Though there are a number of museums and other tourist attractions in the major centers, towns are perhaps more accurately used as jumping-off points for exploring the Alaskan wilds, such as Denali and Kenai Fjords national parks. In 1938 the US Forest Services began a project to salvage, reconstruct, and create totem poles - a tradition that was dying out. Thinking of hiking? See more magical places on Earth here. "It was breathing warm air onto the lens. Driving a personal vehicle isn't the only choice to experience the Arctic Circle, and frequent bus and plane tours depart from Fairbanks and Anchorage. Take a look at Canada's most stunning unknown lakes. The caribou herd and other wildlife populations of the area are valued subsistence resources for … Lena Pillars: from the review by Martina, who visited with a boat tour: “Overall it takes four hours to reach the small stretch of the vast national park that is actually open to tourists.” Los Katios National Park: by boat via the Atrato river. Wildlife sightings are common on tours, whether it's a brown bear or moose on land, or the whales and seals that inhabit these waters. The reserve is a stunning section of coastal rainforest, with marine wildlife, moss-covered cedar trees and plenty of waterways to kayak through. Also on the grounds, the scenic Lake Tiulana is surrounded by traditional dwellings of Alaska Natives. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest and most magnificent of Alaska's sprawling national parks, with nine of the 16 highest peaks in the United States. Also known as the Alaska-Canada Highway (Alcan Highway), The Alaska Highway runs from Dawson Creek in British Columbia (Canada) through the Yukon Territory to Delta Junction near Fairbanks. Originally known as Baffin Island National Park, Auyuittuq is located on Baffin Island, a large Arctic isle that sits in the territory of Nunavut above Hudson Bay. Ivvavik National Park, Yukon. Much of Sirmilik National Park is on the water, giving visitors the chance to explore most freely by sea kayak. Rafting and kayaking trips allow visitors to float among the bergs. Filming a polar bear just inches from its nose, close enough to see its breath fog up the lens, was a career highlight for Jeff Thrasher. As the second largest country in the world by landmass, Canada is full of natural wonders, ranging from the majesty of the Rocky Mountains to the frozen ice caps of the Arctic. Although it is primarily a winter trail, hikers do use sections during the summer months including the popular Crow Pass Trail within Chugach State Park. Nahanni National Park: mainly … The Alaska Railroad offers a variety of routes, services, and special event rides including backcountry ski packages and a kids' Halloween Train. It was established in 1922 to protect the only herd of wood bison in their wild state, and also contains several thousand plains bison and the summer nesting grounds of the nearly extinct whooping crane . One of five national parks in all of Ontario, Pukaskwa National Park is comprised of a vast swath of boreal forest adjacent to the shore of Lake Superior. Elk Island’s unique ecosystem is also home to other animals, including moose, deer and timber wolves. Full of forests of conifers and hardwood trees set against beautiful lakes that seem to be made just for canoeing, La Mauricie National Park is beautiful year-round, but it’s particularly spectacular in the fall when the trees take on brilliant seasonal colors. Wedged between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland, the Southern Gulf Islands set the scene for a relaxed coastal retreat. Its remoteness draws in adventurous mountaineers and backcountry skiiers who seek out the heights of the impressive Akshayuk Pass. From northern Yukon to the waters of Quebec’s Saguenay–St. To reach the community south of Anchorage, visitors travel by way of the Seward Highway. Included in the forest is Prince of Wales Island, one of the largest islands in the US. Noted as the "Backbone of the Last Frontier," the Alaska Railroad is a prominent part of Alaska's history and a vital transportation option still today. Visitors can also spend time exploring the on-site museum and visitor center. The giant, otherworldly rock formations are the largest group of such monoliths in all of Canada. The park is also home to the Prince of Wales Hotel, a classic Canadian railway hotel and the very charming town of Waterton. The oldest and most famous of all of Canada’s national parks, Banff National Park has more than earned its very lofty reputation. In the northern part of the Alaska Range, Denali National Park is the one of the largest in the United States and encompasses North America's highest mountain. At the head of the fjord sit the twin Sawyer Glaciers. It was built for military purposes in 1942, during WWII, in