Guide to Parks Canada: Pacific Rim and the Far North

National Geographic’s Guide to the National Parks of Canada is the official guide to Canada’s 42 national parks. Here’s a peek inside two of the parks profiled in the book.

Pacific Rim

Gwaii Haanas National Park & Haida Heritage Site

Unique in the Parks Canada system, this entity consists of the park reserve, the heritage site, and the marine conservation area. Gwaii Haanas or “islands of beauty” is renowned for its cultural heritage.

When to Go: May through the end of September is the best time to visit. In June, visitors will enjoy around 18 hours of daylight

How to Visit: Take an interpretive tour of ancient Haida villages or explore one of 600 archaeological sites. Learn about cultural history that dates back more than 12,000 years.

Far North

Vuntut National Park

Vuntut National Park is one of the most remote and least visited national parks in the Canadian system. That doesn’t mean visitors will be alone. Porcupine caribou herds and nearly half a million migratory birds can be found here.

When to Go:  June, July, and August are the most pleasant months for a visit.

How to Visit: Fewer than 25 people visit the park each year (not including locals.) This complete wilderness is difficult to access and there are no facilities or services to assist visitors. Therefore, this park is a destination for experienced, self-sufficient adventurers.

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Leave a comment and win a free copy of the book! We’re giving away a copy of the guide to another lucky commenter who tells us about their favorite Canadian park or describes a memorable Parks Canada experience.

Comment by 11:59 p.m. EST tonight (July 8th) to be eligible.

Congrats to yesterday’s winner Savannah H. Read about her favorite park here.

UPDATE: Congrats to our final winner Michael M. from Canada.

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