Our Story

Global Influence

The historic district of Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage site and
is considered one of the world’s best examples of a fortified colonial city.
Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site, Quebec.
© Parks Canada

Parks Canada has a proud legacy of achievement in heritage protection. When Canada ratified the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in 1976, Parks Canada was designated as the lead agency for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention in Canada. At the present time, ten of Canada’s fifteen prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Sites – including Gros Morne and Wood Buffalo national parks, SGang Gwaay and the Rideau Canal – are cared for by Parks Canada.

Canada’s leadership in the recovery of species at risk is a source of pride. Success stories abound, including at Elk Island National Park, which contributed to every single plains bison conservation project in Canada, as well as to every international transfer of bison from the country.

Parks Canada’s expertise in underwater archaeology has also gained worldwide recognition. A Parks Canada’s team captured the world’s attention when it excavated the most complete and best-preserved example known of a 16th-century Basque whaling station in Newfoundland, and when it found the shipwreck of Britain’s long lost HMS Investigator, in the cold Arctic waters.

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