the record time of only eight months. Lawrence Marine Park, our webcams and remote cameras capture the wild lives of wildlife. Located in Fairbanks, the University of Alaska Museum of the North offers more than one million historical artifacts and natural history pieces. At the very bottom lies Point Pelee National Park, reaching into the great Lake Erie. On the first day that same-sex marriage was legal state-wide 823 same-sex couples were married in New York City. In the process of this work, they were able to pass on their skills to younger community members. The name is a strong point of local contention. Note that many tours may not be currently operating due to COVID-19 restrictions. Visitors can attempt to hike the 33-mile-long Chilkoot Trail, which begins at Taiya River Bridge and commemorates the path and struggles of past gold seekers. Nááts’įhch’oh offers whitewater paddling and off-the-grid hiking in the Northwest Territories for experienced adventurers. Views of Denali can be enjoyed from the park road, weather permitting. Joining an aurora tour can help keep sightseers warm in this frigid season. Built adjacent and in conjunction with the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the road is extremely remote, rugged, and not well-traveled outside of oil-field workers. The Nahanni River has carved some spectacular sights into the land that makes up Nahanni National Park Reserve. Wood Buffalo National Park, straddling the Alberta boundary, is Canada's largest national park (44,802 km 2). This natural beauty can be enjoyed while hiking, paddling, and fishing in the great outdoors, especially as the state and national parks here are some of the largest in the United States. Evolution of National Parks. The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals representing some 272 species, including many examples of rare and endangered species, as well as botanical gardens. A popular reason to visit this northern latitude is the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, which appear on many nights from September to Mid-April. Many Canadians primarily know Yoho as a place to drive through to get from Calgary to Banff, but the park is full of opportunities to hike, camp and enjoy the wilderness. Tracy Arm offers just a small slice of glacier viewing in Alaska. Kejimkujik National Park actually encompasses two sites: an inland portion marked by forest, streams and cultural artifacts left by the Mi’kmaq people who have lived there for thousands of years, and a seaside area about 62 miles (100km) southeast of the main park with bogs and white sand beaches. There are also mountains, beaches and sea stacks to be seen, with each natural feature telling a story about the formation of Earth. There are a staggering number of top attractions in the park, including the picturesque Greenwich sand dunes, the Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site and the famed Green Gables, home of L.M. Popular destinations along the route include the Chugach National Forest, Anchorage, and Denali National Park & Preserve. Alberta’s lesser known but significantly larger Rocky Mountain park, Jasper National Park is just north of Banff. Beside the appeal of the town's excellent Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward is a base for exploring Kenai Peninsula attractions, such as Exit Glacier, and area fjords by boat. Brydges after the plan drew backlash from locals who questioned its location at a community park. A fjord edged with glaciers, Tracy Arm is located south of Juneau and is a popular destination for cruise ships and boat tours. Haida Gwaii is an archipelago west of the BC mainland that is best known as the home to the people of the Haida Nation. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center looks out over both the glacier and the iceberg-dotted waters, while trails venture along the shore to roaring Nugget Falls, as well as the impressive ice mass. Kouchibouguac National Park can be found on New Brunswick’s Acadian Coast, a location that makes for a combination of thick forest and seaside beaches and marshes. The cliffs and rock formations have an almost ancient feel to them, making this a truly magical place. These 30 are among the most spectacular. The park is a dark sky preserve, making it as mind-blowing for stargazers at nighttime as it is for nature lovers during the day. The glacier-formed landscape is favored by hikers, who walk in areas like the Tablelands, which were formed by plate tectonics millions of years ago. Located just outside Anchorage, the Heritage Center includes The Gathering Place for Alaska Native dancing and storytelling and the Hall of Cultures, filled with exhibits and local vendors displaying handmade crafts and works of art. North of the Canadian mainland, the park is part of a largely untouched land of rough ancient rock and fjords. It is located on the South Nahanni River, at an elevation of 500 m (1,600 ft). This chain of about 1,000 islands and tiny islets in the Gulf of St. Lawrence is a favorite spot of kayakers and birdwatchers looking for puffins, terns and common eiders. Take a look at these common mistakes you won't want to make. The park’s most celebrated feature is the Meadows in the Sky parkway, a beautiful roadway that takes drivers 16 miles (26km) upwards into the mountains towards wild flowers and hiking trails. Strathroy-Caradoc officials are reworking a proposed affordable housing development in Mt. