Special Places: Eco-lessons from the National Parks in Atlantic Canada

Introduction to the National Parks of Canada

Parks Canada’s Mandate

On behalf of the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations.

Natural Treasures

There are 41 national parks and national park reserves in Canada. Each protects an outstanding example of our country’s natural beauty and ecological diversity. They are part of an international system of protected areas in Canada, North America and the global community.

From east to west, and north to south, the national parks system covers about 2.5% of the nation’s lands and fresh water and protects outstanding representative examples of Canada’s diverse natural landscape. These irreplaceable areas are home to many of Canada’s plant and animal species, including those that are endangered or at risk.

When you put all these special places together, the story of Canada’s natural beginnings and ongoing natural processes appears. You’ll discover how glaciers shaped our land, how mountains and lakes form and disappear, and how forest fires renew the landscape. The national parks system displays the evidence of all of these dramatic and exciting changes to our natural environment, as well as tells the story of our human relationship with the land. If you love wildlife, we have plenty of stories to share too!

You might be surprised to learn that many national parks also contain exceptional cultural resources. In fact, quite a number of Canada’s national historic sites are actually located in national parks.

Although Canada’s national parks are quite different, they are all interconnected in special ways. A number of plant and animal species make their home in several parks. Sometimes you can find the same fossils in parks that are thousands of kilometres apart!

Canada’s national parks celebrate the beauty and variety of the land. They are set aside for the benefit, education and enjoyment of Canadians – for now and for future generations.

Ecological Integrity

The ecological integrity of Canada’s national parks is under threat from many sources, including pollution, shrinking natural habitats surrounding national parks, development and visitor traffic.

When we talk about “integrity” we mean that the ecosystems in a national park remain healthy and whole. Just like any creature, a park is made up of many different, interrelated and living parts. If one part is damaged or removed, the overall health of the park may be affected.

The first priority of Parks Canada and its staff for Canada’s national parks is to ensure their ecological integrity. We strive through scientific research and public consultation to understand the ever-changing stresses – both human and natural – that affect national parks. With this understanding Parks Canada can make sound ecosystem-based management decisions.

For example, Parks Canada decides which areas of a national park can withstand human activities, such as hiking and camping, and which areas need to be off limits to visitors. Once we know where people are permitted to go (and in what numbers), we communicate this information to our visitors.

Education and interpretation programs help explain why these decisions are important and how they allow park managers to make decisions to prevent further degradation of the park’s ecosystem. Your support and cooperation is essential!

Ecosystem management must be far-reaching and have a broad base of support to work well. In order to achieve this support, Parks Canada promotes understanding and collaboration among everyone whose activities influence the wildlife and ecological integrity of a park – from neighbouring landowners and businesses to visitors. For example, when a national park’s management plan is being developed to guide the long-term development and operation of the park, the public and other stakeholders are invited to provide their input. Parks Canada also relies upon such initiatives as the Panel on the Ecological Integrity of Canada’s National Parks to identify park management issues and long-term solutions.