Prince Edward Island National Park is home to a giant potato sculpture, affectionately known as "Spuddy". This 6.4-meter-tall spud is a popular spot for photos and is a must-see for anyone visiting the island.
8. Nahanni National Park Reserve is home to a massive waterfall
If you're a fan of waterfalls, you'll want to add Nahanni National Park Reserve to your list of must-visit national parks system here. The park and protected area are home to Virginia Falls, a stunning waterfall that's twice the height of Niagara Falls. To top it off, the falls are surrounded by a breathtaking canyon, and rocky mountains park making it a truly magical sight to see.
9. Fundy National Park has the world's highest tides
Located in New Brunswick, Fundy National Park is home to some seriously impressive tides. In fact, the park has the highest tides in the world, with a difference of up to 16 meters between high and low tides. So, if you're looking for a unique coastal experience, be sure to check out Fundy.
10. Waterton Lakes National Park is home to a castle
Yes, you read that right - a castle. Waterton Lakes National Park, located in Alberta, is home to the stunning Prince of Wales Hotel. This historic hotel was built in the early 1900s and is a prime example of the park's unique blend of natural beauty and man-made wonders. So, if you're looking to live like royalty for a night, book a stay at the Prince of Wales.
11. Pukaskwa National Park is home to one of the longest hiking trails in Parks Canada
Are you an avid hiker seeking your next big adventure? Look no further than Pukaskwa National Park! This breathtaking park is home to the renowned Coastal Hiking Trail, a hike which winds its way over 60 kilometres along the shores of majestic Lake Superior. Be warned, this hike isn't for the faint of heart, but the jaw-dropping views of the lake and surrounding wilderness make every step worth the effort. Trust me, you'll want to add a guided hike of this to your hiking bucket list!
12. Kluane National Park is home to Canada's highest peak
Located in the Yukon, Kluane National Park is home to Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada national parks. At over 5,900 meters tall, Mount Logan is a true behemoth and a must-see for any mountain enthusiast, not to mention the beauty of the surrounding snow capped mountains.
13. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to some of the cutest critters
If you're a fan of adorable animals, you'll want to add Cape Breton Highlands National Park to your list of must-visit parks. The park is home to a variety of cute critters, including moose, beavers, and even the elusive Canadian lynx. So, keep your eyes peeled for these furry friends as you explore the park.
14. Thousand Islands National Park is home to...well, a thousand islands
Okay, maybe not quite a thousand. But Thousand Islands National Park, located on the border of Ontario and New York State, is home to over 1,800 islands. The park is a popular spot for boating and kayaking and offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
15. Auyuittuq National Park is home to a glacier that's over 5,000 years old
Located in Nunavut, Auyuittuq National Park is home to the Penny Ice Cap, a massive glacier that's over 5,000 years old. It's a stunning sight to see, and a reminder of the incredible natural wonders that can be found in Canada's national parks.
16. Riding Mountain National Park is home to an underground cave system
Nestled in the heart of Manitoba lies Riding Mountain National Park, a true natural wonder. For those with an adventurous spirit, the park is home to a cave system that dates back a staggering 450 million years. These caves were formed by the slow but steady erosion of limestone rock and boast one-of-a-kind rock formations and hidden underground pools. Trust me, you won't find anything else like it anywhere else in the world!
17. Glacier National Park is home to some seriously old ice
Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of British Columbia lies Glacier National Park, a true gem of the Canadian Rockies. Here, you'll be able to marvel at several glaciers that have been around for over 10,000 years! These ancient marvels aren't just visually stunning; they play a vital role in the park's ecosystem. You'll come to appreciate the grandeur of nature and its ability to sustain life in ways that are simply awe-inspiring. Trust me; this park is a must-see for any nature lover with many outdoor activities.
18. Gros Morne National Park got some old rocks
Located in Newfoundland and Labrador, Gros Morne National Park is home to some of the oldest rocks in the world, with some formations dating back over a billion years. The park is also home to the Tablelands, a unique geological formation that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.