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Banff National Park (French: Parc national Banff) is Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885.Located in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, 110–180 kilometres (68–112 mi) west of Calgary, Banff encompasses 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 sq mi) of mountainous terrain, with many glaciers and ice fields, dense coniferous forest, and alpine landscapes. For instance, either Albania or Israel could fit inside the 11,602 square miles that make up the Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories. The highway passes through Whitehorse, Canada before crossing the international border into Alaska and ending in Delta Junction. Originally used by ancient hunters and later by gold prospectors, the trail is now used, and best known, for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It is superb country for climbers, walkers, and water sports enthusiasts. The journey to Seward is equally as alluring as the small town itself. It’s also the location of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, which is protected by the federal government. Today, the Alaska Railroad is owned by the state and shuttles more than 500,000 passengers each year. The park includes the town of Banff, which is full of museums, restaurants, luxurious hotels and other prime attractions. The park is home to the Columbia Icefields, a collection of glaciers that straddle the Great Divide and are accessible by foot or tour bus. Along the coastal passage, the Tongass National Forest covers 17 million acres and includes islands, mountains, glaciers, ice fields, fjords, and waterfalls. Wildlife such as black bears, porcupines, and beavers are commonly spotted while exploring this dazzling blue landscape. Well-prepared sightseers have an incentive to navigate the lonely highway, though, with both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lining the roadside. The reserve’s warm climate is often compared to the Mediterranean and its unique coastal ecosystem provides a home for seals, otters, orcas, porpoises and a host of waterfowl. Quttinirpaaq is an Inuktitut word that translates to “land at the top of the world.” The name fits in that Quttinirpaaq National Park is the most northerly national park in Canada and the second most northerly in the world. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Anchorage. For drivers, the Badlands Parkway offers great views of Saskatchewan’s fascinating topography. Nahanni National Park Reserve (Northwest Territories) Gorgeous hot springs, haunted gorges and gorging grizzlies fill this remote park near the Yukon border, and you'll have to fly in to reach them. Waterfalls tumble down the sharp rock walls and glaciers calve, creating small icebergs. At the northern end of the route, the Dalton Highway crosses into the Arctic Circle, where the summer solstice brings 24 hours of daylight and the winter means 24 hours of darkness. There’s plenty of skiing in the area, but most notably, it features an inland temperate rainforest. The Canadian government has always been protective of the country’s natural assets, which is why there are 48 national parks and reserves scattered across the country. Kluane National Park has some considerable bragging rights: it contains Mount Logan, the highest mountain in all of Canada, as well as Canada’s largest ice field and North America’s most diverse population of grizzly bears. This is a true Arctic landscape, with ice caps, black rock, tundra-specific wildlife and, depending on the time of year, the opportunity to experience either daylong darkness or the magnificence of the Arctic midnight sun. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park maintains lovely restored buildings in the Skagway historic district to commemorate the 1897-98 Gold Rush. The park’s undisputable claim to fame is its extraordinary population of polar bears, which can be seen at an unbelievably close range from Cape Churchill. Though Canada's first national park, in Banff, Alberta, was designated in 1885, the vast majority of Canada's national parks are quite new, and were only established in the second half of the 20th century or later.New Canadian national parks are still being created all the time, at a fairly regular pace. