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Discover Parks Canada

450 000 km² of stories

Summer 2024

Do you promise?

Video: Park Promise, Prince Edward Island National Park

The Park Promise Song from Prince Edward Island National Park, written by Mi’kmaw Knowledge Keeper Julie Pellissier-Lush, has 7 teachings, including respecting the land and following your dreams. No matter which Parks Canada location you plan to visit this summer, make your promise today!

In support of your promise, discover our 10 golden rules to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience!

Fun in the sun

Parka posing for a photo with young visitors at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.

Ignite your spirit and create unforgettable memories with these special summer events. Take part in cultural celebrations, join hundreds of paddlers for a paddle party or enjoy a guided dark-sky experience. Transform your summer into a tapestry of experiences that amplify your joy and enrich your soul. What will your story be?

Mark your calendars! July 1 is Canada Day - enjoy free admission to all Parks Canada destinations. On July 20, celebrate Parks Day by visiting a park near you!

Buy merch, support caribou

Photo collage promoting the purchase of official Parks Canada merchandise that supports wildlife research.

Did you know the Porcupine Caribou herd could be impacted by a warming climate? During 2024, purchases made on Parks Canada Shop will support a monitoring program with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. Thank you for supporting the herd!

Experience the past

Teenage girl listening to music while her family sits on Parks Canada red chairs at Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site.

Celebrate Historic Places Days from July 10 to 17! Canada’s family of national historic sites, including 171 sites administered by Parks Canada, are located in every province and territory. From rural to urban to wilderness, they are located in a variety of locations and settings.

This summer, discover the people and places that share the stories from the past.

Protecting nature from alien invasion

Video: Taking on invasive species in a rare marsh habitat, Parks Canada Field Notes Series

Invasive alien species are a serious problem for natural spaces. But what exactly are they? Any plants, insects or other living organisms that invade places where they don’t belong. They spread fast and can put native species at risk, and even ruin the outdoor spaces we love. With your help, Parks Canada is tackling this challenge with effective solutions to restore nature.

Join us, and our partners, in protecting biodiversity for future generations!

Spotlight on…

Georges Island National Historic Site

This small island, in the heart of Halifax Harbour, shares its rich and complex history with locals and travellers alike.

Aerial image of Georges Island showing the lower battery with four arched stone chambers and the Halifax waterfront in background.
Key to harbour defenses

Shaped by glaciers, this drumlin has been an important cultural landmark for millennia. It became part of an important Mi’kmaw travel way. A key location for military activity from 1750 to World War II, the island also served as an internment camp for Acadians.

Today, this iconic island is home to the remains of Fort Charlotte and one of Canada’s first fully automated lighthouses.

A tour guide dressed in WWII uniform stands beside historic artillery in the underground lower battery.
Fact or folklore?

This site isn’t alone. It is one of five, known as the Halifax Defence Complex. These are the best local examples of many fortifications built by the British and Canadian militaries over a 200-year period. Learn about the state-of-the-art technology used to build submarine mines to protect the harbour.

Folklore suggests that a tunnel linked Citadel Hill with Fort Charlotte. What do you think?

Video: Discover the fascinating history of Georges Island
More than an ocean view

Travelling to Georges Island is half the fun! Take in the fresh sea air and delightful views of the city. Let your captain set the course for historic adventures and perfect picnics. This park-like setting amidst a bustling waterfront offers an engaging self-guided experience.

Are you brave? Don’t miss out on a tour with a costumed guide through the maze of tunnels beneath the fort.