19. Wood Buffalo National Park has the world's largest herd of free-roaming bison
Have you ever dreamed of seeing free-roaming bison up close and personal? Look no further than Wood Buffalo National Park, spanning the borders of Alberta and the Northwest Territories! This park boasts of having the largest herd of these magnificent creatures anywhere in the world. But that's not all. The park is also home to a diverse range of other wildlife, including wolves, bears, and moose. You'll get to experience the natural world in a way that's hard to come by in this day and age. So, why not make your next trip one for the books by visiting Wood Buffalo National Park?
20. Prince Edward Island National Park is home to some seriously stunning beaches
Ready to ditch the snow boots and experience some tropical vibes in country? Check out Prince Edward Island National Park, home to some of the most jaw-dropping beaches you'll ever see! With their powdery white sands and crystal clear waters, these beaches are like a tropical oasis in the midst of the Great White North. Don't believe me? Just ask TripAdvisor, which named Cavendish Beach one of Canada's top 10 beaches! So, grab your flip-flops, don your favourite beach hat, and prepare for a beach vacation like no other
21. Point Pelee National Park is the southernmost point in Canada
Not only is it home to a Carolinian forest, a wetland marsh, and a sandy beach (casual), but it's also the southernmost point in all of Canada. That's right, this park has got the bragging rights for being the southernmost hot spot in the Great White North. So, if you want to impress your friends with some fun geography facts and explore some of North America's unique ecosystems at the same time, head on over to Point Pelee National Park.
22. Jasper National Park has the largest non-polar icefields in the world
Jasper National Park is truly a sight to behold, and one of its most stunning features is the Columbia Icefield. This massive icefield, which spans over 325 square kilometres, is one of the largest non-polar icefields in the entire world! Can you even imagine how much ice that is? It's enough to make Elsa from Frozen jealous! There's a reason why the highway leading to Jasper is named icefields parkway.
But the Columbia Icefield isn't just a big chunk of ice - it's also responsible for feeding eight major glaciers, including the iconic Athabasca Glacier. That means that this icefield isn't just a cool sight to see, it's also a vital component of the park's ecosystem. And trust us, seeing these glaciers up close and personal is an experience you won't forget anytime soon.
23. Canada's oldest national park
Banff National Park in Alberta is the OG of Canadian national parks! It's Canada's first national park which has been established in 1885 and is not only the oldest national park in Canada but also the third-oldest in the world. Since it's Canada's first national park, it is a great place to learn about the cultural heritage of the Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut'ina, and Ktunaxa First Nations as well. Banff is also one of Canada's many national historic sites. Also, Did you hear about Banff town? It's so high up that even the clouds have to catch their breath when they reach it! With an elevation of 1,383 meters (4,537 feet), Banff town is the highest town in Canada.
24. Terra Nova National Park is home to one of the rarest forests in the world
Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador is like a secret hideout for nature nerds. It's home to the super-rare Boreal Rainforest, which is basically like a mythical creature of the forest world. This forest is packed with all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures - from beavers to bears - and the plant life is totally out of this world. So if you're a plant person, an animal enthusiast, or just love to explore the great outdoors.
25. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park are like two next-door neighbours who share a fence, but one life in Canada and the other in the United States. They're so close that they decided to team up and become the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, complete with a fancy UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. It's like a modern-day version of the Hatfields and McCoys, but with way more nature and way less feuding.
Conclusion
Canada's national parks are filled with natural resources and all sorts of cool and interesting facts that make them some of the most unique and beautiful places in the world. From the stunning glaciers and icefields of Jasper National Park to the red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park, there's something for everyone to enjoy in these public parks.
But let's be real, we all know the real reason people come to national parks: for the 'gram. And what better way to impress your friends and followers than with a perfectly posed selfie with a moose or bear in the background? Just remember safety first. No photo is worth getting mauled by a wild animal.
And let's not forget about the classic tradition of roasting marshmallows over the campfire. Sure, it's not exactly a "cool fact," but it's definitely a cool experience. Just be careful not to set your marshmallow (or your hair) on fire.
In all seriousness, Canada's national parks are a treasure trove of natural wonders, and we're lucky to have them right in our backyard. Whether you're an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good scenic drive, there's a national park out there for you. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!