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway leaves from Skagway, climbing up to White Pass at a 2,865-foot elevation. 24. The park’s Coastal Hiking Trail includes the White River Suspension Bridge, which stretches across the roaring Chigamiwinigum Falls. Unsurprisingly, the park is rich with many mountains, which make up the majority of the park’s territory and all of that rocky terrain makes the park ideal for hiking, paddling, and other outdoor pursuits. Extending from Seward to Fairbanks, this railroad helped develop Anchorage from a tent town into what it is today, and the line played an important shipping role in World War II. The journey offers both mountain and ocean views, complete with the possibility of wildlife appearances from animals including humpback whales, bringing together the best of both worlds in this unique ecosystem. The most popular way to visit the Inside Passage is to cruise through the fjords on large ships, charter boats, and private yachts, or to stop off the highway at Haines, Skagway, or Hyder. But wherever your sightseeing may take you, the scale of Alaska is sure to impress. Located in the interior of BC, Kootenay National Park is part of the Canadian Rockies, but has a different feel than the more famous Banff and Jasper. The name is a strong point of local contention. Address: 8800 Heritage Center Dr, Anchorage. The multitude of small islands are actually the remnants of worn-down mountain tops, and it’s best to explore the winding waterways by kayak or canoe. The Nahanni River has carved some spectacular sights into the land that makes up Nahanni National Park Reserve. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, Pope Francis heads to Iraq, February jobs report, 'Coming 2 America': 5 things to know Friday, AP Interview: Lawyer says Kelly innocent of Ghosn pay scheme. The building that houses the museum is also noteworthy. The ancestors of the approximately 500 horses are believed to have been introduced to the island in the late 1730s, and they now share their habitat with the world’s largest breeding colony of gray seals and a number of unique birds. Located on the northern shore of PEI, Prince Edward Island National Park features a string of beaches, hiking and cycling trails. The river snakes through a series of canyons, with the water going over a drop twice the height of Niagara Falls. Denali is the 20,320-foot peak's traditional name, but modern explorers dubbed it Mount McKinley. The permanent collection includes ethnological items made and used by indigenous groups, a fine arts collection that focuses mainly on Alaskan art, archaeological finds from prehistoric cultures, a bird collection, and paleontology specimens. Located just west of the Alberta/BC border, Mount Revelstoke is a relatively small national park adjacent to the mountain town of the same name. The Ivvavik National Park was established in July 1984, under the terms of the Inuvialuit Land Claim, to protect critical habitats of the Porcupine caribou herd and certain species of migratory birds. There are more heritage totem poles and local details available at the town's Totem Heritage Center. The park’s most distinctive feature are its boardwalk trails, which snake through salt marshes and bogs, past golden sand dunes. The natural elements range from steep cliffs to sandy beaches, with plenty of boardwalks and hiking trails to amble along while enjoying the view. The most easterly national park in Canada, Terra Nova National Park is on the east coast of Newfoundland, overlooking the fury of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is suitably adorned with formidable peaks, waterfalls and outstanding bodies of water, including Lake O’Hara. The vast prairie plains are as mesmerizing as an ocean and the park also hides deposits of dinosaur fossils and First Nations artefacts. Sitting on the Alberta foothills at the cusp of the Rocky Mountains, Waterton Lakes National Park's lakes flow across the Canada/US border into the state of Montana. But names aside, the six million acres of wide river valleys, tundra, high alpine ranges, and glacier-draped mountains are purely spectacular. Best & Worst Refi Mortgage Companies of 2021, Price Alert: These SUVs Are Now Only $19,000 (Deal Of The Day), Expert: “This credit card is so good I signed up personally”, Thinking of hiking? An incredibly isolated crescent-shaped island in the Atlantic Ocean that sits 109 miles (175km) from mainland Nova Scotia, Sable Island National Park Reserve is like a fairy tale oasis for breathtakingly beautiful wild horses. This section of southeast Alaska offers incredible scenery of glaciers, mountains, and ocean, and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Torngat