Fun Facts
Pukaskwa - sandy driftwood-covered beaches are asking to be explored© Parks Canada/ W. Waterton
Aerial view of Pukaskwa National Park's coastline along Lake Superior © Parks Canada/ M. Schintz
The old pool at Radium Hot Springs © Parks Canada
Mountain Goats like this nanny and kid can often be spotted on the steep mountainsides of Kootenay National Park © Parks Canada
Takakkaw Falls © Parks Canada / C. Siddal
Burgess Shale fossil © Parks Canada
Moraine Lake is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks along the Great Divide. © Parks Canada / E. Senyk
Fun Facts about National Parks
Did You Know?
Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada's first female astronaut, saw the elusive woodland caribou in Pukaskwa - During the creation of her book, Passionate Vision: Discovering Canada's National Parks, astronaut Roberta Bondar visited Pukaskwa to take photographs of the park, which would be exhibited next to images she had taken from space. By chance, she saw one of the few remaining woodland caribou living in this 1878 sq. km wilderness park.
Did You Know?
The suspension Bridge over White River gorge in Pukaskwa National Park re-opens July 15th - The new suspension bridge across the White River, due to re-open July 15, 2011, was designed to last 75 years and is anchored 11 metres into the bedrock. Come to Pukaskwa National Park for Parks Day (July 17) to experience this premier coastal hiking trail for yourself!
Did You Know?
Pukaskwa National Park is part of the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline on the Great Lakes. It's virtually endless coast runs along the biggest patch of fresh water on earth -- Lake Superior. There's room for 200,000 front-row chairs side by side along Pukaskwa's west-facing wild shore, but you'll likely feel that you have it all to yourself.
Did You Know?
Moraine Lake in Banff National Park was featured on the back of the Canadian $20 bill as part of their 1969-1979 series.
Did You Know?
Kluane National Park and Reserve is home to the Alsek River, which was the first river in Canada to be designated to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System in 1986. 2011 is the 25th anniversary of this designation!
Did You Know?
The 2003 Tokumm-Verendyre forest fire ignited from two of five lightning strikes around the northern half of Kootenay National Park on July 31. After 40 days, it had burned over 12% of the park. Prescribed fires help reduce the risks associated with large uncontrolled wildfires such as this.
Did You Know?
The funding to develop the Radium Hot Springs pools was donated by John Harmsworth in 1913. Harmsworth was paralyzed from the hips down. Like many people at this time, he thought the trace amounts of radium in the springs had the power to heal. It is said that after spending several hours in the springs each day for 4 months, he could move his feet.
Find out more about the history of Radium Hot Springs.
Did You Know?
The symbol of Kootenay National Park is the mountain goat. These wary creatures can be fierce when it comes to survival; their sharp knife-like horns have even helped them fend off grizzly bears. More Quick Facts about Kootenay
Did You Know?
An animal commonly encountered along the Fireweed Trail in Kootenay (www.pc.gc.ca/kootenay)National Park is the western jumping mouse. If we had the same leaping power as the western jumping mouse, we could soar 6km at a time. Read More about keeping The Wild in Wildlife
Did You Know?
Yoho is a Cree word for astonishment or awe. When travelling through this region of pristine lakes, abundant waterfalls, and steep-walled valleys it's easy to understand the name.
Did You Know?
The advertising slogan for Yoho National Park in 1902 was "Fifty Switzerlands in One; a mountain playground for the world." Find out more about the Natural Wonders and Cultural Treasures of Yoho
Did You Know?
Yoho National Park has one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. Takakkaw Falls is 384m high, which is taller than the Eiffel Tower and six times higher than Niagara Falls. What to See and Do in Yoho National Park
Did You Know?
The Burgess Shale preserves examples of some of the world's earliest modern animals in rocks over 500 million years old. In most fossils only hard parts such as bones and shells are preserved, but Burgess Shale fossils include extensive details of soft body parts and give a more complete picture of this ancient ecosystem. Read More about Burgess Shale
Did You Know?
The lowest temperature ever recorded in Lake Louise was an astonishing -53 C° on January 25, 1950. The average winter minimum temperature in Lake Louise is -21 C°.
Did You Know?
Edward Feuz Jr. ascended 78 separate peaks in the Canadian Rockies - more than anyone in Canadian history. His father, Edward Feuz Sr., was the first Swiss mountain guide in Lake Louise. The Swiss guides brought new techniques and skills that made mountaineering safer and more fun. It revolutionized climbing in Canada, establishing it as a sport and allowing visitors to try something new.
Did you know?
The phenomenal colours of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are due to the action of glaciers in the mountains above. As the glaciers slowly slide across the mountain they grind off tiny particles of rock. These particles stay suspended in the lakes and reflect the blue and green colours of the light spectrum. The more particles in the water, the greener the lake will look. Learn more about Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.