Mountains National Park's name comes from the Inuktituk word for “place of spirits.” The park is known for its Inuit culture, jagged fjords, polar bear and caribou populations and, of course, mountains. More than 167 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Only about 1000 visitors per year make the trek, half of them paddlers trying to conquer the South Nahanni … Designed by Joan Soranno, the white structure features interesting lines and curves intended to resemble the Alaskan landscape. Address: 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska, Accommodation: Where to Stay in Fairbanks. In the headwaters of Tehjeh Deé (South Nahanni River) Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve is a place where culture and nature are intertwined. But since the end of the war, the route has been the most important means of access by land to the Yukon Territory and southern Alaska, and a favorite with recreational vehicle travelers. The seaside, boreal forest and starry night skies make the park a paradise for campers and glampers. Address: Mile 106.8 Old Richardson Highway, Copper Center, Alaska, Accommodation: Where to Stay in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Kootenay is known for its natural hot springs, particularly the Radium Hot Springs, which draw many visitors to the area. The park is incredibly remote and bear viewing must be done with a certified tour operator. Virginia Falls is a waterfall in Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories, Canada. Offering more than just a look into the lives and values of Alaska's 11 major cultural groups, the Alaska Native Heritage Center provides hands-on interaction with music, people, and art. Another favorite among the park's many things to do are the Sled Dog Kennels, which offer demonstrations and are home to dozens of energetic huskies. These cameras are a valuable tool in collecting data and monitoring wildlife populations. It is also designated as an Important Bird Area and serves as a nesting ground for the endangered piping plover. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve’s most famous feature is a series of huge limestone outcroppings jutting out of the water. The ones who did told of mysterious creatures inhabiting the vast forests and restless spirits stalking the area. The park is also an excellent example of the dramatic effect of continental shift, with strikingly jagged mountains appearing throughout the landscape, including a group of mountains ominously dubbed the Cirque of the Unclimbables. Wildlife frolic in the park’s woods, including moose, beavers, loons and rare wood turtles. Extensive landscapes surround the entire route, offering beautiful views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Motels, shops, and gas stations lies at intervals of 30-50 miles. See more of the world's most beautiful natural wonders here. Alaska's only National Scenic Trail, the Iditarod National Historic Trail consists of a network of trails totaling more than 2,300 miles between Nome, on the Bering Strait, and Seward, near Anchorage. Please note that many park activities are currently restricted due to COVID-19 protocols. The park also boasts countless hiking trails, many of which reveal waterfalls or canyons, making it a popular getaway spot for nature lovers from nearby Calgary. The Canadian prairies may not have the same wow factor as the mountains or the coast, but the expanse and sheer flatness of a place like Grasslands National Park is awe-inspiring in its own right. Address: Ketchikan Ranger Station, 9883 North Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, Alaska, Accommodation: Where to Stay in Ketchikan. It’s also full of Haida culture, including ancient village sites, partially carved canoes and century-old loghouses. Or tourists can take the scenic Alaska Railroad. This grandiose mountain region on the frontier with Canada contains numerous glaciers, lakes, and mountain streams and is home to a rich variety of wildlife. It is located 120 kilometers (76 miles) from the Yukon border. Here, along the shoreline of Turnagain Arm, stretches of the rugged Chugach State Park meet the saltwater. The CBC producer is part of the team behind "Arctic Vets," a new show that follows the day-to-day operations at Assiniboine Park Conservancy in Winnipeg. The Canadian answer is Elk Island National Park, an area just east of Edmonton that is all about the protection of Canada’s plains bison. Not only do panoramas take in the many glaciers of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield and an uninhabited coastline, but the national park is home to monstrously large brown bears that feed on the fat-rich salmon. Protecting much of the fjord-riddled coastline of the Kenai Peninsula (south of Anchorage), this national park offers some of the best sightseeing in Alaska. Departing from Kenai Peninsula, avid wildlife watchers head to the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, established to protect the Kodiak bear and other rare animals. Point Pelee is small, but it exhibits tremendous biodiversity, with a warm and humid climate that is suitable for a number of birds, insects, reptiles and mammals that are generally not found in other parts of Canada. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. While some of the islands are populated, many are in a relatively natural state and 15 of those, plus an additional 30 very small islets, make up this unique park. Many tourist options converge in the surrounding areas, be it the end of Hwy 1 in Homer, or the terminus of the Alaska Railroad and access to the Exit Glacier, both in Seward. This is the place to experience the overwhelming majesty of Canada’s Rocky Mountains with countless hiking trails, beautiful turquoise lakes and plenty of wildlife including grizzly bears and moose. In the northern part of the Alaska Range, Denali National Park is the one of the largest in the United States and encompasses North America's highest mountain.Denali is the 20,320-foot peak's traditional name, but modern explorers dubbed it Mount McKinley. Nahanni National Park, part of the Mackenzie Mountains region in Canada, has become known as the Valley of Headless Men and with good reason.For thousands of years, the region was said to be evil, with many tribes refusing to settle there. A single road leads into the park, and only park-approved buses are permitted to travel beyond Savage River. Yoho National Park is just over the BC/Alberta border and on the continental divide, directly adjacent to Banff National Park. The depot, one of Alaska's oldest, houses the visitor center. Though the sightseeing attraction is located out of downtown, there is a summer-season shuttle from the modern Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center. 26. The park does not exist without controversy: its Acadian habitants were ejected by the Canadian government when the park was created; their story is told through an exhibit in the park’s visitor center. It’s a relatively small national park, but packs a lot of punch. The Canadian government uses it to rehabilitate Alberta’s bison population, which was previously on the brink of extinction. Funds were used to hire carvers from among the older generations, and abandoned totem poles were restored or recreated by these craftsmen. Visitors are encouraged to explore the museum at their own pace, and larger groups can call ahead to book a customizable tour experience. Take a look at these common mistakes you won't want to make, Take a look at Canada's most stunning unknown lakes, See more of the world's most beautiful natural wonders here. Montgomery’s fictional heroine Anne Shirley. Denmark or Switzerland could fit inside the 17,300-square-mile Wood Buffalo National Park, which … Situated on the west coast of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its raw terrain and sheer variety of natural wonder. We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). A vast, uninhabited wilderness overwhelms the comparatively small cities in the state, such as commercial-minded Anchorage, with its many things to do, and tucked-away Juneau (a curious state capital with no road access). Driving up the Icefields Parkway towards the town of Jasper is a real treat, as are natural attractions like Maligne Canyon, which is the deepest canyon in the Rockies. Wildlife webcams and remote cameras. The park’s name translates from Inuktituk to English as “place of glaciers,” and given its extreme northerliness, there are definitely gleaming ice caps and glaciers as far as the eye can see. Located in southern Ontario, the park is relatively accessible and thus a favorite for campers and day-trippers from Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal. An official welcomes a guest to Kootenay National Park in 1929. Unspoiled and untamed, this national park on the tip of the Labrador peninsula is home to the largest mainland mountain in Canada outside of the Rockies. Adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts of all levels love it here thanks to the many hiking trails, kayaking, biking and even a golf course. Located midway between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Denali is the home of grizzly bears, wolves, reindeer, elk, and other animals. Ever wonder where the buffalo roam? Accessible from Fairbanks and Anchorage, the Dalton Highway stretches over 400 miles into Alaska's Far North region, eventually reaching the outpost of Prudhoe Bay. Accommodation: Where to Stay near Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve.
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